Gladys Merle Keel

Gladys Merle Keel, age 100, of Broken Arrow passed from this life on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at her home surrounded by her loving family members. Gladys was born on January 9, 1908 in Chandler, Oklahoma to Clark and Effie (Burris) Wilkinson. She received her education in the Chandler, Oklahoma school system. She came to the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area in 1924. Gladys and Luther A. Keel were united in marriage on March 19, 1927 in Vinita, Oklahoma. Gladys was a homemaker for most of her life. She was a member of the Sunnyside Baptist Church and a charter member of the Hidden Valley Home Demonstration Club. Her hobbies included crocheting and working puzzles. She also enjoyed being with her family. Survivors include two sons, Gary Keel and his wife, Nedra of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Tim Keel and his wife, Charlene, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; three daughters, Estel Bates of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Effie Cowles and her husband, Ernest, of Big Cabin, Oklahoma, and Carol Walkup and her husband, John, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one brother, JO Ward and his wife, Shirley, of Pensacola, Florida; one sister, Beulah Combs and her husband, Walt, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; 11 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, one daughter, three brothers, one sister, and one great granddaughter. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2008 at Sunnyside Baptist Church in Broken Arrow with Rev. Roland Whitehurst and Rev. Joe Strickland officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Wright Funeral Home in Coweta. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences to the family online at www.wrightfh.net. Pallbearers will be Brett Keel, Kelly Blackford, Mark Bates, Chris Cowles, David Veteto, and Danny Gilbert.