Wanda Kay Maaske

Wanda Kay Maaske Obituary

Wanda Kay Maaske, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Kay was born June 15, 1941, to Frank and Zelma (Garman) Bennett. She entered the world alongside her twin brother, Walter Ray Bennett, beginning a lifelong bond that remained special throughout their lives. They were raised by their adoring grandmother, Margaretta (Poth) Garman.

While attending Carthage College in Carthage, Illinois, Kay met the love of her life, Marvin Lee Maaske of Orangeville, Illinois. They were married October 27, 1962, and shared a devoted marriage built on love, partnership, and family.

Kay and Marvin spent most of their married life in Freeport, Illinois, where they raised their family and built lasting friendships. They currently reside in Goodyear, Arizona.

Throughout her life, Kay held several positions, including caring for children as a babysitter, working as a library aide, and operating her own beauty salon. While each of these roles reflected her caring nature and strong work ethic, the role she treasured most was being a mother. Her family was the center of her life, and she found her greatest joy in loving, supporting, and caring for those closest to her.

Kay faced Alzheimer's disease with strength and grace for many years. Though the disease gradually took away so much, it never diminished the love her family had for her or the lasting impact she made on their lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Zelma Bennett; her beloved grandmother, Margaretta (Poth) Garman; and her older brother, Robert Bennett.

She is survived by her devoted husband of more than six decades, Marvin; her daughter, Melinda Artz (Forrest); her son, Eric (Barri); her cherished grandchildren, Emma and Isaac; her twin brother, Walter Ray Bennett; many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and countless dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

To those who knew her best, Kay was so much more than the roles she filled. She was fun, funny, sassy, and spunky. She was her family's biggest cheerleader and greatest fan, always encouraging, always believing, and always ready for the next adventure. Her laughter, quick wit, and joyful spirit brought smiles to those around her, and her unconditional love created a lifetime of cherished memories.

Though Alzheimer's changed many things, it never changed the love that surrounded Kay. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered with smiles, laughter, and gratitude for the remarkable woman she was. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Visitation and funeral services times will be posted in the very near future. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. 

To honor Kay’s vibrant spirit and celebrate her life, the family kindly requests that attendees wear bright and joyful colors rather than traditional black.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Wanda's memory.