Nancy Jean Bentz, born Hoh, went on to join her recently departed husband, Edward Bentz, on 
Sunday November 12th, 2023. The grief of her loss coupled with a recently discovered brain
tumor brought Nancy back into the arms of all those that have gone before her.
Nancy is survived by her three children, Tiffany, Courtney, and Nick, as well as her four
step-children, Michael, Donna, Ted, and Stephen. From this interwoven family, she was also
lovingly known as Nana to over sixteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She was
born in Middletown, Ohio on June 13th, 1945 to Gloria, born Haarbye, and John Hoh. She had
an older brother Jack and a younger sister Lisa. In her younger years, Nancy worked for Armco
steel and even started her career modeling in fur coats. Nancy met the man she would spend
over fifty years with in the winter 1969. They spent a decade in Ohio living on a nearly 100 acre
ranch property and running a local inn with an adjoining jazz club called The Buccaneer. After
years of vacationing on Hilton Head Island, they finally decided to move to a beachfront cottage
on North Forest Beach with their three young children. Between the tennis tournaments, sailing
regattas, and fashion shows, Nancy also found time to manage sales at the Holiday Inn
Beachfront. She spent many years hosting sun-soaked parties on Dune Lane and creating a
landing spot for friends and family from all over the world. When all their kids had grown and
some had started families of their own, Nancy yearned for their days in the countryside. They
decided on a change of scenery.
Nancy and Ed moved to Ridgeland with their eldest daughter, Tiffany, and her growing
young family. They purchased adjoining historic properties with several acres to spread out on.
After a few years of remodeling and developing, Nancy and Ed decided to also acquire a local
lakeside eatery that they renamed Jasper's Porch. Their home and this restaurant became the
new center for their family and friends. Between running the restaurant and being the matriarch
of a large family, Nancy still found time to see the world and bring back some of that wonder to
inspire the next generations. From the old capitals of Europe to the ancient and timeless
Serengeti, Nancy got to see more than most and appreciated every moment. After a decade
inland, Nancy missed the sea, so she returned to the Bluffton/Hilton Head area
where she would spend the last thirteen years of her life. As time went on, Nancy could not play
as much tennis as she used to, but she still couldn’t keep still. She’d stay active through dancing
to Abba, swimming in the marshes with her family, and walking her beloved puppies. She was
our family’s Jane Goodall, Julie Andrews, and Meryl Streep all wrapped into one. Her loss shall
be felt for generations to come. We take solace in knowing she is back with all the family and
friends we have lost throughout the years and finally at peace. There is no planned service at
this time and, instead of sending flowers, Nancy would want you to do an unexpected and
unsolicited act of kindness for another; it is through our love that we remember her best.