Joyce Bentz, 78, Belle Fourche, died Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at her residence.

Visitation will be Sunday from noon until 8:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 20, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Belle Fourche with Pastor Jeff Otterman officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche.

Joyce was born February 5, 1930, in Newell, SD, to Sam and Alice Michelson. She graduated from Newell High School in 1948. Joyce attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls and received a two year teaching certificate.

She married Laurence Bentz in Newell on September 9, 1950. They farmed in the Newell and Nisland area until the early 60's. They became the owners and operators of Bentz Equipment in Belle Fourche in the 1960's.

Joyce was a member of St. James Lutheran Church. She was active as organist and in various other ministries.

Survivors include five daughters, Debra (Stephen) Foster, Indian Head, MD, Laurene (Matt) Strickland, Spearfish, SD, Susan (Larry) Lyman, Ottawa, KS, Gail Bentz, North Beach, MD, and Jennifer (Tom) Verhulst, Dike, IA; eleven grandchildren; and five great-granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Laurence in 1992; one son, David in 1967; and one brother, Marion Michelson.

A memorial has been established.