Kathleen Maria (Rendle) Wright

Kathleen "Kathie" Maria Wright passed away on October 12, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 69.

Kathie was born on September 4, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi, to parents Harry and Leslie Rendle. Shortly after her birth, the family moved back to the Pacific Northwest, living first in Pullman, Washington, and later in Spokane. Growing up, Kathie was a competitive swimmer and talented badminton player. She especially cherished family vacations at Priest Lake, Idaho - a place that always held a special place in her heart.

After graduating from Central Valley High School, Kathie attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she met and later married Joe Dobelbower. Through this union, they were blessed with two children, Jacob and Jade.

Throughout her life, Kathie was known for her unwavering love and dedication to her family and friends. To have known her was to be loved by her. She had the rare gift of making everyone she met feel seen, loved, and cared for. She always put others before herself and never hesitated to give her time, her energy, or her heart to anyone who needed it.
Kathie was a devoted public servant who dedicated 35 years to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, where she made a lasting impact on her colleagues and the communities she served. After retiring in 2016, she continued to share her strong work ethic and caring spirit by working part-time with her son Jacob at Tactical Pest Solutions.
Kathie's children were her world. She worked tirelessly to ensure they never went without, attending every event and milestone - always present, always supportive, and never complaining. Her favorite moments were shopping trips with Jade or sneaking away from work to have lunch with Jacob.

Kathie was blessed with six beautiful grandchildren. As a grandmother - or "NaNa," as they lovingly called her - she was the center of their world. She was endlessly proud of them and loved celebrating every accomplishment, big or small. She rarely missed an event or activity and found her greatest joy in simply being part of their lives. Her grandchildren were her favorite people, and she was most certainly theirs.

In 1996, Kathie married Tom Wright, whom she met while working at DHS. She always looked forward to the beautiful flowers Tom would have delivered on her birthday and anniversary. Through their marriage, she gained a beloved bonus son, Will.

Kathie will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her. Her kindness, strength, and selflessness will continue to live on through her family and countless lives she touched.
Kathie is survived by her husband Tom Wright; her son Jacob Dobelbower and wife Tricia; her daughter Jade Slayden; stepson William Wright and wife Amanda; grandchildren Addison Slayden, Aria Slayden, Julia Dobelbower, Brooklyn Wright, Tony "Tre" Slayden and Lucas Wright; brother Steven Rendle and wife Julie; sister Sandra Rendle and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kathie is preceded in death by her mother and father, Harry and Leslie Rendle.

Her memory will forever remain a light in the lives of all who loved her - a reminder of the power of kindness, the beauty of selfless love, and the strength of a mother's heart.
 

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