Hilda Bentley, 98, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023. She was born on June 17, 1925, to the late Lee Elwood Sells and Delores Edith Sharpe Sells.

Hilda came into this world with a zest for life and a heart for others. Her love and kindness, along with her contagious smile, were like the warmth of a beautiful spring day. Her love for others was the greatest character gift that only others could hope to possess.

Hilda never hid her Faith in Christ. She would always extend Faith, Hope and Love to anyone who would accept it.

Our family rests in the assurance that Heaven is her new home. On Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 6:50 a.m., Hilda made her triumphant entry into Heaven. All of Heaven rejoices at the homecoming of the Saints.

Having lived almost a century, Hilda’s life was lived to the fullest. She started her professional career at Southern Bell, where she made numerous advancements throughout her 18 years of service.

With a servant’s heart, she began to raise her family and start a new venture with the Iredell County School System. She received a Nutrition degree from UNCG and managed the Monticello School cafeteria for more than two decades.

When most people are ending their careers, she began work at the Statesville Auto Auction, where she served for more than a decade. Also, she was instrumental in helping with starting Beth & Company Salon and Day Spa.

Hilda was a kind soul no matter where she was. Her warm heart and kindness would leave a lasting impression.

People never forgot her generosity and how she made them feel. She was often told by many that they remember her answering them when they picked up the phone and a switchboard operator was on the other end of the line. Her voice was one that you didn’t forget.

Her beauty and looks never left her, and people of all ages would see her and recognize her after many years. Her acts of kindness would always be brought up. “Ms. Bentley, you drove my school bus” or “Ms. Bentley, do you remember making sure I got my lunch on days that I didn’t have money to pay for it?” These are the things she was always being told.

Hilda’s heart left a presence with people that will never be forgotten.

Her husband Wakefield Bentley and daughter Lori Dana Bentley preceded her in death, along with brothers Haskell Sells (Jo), and Harold Sells; brothers-in-law, Bille Bentley, Tommy Bentley, and Andris Freimans; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Bentley, Marie Bentley, and Jo Sells; and daughter-in-law, Kimberly T. Gallyon.

Those left to cherish memories are her children, Chuck Gallyon, Dean Bentley (Lynn), Beth B. Davidson (Michael), and Blue Bentley (Wendy); and first cousin, Colen Hodgson, who was like a brother.

Her grandchildren, Chad Gallyon, Matthew Gallyon (Jodi), Logan Goode (Grayson), Tanner Bentley (Jessica), Taylor Gallyon, Faith Bentley, Tate Bentley, Anna Blue Bentley, and Brenna Rae Bentley; and great grandchildren, Chase Gallyon, Haven Gallyon, Evan Gallyon, Addison Gallyon, Bella Gallyon, Georgia Goode, and Levi Bentley.

Special individuals the family would like to thank are her Forest Park Presbyterian Church family; the caring staff at Gordon Hospice House; Dr. Bouhussein and Dr. Joshi; Debbie Johnson, Scott Thompson and Laura Thompson; care companion and friend, Trina Millsaps; her Beth & Company family; and Joe and William Troutman and staff of Troutman Funeral Home.

A private burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. Reverend Walter Scott Jeffreys will officiate. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Forest Park Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Beth B. Davidson will be officiating.

Pallbearers include Chad Gallyon, Matthew Gallyon, Chase Gallyon, Evan Gallyon, Tanner Bentley, and Tate Bentley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Forest Park Presbyterian Church, along with Gordon Hospice House.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.