Lorene Castle Bentley

Lorene Bentley passed away on September 22, 2025, in Stillwater, surrounded and comforted by loving family. A vibrant spirit with a love for life and always ready for an adventure, her absence will be deeply felt by her family and dear friends.

Obeda Lorene Alldredge was born on December 8, 1925, to Hugh and Obeda Maupin Alldredge on the family’s farm in Tecumseh. Lorene was the last of five siblings and the only daughter. She graduated from Tecumseh High School, class of ’43. That same year, she met another kindred soul with a love for life, Robert Francis “Bob” Castle, and the couple would soon marry. Raising two daughters, Donna and Kathryn, Lorene was an active participant and officer of the Parents and Teachers Association of Britton Elementary in Britton, OK. She was a member of the Britton Stitch and Chatter club.

Lorene would go on to become a certified dental assistant, a role that eventually evolved into being named a Dental Health Educator for Pottawatomie County. She thoroughly enjoyed interacting with children and educating them on the importance of dental health and was not shy of reminding them that ‘the only teeth you need to floss are the ones you want to keep!’

After the tragic and sudden death of her husband Bob on April 26, 1966, Lorene eventually settled in Randlett, OK, after she married Valton Lavoy “Ben” Bentley, a World War II veteran and US Postmaster of that town.

Lorene ran for and won the election for mayor of Randlett, and she served for many years building up the community by leading successful initiatives such as organizing the first volunteer fire department and the city’s first sewer system.

When Governor David Boren announced the creation of the American Revolution Bicentennial Authority of Oklahoma, Lorene was determined that Randlett would take its place in American history. Her extensive letter campaign to prominent state senators and representatives eventually won Randlett the distinguished designation as a Bicentennial Community of Oklahoma. On February 11, 1976, Lorene had the honor of welcoming Lieutenant Governor George Nigh who led the Oklahoma Bicentennial Prairie Schooner across the Red River and into Randlett.

As a very active member of the Extension Homemakers organization, Lorene enjoyed quilt making and crocheting; one of the group’s quilts made in honor of the Oklahoma Bicentennial lies in the archives of the Extension Homemakers Association.

On returning to Oklahoma City, Lorene was active in Village Baptist Church. She liked visiting with customers at the jewelry counter at the Village Walmart.

She corresponded with distant kin all over the country, visited with friends and family, and cooked up near legendary batches of fried okra. The last bites were humorously fought over!

Strengthened at an early age by the trials of the Great Depression, Lorene maintained a sense of grit and determination throughout her entire life. Her bittersweet recollection of one bleak Christmas in 1933 is captured in the article “Christmases to Remember”, published in the Daily Oklahoman on December 24, 2006.

As a dual cancer survivor, Lorene triumphed over both breast cancer and colon cancer. She was an active member of the Mercy Cancer Survivor’s group. She had learned to fight the good fight and never give up.

Lorene retired to Stillwater where she continued socializing with family and friends at Primrose Retirement Community. A great keeper of family records, she loved nothing more than to tell stories about life in Oklahoma over the last century. She felt it was important to remember where you came from and to preserve and honor the memory of those who went before. Although time gradually dimmed her own recollections, Lorene herself will be remembered for her love of life, her dedication to family, her faith and her resilience. Her humor and quirky observations regarding life, such as labeling herself as a ‘tough ol’ bird’, will be cherished forever by her descendants.

Lorene goes to rejoin her parents Hugh and Obeda, brothers Arthur, Delbert, Vancel and Lloyd (Buddy), her husband Bob, her husband Ben, and grandson Jeffrey Goodwill. She is survived by her beloved daughters Donna Goodwill and husband William (Edmond), and Kathryn Aichele and husband Douglas (Stillwater). Lorene is also survived by her grandchildren Rob Goodwill and wife Heather (Oklahoma City), Julie Newsom and husband Eric (Frankenmuth, MI), Adam Aichele and Allison McGarry (Washington, DC), Clint Aichele and wife Melanie (Stillwater), and six great grandchildren Sawyer, Beau, Paul and Joel Aichele and Barrett and Everett Newsom. Also sharing in the sorrow of the loss of Lorene are niece Beth Nellis and husband Greg (Jenks) along with many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Until we meet again, Mother, Grandmother, GG. We will never forget you and will always honor and cherish the century of your wisdom on how to ignore the shadows and always seek the light.

Visitation Monday, October 6, 2025 from 2pm to 5pm at the Memorial Park Funeral Home at 13313 N Kelley Ave, OKC. Services on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 2pm at the Historic Chapel at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 N Kelley Ave, OKC, with burial to follow the service.