Ruth Vernell Wildman's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Ruth Vernell Wildman
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruth Vernell Wildman, born in Duncan, Oklahoma on October 3, 1935, and departed this world from Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 12, 2023. Ruth touched the lives of many with her kindness. She will be forever missed.
Ruthie’ Johnson Wildman was born on October 3, 1935 to Ruth and Vernal Johnson in Duncan, OK. She is preceded in death by her husband Lester Wildman, her mother and father Ruth and Vernal Johnson, and her brother Sam. She married Lester Wildman on June 14, 1953. Les and Ruthie moved from Altus, to Enid, where daughter Paula was born. They later moved to Oklahoma City where Nanette was born.
Paula is married to Dan Rankins. They have two daughters, Mandy Horner and Deidra Rankins of Coweta. Mandy and husband Aaron have three children: Makayla, Hannah and Scarlett. Deidra has two children: Michael and Samantha. Nanette is married to Robert McWaters and has three children: Nick Clark, Nathan Clark and Lesley Jones and her husband Cody Jones. Robert has 2 children: Ryan McWaters and Siera Choi.
Ruthie lived a life filled with love, service & dedication to her family. While raising her daughters, Ruthie devoted her life to community service and volunteer work. She volunteered many years at the non-profit Children's Day Nursery downtown Tulsa until it closed. Ruthie volunteered with the Rotary Anns holding offices including President, helped with the PTA when her daughters were in school and passed out snack packs for homeless weekly in downtown Tulsa. In her years after moving to Inverness Village, Ruthie volunteered with Village Treasures and coordinated “do tell” luncheons monthly which would spotlight someone who had a story to tell.
Ruthie was a very creative writer, following in the footsteps of her grandfather and brother. She wrote ‘On the Wilder side’ in the church monthly newsletter for close to 15 years. Ruthie & Lester fostered a Rotary Exchange student and became lifelong friends. Ruthie was quite the seamstress making costumes for Little Theatre & clothes for her daughters. Many times, she would sew all night, for her daughters to awake to a new article of clothing. Ruthie was avid reader and often enjoyed playing games
A memorial service to honor the life of Ruth will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Covenant Living at Inverness, located at: 3800 West 71st St S, Tulsa, OK 74132. All floral arrangements may be sent directly to Covenant for the memorial service as family is coordinating services.
Arrangements entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Ruth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ruth?
Share a story where Ruth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ruth you’ll never forget.
How did Ruth make you smile?

