Pamela Bennett

Pamela Kay Bennett ("Indie Michaels") was born May 28, 1966, in Kansas City, Missouri, and passed away on March 17, 2026.
The first of three girls, Pam was fiercely proud of the sisterhood she shared with her siblings. Family—both biological and chosen—meant everything to her. She loved spending time with her friends and family. She carried cherished memories of her Grandma Bennett, moments filled with warmth, love, and guidance. As her grandma would always say, "She loves you to the moon and back," a sentiment that perfectly reflects the love Pam gave so freely.
She was shaped by a deep love for life that revealed itself in the simple things she cherished most—sharing music and spending time with those she loved. Some of her most meaningful memories were rooted in the places that felt like home.
She held a special love for her old neighborhood, returning to it often in both memory and spirit. Memories of the old Carnation Farm were among those small but unforgettable joys—the unmistakable scent of fresh carnations in the air and the simple pleasure of picking flowers from the wooden barrel. It was in those quiet, ordinary moments that she found beauty, comfort, and connection.
A lifelong Kansas Citian, she often said it was the best city in the world—and she meant it, especially because it was where she built and sustained her closest friendships over a lifetime.
Pam worked whatever jobs were needed to make ends meet until she found her true calling in broadcasting and print publications. As the story goes, her return to radio came unexpectedly. One night at a casino, she heard Magic 95 playing and decided they could use her talent. Though it had been years since she'd been on the air, she confidently made her way into the booth—and from that moment on, Indie Michaels was born.
What began as a job quickly became something much more. The more she interviewed the people of Lawton, the more she became one of them. She embraced every opportunity to give back to the community she loved, using her platform not only to do good, but to empower others to do the same.
Pam had a remarkable way with words. Whether behind a microphone or on the page, she had a gift for capturing people's stories with authenticity, humor, and heart. Her natural curiosity and genuine interest in others' passions shaped her work and ultimately led to the creation of OKIE Magazine. Through persistence and creativity, she recruited writers in unconventional ways and gave many their very first paid opportunities, believing deeply in the power of storytelling and the importance of being heard.
In 2012, OKIE Magazinereceived the Governor's Arts Award for Media in the Arts—an achievement that filled Pam with pride, as she was a lifelong champion of artists, storytellers, and creative expression.
Pam will be remembered for her signature alto laugh, her expressive reactions, her sharp wit, and her unforgettable eye roll.
Whether you called her Indie, Pam, Aunt Pam, Pammy Toodles, or "the radio lady," you always knew how much you mattered to her. She often ended visits by saying, "I'm glad you got to see me."
How right she was.
She leaves behind a wide circle of friends, listeners, colleagues, and community members who felt seen, heard, and valued because of her.
She is survived by her mother, Linda Olewinski (Keith); her siblings, Debbie Disco (Greg) and Angela Redman (Jerry); her nephews, Shane Banks, Kenneth Riley Banks (Nicole), Bennett Disco, Garrett Banks, and Beckett Disco; and her great-nieces and nephews, Avery Kay Banks, Jace Banks, Colt Banks, Easton Banks, and Kennedy Banks. She is also survived by her Aunt Ruth Ann Hurst; Aunt Cindy Laubach (Steve); Uncle Abe (Laurel); many cousins; her longtime best friend Rayanna Caddell; Austin Caddell (Caitlyn); their children Camden and Lincoln; and a community of cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, John Edward Bennett; her grandparents, Virginia Crank, Albert Bennett, Helen Weatherman, and Carl Weatherman; her Aunt Donna Pence; her Uncle Eddie Weatherman; her Aunt Cheryl Rye; her cousin William Whitaker; and her dear friend, Becky Smith-Parks.

Celebrations of Life


Monday, March 30 at 6:00 PM
General Admission Event Space
3512 Market St

Lee's Summit, MO 64082

Sunday, April 12 at 5:00 PM

Grace Fellowship Church

5334 NW Liberty Ave

Lawton, OK 73505

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the following nonprofits:
Lawton Food Bank
Family Promise
Rainbow Bridge Can Wait