Alice Jo Lay Lechtenberger Benton was born on June 14, 1937 (Flag Day!) to Joe R. and Theda B Lay right here in Oklahoma City. She was a 1955 graduate of Classen High School and received a BA in journalism in 1959 from the University of Oklahoma where she cheered on the Sooners football team under Bud Wilkinson to a National Championship in 1956.

While at OU, Alice was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She was a lifelong Sooners fan, often bedazzling herself with Sooners pins and jewelry. She moved to Houston, TX after graduation and was set up on a blind date with Fred Lechtenberger. The rest was history. Alice cherished the many years she worked with her children’s PTAs in Houston and in the Putnam City School District. Volunteering in her kids’ schools was passed down to her from her mother and never forgotten.

Later in life, Alice met Paul at their church singles group (over the trash can as Paul used to say, and that was true!). They later married and were proprietors of Benton’s Bounty antique booths over much of OKC. They traveled extensively and had several “bucket list” items marked off.

Alice was a member of many groups she adored and loved, including being a lifelong member of 1955 Classen HS reunion committee, Stage 3 dinner/dance group (with Paul), many bridge, lunch and dinner groups. She loved being with her friends and with her kids and grandkids and they, in turn, loved being with her. She was easy to be around, uplifting and ready to laugh. Alice was a proud Oklahoman, always happy, gave her kids great advice, and was always available to talk football. Her three children are unanimous in saying she was the BEST mom anyone could ask for. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by son Kirk Lechtenberger (Blair), Dallas; daughter Dayna Koontz (Jim), Del Mar, CA.; daughter Denise Lechtenberger (Rob Smariga), Denver; stars of Alice's spectrum, grandchildren: Olivia Lechtenberger, NYC; Wes Lechtenberger, Dallas; & Alice Koontz, Del Mar.

Service to be held Monday, November 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Vondel L Smith & Son Mortuary North, 13125 N MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142 with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13313 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73131

Donations to be made to: Free to Live; Hope Center, Edmond, OK., or to charity of your choice.