Birth Date:
1956-06-30
Graduation year:
1974
Deceased Date:
2017-09-11
Obituary:
Dana Bennefield Matz, 61, of Grand Lake in Ketchum, OK, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on September 11, 2017. Dana was born on June 30, 1956 in Tulsa, OK and graduated from Nathan Hale High School. She attended Drury College in Missouri but left after two years to become the matriarch of the family after the death of her mother, Virginia. In that role, she helped raise her three siblings along with her father, John Bennefield. Later, Dana and her brother, Matt, also became compassionate caretakers for their father.
Dana's successful career was launched by owning a heat and air business in Hamptons Bay on Long Island, NY, which she later sold in 1999 and moved back to Tulsa. In 2000, Dana established a business caring for homes at Grand Lake. She attracted a loyal clientele base of family lake homes which she and her sister, Lisa, cared for on a weekly basis. Dana easily became friends with and earned the respect of all the clients she served.
In 2001, Dana met the love of her life, Jim Elam, and they immediately became devoted and loving companions. Dana was a wonderful stepmother to her stepson, James. She enjoyed supporting his wrestling activities during his high school years and following his fishing team during his college years. Dana always referred to James as her "bonus son" and was most proud of his current career as a famed professional bass fisherman.
In addition to her other talents, Dana was an amazing chef and enjoyed preparing delicious family meals for holidays, special events, and especially fishing trips for James, Jim and their buddies. She enjoyed sending them off on fishing trips loaded with plenty of food and plenty of love while she remained behind. Dana also enjoyed spending her time boating, socializing with friends and family and working in the yard at she and Jim's cabin on Grand Lake.
Dana was a Daddy's Girl and credits him for her wit and wisdom. She had a toolbox that would be the envy of any master mechanic, and she knew how to use every single one! Dana shared a bond with her sister, Lisa, and brother, Matt, that was greater than family. They were beyond best friends who had a special connection and supported each other in all phases of their lives. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Dana was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Bennefield; father, Johnnie Bennefield; and stepbrother, Steve Hail. She is survived by her husband, Jim Elam of Catoosa, OK; stepson, James Elam of Broken Arrow, OK; stepmother, Lucy Bennefield of Tulsa, OK; sister, Lisa McClure of Claremore, OK; brothers, Mark Bennefield of Tulsa, OK and Matt Bennefield of Tulsa, OK; stepbrother, Larry Hail of CA; and numerous other family members and friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dana's name to the American Cancer Society by calling 1-800-227-2345.
