Obituary of Wilma Evelyn

In Memory of Wilma Ladine (Davenport) Evelyn Wilma Ladine (Davenport) Evelyn was born September 7th, 1917 and went home to be with her Lord on Friday, August 24, 2012. John 11:25 "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." We celebrate the life of Wilma Ladine (Davenport) Evelyn, who went home to be with her Lord on Friday, August 24, 2012. She was born on September 7th, 1917 in Ardmore, OK. Her father worked in the oil fields and this required numerous relocations. During high school, Ladine lived with her aunt and uncle in order to complete her high school education. She graduated from Walters Oklahoma High School in 1935. Ladine attended Oklahoma A.M. (now O.S.U.) for a two year clerical course in typing and business machines. Then, she went to work for Halliburton Oil Company after completing her coursework. She lived in Duncan, OK with her grandfather during this period. Ladine met William (Bill) Evelyn while working in Duncan. They met at an Elk's club dance on Thanksgiving evening. They married on May 1st, l942. Their marriage spanned sixty-four years and they were devoted to each other. They had one son, Charles William Evelyn III. Ladine was a very friendly person and she remembered having to make friends fast because her family moved so often. She suffered a stroke more than a decade ago which severely limited her speech and confined her to a wheelchair but it did not inhibit her ability to connect with people. Much of her memory fell victim to the stroke but she continued to enjoy life each day and build relationships with those around her. She was known for her warm and friendly smile. Much of Ladine's life was spent in Oklahoma but she traveled extensively with Bill's business. They kept an apartment in Rome, Italy but their business travels took them to Spain, Nigeria, Iran, Sudan, England and other exotic locations. They spent eighteen years living abroad. Upon returning home, they built a house near Ladine's parents in Fittstown, OK, a small town near Ada. They continued to pursue business opportunities in the oil fields of Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. Ladine helped Bill conduct their oil field consulting business during these years. Ladine's stroke ended their work careers and presented them with the biggest challenge of their lives; but it also brought them to the University Village which proved to be one of the biggest blessings. Ladine loved the people here at the Village and she considered them her family. She had lived here longer than any other place in her life. Ladine's quiet strength came from her relationship with Jesus Christ. She spent her days reading God's word and listening to Bible studies on the radio. She came to Christ in her forties and that faith became the cornerstone for the rest of her life. She and Bill were active in the Gideon Bible Society and their local church where ever they lived. Her faith in God never waivered; even when life presented over whelming obstacles. Her legacy of ninety-four years would have to be her kind, encouraging, and grateful ways. She always had a welcoming smile and a, "Thank you, honey" for all of her friends and caregivers. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Prayer of Thanks Thank you, Lord, for Ladine, daughter, mother, aunt, and loving wife. A woman of faith who always tried to encourage others. She exhibited contentment despite the cross she had to bear and we know by her loving ways that she did not bear it alone. Now, that she is no longer in our midst, our memories of her are dear; especially her marvelous smile, loving eyes, and her grateful heart. A legacy cannot be written with pen and paper for it will not survive the test of time, but Ladine's legacy was written with love on the hearts of all whose lives she touched. Thank you for allowing Ladine to leave her imprint on all who knew her.