Rubena Ann Wallis

Rubena “Bena” Ann Wallis passed from this life on March 26, 2026, and was welcomed into her Savior’s arms, reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband of 66 years, Bob Wallis.

Bena was born on March 11, 1940, in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, to George and Beatrice Hennessee. She graduated from Lawton High School in 1957 and went on to work at Tinker Air Force Base before serving as the church administrator at Grace United Methodist Church. Of all her roles, the ones she treasured most were homemaker and “Grammy” to her grandchildren.

Bena was a steady and loving presence in the lives of her family. She rarely missed a son’s or grandchild’s sporting event or music performance, always showing up with enthusiasm and pride. She had a gift for making people feel seen, supported, and celebrated. If someone needed help, she was there—quietly, generously, and without expectation. She loved unconditionally, was immensely proud of her family, and fiercely protective of those she held dear.

She also carried a feisty, spunky spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. Her grandchildren learned early on not to challenge Grammy to “Guts”—a head-butting game she famously dominated and, by most accounts, never lost. To those who knew her best, she will also be remembered for making the world’s best beef jerky—just one more way she showed love to those around her.

A talented artist, Bena was a prolific oil painter who occasionally entered her work in the State Fair art show. She also loved quilting with friends, creating beautiful handmade pieces that her family will cherish for generations. Her hobbies included gardening, working jigsaw puzzles, and traveling with those she loved most. Memorable family vacation destinations included Hawaii, Colorado, Branson, Yellowstone, and Scotland.

Bena and Bob were admired for their warm, welcoming hearts and the home they built together—one filled with faith, kindness, and hospitality. They were active members of their Sunday School class at Church of the Servant until Bob’s illness. In later years, Bena attended Acts 2 United Methodist Church with her son’s family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Beatrice Hennessee; her husband, Bob Wallis; and her siblings, George Hennessee and Colleen Salazar.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons and their wives, Jeff (Robin) Wallis, Joseph (Krista) Wallis, and Justin (Jennifer) Wallis; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Riley (Blake and Carson Ann) Buchen, Rhett (Kenzie and Emma Kate) Wallis, Tyler (Karen, Evelyn and Elijah) Smith, Kyle Delcamp, and Griffin Wallis; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other beloved family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Bena’s honor.

Bena’s life was a beautiful example of love in action—steadfast, generous, joyful, and full of grace. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Matthews Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond, OK.