Bennea Anne (Holland) Wade, 81, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025.  She was born May 21, 1944 in Atchison, Kansas.

Bennea was a beacon of kindness and strength throughout her life. She was known for her unwavering optimism and warm smile. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Her memory will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.

Bennea attended Sacred Heart School and the Mount St. Scholastica Academy in Atchison, Kansas.  Later in life she earned her Associates Degree from Johnson County Community College.

Bennea retired after a long career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.  After her retirement she worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Atchison which she loved so much. She was able to enjoy seeing all her many Atchison friends and acquaintances.  She was well respected and cherished by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Bennea loved reading, gardening and above all she loved to travel.  Throughout her life her adventures led her from one side of the country to the other, visiting national landmarks, quaint towns and hidden gems. She and family and friends embarked on many road trips and reveled in the joy of seeing the lush hills of New England, the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, and the sweeping deserts of the Southwest.

Each trip was marked by laughter, storytelling and a true appreciation for all the memories created.  Bennea’s greatest joy was being with her beloved husband Wally and enjoying their early years together at their lake house. 

She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as their friends who she adopted along the way, who all considered her their “Great”. 

She enjoyed the milestones of her family’s journey, from first steps to graduations, and was a constant presence in their lives, always ready with words of encouragement and open arms. Her life was a tapestry woven with joy, laughter and unyielding love for her family. 

Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched, in every shared story, every cherished photograph, and every heartfelt memory.

Bennea is survived by her beloved husband Walter W. Wade; her daughters Kimberly (Tony) Kiehl, Sandra (Mark) Reno, Amanda Johnson, Carrie Childers and Paige Childers, son Les (Amy) Blaski; sisters Diane, DeDe, Gaylen and brother Clayton Holland. She is also survived by her stepchildren Kathy (David) Petty, Eric (Kim) Wade and Shane (Susan) Wade.  She also leaves numerous grand, great grand and one great-great grandchild, as well as many nieces and nephews, each of whom brought immense joy, love and laughter to her life.

Bennea was preceded in death by her mother Ruthanna Gore and father Clayton Holland, and her beloved Stepfather Faris Gore, as well as her former husband Dennis Blaski.

Although she is no longer with us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of many. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of being a part of her life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Banquet Room at the Elks Lodge # 647, 609 Kansas Ave., Atchison, KS 66002.  Lunch and refreshments will be served.