Hazel M. Bentaas, age 95, of White, died Saturday, June 11, 2016, at the Golden Living Center in Arlington. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in White, with interment of cremated remains in Fairview Cemetery. Visitations will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Eidsness Funeral Chapel in White, followed by an Eastern Star service at 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church in White.

Hazel May (Smith) Bentaas was born November 1, 1920, at Thunderhawk, South Dakota, to Everett Earl and Dora (Fedde) Smith. She attended Thunderhawk and McIntosh schools before moving to White in 1937. She graduated from White High School in 1939.

On May 25, 1939, Hazel married Syl Bentaas at Canton, South Dakota. Following their marriage they lived in Sioux Falls before moving to White. After acquiring and working at the White Locker for many years Hazel worked for the Auditor's Office at the Brookings County Courthouse where she retired in 1986.

Hazel enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and keeping in contact with her extended family. She also enjoyed gardening and antiques. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in White, and active in the Order of the Eastern Star and White Historical Society.

Survivors include two sons: Richard (Carol) Bentaas of Brookings, SD, and Bruce (Bonnie) Bentaas of Wakonda, SD; two grandchildren: Becky Bentaas of Fairbanks, AK, and Rachel (Nick) Martz of Centerville, SD; and three great-grandchildren: Sydnie Bentaas of Brookings and Sage and Oakley Martz of Centerville. She was preceded in death by her parents husband; three siblings: Betty Scott, Ellen (Leonard) Simmons, and Elton "Bud" (Lela) Smith; granddaughter, Angela Bentaas; and beloved pets, Toby and Gumpx.