Bentura will be remembered through the memories, traditions, and small acts of care that meant so much to those closest to her.
Bentura (Garcia) Asevedo Kennedy, a beloved mother, Nana, sister, and treasured member of her community, entered into her final resting on August 30, 2026 leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, and strength.
Born on July 14, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas, Bentura was the daughter of Juan Garcia and Manuela Franco. She was one of three siblings: Lucas, Thomas, and Antonia. She shared a deeply cherished bond with her oldest brother, Lucas Franco.
Bentura spent much of her childhood in Seligman, Arizona, before returning to her beloved home state of Texas. There, she married Rudy Asevedo and welcomed her eldest daughter, Monica. Two years later, after returning to Arizona, she welcomed her second daughter, Cecelia.
Bentura later made her home in Kingman, Arizona, where she met her lifelong partner, Don Wanner, and his son, Matthew Wanner. Together, Bentura and Don completed their family with the birth of their youngest daughter, Melissa Jo.
A devoted partner, Bentura supported Don through each of his business endeavors, from a trailer-remodeling venture and a local printing company to their final shared business, The Standard Newspaper, which truly became a family affair.
On May 9, 2016, Bentura and Warren Kennedy were joined in marriage at their home in Kingman, Arizona. In later years, due to health reasons, Warren moved to the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City, Nevada.
Bentura was also an active member of her community and volunteered at St. Mary’s Catholic School in the early 1980’s. She carried a lifelong love of cheerleading, first as a junior high school majorette in Seligman, Arizona. Later, in Kingman, she became a KYFL cheerleading coach for the Cowboys, where she shared her spirit and encouragement with her youngest daughter, Melissa Jo.
Her culinary talents were another cherished part of her life. Bentura loved to cook and took pride in sharing her authentic dishes with the community when she opened The Black Cat, a Mexican restaurant inside the historic Kingman Club.
In their leisure time, Bentura and Don enjoyed relaxing trips to the Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall, along with quiet moments together at City Cafe and La Posada coffee shop.
To many, Bentura was simply “Nana,” not only to her grandchildren but also to their friends and her daughters’ friends. So many of Nana’s relationships were formed around the food she prepared with love — her potato salad, deviled eggs, Spanish rice, and the meals that brought people together. Through her cooking, she became Nana to far more than just her own family.
Bentura is survived by her daughters, Monica (Asevedo, Caron) Lopez and her husband, Gerald Lopez; Cecelia Clouser; and Melissa Jo Wanner. She is also survived by her brother, Lucas Franco, and his wife, Mira from Texas.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Alexis Enos and her husband, Dyllon Enos; Christopher Caron; Julianna Clouser; Mariah Clouser; Bryce Clouser; Stephen MacCardican; Joey Verlander; and Adam West; one great-grandchild; and many cousins.
Bentura will be missed more deeply than words can express. Her love was shown in the smallest, everyday moments — in the stories she told, the meals she prepared and the lessons she taught. Those simple acts became some of the greatest gifts she gave her daughters, shaping who they are and the way they love their own families. Bentura created a lasting bond among her daughters, grandchildren, and cousins that will forever carry her spirit forward.
A service honoring Bentura’s life will be held on September 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Suttons Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a graveside burial at Mountain View Cemetery.
