Kay Ann Barello

Kay Ann Bennett was the only child of Rolland Bennett and Wilma Baldridge Bennett, she was born on November 15, 1947 in Claremore. After losing her beloved Momma at the tender age of 5, Kay gained a sister, Nancy, as well as a new mother when Roberta Robertson married her father in 1955.

Kay spent her school days in Claremore.  One summer day she met a local boy, Buddy Rogers, at Falls Creek camp. Life was never quite the same. Kay graduated Claremore High School and then attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. Kay and Buddy married during her college days. Their first child, Mike, was born in 1968, joined by a sister, Lisa in 1969, another boy, Bruce, in 1970. Baby Paul rounded out their family in 1973. By this time, Kay had earned her degree and had become a medical technologist, a career she loved. She took pride in continuously sharpening her skills in the lab. Kay and Bud made their home in Claremore with their children. The Rogers went on epic camping trips,  hung out with best friends, The Dicks’ and, spent time at just about every ball field, court, mat, track & trail around, cheering their kids in one sport after another. 

Their family drastically changed in 1989 when Kay became a widow at 41. Nothing was more important to Kay than her loved ones, and she held her family together with sheer grit and determination. Kay’s life took another turn when, 10 years later, she went on her first date in three decades with John Barello. As a lifelong bachelor, John had no idea what he was getting himself into….boisterous family get-togethers, conversations that often lead to heated “discussions”, and very limited opportunities for peace and quiet.  His place was solidified in the family when he was dubbed “Papa Johnny.”
Kay and John married in 2000 in a simple ceremony in Cody, Wyoming. As John’s wife, it was apparent to all that Kay felt loved. In 2006, a life-long dream came true when they built a home and moved to the Bennett family farm outside of Claremore. Kay was a woman of faith, she became a believer since early in her life. She lived out her Christian values in all she said and did. St Cecilia’s Catholic Church was where she and John made their home church, the members always made them feel welcome and cared for. 

Her favorite role in life was being a Mimi, with 16 grandkids, bonus grandkids, and 13 great-grand children. Around 2011, she retired to focus on grandkids and enjoying life on the farm with Papa Johnny and her cows. In 2021, the family was forever changed when her son, Bruce, suddenly passed away. A vibrant part of Kay seemed to go with him.
After a brief illness, Kay joined her loved ones in heaven on August 12, 2023.  Kay’s absence will leave gaps her family has not yet fully realized. She was never more happy than in the chaos of a big family dinner. We vow to continue this tradition to honor her and her legacy. Kay is survived by her husband, John Barello; children Mike Rogers and wife Nele of Norman; Lisa Rogers-Hewitt and husband Steve Hewitt of Claremore; daughter-in-law, Angie Rogers of Claremore, and Paul Rogers and wife Chelene of Claremore. 
She is also survived by her mother, Roberta Bennett of Claremore; Sister, Nancy Brashers and husband Bob of Claremore; an Aunt, Arrahwannah Painter, Oklahoma City, her beloved grandchildren and great-grand children as well as many nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews and numerous cousins. 
She is preceded in death by her mother, Wilma Bennett; her first husband, Buddy Rogers; her daddy, Rolland Bennett; and her son, Bruce Rogers. 
The family has asked for Donations to be made to St. Cecelia's Catholic Church in Claremore, Oklahoma.