Joan Benefield

Graveside services for Joan Benefield, 87, of Ada will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Holdenville Cemetery; Rev. Phil Dickinson will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Mrs. Benefield passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Ada.  She was born October 11, 1938, in Atwood to Claud Dean and Eva Eaves Shed.

On June 24, 1956, she married Bobby Gene Benefield.  He preceded her in death in 2005.

She had a deep love for her grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. An avid outdoorswoman, she especially enjoyed camping and fishing, finding joy and peace in nature. She was also a wonderful cook, known for preparing meals that brought family and friends together. In her younger years, she was an accomplished athlete, playing both basketball and softball, and was proudly part of the Atwood softball team that won the state championship in 1956.

Survivors include her two sons, Stephen Benefield and wife, Shelley, of Ada and Stewart Benefield, of Ada; grandchildren, Kelsey Aliff and husband, Erik, Emily Roland and husband, Calaeb, Marni Zaleschuk and husband, John, and George Benefield; and seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Randy Benefield; brother, Gearl Shed; and sister, Pauline Kight.