Ladena Mae Bechtel

She was born in Liberal, KS on August 17, 1942. LaDena graduated from Liberal High School class of 1960. She worked as a telephone operator before moving to Lawton, OK. LaDena then went to Aladdin Beauty College where she attained a degree as a Master Instructor. She went on to teach cosmetology at Eves College of Hair Styling. She later went to work at the Ft. Sill beauty shop on post, as manager. That’s when she met her beloved husband, Mel. They were married on January 5, 1981. Sometime in 1982, friends convinced her to go to work at JC Penney in Lawton. She established quite an extensive client list. Then the company found her resume and asked her if she would be willing to transfer to Oklahoma City to become the manager of the beauty shop at JC Penney in Quail Springs mall in 1990, which she did. After a couple years in the beauty shop, she moved over to the jewelry department. And what girl doesn’t love diamonds? Working in sales she bought a home computer. With her computer she found a new hobby creating animations.

She also loved collecting dolls and teddy bears. She retired in 2004. LaDena’s real passion was the use of color. With a new house she was able to decorate with colors. She loved to paint and plant flowers. Her favorite color was purple. The back yard was full of flowers, and with the swimming pool it made a sanctuary for her other enjoyments, swimming and being outside with family and friends. In 2016, she found the cutest little Yorkshire terrier on the internet, and said "Oh look his name is Owen. That’s daddy’s name." So now we have a family pet.

Due to complications with her legs, LaDena had to move into Teal Creek senior living in 2023 where she received excellent care. Complete OK hospice helped her throughout and kept her comfortable during her last few days.

All throughout her life, she never met a stranger. LaDena loved people and they saw the kindness in her.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Bessie & Owen Keen, her sister Janet Williams, her son Edward Hendrickson and her grandson Charlie Martin.

She was survived by her husband Mel Bechtel, daughter and son in law Shauna & Danny Martin, son Dereck Cooper, daughter Kasey Hendrickson, her niece Dr. Debra Williams & husband Harry Phinizy, grandchildren Cory Cooper, Lacy Lang, Kyle Cooper, Stephanie Wiederholt, Misti Hall, Angie Martin, Casey Martin and 18 great-grandchildren.