Catherine Eugenia Bentley Lash

Catherine Eugenia Bentley Lash, 90 years old of Marianna, Florida, passed away March 3, 2023 from natural causes while battling Alzheimer’s. She went peacefully and painlessly with her daughter, Debbie Lollie, and son-in-law Ronnie by her side. Catherine was born on April 22, 1932 in Terrell County, Georgia, to Thomas Cecil Bentley, Sr. and Margaret Howard Bentley. Catherine grew up on her family farm in Shellman, Georgia (Randolph County) with her parents and three brothers. After graduating high school, Catherine married the love of her life, James W. Lash. They were married on December 25, 1948 and would have been married 75 years this past December, had he lived 2 years longer.

After marriage, Catherine became the wife of a military army man. James was stationed overseas for a brief amount of time, and once he returned to the states, they began their married life in Marianna, Florida. She was a domestic engineer for many years, as her husband did not want her to have the burden of working, but eventually after much persuasion, she went to work at the Warner’s Factory in Marianna for a short time, and in later years also worked as a card clerk at the Tri-State’s Automotive Warehouse in Marianna, where her husband was employed. She loved meeting new people, feeling useful and learning new things.

Catherine had many hobbies she loved very much. She was a remarkable bowler and belonged to a bowling league for many years. They would travel and competed in many competitions. She was also a member of the Lady’s Elk Club where she became a member of the Canasta Club which she loved dearly, especially the many ladies/friends she came to know. She loved to camp, fish, boat, plant flowers, travel, summer canning, and spend time with family, especially grandchildren. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was well known to kid around and joke with many who knew her.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Lash; parents, Thomas Cecil Bentley, Sr. and Margaret Howard Bentley; brothers Thomas Cecil Bentley, Jr. and wife Martha Ann; Fred Howard Bentley and wife Evelyn; and John William Bentley (Big Bill).

Catherine is survived by her daughter, Debbie Lash Lollie and husband, Ronald of Marianna, Florida; her sons, Robert Allen Lash of South Miami Beach, Florida, and Terry Michael Lash of Alford, Florida; three grandchildren, Christy Lollie Brockett (Reid) of Marianna, FL., Michael Keegan Lollie (Kristen) of Lynn Haven, Florida, and Destiny Lee Lash of Foley, AL.; five great-grandchildren, Raigan Bailey Tidwell (Logan) of Chipley, FL., Abigail Brooke Wilkinson (James) of Crestview, FL., Bentley Grace Brockett of Marianna, FL., Steven Bryce Ray (Molly) and Gracie Ann Ray of Lynn Haven, FL.; one and a half great-great grandsons, Kobin Grant Wilkinson, and coming to the family in May will be Kallum James Wilkinson. She is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law whom she loved dearly and considered brothers/sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a very special health care lady and friend, Pamela Foster. Pam was an amazing caregiver to both, Catherine and James.

A public visitation and viewing will be Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel. A private graveside service was held 10 AM, Friday, March 10, 2023 at Riverside Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing, immediate and extended family are welcome to attend.