Stephen (Steve) Blake Bentley of Mars Hill, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his

family. Steve was born on November 22, 1957 to Dr. Fred and Doris Bentley.

Steve took after his father and loved working with his hands, whether it was working with wood or making handmade knives. He was always on the move. For many years, Steve was on the ski patrol at Wolf Laurel Ski Resort where he shared his love of skiing by keeping safe those who were on the slopes. Steve was an avid golfer and tennis player where he enjoyed getting out on the course or court with his buddies. Above all, Steve loved his family deeply and enjoyed spending time with them, especially at the lake on weekends during the warmer months.

Steve is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Fred Bentley.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife and son, Kim and Austin of Mars Hill; his mother, Doris Bentley of Morganton; his sister, Rhonda (Mark) of Mesa, AZ; his brother, Phil (Lynn) Bentley of Asheville, and his nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Steve on Friday, March 29th at 12pm (noon) in the garden outside of the chapel on the campus of Mars Hill University. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. The Reverend Zeke Stephenson will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Steve's memory to the Mars Hill University Tennis Facilities, to The Office for Institutional Advancement, Mars Hill University, P.O.Box 6792, Mars Hill, NC 28754 with Tennis Facilities as the designation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org