Mary Ruth Widener died Friday, June 22, 2012, in her residence at the age of 85 years.
She was a member of the First Christian Church since late 1941. Mary’s father was John Randolph Shanks, born in Texas, and her mother was Glenna Mae Fry, born in Cushing area. Mary was born February 26, 1927 near the old Illinois Refinery in the Hillside School district. Her father was in the oil business, but they divorced. He left the general area and later married having a daughter, Betty. Her mother, Glenna, married John W. Evans, who was a pipeline welder, causing them to move a great deal. Mary went to many schools during the grade school. She stayed with mother’s family during her high school years. She used her step-father’s name Evans thru school, until graduation when she had it corrected to Shanks. Mary met her future husband thru her Aunt Dorothy Fry Rhodes whose husband, Ralph Rhodes was the half brother of Johnny Widener, they met in 1944, after WWII were married in September 11, 1946. He had re-enlisted so they spent the next 16 years in military; Sheppard AF, TX, their daughter Sheryl Lee was born in 1951; Kindley AF, Bermuda, their son Lance was born in 1953, and Johnny retired at Westover AF Mass. In 1962 from the Air Force after 21 years of active duty.
They returned to Cushing and Johnny spent 21 years at the Police Department, she worked for Dr. Humphrey for 7 years until ill health caused her to retire, did some dress making and alterations for 10 years. Then they retired again. She had been involved with the VFW Auxiliary, First Christian Church Women’s activities and time working with Cushing Genealogical Society.
She had a good life, her mother’s family had a great hand in her growing up. She had a wonderful daughter Sheryl, who is always so thoughtful, her husband Ron Pack is our other son, and our son Lance is always very concerned for his parents. Her husband was the love of her life through the many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Terry Ralph Widener; grandparents, Lillian & N.C. Fry; aunts, Verna Fry Brookshire and Dorothy Fry Rhodes Owens and others.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 2 P.M. in the Memorial Chapel of the Davis Funeral Home with Reverend Larry Haney officiating.
Burial will follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery.
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