Oleta Helen Cloke's Obituary
Oleta “Helen” Cloke passed away on February 5, 2017 at Heritage Health Care in Chanute, KS. Oleta was the daughter of George and Audry (Johnson) Gardner and was born on a farm southwest of Erie, KS on May 24, 1919.
Helen attended school in Erie for a few years before her family moved to Chanute. She graduated from high school in Chanute and from Neosho County Community College with an associates degree. After school, she worked at Ash Grove Cement Company before getting married and beginning her travels as a military officer’s wife. During her travels, Helen often taught high school girls, Sunday school, and was a Red Cross Gray Lady. Upon her return to Chanute, Helen became a partner in an oil and insurance corporation. She retired from Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center where she worked in the business office. Helen was a member of First United Methodist Church in Chanute.
Helen was active in many community activities, played bridge with various groups, and was an avid golfer. She often volunteered at Royster Middle School as a mentor and taught reading. Helen was a board member of Neosho-Allen County Mental Health Services and was a special guardian to many who were mentally-challenged.
Helen enjoyed reading books in her leisure time. She loved to listen and shared her wisdom among many. Helen had a habit of always being happy and cheerful, often wearing a smile. She inspired many with courage and a can-do attitude. Her love for grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren was a highlight of her personality. Many of her friends have passed on ahead of her, yet we are all celebrating her passion for life.
Helen is survived by:
Sons:
Thomas Cloke of Chanute, KS
David (Dana) Cloke of Pittsburg, KS
Sister:
Wanda Coats of Sun City, AZ
9 Grandchildren
17 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Grandchild
Several Nieces and Nephews
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; son, Richard Cloke; and brother, George Gardner.
Cremation has been requested.
Inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute, KS at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2017 followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Chanute, KS. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to Castaways Animal Shelter or First United Methodist Church and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
What’s your fondest memory of Oleta?
What’s a lesson you learned from Oleta?
Share a story where Oleta's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Oleta you’ll never forget.
How did Oleta make you smile?
