Elaine Richardson Bentley

Our Beloved Elaine Bentley passed away at her home on Monday, October 7, 2013, of natural causes. As the cherished second daughter of W.M. “Dick” and Claire Richardson, Elaine graduated from Classen High School and was awarded her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Central State College and Central State University, respectively, (now the University of Central Oklahoma). Elaine joyfully and excellently taught English and L.E.A.P. courses at Western Heights High School for 21-1/2 years.

An absolutely perfect mother, grandmother, wife, teacher, and friend, Elaine touched and influenced the lives of so many. Beyond her family, Elaine greatly loved and was cherished by her friends, her church family, her Sunday School class, her BSF Bible study ladies, and hundreds of her WHHS students. A devout Christian, Elaine studied the Bible fervently and tried to always walk in the path of God.

As a girl, she loved dolls; stamps; all sports; her dog, Teddy; and her horse, Rowdy. In her adolescence, Elaine loved to bike, swim, dive, and synchronize swim; she played volleyball, field ball, and softball. Elaine enjoyed YWCA activities, modern dance, ballroom dancing, Girl Scouts, and church activities. At Camp Two Sentinels in Lake Kirkwood, CA, Elaine counseled for two years and worked as Assistant Waterfront Director in 1953.

An accomplished athlete, Elaine excelled at competitive diving and synchronized swimming. As the Oklahoma State High School 1-meter springboard Diving Champion for two consecutive years (1950 and 1951), Elaine also won Oklahoma AAU 1-meter Diving Champion in 1952, Southwestern AAU Duet and Sextet Synchronized Swimming Championship Team Member 1952, and Southwestern AAU 3-meter Springboard Diving Champion in 1953. A water baby her entire life, Elaine loved pools, oceans, sand, and sun.

Prior to her college graduation from UCO, Elaine attended the University of Oklahoma, University of Colorado, and Southern Methodist University. Her lifelong love of learning was a gift. She loved the Bible, literature, art, and travel. Elaine was a world traveler and soaked up any opportunity to learn something new.

Horse crazy her entire life, Elaine and her husband, Jad, owned and loved many horses over the years. Her favorites were, of course, her first horse, Rowdy, as well as her registered Quarter Horse gelding, Streaker, whom she and Jad had for 20 years. Elaine was crazy about Paul -- her yellow Labrador -- her loyal companion.

With her very best friend, Doris Geurkink, Elaine currently was taking art courses and gardening classes. Together, they were always stirring up great fun. Doris and Elaine had been confidantes for more than 40 years, starting when they began their lifelong friendship as young mothers, Bible study companions, and tennis partners. Elaine treasured all her friendships, especially her fond attachments to Doris, Charlene Schwark, Rita McCurtain, and Joann Hickman.

The treasures of Elaine’s heart and her greatest joy were her family. She lived for the times she could spend with her children and grandchildren. Our family motto is “gathering twigs” -- meaning that joy is found in even the smallest events when family is together. Her “proudest moments” are the words Elaine often used to describe her four children, Linda, Merry, Becky, and Russell; she referred to her 12 grandchildren as “ideal.” Her 12 perfect grandchildren lovingly called her Grandma ‘Laine and ‘MaLaine. She was the light of their lives.

Elaine is survived by her first sweetheart and loving husband of 31 years, Jad Hanner, of Bethany; and her three adoring daughters: Linda Elizabeth Harrison, of Round Rock, TX, and her husband, Vernon Webb; Merry Claire Buchanan Pratt, of Edmond, OK, and her husband, Steven Pratt; and Rebecca Richardson Fairchild, of Keller, TX, and her husband, Kyle Fairchild. Elaine’s surviving grandchildren include six granddaughters (many of whom are her namesakes): Clarice Elaine Buchanan Westlund with her husband Tony Westlund, Elaine Danielle Fairchild, Blair Fairchild, Beth Harrison Stevens with her husband Michael Stevens, Sarah Elaine Harrison, and Jennifer Riggs; six grandsons: RJ Bentley, Buck Buchanan, Grayson Buchanan, Marshall Harrison, Joshua Harrison, and William Bishop. Elaine is also survived by great-granddaughter, Reese Elaine Harrison; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Bentley.

Preceded in death by her beloved parents, Claire and Walter M. Richardson; and her precious son, Russell Richardson Bentley; Elaine is now ecstatically reunited with the three people for whom she yearned her entire life.

Heartbroken, we are at a loss to put into mere words what our exquisite Elaine has meant to our lives. Elaine lived for her family. Kind, wise, patient, and tender, she gave of herself with grace in every way. Elaine was the amazing cornerstone of our entire family. She is irreplaceable. Our precious Elaine left the most beautiful legacy to her children, grandchildren, and the generations to follow.

Services to celebrate Elaine’s life will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Elaine’s church home, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8140 N.W. 36th Street, Bethany, OK, 73008. Immediately following the church service, Elaine’s graveside service will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 North Kelly Avenue, OKC, OK 73131.

The world groans at her passing and heaven rejoices at her arrival.