Benjamin Funeral Services

04/23/2026

Today we honor Administrative Professionals Day and recognize the dedication of Shena here at Benjamin Funeral Home.

Her attention to detail, warm spirit, and willingness to go above and beyond help create a comforting experience for every family we serve. She is a vital part of our mission and a true blessing to our team.

Thank you, Shena, for your hard work and the care you show each and every day. 🤍

04/22/2026

3 days away from seeing Nowata in its Western Finest @ "Boots & Bling"!! Come show off your style and get on the dance floor as we celebrate the "Best of Nowata", highlighting local businesses, non-profits, first responders, volunteers and educators!

Thank you to our Silver level sponsors:
Arvest Bank, Benjamin Funeral Services, Dental Arts of Nowata and the Nowata Community Foundation!!

We only have a few tickets left, if you'd like to join us, call 918.273.2301 or email chamber@nowata.com!

04/22/2026

This Earth Day, we’re reminded that even the smallest acts can leave a lasting impact. 🌱

Planting a tree in memory of someone special is a meaningful way to honor a life while giving something back to the world around us.

If you’d like to take part, you can learn more here:
https://plant-trees-locator.pages.dev/

04/22/2026

The ones who keep everything organized, on track, and moving forward deserve a little extra recognition today.

Thank you for everything you do! We truly appreciate you.

04/20/2026

Pansy Pearl Sebert

Pansy Pearl (Lewis) Sebert, a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away on April 18th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, devotion, and quiet generosity that touched countless lives. She was born on October 1, 1938, to Glen & Gladys Lewis.

On March 20, 1953, she married the love of her life, Harry Sebert. Together, they built a life rooted in enduring love, mutual respect, and shared values—a partnership that would serve as an example to all who knew them.

Her greatest pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Pansy’s love for her family was constant and unwavering, expressed not only in words but in the everyday acts of care that defined her life. She created a home filled with comfort, laughter, and love that leaves a lasting imprint.

Professionally, Pansy was a dedicated cosmetologist who spent many years serving her patrons. Her work was more than a career; it was a way to connect with people, uplift their spirits, and build lasting friendships. Many who sat in her chair left not only looking better, but feeling better, having been touched by her kindness and listening ear.

Pansy found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. She loved crocheting, creating beautiful, handmade pieces that became treasured keepsakes for family and friends. Baking was another of her many gifts, especially during the holidays. Her grandchildren especially cherished these moments, knowing that every favorite dessert had been thoughtfully prepared just for them. Those gatherings became lasting memories filled with sweetness, laughter, and togetherness.

A woman of deep faith, Pansy devoted many years to serving as a Sunday School teacher at the First Church of God. She had a special way with children, making each one feel seen, valued, and welcomed. Her classes were filled with warmth, and many will fondly remember her handing out treats and bubble gum. Through her teaching, she helped nurture faith and kindness in generations of young hearts.

Pansy will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her giving heart, and the love she poured into every aspect of her life. Whether through her work, her faith, her hobbies, or her family, she left behind a legacy of care and compassion that will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Pansy is preceded in death by her parents Glen & Gladys, her spouse, Harry, sisters, Betty, Patsy, and Carolyn and grandson Phil. She leaves behind daughter, Twylla, and husband Mark, Son Kenny, and wife Vicki, Son Phil, and wife Rhonda. Grandchildren Carrie, Casey, Marcus, Malina, Melissa, Raylynn, Kynna, and Dalton. Great-grandchildren Langston, Cohen, Prescott, Grant, Greg, Brock, Carson, Braden, Brianna, Christopher, Nathan, Jason, Nicholas, Alexander, Eva, & Olivia, and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation for Pansy will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 4-7 pm in the Benjamin Funeral Chapel, Nowata. Graveside services will follow on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Nowata, with Wendell Abbott officiating. Serving as casket bearers will be Dalton Sebert, Mark Turney, Marcus Turney, Grant Justus, Carson Morris, Jarrod Morris, and James Justus.

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 Pearl Pansey Sebert's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/20/2026

Jerri Rae Sutherlin

Jerri Rae Sutherlin, 58, of Nowata, Oklahoma, passed away in the early morning hours of April 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her husband and family.

Jerri was born on May 28, 1967, at Nowata Hospital to James Leonard and Geneva June (Twitchell) Little. She grew up in Delaware, Oklahoma, where she graduated from high school and formed lifelong friendships. It was during those early years that she met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Todd Sutherlin.

On June 8, 1990, Jerri married her best friend forever in Nowata, beginning a partnership marked by deep love, shared purpose, and a life built together on their small farm. She later earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Human Resources from Wesleyan University in Bartlesville—an accomplishment she was deeply proud of.

Throughout her life, Jerri held several roles that reflected both her strong work ethic and her care for others. She worked at Walmart, Bingo King, and Phillips Petroleum, and later served her community as a librarian at the Nowata County Library, where she found joy in helping others and sharing her love of learning.

