Deloris Jean (Blankenship) Bentley

Deloris Bentley, 79, of Phelps, KY passed away September 22nd, 2023, at her home, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by her loved ones.  Deloris was born February 16, 1944.  She was the daughter of the late Clarence Blankenship and Lilly Sanson.

Deloris was preceded in death by her husband of 18 years, Jimmy Bentley; daughters Sherry Hurley, Judy Bishop, and Sophie Justice; son, Benny Hurley; sisters Beatrice Daugherty, Lona May Aslinger; brothers Charlie Blankenship, and Carl Blankenship; other notable family members; nephew Bobby Daugherty; son-in-law Barry Coleman, and best friend Macie Hamilton.

She is survived by her son Ricky (Jonnie) Hurley of Kimper, KY; daughters Lenore Hurley, and Patsy Coleman, both of Phelps, KY; grandchildren Matthew, Shandi, Ricky Paul, Stephen, Charley, Justin, Shane, Donathon, Breanna, Danielle, Megan, Gena, Benjamin, Ethan, and Jacob.  She is also survived by a new generation of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and other extended family members, including a special daughter-in-law Pamela Hurley, and her little great-granddaughter and sidekick Kylee Justice.

Deloris loved her family dearly.  She always did everything she could for them all.  She was a lover of the outdoors when her health allowed, tending to her gardens, flowers, and landscaping  She was a lover of the bohemian style, and especially loved decorating for the holidays, with Christmas being her favorite.  In her younger years, Deloris enjoyed hunting for ginseng, and she was a storyteller and told many stories of her past, with her favorite memories being when she resided on Widow’s Branch in Phelps, KY.  She always said she lived beside some of the best people of her life, and the stories she would tell would captivate all around listening. 

Deloris had two caregivers in the final years of her life; her daughter Lenore and grandson Donathon.  Donathon was on the television show “Survivor” which made Deloris not only a lovable figure in her hometown and community, but gained fans and touched hearts worldwide as they followed her health journey and celebrations in between.  People who never met Deloris would pray for her, sending her compliments on her beautiful smile, and fighting spirit; her smile and laugh would light up any room.  If anyone was a Survivor, it was Deloris!

The family would also like to thank all of the healthcare professionals far and wide who helped take care of Deloris.  Whether it was a doctor, nurse, CNA, or therapy team and in the final months, her hospice care team, we appreciate you all more than you know.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 9:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023, at the Jones & West Funeral Home in Phelps, KY with special services at 7:00 P.M. with Pastors Odis Blankenship, and Buddy Gannon officiating. 

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. in the chapel.  Interment will conclude at Hurley Cemetery in Phelps, KY.  Friends and family will serve as Pallbearers. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, Kentucky.  The guestbook may be viewed at www.joneswestfh.com.

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