Wanda Louise Noland Bennett

(1926-2015)

Wanda Louise Noland Bennett, 88, of Del City, Oklahoma passed away October 4, 2015. She was born December 23, 1926 in Douglas, Arizona. She was the fourth of six children of Thomas Burnette Noland and Beulah Louise Eaton Noland. She was raised on their ranch, riding the range with her father often shooting their night’s dinner. She attended a one room school house until moving to town. Wanda held many jobs before her marriage from theatre usherette, dental assistant, and bank teller. Wanda loved dancing and also sang on the radio.

On July 5, 1946, Wanda married Douglas Thore Bennett, an Air Force pilot from Woodstock, Illinois. They married at the First Baptist Church in Douglas, Arizona. Wanda met Doug at the roller skating rink in Douglas when he asked her to tighten his skates.

Wanda quickly adjusted to being an Air Force wife; living in the Philippines, Japan, France, and numerous places within the United States. Wanda would return to Douglas, Arizona, her hometown, while waiting to join Doug at his next duty station. She often times played the role of mom and dad to their children, Jacquelyne Lea and Michael Eugene.

Upon retirement, Wanda and Doug settled in Del City, Oklahoma. Wanda and Doug enjoyed spending their time together bowling, going to car races, traveling, and bird watching, volunteering at the Omniplex Aviation Museum, playing cards, fishing, attending air shows. They also played an active role in city and state politics. Perhaps their greatest enjoyment, however, was visiting their family and friends.

Wanda and Doug were married for almost 40 years when Doug preceded Wanda in death in 1986. Wanda remained in Del City and became active in her church, Wickline United Methodist Church. Wanda was a member of the NOAH Club, belonged to the Seekers Sunday School Class, volunteered in the church office, and could regularly be found assisting with various youth activities. Her church became her family and provided her with a sense of community and kinship.

Wanda increased her involvement with city activities through her involvement with the Shalimar Neighborhood Watch, Citizens Emergency Response Team, Seniors and Law Enforcement Together organization, TRIAD, and as a volunteer with the Red Cross at Tinker Air Force Base in the Physical Therapy Department. She would regularly tell stories about basing, going out on patrol, and organizing the Halloween Festival for Del City’s youth. Wanda worked closely with the fire and police departments during the aftermath of the 1999 tornado. It was important to her that she assist her neighbors and the first responders during this time.

Wanda was a master seamstress; making anything from clothes placemats and tablecloths, and stuffed Santa’s. Wanda also enjoyed making and sharing scrubbies with those she knew.

Perhaps Wanda’s greatest love was her family. She traveled to Oregon to visit with her son Michael, and his wife Diane and their children Douglas and Michelle. Travels also brought her to California to visit with her daughter Jacque, her husband Roger, their children, David and his wife Sherri, Christy and her husband Pete, and her great-grandson Ethan.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Thore Bennett, her parents, Thomas and Beulah, her sisters, TomiLea Cavin and Beth Willis, , and daughter-in-law, Diane Bennett.

She is survived by her children, Jacque (Roger), Michael, grandchildren, David (Sherri) Kline, Christy (Pete) Rincon, Douglas, Michelle (Cody) Aker, great-grandson, Ethan Rincon, her brother Bennett Noland, sisters Jane Nelson and Peggy Boss, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Wanda’s endearing smile and gentle giggle will be missed by all. Her love of her family and her community is a testament to her character. She will be remembered for both her spiritual strength and her physical strength. May her memory live in each of our hearts and never be forgotten.