At home, Jerri found happiness in the simple, meaningful rhythms of farm life. She cherished time spent with her family and took great pride in caring for the animals on their farm. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband, Todd, and their family, loved gathering for family dinners, and was a devoted fan of Cardinal baseball. She was also a loving and devoted aunt who cared deeply for all of her nieces and nephews. Her gentle spirit, steady presence, and deep affection for those around her were felt by everyone who knew her.

Jerri was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and June Little; her sisters, Nancy Jean Little and Rebecca Sue Little; her maternal grandparents, Sam and Elma Twitchell; her paternal grandparents, Ralph and Ann Little; her father-in-law, Doc Sutherlin; her brother-in-law, Steve Loffer; and her nephews, Jesse Loffer, James Loffer, and Mason Loffer.

She is survived by her husband, Todd Sutherlin; her three brothers, Bub (Kim) Little, Benny (Christy) Little, and Sammy Little (Ashley Blanton); her four sisters, Donna Loffer; Anna Belle (Danny) Koscelny; Brenda (Mike) Perser; and Betty (Larry) Holzhauser. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Janette Sutherlin; her sister-in-laws, Christy (Wayne) Ichiyasu and Lee (Greg) Smith; and her nephews, Joe Koscelny and Ginny Ware, David Koscelny and Rayna Mangles, Luke (Ashley) Cartwright, Josh Cartwright, Mark Sami Loffer, and James Little.

She is further survived by her niece, Emily Little; her great-nephews, Kale Cartwright and Tripp Loffer; her great-nieces, Summer Koscelny (affectionately known as “Miss Winter”), Klover Cartwright, and Marilyn Baker; her great-great-niece, Olive June; Mathew (Samantha) Crites, great nephews Mathew, Carter, Jackson and Noah Crites, as well as many other friends, her honorary sister Sandra Maggard, and her very, very dear friend, Dorothy Gibson, and Parker Blanton.

Jerri’s faith in God carried her through many of life’s most difficult moments, giving her strength, comfort, and peace. She is now at rest with the Lord, reunited with her beloved mother, June, whom she loved deeply and missed dearly. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Benjamin Funeral Chapel. Visitation for Jerri will be on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Benjamin Funeral Home. 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

04/20/2026

No two grief journeys look the same.
Whatever your path looks like, you don’t have to walk it alone.

Find support and resources here:
https://grief-resources-locator.pages.dev/

04/18/2026

Planning ahead isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about giving your family clarity, comfort, and peace when they need it most.

A simple conversation today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Click the link to plan ahead with confidence:
https://pre-planning-locator.pages.dev/

04/17/2026

"Benjamin Funeral Home was honored to participate in a recent mock crash event hosted by the local school, designed to educate students on the very real and devastating consequences of drinking and driving.
As part of this impactful demonstration, our team assisted with the respectful removal of the “decedent,” portrayed by a student, and helped illustrate the role we serve in the aftermath of such tragedies. We also had the opportunity to meet with “family members” and walk them through the difficult and emotional process of planning a service, offering students a deeper understanding of what families experience during these unimaginable times.
We are grateful to have been included in such an important initiative that helps raise awareness and encourages safer choices. If this demonstration helps even one life be saved, it is worth it."

Impaired Driving is a short film directed by Anthony Tucker that was funded by the Nowata Volunteer Firefighters to elevate the importance of avoiding drivin...

04/17/2026

Ella Lee Robinson

Ella Lee Robinson was born on April 12, 2026, at 1:30 PM to the parents of Christian and Norma Robinson of Lenapah, Oklahoma and passed away around 4 PM on the same day. Ella was loved by many during the short time she spent with us she will forever be missed and loved. Ella is survived by her parents of the home Christian and Norma Robinson; paternal great grandparents, Larry and Sheri Martin, Lester and Carol Robinson; great great-grandparents, Steve and Mary Cody; great great-grandma Connie Martin; maternal grandparents, Mike, Loretta and Coleen Haddox; great grandparents, Larry and Norma Layton and many other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ella was preceded in death by her maternal great grandparents, Benny and Donna Haddox, Robert (Bob), and Bertha Clark; great great-grandpa Larry Martin Sr. and Aunt Cheyenne Robinson. We take comfort in knowing her family waiting for her joyfully met her with open arms and we are waiting for the day we will see them again.

A memorial service for Ella will be held at Benjamin Funeral Chapel in Nowata, OK, at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, with Steve Cody officiating. Additional details will be shared by the family. 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 Ella Lee Robinson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/16/2026

During National Telecommunications Week, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank the dispatchers who serve as the first calm voice in moments of uncertainty.

At Benjamin Funeral Home, we understand how important your role is. You are often the first point of contact in difficult situations, offering guidance, reassurance, and compassion when it's needed most.

As a small token of our appreciation, we were honored to provide a gift to help say "thank you" for all that you do. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and our community is stronger because of you.

We are truly grateful for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to others.💙💛

04/16/2026

Today is National Healthcare Decisions Day. A reminder to put your wishes into words and make your decisions known.