Rooney Family Tree

Ellen Bentfield
BORN: October 9, 1940
DIED: July 29, 2017
LOCATION: Sauk Centre, Minnesota

Ellen Bentfield, age 76 of Sauk Centre passed into her new life early Saturday, July 29, 2017 at St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, MN.

Ellen Marie Gaffaney was born on October 9, 1940 in Glenwood, MN to James and Elsie (Sellgren) Gaffaney. She was one of thirteen children born to this union. Ellen graduated from Glenwood High School. She worked in the Twin Cities for a few years at an insurance agency. On April 26, 1969 Ellen was united in marriage with Vernon Bentfield. They farmed south of Osakis in Douglas County and raised their family. She helped as a cook at Mary's CafÚ in Osakis for a time and also worked for Kadejan, Inc. in Glenwood. When she took a job as a rep for Service 800, Ellen was happy to be able to work from her home and worked until her retirement in 2008. They are members of St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union and Ellen belonged to the Christian Mothers.

As a busy wife and mother, when Ellen had time for herself, she enjoyed knitting, sewing, reading and crocheting. She made many beautiful projects to share with her family and friends. She was a wonderful cook who spoiled her family with a variety of homemade cakes and cookies. Ellen enjoyed playing bingo and doing jigsaw puzzles, but her favorite activity was spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister who will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Vernon of Sauk Centre; children, Connie Bentfield Enge of Shakopee, Cindy (Ken Stenzel) Bentfield of Water Valley, TX, Judy (Bob) Mattson of Glenwood, Karen Bentfield of Osakis, Ronald (Lori) Bentfield of Sauk Centre, Nancy (Andrew) Pint of Belle Plaine; grandchildren Emily and Rachel (Connie), Johanna, John, Brandon and Brentley (Karen), John (Ron and Lori), Katie and Karie (Judy and Bob) and 5 great grandchildren; siblings, Catherine (Norbert) Becker of Mesa, AZ, Polly Balko of Minneapolis, Donna Eddy of Zimmerman, Michael (Paula) Gaffaney of Big Lake, Patrick (Elaine) Gaffaney of Thief River Falls, Peter Gaffaney of Duluth and Paul (Wanda) Gaffaney of New Mexico; many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her parents, an infant daughter, siblings, Janet (Roland) Belisle, Betty (Roy) Mott, Mary Zenzen, Thomas Gaffaney and Robert (Floren) Gaffaney.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the staff at St. Michael's Care Center in Sauk Centre. Ellen shared many stories of the staff, residents and activities she enjoyed during her stay with them. Special thanks to each of the individuals who made a special connection with Ellen and brought her joy.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11:00 am at St. Alexius Church in West Union with Fr. Kumar Sudhansu and Fr. Andrew Marthaler. Inurnment at the church cemetery. Visitation is at the church beginning at 9 am on Saturday.