Karen Jean Bentley

Karen Bentley passed away Sunday, October 14, 2018. She was the first of three daughters born to Roberta and Joseph Blank (deceased) on June 27, 1936. After growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and graduating from Crafton High School, Karen went on to receive a degree in Nursing. Her younger sisters Linda (Ronald) Gagnon and Michael (Robert) Von Buelow followed her into this profession of service and caring. Although Karen was adept at all facets of nursing, working in the operating room was her passion. Her dedication and passion for nursing culminated with Karen taking the lead and opening the Same Day Surgery Center at the Medical Arts Building in Bozeman.



Karen met and married Donald Donch while living in Pittsburgh and the couple had two children born there before moving to California where their third child was born.



Eventually Karen made her way to Montana. Her love of Montana caused her to live here longer than anywhere else. Karen was well known in the restaurant community as a wonderful baker of desserts, and for her tireless work ethic for many years at the Continental Divide in Ennis.



Karen, like her mother, was an accomplished cook, and loved to sew, read, knit and bake. Living in Montana, she enjoyed hiking and walking. She will be remembered most for her engaging smile, kind heart and love for her dogs.



She is survived by her three children: Charles (Sally) Donch, Laura (John) Macoskey, and Michael (Marianne) Donch; five grandchildren: Jillian, Karen, Anna, Dylan, Carson, and Evan; and two great-grandchildren: Bliss and Cooper.



An Open House to Celebrate Karen's Life will be held Friday 2 to 4PM at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service Tribute Center.