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.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Brad McDowell, and sister-in-law, Cindi McDowell.
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.
Click HERE for service details.