Gert Bent

Gert Bent, 96, of Galesburg, died at 6:23 p.m. Monday, April 30, 2018 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg. Gert was born May 21, 1921 in Macomb, the daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth (Clark) O’Donnell. She married Oliver D. “Cy” Bent on October 11, 1944 in Bushnell. He preceded her in death on September 14, 1963. Gert is survived by two sons, Gene (Joan) Bent and Jerry (Loretta) Bent both of Oneida; two daughters, Mary Ann (Bert) Mackey and Judy (Michael) Leon both of Galesburg; ten grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren. Along with her husband, Gert was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John and Barney O’Donnell. Gert graduated from Avon High School. She worked as the storage records clerk at OMC Gale Products in Galesburg for 33 years. Gert was a long time active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and the Altar and Rosary Society. Always on the go and in the know, Gert volunteered for St. Vincent DePaul Society and God’s Portion Day. She was a volunteer at OSF St. Mary Medical Center for over 30 years and a member of the Auxiliary. Gert was also a member of the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285 Auxiliary and the 8 and 40. Gert enjoyed spending time tending to her garden. She enjoyed canning, making jelly, and baking, especially during the holidays. She bowled for many years and loved to attend auctions. She received a volunteerism award from the Western Illinois Area on Aging. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed getting on the floor to play games with her grandchildren. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2018 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The eulogy will be read at 7 p.m. with praying of the rosary following. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Rev. William Miller will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society.