Carol Jeannine (Jeannie) Wanko Kennett (fondly known as Bebe to those dearest to her) passed from this life on Sunday, April 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband and daughters.

Jeannie was born October 16, 1950 to Berna Dean (Lewis) Wanko and Nicholas Wanko. She grew up in rural Peckham, OK and was the cherubic, brown-eyed “apple” of her parents’ eye. She attended Peckham Elementary School before going in to the “big school” in Newkirk for her freshman year. Jeannie’s outgoing, vivacious nature, along with her quick wit, soon won her many friends. She graduated Newkirk High School in 1968, maintaning life-long friendships that she and her many friends treasured.

Jeannie attended NOC before marrying her high school boyfriend, Boddie Harris. Two precious daughters were born to this union: Jennifer (Greg) Neisen and Tiffany (Steve) Hermann.

Jeannie was a dedicated employee of Conoco Oil Company from 1981 when she began as a clerk at the Ponca City plant until she retired in 2018 as a Real Property Administrator at Conoco-Phillips. Again, Jeannie made many friends among her fellow employees and she continued to nurture these friendships after retiring and moving to Ponca City in 2019.

Jeannie met and married Bob Kafer in 1978 and they made their home in Newkirk until the Fall of 2002 when they moved to Bartlesville. Bob preceded her in death in 2004.

Some time later, Jeannie joined a “singles” group in Bartlesville, and it was there that she met Bob Kennett. They enjoyed going to dances and eating out with the “Senor Salsa” gang for many years. They married on October 12, 2007. (Jeannie often joked that she didn’t even have to changed the monogram on her towels when she and Bob married.)

Jeannie’s five grandchildren, John, Andrew, and Mitchell Neisen, and Sydney and Cooper Hermann, were the pride and joy of her life. Jeannie’s thoughts and love were centered on them, and she made every effort to develop a close relationship with each one of them. She loved her grandkids and they loved their Bebe.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Berna Dean Wanko, sister Gloria Siler, grandson Nicholas Neisen, and husband Bob Kafer.

She is survived by her husband Bob Kennett of the home, daughters Jennifer (Greg) and Tiffany (Steve) Hermann of Ponca City, her five grandchildren John, Andrew, Mitchell, Sydney, and Cooper, and a multitude of loving friends.

Viewing will be held at Trout Funeral Home, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Her rosary will follow in the funeral home chapel at 6:00 PM on Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 408 S. 8th Street, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Donations in Jeannie’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s School, 415 S 7th St, Ponca City, OK 74601, or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

“I thank my God on every remembrance of thee.” Philippians 1:3

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