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Wanda enjoyed cooking for her family or anyone else who was hungry, sewing, woodworking, fishing, and watching football.

Wanda Ruth (Belden) Kirby, 82, of Nowata, passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2026 surrounded by her girls.

Wanda was born on December 4, 1943 to Chester and Lorraine (Strother) Belden in Treece, Kansas. She worked at Landers Grocery in Nowata, where she met the love of her life, Ernie Kirby. They married on November 4, 1968.

Affectionately known as Ma, Wanda enjoyed cooking for her family or anyone else who was hungry, sewing, woodworking, fishing, and watching football. She was famous for her fried chicken and her “grandma gravy.” She faithfully served at Living Word Family Church for many years. More than anything, she loved Jesus Christ and her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ernie Kirby; her parents, Chester and Lorraine Belden; her daughters, Tami Hindman and Lorena Theys; her brothers, Ray Belden, Donald Belden, Leonard Belden, and Robert Earl Belden; her sister, Betty Nadean Belden; her grandson, Daniel Frye; and her sons-in-law, Robert Moss and Mike Theys.

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She was famous for her fried chicken and her “grandma gravy.”

She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Moss of Nowata, Kris Frauenberger and husband Michael of Nowata, and Wanda Jackson and husband Chris of Nowata; bonus daughter Tonya Pinkston and husband Kevin of Nowata; and son-in-law Joe Hindman of Childers. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Cassie and Justin Watson, Jacob Frye, Jeramiah Frauenberger and wife Shaunda, Jesse Jackson, Matthew Frauenberger and wife Shelbie, Mikayla Yirsa and husband Cooper, Emilee Drake and husband Caleb, and Faith Blum, all of Nowata; her great-grandchildren, Isaiah Watson, Eli Watson, Abigail Yirsa, Levi Yirsa, Bowen Drake, and Kristopher, Darren, and Wiley Frauenberger; her sister-in-law, Treva Belden; and a host of nieces, nephews, and bonus grandchildren.

Services will be held at 10:00 on Monday, October 19, 2026 at Reset Church with Pastor Matt Rowell officiating. A graveside service will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Nowata.

Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W. Cherokee, Nowata. 918-273-2700