Shirley Ann Bennett

Shirley was born May 28, 1942, to Evelyn and Paul Mummert in Cherokee, IA.

She is survived by her immediate family of her twin sister Sherrie Ives, three children, Debbi (Dale) McCullock, Jeff (Karen) Becker, and Brenda Pipkin, grandchildren Josh (Katie) McCullock, Zack (Jenna) McCullock, Kaleb (Amy) McCullock, Hope McCullock, Ethan Pipkin, Sam Pipkin, and great grandchildren Gavin McCullock, Fischer McCullock, Eva McCullock, and Estella McCullock. She also leaves behind many additional beloved family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Mike and Steve Mummert, and granddaughters Madison and Kelsy Pipkin.

Shirley grew up on a farm where each family member had their duties and they helped each other. She enjoyed drive-in movies and spending time with friends during that time. She had many adventures and misadventures with her twin sister, like milking cows by hand. One time they had borrowed their dad's pickup "Old Blue" and drove to nearby Sutherland, IA where kids gathered at an ice cream parlor. They looked over and saw their dad's truck rolling down the street!

Shirley was a self-described "old farm girl from Iowa" who liked butterflies, flowers, and feeding her birds. She found joy in these.

She graduated from Calumet High School in Calumet, IA. After that, she completed stenography training at the C.E. School of Commerce in Omaha, NE. Throughout her work life, Shirley held a variety of occupations. One she enjoyed in particular was as an administrative coordinator at a title company. Although it never happened, she once wanted to be a beautician and style hair.

On the topic of romance, she said her most memorable date was when she was taken to see Elvis perform in the early 70s. Her first serious relationship was with John Baecher, who was in the Air Force in Omaha, NE. Shirley married twice, first to John and later to Glenn Bennett.

She loved spending time with family, especially family get-togethers. Family meant so much to her; she cherished those visits for holidays or any reason to celebrate. She also loved sending greeting cards to loved ones. She was always very aware of everyone's birthdays or other anniversaries since she kept detailed notes on calendars she updated each year. She also loved babysitting her grandkids and great grandkids.

Her hobbies included reading books, playing cards and games, doing puzzles, watching Thunder games, and movies. She enjoyed doing many activities with her twin sister and best friend Sherrie. They went to estate sales, book sales, and did quite a bit of volunteering together. Some of the causes they volunteered with were TRIAD senior safety events, Oklahoma City Police Academy graduations, Arts Council events, Celebrate Recovery events, and projects to assist veterans. She liked helping veterans because her father served in the military.

She had several favorite performers and entertainers she liked, including Elvis, Tom Cruise, Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Josh Grobin. She loved most Hallmark movies and enjoyed certain book series by favorite authors like Karen Kingsbury.

Shirley's first car was a 1954 Chevy Belaire convertible. She bought it in 1961 or 1962 for $400 cash by working odd jobs during the summer. The picture of her in the video shows one we discovered at a car show in 2009, and it was for sale then for $50,000.

Shirley had a dedicated faith in God and attended a variety of churches and Sunday school classes throughout her life. Most recently, she attended Oklahoma City First Church, where Rev. Jason Smith and many others were friends.

Shirley said one of the most important lessons she learned in life is to be yourself and not who you think others think you are. Her dreams for her children are to always be happy and be there for each other. She always wanted to show love and appreciation to everyone. She was most proud of all of her children, grandkids, and great grandkids who are such wonderful, loving and caring people. She wanted her whole family to know her heart was always with them.

Shirley was an amazing, loving soul who will be greatly missed.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, September 4, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hahn-Cook, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the same location with burial to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park, 6001 NW Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73118.