Joanne was born December 25, 1933 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Clara (Mallatt) Doane.  She spent her youth in Marshalltown, receiving her early education there and graduating from Marshalltown High School.  Joanne continued her education at the Evangelical School of Nursing in Marshalltown and graduated in 1954.

On April 14, 1956, Joanne was united in marriage to Rex Bentley in Marshalltown. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Julie and Kristie.

Joanne spent many years serving as the school nurse in the Storm Lake Community Schools. She was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake and a member and past worthy matron of Eastern Star. Currently, she was serving on the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Nursing Scholarship Committee.

Joanne enjoyed playing golf and liked a good game of cards or playing bingo. She picked up her crocheting whenever she could find a few minutes for it.  Spending time with her friends always brought a smile to her face. But it was her family that was most dear to her. A loving wife and devoted mother, Joanne treasured the moments she could spend with her family. In her later years, her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Julie and her husband, Tom Koth of Spirit Lake, Iowa; and Kristie and her husband, Robin Michitsch of Jefferson City, Missouri; grandchildren: Tony Koth, Nick Koth, Rex Michitsch and Taylor Michitsch; brother Chuck and his wife Carmen Doane of Bella Vista, Arkansas; extended family and many friends.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Clara Doane; her husband, George Rex Bentley; and one brother, Jack Doane.