Kenneth John Bentz, 95, passed away March 14 in Ontario.

Ken was born Dec. 13, 1924, to John and Mae Peters Bentz in their mill house at Roaring Springs in Linn County. Ken was the fourth of seven children and the oldest son. The family moved to Sublimity to a small farm so the kids could attend St. Boniface School. Soon the Great Depression was in full swing. Like so many others, those struggles molded him for life in both family and business matters.

As a young man, Ken worked in the woods and mills until enlisting in the Navy. He served in the Pacific theater during WWII. After his service, he joined two brothers-in-law in a sawmill operation in the Monterey, Calif., area. Having grown up wanting to learn about the east side ranching industry, he and lifelong friend Dick Cremer headed toward Jordan Valley. They stopped a bit short of there when they were hired on to the White Horse Ranch owned by Paul and Ruth Stewart. It was there that his education began. For the rest of his life when anyone asked him where he went to college, he would just say, “the University of White Horse.”

Paul and Ruth became his in-laws when Ken married Paul and Ruth’s daughter, Anne, in 1949. They then split their time between the White Horse and a ranch they started in Linn County. During these years, the first four children joined the family. In 1960, they returned full time to the White Horse. When Paul and Ruth sold the ranch and retired to Caldwell, Idaho, Ken and Anne moved north of Drewsey and started the V Dash Cattle Company. The last three children were born, making seven.

Ken was a successful cowman and developed good working ranches. Along with Anne, they made sure the kids were raised with a strong work ethic and a real sense of stewardship, not only for the land and animals, but one’s communities as well. They led by example, always ready to help someone in need or helping others become more successful and fulfill their dreams. Ken and Anne served their communities, schools and industry with service on many boards and committees. Ken was a Harney County commissioner and always challenged his kids with the question of, “How big is one’s back yard?” Meaning you are responsible for more than just yourself.

The kids thank their father and mother for a strong sense of family, encouragement to try new things, insistence on critical thinking, determination to finish any job, a love of books, honesty, and generosity.

Ken dreamed of being a cowman and his dream was fulfilled. The ride may have been bumpy from time to time, but thanks for bringing us all along.

Ken leaves behind daughter, Kathy and Jim Neal; sons, Senator Cliff and Dr. Lindsay Norman, Jim and Alicia, Sheriff Andy (retired) and Joan, Ken and Debbie, Fr. Jack Bentz S.J.; and daughter-in-law, Linda Bentz. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He had many friends he enjoyed mentoring and supporting on their way to success.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Stewart Bentz; youngest son, Michael T. Bentz; his parents; in-laws; and all his siblings.

Family services were held March 18 at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Burns.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale, and Abby and Megan with Heart and Home Hospice for their loving care of Ken.