Beverly Jo Harding

Beverly Jo Harding, 84, of Wann, OK, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday morning in Bartlesville. Beverly was born the daughter of Leo C. “Pappy” and Paulina Victoria (Thompson) Deaton, on May 25, 1930, in Hominy, OK. Her father worked for the railroad and the family traveled from Oklahoma to Colorado and back again, settling in Wann where Beverly had first met Gene Harding. Gene and Beverly were united in marriage on April 22, 1946. They made their home in Wann and they enjoyed 68 years together and were especially close in their twilight years. During the early years of their marriage, Beverly worked at Continental Can in Coffeyville, KS, contributing to the war effort during WWII and was sometimes referred to by the family as “Rosie the Riveter.” She and Gene also owned and operated Harding Grocery in Wann for several years. In 1966, they built their home on Wann’s Main Street where they finished raising their three children and they have lived in that home ever since. Beverly was active in the lives of her children and grandchildren and in her hometown. She served her community as a city councilwoman and was mayor from 1993-1997. Her passions in life were the Lord and her family. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and she loved her St. Louis Cardinals. She also had an ornery sense of humor and loved to scare people. She had a compassionate, loving heart and everyone loved to either stop to sit on her front porch and visit, or honk and wave as they drove by. She considered everyone her friend and oftentimes trips to Wal-Mart turned into “family” reunions. She is survived by her husband Gene of the home; two children Bill Harding of Wann, and Dena Longpine of Fort Gibson, OK; one brother John (Sonny) Deaton and wife Carol of Wann; one sister Donna Reese and husband Gary of Dewey, OK; and forever brother-in-law and sister-in-law Sam Renfro of Ralston, OK, and Marge Barcus of Bartlesville; three grandchildren Matt Harrington and wife Ginarie of Broken Arrow, OK; Leah Longpine and fiancé Cory Baker, and Kelsie Longpine, all of Fort Gibson; two great grandchildren Noah Harrington and Emma Harrington of Broken Arrow; and granddaughter of the heart Tricia Phillips. She is preceded in death by her parents, beloved daughter Sharon Harrington, brother Fred Deaton, and sister Shirley Renfro. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beverly’s home church, Ridin’ for the Brand Cowboy Church, PO Box 147, Wann, OK 74083. Beverly’s family will receive friends at the Davis Family Funeral Home, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey, on Tues., 6-8 pm Visitation begins Mon. 12-8 pm through Tues. 9 am -8 pm. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 25, 2015, at Wann Community Center with Pastor Jimmy Harrington of Ridin’ for the Brand Cowboy Church officiating. Interment will be at Wann Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with Beverly’s family at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Beverly Jo Harding

May 25, 1930 - February 21, 2015