Mary Benton

Mary Diane (Covel) Benton, age 61, of Mcloud, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at her home in Mcloud.

Mary was born July 1, 1964 in Shawnee, Oklahoma , a daughter of Charles A. and Judy (Brock) Covel. She was raised in the Macomb area attending school there until her senior year, graduating from Ninnekah High School. While in school, she was a skilled athlete, achieving awards in basketball, track, and softball. Sometime after high school, she met E.J. Benton. After a few years of dating, she married the love of her life on July 22, 1989 in Shawnee. Before she became unable to work, Mary was a receptionist for Gregory Pest Control in Shawnee and La Gear-Walkingstick insurance office in Chandler. Later, she co-owned the Now & Then Boutique. Her free time was spent amidst her passions that included going to concerts, riding dirt bikes and four wheelers, gardening, yard work, photography, making flower arrangements, and watching classic T.V. shows like Gunsmoke, M.A.S.H., and All In The Family. Additionally, she adored her dogs Ripley & Jojo. Mary also adored her time at the lake with her family, riding jet skis and camping. A giving and generous heart was a foundational part of Mary's being. Her nieces and nephews affectionately called her "Aunt Money."

Survivors include her beloved husband E.J. of the home, sisters: Lori Clemens and husband Bryan of Newalla, Cinda Covel of Arcadia, OK, brother: Charles A. Covel of Norman, OK, nieces and nephews: Brandon Brown and wife Caitie of Broken Arrow, OK, Chance Clemens of Newalla, Kaci Kraft and husband Brian of Kingsland, TX, great nieces and nephews: Caidon Brown, Landen Tucker, Kylie Clemens, Cooper Clemens, Carter Clemens, Chloe Songer and husband Tyler, great-great nephew Conway Songer, and her best friend Hayley McLesky.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and great niece Jadyn Carnes.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at the funeral home from 8am-6pm Friday, Jan. 30 with the family present to greet friends from 4pm-6pm. A funeral ceremony to celebrate her life will be held at 10AM Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 in the Chapel at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service with Larry Sparks officiating. Following the ceremony, she will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Shawnee.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral & Cremation Service, www.walkerfuneral.com.