Benjamin Funeral Services

10/23/2026

Visitations have long been an important part of funeral traditions, giving family and friends an opportunity to gather before the funeral or memorial service.
But their purpose goes beyond simply “paying respects.” A visitation creates time to offer condolences, share stories, reconnect with others who knew the person and surround a grieving family with support.

For many families, it’s also one of the first opportunities to begin remembering a loved one together, not only through tears, but through laughter, stories and the memories they leave behind.

Sometimes, simply showing up can mean more than we realize.

10/21/2026

On this day in history, October 21, 1879: Thomas Edison and his team successfully tested a practical, long-lasting incandescent lamp.

Their work helped make electric lighting practical for everyday use and played an important role in changing how people lived, worked and illuminated their homes.

10/20/2026

You love them. You raised them. You’d do anything for them.
But the same kid who can’t find the floor of his bedroom probably shouldn’t be expected to figure out all of your funeral arrangements someday.

Preplanning isn’t just about making your own wishes known. It’s about giving your family fewer decisions to make during an already difficult time.

Give them one less thing to figure out. Call us or click the link to schedule a preplanning appointment and put your wishes in writing.
https://pre-planning-locator.pages.dev/

10/17/2026

Grandpa deserves better than the attic.
This National Cremation Placement Day, we’re encouraging families who have a loved one’s cremated remains at home to consider giving them a permanent place of remembrance.

If you’ve been wondering what to do with a loved one’s cremated remains, you have options, and you don’t have to make these decisions alone.

Your loved one’s story deserves a place to live on. Our caring team is here to help you explore meaningful memorial options and find a lasting tribute that feels right for your family.

Contact us today to start the conversation. Let us help you take the next step in honoring their memory.

10/15/2026

Wanda Kirby

Wanda Ruth (Belden) Kirby, 82, of Nowata, passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2026 surrounded by her girls.

Wanda was born on December 4, 1943 to Chester and Lorraine (Strother) Belden in Treece, Kansas. She worked at Landers Grocery in Nowata, where she met the love of her life, Ernie Kirby. They married on November 4, 1968.

Affectionately known as Ma, Wanda enjoyed cooking for her family or anyone else who was hungry, sewing, woodworking, fishing, and watching football. She was famous for her fried chicken and her “grandma gravy.” She faithfully served at Living Word Family Church for many years. More than anything, she loved Jesus Christ and her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ernie Kirby; her parents, Chester and Lorraine Belden; her daughters, Tami Hindman and Lorena Theys; her brothers, Ray Belden, Donald Belden, Leonard Belden, and Robert Earl Belden; her sister, Betty Nadean Belden; her grandson, Daniel Frye; and her sons-in-law, Robert Moss and Mike Theys.

She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Moss of Nowata, Kris Frauenberger and husband Michael of Nowata, and Wanda Jackson and husband Chris of Nowata; bonus daughter Tonya Pinkston and husband Kevin of Nowata; and son-in-law Joe Hindman of Childers. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Cassie and Justin Watson, Jacob Frye, Jeramiah Frauenberger and wife Shaunda, Jesse Jackson, Matthew Frauenberger and wife Shelbie, Mikayla Yirsa and husband Cooper, Emilee Drake and husband Caleb, and Faith Blum, all of Nowata; her great-grandchildren, Isaiah Watson, Eli Watson, Abigail Yirsa, Levi Yirsa, Bowen Drake, and Kristopher, Darren, and Wiley Frauenberger; in-laws Treva Belden, Mary Kirby, Grady Kirby and wife Cindy. ; and a host of nieces, nephews, and bonus grandchildren.

Services will be held at 10:00 on Monday, October 19, 2026 at Reset Church with Pastor Matt Rowell officiating. A graveside service will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Nowata.

Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W. Cherokee, Nowata. 918-273-2700

View Wanda Kirby's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/15/2026

Today, we remember the little lives that were deeply loved and the families who carry their memory every day.
On National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, we honor those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant and recognize a grief that is often carried quietly.
To every family remembering a little one today, their life and their memory matter.

10/14/2026

Today, on Emergency Nurses Day, we recognize the dedicated nurses who serve on the front lines of our emergency rooms and departments.

With skill, compassion and an incredible ability to remain calm under pressure, these nurses provide comfort and care to patients and families during some of life's most critical moments.

Thank you for all you do!

10/14/2026

We hope you enjoy your special day, Shena!

10/12/2026

National Savings Day is a good reminder that planning for the future can include more than retirement accounts and rainy-day funds.
Preplanning your funeral gives you an opportunity to explore your options, make your wishes known and consider the financial side of your arrangements ahead of time, rather than leaving those decisions to your family later.

You plan ahead for the things that matter. Your final wishes can be one of them.
Ready to start the conversation? Our team is here to help.
https://pre-planning-locator.pages.dev/

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day.

Grief can affect so much more than our emotions. It can change the way we sleep, think, concentrate, connect with others and move through everyday life.
Today is a reminder to be patient with yourself, make space for what you’re feeling and lean on the people who care about you when you need support.
https://grief-resources-locator.pages.dev/