Sharon E. Bentch

Sharon Elaine Bentch, 75, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2026. Sharon, daughter of Virginia and William (Art) Blackwell, of Overland, Missouri, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 8, 1950.

Sharon trained at St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis as a nurse's aide and later in North Carolina as a piano technician.

Sharon took joy in animals, plants, fiber arts, beadwork, and books--things that rewarded her quiet, focused attention. She taught her children to be kind, make up their own minds, be lifelong learners, and read the instructions first but never be intimidated by any task: reassembling the vacuum cleaner, replacing the car radiator, thinking through a problem, harvesting hay, cleaning a wound, learning a new sport, creating art, shingling a roof, or meticulously gluing key bushing felt to all 88 keys of a piano. She was an exemplar of delighting in small things and being able to laugh at yourself. 

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond F. Bentch, to whom she was married for 35 years until his death in 2015; her parents; and her brother William A. (Skip) Blackwell. She is survived by her brother Paul Blackwell; two daughters, Elizabeth Gardner and Rebecca Bentch; and grandchildren Lily and Ray.

Sharon will be buried at Bluestem Conservation Cemetery. She requested that there be no public service.

• In lieu of flowers, please consider donating:
  • • The Animal Protection Society of Durham or your local animal rescue
    • Friends of the Durham Library or your local public library
    • Triangle Land Conservancy