Russell Everett Bentch 1938 - 2015

Russell Everett Bentch, 77, of Smithville, Missouri, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2015, at the NorthCare Hospice House.

He was born June 2, 1938, in San Pedro, California, to Everett and Lola Bentch.

Russell is survived by his wife, Sandra Fleischman Bentch, of the home; son, Christopher Bentch and his wife, Theresa, of Kansas City, Missouri; two grandsons, Hunter and Clayton Bentch, and a brother, Raymond Bentch of Graham, North Carolina. He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Janis Michelle Bentch Colvin.

Russell was a 1956 graduate of William Chrisman High School. He attended the University of Missouri Columbia from 1956 to 1960, earned his CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter) and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Columbia College in 1993. Russ retired after 41 years of service from Lynn Insurance Group/Universal Underwriters/Zurich America.

Russell was in the Boy Scouts of America for 34 years, serving on many committee chairmanships and was Scoutmaster of Troops 813, 486 and 58. He was in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say as Keeper of the Wampum and received a Silver Beaver Award. His tribal name was Swift Faithful Messenger.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 16, at St. Luke's United Church of Christ, 727 North Main Street, Independence, Missouri. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, with a service at 3:00 PM.

A memorial fund as been established in Russell Bentch's name in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.