Monika Elisabeth Bentley

Monika Elisabeth Bentley, age 80, passed away on February 5, 2026, in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Born on July 24, 1945, in Frankfurt, Germany, Monika carried her German heritage with pride throughout her life. 

Monika was preceded in death by her parents, Friedrich and Isolde Heil; her sister Gita; and her beloved husband, Eddie Bentley, who was truly the love of her life. 

She is survived by her son, Michael Apodaca of Alamogordo, New Mexico, to whom she was a loving and devoted mother; her granddaughter, Gabrielle (Nicholas) Buffo of Las Cruces, New Mexico, who were the joy and pride of her life and held a very special place in her heart. 

Monika is also survived by her dear sister, Heidi (Otto) Meltzer of Germany; her nieces, Andrea (Malta) and Cornelia (Yuli) of Germany; her great nieces, Lisa and Elena; and her great nephews, Niklas and Maurece, all of Germany. 

She is further survived by her stepdaughters, Radel (Kevin) Farrah of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Tracy (Paul) Bentley-Townlin of Albany, Oregon;  her stepson, Brett (Jennifer) Bentley of Sunbury, Ohio; her step grandchildren, Nolan (Janaya) Bunker and Taylor Bunker of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Madison Bentley and Devon Bentley of Sunbury, Ohio; her great step grandchildren, Camden Bunker and Cadence Arreola of Las Cruces, New Mexico. 

Monika also joyfully “adopted” many other family members along the way; she was Omi to everyone. 

Monika dedicated over 30 years to Yee’s Chinese Restaurant, where she became a familiar face and formed many lasting friendships. She found her greatest joy in gathering people together, hosting lively get-togethers, preparing delicious meals, spending long summer days around the pool, and enjoying the occasional trip to the casino with friends. She treasured visits with her sister Heidi and cherished her trips back to Germany, holding tightly to her roots. Monika also deeply valued her German friends and Eddie’s Border Patrol friends, whom she considered extended family, sharing lifelong bonds filled with loyalty, laughter, and love. 

Monika will be remembered for her generous heart, strong spirit, stubborn determination, and her sometimes brutally honest, no-filter way of speaking. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a special gift for making people laugh. She made everyone feel welcome and left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. 

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Alamogordo Funeral Home in Alamogordo. 

The Bentley family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.

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