Debra A. Bennett

Debra A. Bennett, 73
Devoted Wife, Loving Mother, Proud Nana, and Friend to Many
Former Mason City, IA resident Debra A. Bennett passed away peacefully in her Oklahoma City home on March 26, 2025, with her family close at heart.
Debbie was born October 29, 1951, in Mason City, Iowa, to Richard (Dick) Herzog and Mary "Honey" Simms. She was their cherished only daughter-graceful, strong-willed, and a natural beauty from the start. She was later adopted with open arms by Darrel Slattum, who helped raise her with a steady hand and a full heart.
Debbie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mark Bennett; her fathers, Richard and Darrell; her mother, Mary "Honey" Slattum; and her dear sister, Bridgette Slattum.
She is survived by her sons, Gregory Bennett of Golden, CO, and Jeffrey Bennett of Oklahoma City, OK; her treasured grandchildren, Reese and Brady Bennett, AnaMica and AvaLily Bennett; and the many strong, beautiful women of the Slattum-Herzog lineage-of which Debbie was a proud and modest member.
After graduating from Mason City High School in 1970, Debbie's life centered around her family. She became a mother to Greg, her first love, and shortly after, met the love of her life, Mark Bennett. They married in Sioux Falls, SD, in 1976-though the only surviving wedding photo is a single cherished snapshot. The family friend who volunteered to take their pictures later discovered there was no film in the camera. Classic. But what they lacked in wedding photos, they made up for in a beautiful 44-year marriage filled with laughter, loyalty, and a whole lot of love.
Mark adopted Greg soon after their wedding, and several years later, Jeff was born-completing their close-knit crew. Debbie was endlessly proud of her sons. Greg earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa and now owns his own dental practice in Arvada, CO. Jeff served in the United States Air Force for nine years while earning his MBA, and went on to build a career in defense and aerospace, working with Boeing and SAIC. Debbie never missed a chance to say, "My boys are the light of my life"-and she meant it.
During her years in Mason City, Debbie and her family gathered often-whether on 23rd Street or out at Honey and Darrell's place on the edge of town-creating memories that still echo through the laughter of her grandchildren. She worked at David Manufacturing and Rockwell International, but truly found her creative stride as an interior designer with Diamond Vogel. In 2010, she and Mark moved to Oklahoma City to be near Jeff and, of course, to become full-time "Nana and Papa" to the grandkids.
Retirement looked good on Debbie. She thrived in her role as Nana-cooking meals, sharing stories, and always knowing just when a hug or a smile was needed. Her sense of humor, witty charm, and gift for storytelling made everyone feel at home.
Debbie believed that cardinals were loved ones stopping by from heaven-and as if on cue, on the day she passed, two cardinals (a male and a female) flew from her front doorstep into a nearby tree. It was God's gentle way of saying, "She's back with her soul mate."
Debbie's legacy lives on in the lives of those she loved and the generations she helped shape. Her grandkids will forever carry with them her warmth, wit, and the quiet assurance that when you see a cardinal and hear its song, Nana is near, humming from heaven, reminding you it's all going to be all right.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in Mason City, IA on May 24, 2025. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Debbie's lifelong love for nature and nurturing, the family asks that a tree be planted in her memory-for all those we've loved, and for those who still need a limb to rest.