Suzette Elaine Bentley, 75 of Lawton Oklahoma, died on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Wichita Falls Hospice in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Suzi was born on May 1, 1951, in Odessa, Texas, daughter of John L. Graves Jr. and MaryAnn Sullivan Graves. Suzi lived her early life in Pratt and Wichita Kansas until the age of 18. A job transfer took them to Lansing, Michigan where Suzi finished High School. She went on to graduate from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She moved to Oklahoma where she taught Elementary P.E. and Music for thirty-seven years in the Lawton Public School system. She earned her Master's Degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She and Steven Bentley were married on June 4, 2002 in Lawton, Oklahoma.
She made P.E. classes fun and educational. She used her artistic crafting and sewing skills to create costumes and props to the delight of her students and success of her music program. Suzi also shared her passion for music as a choral and bell choir member of Centenary United Methodist Church. Family members enjoyed her gifts of sewn and crafted items and baked goods made with love.
One of Suzi's favorite activities was walking. When she traveled with friends and family, walking was a major part of the trip. She was the Volksmarch president for the local club for eight years. Suzi and her husband, Steve, scheduled and participated in multiple walks throughout the United States. She loved her dogs and included them in daily walks. Flower gardening and sharing her perennials was an annual thing. Suzi was very social and family focused making her the official instigator of reunions, cousin get togethers, as well as visiting friends along the Oklahoma to Michigan route. These visits included her CMU Wesley House friends she has remained connected with for fifty-seven years. Suzi and Steve were hosts of Fort Sill's ISD, (International Student Department), offering friendship to soldiers while experiencing American traditions. Suzi also served on the Flower Mound Cemetery committee.
Suzi is survived by her husband, Steven Bentley; stepson, Brigg Bentley (Elishia), grandchildren Keaton and Elyria; sister, Julie Tilmann (Rob Bourne); brother, Jody Graves (Pam); sister-in-law, Kristine Graves Baker (Mike); along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Suzi was preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Graves.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Centenary United Methodist Church of Lawton Oklahoma, Wounded Warriors or charitable organization of donor's choice.
A greeting and gathering of family and friends will take place from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026 in the Centenary United Methodist Church Activities Center.
An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com