Brenda McDowell-Struble, 62, of Medford, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 15, 2021.
Brenda was born on September 12, 1958 in Smith Center, daughter of Glen Everett and June Joleen (Holmes) McDowell.
She received her education from Kensington Public Schools where she was active in the music program playing the French Horn, was a cheerleader for the Gold Bugs, and was crowned Homecoming Queen her senior year. She graduated in 1976. She continued her education at Fort Hays State University graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught elementary education for over 30 years in Wichita and Goddard, Kansas, and also Medford, Oklahoma.
Brenda was a brilliant and beloved teacher and mentor who was awarded teacher of the year several times. She felt that teaching was God’s calling for her. She touched so many lives and will be remembered for her generous heart and loving spirit.
Brenda’s greatest love were her two children, Jason and Erin, their spouses, and her 7 grandchildren. She embodied the unconditional love of a mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and they adored their Gammy.
She was an avid card player, who excelled at Pinochle, Pitch and Texas Hold ‘Em Poker. She enjoyed fishing, knitting, gardening, and was a contestant and winner on the Wheel of Fortune. She was a wine lover, but only Beringer White Zinfandel, and enjoyed playing Bunko with her girlfriends.
Brenda is survived by her children: Jason (Carrie) Heffel and their children, Carson, Owen, Hudson, and Lawson of Tonganoxie, KS; Erin (Joshua) Keller and their children Elliotte, Oliver, and Adelaide of Austin, TX. Her brothers: Brian (Debra) McDowell of Weston, MO; Brice McDowell of Lincoln, NE, Blake (Delonna) McDowell of Grand Island. Her sisters: Beverly (DeForest) Walker of Loveland, CO; Beth (Mike) Lebeda of Medford, OK; Bridget (Tony) Tatum of Wichita, KS; Becky McDowell of Grand Island. Her sister-in-law, Rhonda McDowell of Spokane, WA; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Brad McDowell, and sister-in-law, Cindi McDowell.
Following cremation, memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the Medford High School Auditorium in Medford, OK.
Memorials may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or www.ocrahope.org and sent in care of the mortuary.
To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit: www.schaeffermortuary.info Arrangements by: Schaeffer Mortuary, 6 N. Main, Caldwell, KS 67022
Memorial service with inurnment will be held in Smith Center at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 25th under the direction of Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary, 116 W. 1st St., Smith Center, Kansas, 66967. www.simmons-rentschler.com
Condolences
Prayers for her family
Leon and Linda ... - 04/16/2021
So very sorry to see this, Brenda was a dear sweet and kind lady, so sorry for her families loss
Spreader accept my deepest
Sherrel Copeland - 04/17/2021
Spreader accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Brenda was one of my favorite people. I will miss her smiling face and happy personality! She fought hard and showed us her determination and fight against that evil we call cancer. Please know that my thoughts are with you. Love Sherrel
Sorry for your loss
Mike and Roger ... - 04/17/2021
Roger and I (farm owners - KonAri LLC near Renfrow) are so sorry to hear about your loss. Please try to remember the good times you shared as you work through this time of sorrow.
