Shelby Bentke

Shelby Lynn Smith Bentke, 49, wife of Roger Bentke, passed away October 5, 2008 at her residence, on the bluff in Washington. Shelby was born July 9, 1959, in Dallas, Texas to Anthony James and Janis Olivia Chandler Smith. She was baptized July 19, 1959 in Dallas and confirmed in 1971 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Houston. On July 8, 1978, she married the love of her life, Roger Bentke, in Houston. Mrs. Bentke was employed by the Washington County Attorney''s Office, and was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of William Penn. Shelby Bentke was personable and trustworthy and the matriarch of the family. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, snow skiing with friends and family, days at the beach, cooking, and flying with her dad. She also enjoyed talking on her CB radio and went by the handle "The Blonde Bomber" in the 1970''s. Shelby was an active and well-liked member of the Brenham community and will be missed and forever loved. Survivors include her husband, Roger Bentke of Brenham; her parents, Tony Smith and Jan Goss of Houston; son, Ryan Bentke of Brenham; daughter Melanie Honeycutt of Houston; grandchildren: Austin and Aaden Honeycutt; brother and sister-in-law Dennis and Kris Smith of Coppell; sisters Riley Smith of Houston, and her mother-in-law, Christine Bentke. Special thanks go out to her closest friends, Lynn Van Eman, Sheryl Schroeder, and Kris Smith for their love and support. Funeral services for Shelby Lynn Bentke will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Pastor Jeffrey King officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive family and friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Serving as pallbearers are Mark Bentke, Dennis Kocian, Kevin Smith, Phil Bentke, Fred Bender, and Michael Schroeder, Jack Smith will serve as an honorary pallbearer. Following the service, family and friends will gather at Washington-on-the-Brazos to celebrate Shelby''s life. The Shelby Bentke Education Fund has been established at Brenham National Bank for the benefit of her grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To view the obituary online or to post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com