Arlene Marie (Wehmeier) VanWagner

Arlene Marie (Wehmeier) VanWagner, 77, of Adams, OK, passed away Friday, January 6, 2017, at Southwest Medical Center, Liberal, KS. She was surrounded by her loved ones who though reluctant to let her go, know she is pain-free and at peace.

Arlene, the second of three children, was born on January 7, 1939 to June (Buxton) and Clarence Henry Wehmeier on their homestead east of Adams, OK, in an area known as the Dombey Community. She was born during a blizzard, and it was a week before her parents could get her to a doctor to be checked over. Sandwiched between two boys, she developed a sense of humor and her laughter, a combination giggle and belly laugh, endeared her to everyone she met. Arlene’s laugh brightened a room, and since she laughed often, brought joy wherever she went.

Arlene was introduced to the love of her life at the local gas station in Adams. After a whirlwind courtship of one month, Arlene and James VanWagner were united in marriage on May 15, 1965 at the Baptist Church in Perryton, TX. They had three daughters, Kimberly, Pamela, and Crystal.

She attended business college in Denver, CO for a year before returning to the Adams area. She was a member of Union Center Methodist Church. She loved crocheting, embroidering, reading, putting puzzles together and chasing after her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Leon Berkey Wehmeier, sister-in-law Yvonne (Eaton) Wehmeier, stepson Steve O’Neil Van Wagner, and 2 nieces Wynette Sue Malone and Wynonna Gail Wehmeier.

Survivors include her husband Jim of the home, three daughters: Kimberly and Brent Ukens of Hooker, Pamela and Dolan Sledge of Guymon, and Crystal and Will Mays of Hardesty, her brother Douglas and Teresa Wehmeier of Hooker, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 22, 2017 at the Mennonite Church in Adams at 2:00 pm. Those who wish to celebrate Arlene’s life are welcome to attend and share their stories and memories with family and friends.

Private burial will be held at the Union Center Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements directed by Roberts Brothers Funeral Home in Hooker, Oklahoma.

Donations may be made to the society or organization of choice in memory of Arlene VanWagner and may be left at Roberts Brothers Funeral Home, Box 745, Hooker, Oklahoma 73945.

Condolences may be left at www.robertsbrothersfuneralhome.com