Mary Louise Wallbank's Obituary
Mary Louise Elliott Wallbank slipped quietly from this life on Wednesday, May 16, after a brief illness. Mary was born in Davenport, Oklahoma on January 19, 1945 to Burke and Christene (Judd) Forbis. She was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma by Marie and O.C. Elliott after the untimely passing of her mother while she was still an infant. Mary graduated from Tulsa Edison High School in 1963 and attended the University of Tulsa. Mary worked for several oil companies for many years and went to work for American Airlines in 1979. She was a dedicated employee and attained Employee of the Month twice during her time at AA. She retired from Sabre/EDS as a project analyst in 2002 and greatly enjoyed her retirement. Mary was an active patron of the arts and enjoyed attending Tulsa Performing Arts productions, going to orchestral events, Jazz in June, and visiting museums locally and during her travels. She gave often to several charities, including the Tulsa Boys Home and to Macular Degeneration Research for her daughter. She was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed reading science fiction. Her love of science fiction led her to help create Starbase Tulsa, an active science fiction club in which she served in the offices of Purser and eventually Captain for many years. Starbase Tulsa hosted an annual science fiction convention in Tulsa beginning in 1977 and lasting through 1992, the purpose of which was to share the enjoyment of science fiction and to raise money for many charities including The Tulsa Rec Center for the Physically Limited, the American Diabetes Foundation, The Arthritis Foundation, The American Cancer Society and The Brass Ring Society. Mary was an active crafter and enjoyed making gifts for her family and friends. She was imaginative and talented in her endeavors. She was a member of the Bunco Babes and loved to host their annual Christmas get-together. Mary was a fierce and loyal friend who deeply cared about those closest to her. She was adventurous and well-travelled and enjoyed spontaneous excursions and well-planned trips abroad. She witnessed several NASA Shuttle launches first hand and recently went to Alaska on a trip she thoroughly enjoyed. Mary was an intelligent, vibrant and loving woman with an excellent sense of humor and a deep love for family and friends. Mary was preceded in death by both her natural and adoptive parents and her adoptive siblings. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 32 years, Tom Wallbank of Tulsa; her daughter and son-in-law , Christene Mace and Vernon Walker of Lexington, Oklahoma ; honorary son Scott Lawrence. Sister Georgia Ann Burger of Amarillo, TX as well as many friends around the world. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
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