Joann Longest

Ardmore - A celebration of life services for Mrs. Joann (Bennett) Longest, 86, of Ardmore are scheduled for 11:00 AM Monday, March 22, 2021 at the First United Methodist Colvert Ministry Center of Ardmore with David Allen and Sister Carolyn Stoutz officiating. Interment will follow at Petersburg cemetery south of Ringling. Viewing and visitation will be held at the Colvert Ministry Center of Ardmore on Sunday, March 21, 2021 from 3pm to 5pm. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Wilson.

Joann was born May 11, 1934 at Oklahoma City to the late Herschel Perry Bennett and Goldie (Svenn) Bennett. She departed this life on Wed. March 17, 2021 at her home in Ardmore.

Joann was initially raised at Oklahoma City, being placed at the Methodist orphanage of Tahlequah at the age of seven. She returned to Oklahoma City after a few years and married at the age of fifteen. From this union, Joann was blessed with two beautiful children, Larry Keith and Diana Kay. After a divorce, Joann gained employment as a dental assistant and was working when her future husband and life long love came in for treatment of a toothache. She and Bob Longest were united in marriage on April 6, 1958 at Ringling. They continued to reside in Oklahoma City until moving to Ringling in 1966. They welcomed two more children into their family, Owen and Tim, completing their family. They owned and operated Longest Insurance Agency of Ringling and Wilson for many years working together as insurance agents.

Joann was always the best mother any child could ask for. She worked tirelessly as a homemaker and volunteered as a Den Leader of Cub Scout Pack#49 for many years. As a den leader, she made sure every scout was provided a uniform. Joann was a very well known and accomplished artist, having several showings of oil paintings at numerous galleries throughout her years.

After their children were raised, She and Bob moved to Ardmore, continuing to provide insurance until the late 80's. Afterwards, Joann focused more on her paintings, and enjoyed traveling with Bob. They toured several countries around the globe and loved visiting Las Vegas. Later in life, Joann enjoyed having her family over and and simply having a good laugh. She always had a heart of gold and loved unconditionally and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ardmore.

Preceding were her parents; brothers, Robert, Glenn G., Perry and Russell Bennett and her husband Bob Longest, on March 19, 2017.

Survivors include her daughter, Diana Longest of Ardmore; sons, Larry Longest and wife Suni of Tulsa, Owen Longest, Tim Longest and wife Julie, both of Ardmore and John Kneebone and wife Wendy of Australia; godson, Perry Lee Bennett, Jr. and wife Donna of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Kent Longest, Kevin Longest and wife Abby, Shane Ritchey, Ramona Wilkerson and husband Jay, Laurel Longest, Josh Longest and wife Erin, Katie Longest, Elizabeth Gelona and husband Nick, Jake Patterson and Katherine Patterson; great grandchildren, Savannah Bryant, Robby Ritchey and wife Chelsie, Caleb Ritchey, Alexis Knierman, Connor Ritchey, Madison Wilkerson, Ramsey Wilkerson, Reese Wilkerson, Reagan Wilkerson, Mason Wilkerson, Gordon Wilkerson, Joseph Harris, Charlotte Longest and Jack Longest; four great grandchildren and numerous other family and friends.

Casket bearers will be Danny Romo, Phil Summers, Max Alvarez, Stanley Agers, Michael Agan and Tommy Byrd.

Honorary bearers are Perry Bennett, David Bennett, Jerry Day, Jose' Romo, Millard Ingram and Carey England.

The family would like to say a special thank you to all the staff of Cross Timbers Hospice of Ardmore for all their compassion and kindness shown to them.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cross Timbers Hospice of Ardmore; 207 C St. NW Ardmore, OK 73401.

Memories and photos may be shared online at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org