Ernestine "Dean/Cookie" Mendenhall

December 28, 1941 – March 26, 2025

With a heart full of love and a life well lived, Ernestine Kirk-Mendenhall, known to friends as "Dean" and to family as "Cookie," passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025 at home surrounded by the warmth of her cherished family.

Born at home in Westville, Oklahoma, on December 28, 1941, Dean grew up in a humble four-room house without running water or a bathroom, alongside her two older brothers. She often joked about her name, playfully insisting that one of her brothers should be named after their father instead of her. Her father, however, saw in her a resemblance to the curly-haired daughter from the Blondie and Dagwood comic strip, and from that moment on, she became "Cookie." Another nickname, "Dean," was born from a misunderstanding when someone misheard her name as "Ernestdean." Instead of correcting them, she let it stick—a testament to her easygoing nature.

After finishing high school, she packed her bags and headed to Tulsa to lend a hand at a friend's restaurant. Eventually, she found her home along the Sand Springs line, where she happily created a life brimming with love, faith, and a deep commitment to her family, friends and community.

Remarkably independent and full of energy, Dean was always on the go, making it hard for anyone to believe she was 83. Her youthful spirit, style, and enthusiasm for life never wavered.  She rarely appeared down, upset, or angry about anything.

In her early years, she sewed her own clothes and made outfits for her children.  She was a devoted stay-at-home mother until 1980s, when she entered the workforce in the administrative office of a radiology clinic. Later, she retired from Oklahoma Central Orthopedic Specialists, but retirement didn't slow her down. She dedicated much of her time to her church and community, faithfully serving at Olivet Baptist Church, where she volunteered in the kitchen.  She also spent time at the Sand Springs Community Center, organizing a monthly card game and even surprising everyone by learning to play pool—earning some lighthearted teasing about becoming a "pool shark."

Dean had a deep love for God, her family, and life's simple pleasures. She found great joy in working in her yard, tending to her flowers, and waging a constant battle against weeds. An excellent cook, she was especially famous for her incredible pies. She delighted in Goodwill hunts, garage sales, flea markets, and collecting antiques. She loved to read, had a well-known fondness for shoes and jewelry, and never missed an opportunity to listen to old-time gospel music, Dolly Parton or George Strait songs.

During her grandchildren's childhood, her home was the preferred gathering place for all holiday celebrations and for after-church visits every Sunday. As her grandchildren matured, Sunday afternoons became dedicated to playing Rummikub with her friends.—a cherished tradition filled with laughter and friendship.

Dean somehow always ended up with the dogs her children either didn't want or couldn't take care of—except for one, Maisie. One of the highlights of her later years was her beloved dog, Maisie. Dean truly adored Maisie and went above and beyond to spoil her, even whipping up special meals just for her! Maisie was definitely more than just a pet—her kids would jokingly tease her that she loved that dog even more than them, but they all knew that wasn't quite the case!

She was always very intentional about making sure she treated all three of her children equally, never wanting any of them to feel less loved than the others. Her deep sense of fairness and devotion to her family was just one of the many qualities that made her so special.

Above all, Dean was loyal, strong, and deeply faithful, always carrying a sense of frugality and resourcefulness that she took great pride in.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lester Mason; her grandson, Logan Holmes; and two son-in-laws, Doug Devers, as well as Michael Butler. She leaves behind a family who will forever hold her in their hearts: her children, Tony Mendenhall and his wife Joyce, Teresa Butler and her husband Scott, and Kimberly Butler; her grandchildren, Jeana Rubatt (Mendenhall), Chelsey, Zach and Zoe Butler, Megan Perkins (Devers) and her husband Seth, and Kyle Devers; and her great-grandchildren, Ryelee Holmes, Roman Rubatt, and Adelyn Perkins.

Dean's life was a testament to resilience, love, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed but will be forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral service will be 12 p.m., Monday, March 31, at Olivet Baptist Church with Pastor Scott Palmer officiating. Dean will be laid to rest at Woodland Memorial Park. Viewing will be held at the funeral home Saturday from 12- 8 p.m. with family greeting friends 12-2 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m.