Ventling was born in Decatur, Iowa, USA, on 15 (claimed 5th) June 1908. Her parents were William and Esther (née Orfield) Bronson. She had at least 11 siblings, of whom one lived to age 106 and one lived to age 103.

On 27 October 1928, she married Harry Ventling . The couple had two daughters: Mary Lou and Sharon. Her husband died in 1976.

After retiring from the retail industry in 1982, Ventling lived in Florida for 30 years. However, by the time of her 110th birthday in June 2018, she was living in Johnston, Iowa.

Ventling died in Johnston, Iowa, USA on 27 April 2020 at the age of 111 years, 317 days. She was survived by her daughter Sharon, four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and about two dozen great-great-grandchildren.