Joana June Fidler's Obituary
Joana June Fidler (née Downs) passed away peacefully in her home in Broken Arrow, OK, on Tuesday, March 24, 2025. She was 94.
Joana is survived by her sister Sally and husband Allen Cook, son Alan and wife Dianne, son Philip and wife Laura, son Jerry and wife Kelly, 12 grandchildren, and an incredible 25 great-grandchildren. Joana is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, Miles Fidler, and parents Willard “Red” Downs and Margaree Downs.
A lifelong Tulsan, Joana was born at St. John’s Hospital on July 26, 1930. She later graduated from Central High School and pursued a Religious Studies degree at Tulsa University. It was in a TU religion class that she confidently evangelized her classmate, Miles, who would go on to become her husband of 72 years until his death in 2023. The couple married on December 23, 1950, at First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa and went on to have their three sons: Alan, Philip, and Jerry.
Beyond being a devoted wife and mother, Joana had a heart for ministry. She worked as the church secretary at First Presbyterian for many years before later joining the staff at Kirk of the Hills as the Evangelism Caller, a role she faithfully served in for 20 years. Many of those Joana called upon were new to Tulsa and didn’t know a soul; to this day, her family members are still recognized in public by people who remember Joana as their “first friend in town.” As long as their health allowed, Joana and Miles also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, committed to serving their community with kindness and care.
Joana had a creative spirit and a passion for the arts. She taught tole painting for 18 years and filled her home with her own beautiful works. She was also an avid card player and an unassuming shark at the bridge table.
After retirement, Joana and Miles enjoyed traveling the world, visiting places from Istanbul to Hawaii and nearly everywhere in between. However, their favorite trips were always to see family across the U.S., where Joana shared her love of card games, favorite recipes, and even proved to be a formidable opponent in the occasional arm wrestling match.
Joana was strong, patient, fun, and deeply caring, providing peace and friendship for the many people she met during her long life. Her compassion and grace for others was unmatched and made our world a kinder place. Though she will be dearly missed, her legacy of love and service will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Kirk of the Hills, 4102 E 61st St, Tulsa, OK. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Meals on Wheels or the Missions Ministry at Kirk of the Hills.
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