Feb. 2, 1940 – May 27, 2024
Dena Kay Sponsler, 84, of Longtown, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dena was born on Feb. 2, 1940 in Marshall, Oklahoma to Ralph Wilford and Georgie Geraldine (Burgin) Duel. She was raised in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School in 1958.
Dena worked in Oil and Gas as an administrative assistant for Gorman-Phillips Construction Company for 30 years.
On Dec. 18, 1970, she married James “Jim” Sponsler in Perryton, Texas. They were happily married for 53 years, before he preceded her in death on Feb. 20, 2024.
Dena and Jim were active members of the First Christian Church in Perryton.
In 1990, they both retired and moved to Eufaula.
They were both active members of the First United Methodist Church in Eufaula. Dena served on the board and many committees dur-ing her church life. She loved traveling with Jim in their RV, fishing and boating.
Dena was an accomplished painter and also enjoyed square dancing, sewing and playing bridge.
Survivors include: niece, Carma Taylor and spouse Jim, of Norman; niece Alisa Zelnicek and spouse Jeff, of Edmond; nephew, Mike Duel and spouse Cindy, of Memphis, TN; niece, Thais Shapiro and spouse David, of Centennial, CO; niece, Thera Follett and spouse Mike, of Lewiston, ID; niece, Lane Duel, of Tulsa; many great nieces and nephews; sister in-law, Marilyn Sponsler; stepdaughter, Marilyn Reiswig; step grandchildren: Michelle Sternlof, Shauna Cowan, Matthew Sponsler, Gracie Sponsler; and many step great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Butch and Jerry Duel; husband, Jim Sponsler; and two brothers: Chan and Thad Duel.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Eufaula with Reverend Mike Brannon officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eufaula First United Methodist Church Building Fund. Services were under the direction of Hunn Black & Merritt Funeral Home & Crematory.
Online condolences may be made at www. hbmfuneralhome.com.
