Rose E. Benda

On November 10, 2025, at 96 years old, Rose Evelyn Benda passed away peacefully. She was born in Prague OK on January 2nd, 1929 to Joe and Blanche Sestak. She was the first of 4 children. She spent part of her childhood in Comstock, Nebraska where she had fond memories. 

Moving back to Oklahoma, she met her future husband at the Czech Hall. Henry Benda married Rose on April 25, 1946. They lived in Norman, Oklahoma while Henry attended the University of Oklahoma obtaining an Engineering degree. Their 3 children, Linda, Joyce and Janet, were born in Norman while Henry was attending the University of Oklahoma.

Rose is preceded in death by her husband Henry (Hank) Benda, her father Joe Sestak, her brother Joe Sestak, Jr., her mother Blanche Sestak, her sister Lee Miskovsky, and her granddaughter Laurie Thedford. She is survived by her sister Eva Gehle, her three daughters Linda Centracco and husband Bob, Joyce Thedford, and Janet Benda, her grandson Bret Centracco and wife Lenka, her granddaughter Julie Whipple and husband Chris, her great grandsons (twins) Caleb and Peyton Centracco, her great granddaughters Stella and Evi Whipple.

Rose will be inurned at Czechoslovakian National Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.