Matthew Thomas Bentley

Funeral services for Matthew "Matt" Thomas Bentley will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church in Gillette, Wyoming with Rev. Sherry Stottler officiating. Visitation will take place Monday, January 17, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel.Matt Bentley, age 34, of Gillette, Wyoming died on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Campbell County Memorial Hospital. Matthew Thomas Bentley, who was Matt to everyone, was born on January 4, 1977 in Fullerton, California to Steven and Susan Bentley, and a thrilled extended family. He spent his childhood in La Habra, California and Kittredge, Colorado, before the family settled into Gillette, Wyoming. He graduated from Campbell County High School in 1995, with excellent grades. While in school, he was an active and enthusiastic member of Boy Scout Troop 64, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He loved the outdoors, camping with friends, and enjoyed sunsets. After spending time at the Western Wyoming Community College and the University of Wyoming, he attained his Bachelors of Arts in English while at Knox University in Galesburg, IL, doing so while supporting his wife and daughter, Natasha. Soon, his second daughter, Sasha was welcomed into the family. After his divorce, he travelled the country for a while, getting to know many people and considering possible career choices. Then he returned to Gillette and worked in a variety of jobs including assisting in a local law office and working with construction companies in the coal mines. In the past few years he met Samantha King, and they had a daughter named Chloe. Matt's first, last, and every thought of every day was for his children. They were his source of happiness, and his reason for breathing. He also enjoyed movies, music, reading, and visiting with his parents in Laurel, Montana, traveling when he could, and cooking when he was at home. This sensitive young man had many friends that he loved to talk to and spend time with. He had purchased a home in Gillette and was looking forward to new adventures with his children and with life when he was unexpectedly called home to God.Matt is survived by his parents and his brother, Timothy Bentley of Los Angles, California; his grandparents: Ken and Lucille Morrison of Jackson, California, and Keith and Val Bentley of Fullerton, California; his three precious daughters: Natasha, Sasha and Chloe, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, and countless friends.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Matt's name be made to the Boy Scouts of America, the Gillette Abuse Refuge Foundation, The Yes House or to the charity of your choice. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Matt's name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716