Iva Lee was born November 20, 1937, in Sulphur, to the late Trice H. and Ruth (Thomason) Birch. She passed peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, in Sulphur, at the age of 87 years, 11 months and 9 days. She had been surrounded by loved ones in the weeks and days prior to her passing.

She and Gerald Chester Benn were married in May 1956, in Gainesville, TX. To this union were born two children, Lisa Marie and Gerald “Gerry” Benn. Iva Lee and Gerald started their life at Oklahoma State University and made their home in the Stillwater area. During that time, Iva Lee attended what is now Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa. In addition to attending college, she worked for an insurance company as well as a gas company in Ponca City. Iva Lee later earned a master’s degree in education at Northeastern State University.

In 1963, they moved to Tahlequah where she began teaching in 1966. She taught at Greenwood Elementary School and Sequoyah Elementary School, retiring in 1996. Throughout her 30 years of teaching, Iva Lee taught many children to read, making a positive impact on her students. She had a heart for kids and devoted her time, efforts, and money to see that each child succeeded. Iva Lee was known to pay for field trips, provide shoes and clothing, and mend clothing with her sewing kit.

As an extremely outgoing and social lady, Iva Lee enjoyed spending time with her beloved family and friends. She was a fiercely proud mother and grandmother, never missing an opportunity to share their successes with others. Iva Lee was a true example of unconditional love. Her love and devotion to her family was unwavering, Iva Lee was an avid fan of sports, especially when it came to football. She was up to date on all teams, when and where they played, and who won. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing and reading and spending time with her grandkids.

Those left to carry on her legacy include her daughter, Lisa Presley of Tahlequah; her son, Gerry Benn and wife Sharon of McKinney, TX; and her “one and only sister,” Frances Diacon of Sulphur. Also surviving are her five grandchildren, Larissa Waits, Trice Presley, Cassie Benn, Aly Benn Davis and husband Dustin, and Colton Benn; and eight great-grandchildren, Cameron, Abigail, Caden, Dawson, Diana, Averie, Kellen, and Aiden. She will also be missed dearly by her loving and protective nephew, Glen Diacon, and family, as well as other family members, friends, and former students.

In addition to her parents and former husband, Gerald, Iva Lee was preceded in death by former husband, Keith Pilcher on April 1, 2019, and husband, Allen Quetone, on November 17, 1994. Larry Shellenberger was her dearest companion at the end of her life, spending over 20 years together until his passing.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tahlequah Public Schools’ Elementary Reading Program at 225 N. Water Street, Tahlequah, OK. 74464 A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm, November 20, 2025 at the Southside Baptist Church in Tahlequah, OK.

Services are trusted to HALE’S FUNERAL HOME, of Sulphur. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.