Gwendolyn Almy

Gwendolyn M. Almy the daughter of Floyd and Mabel (Overstreet) Ward was born November 3, 1920 in Porum, Oklahoma. As a young girl Gwen moved with her family to the Keystone Area. She attended the Rigsby School and later finished her education at Keystone. Soon after she completed her education, Gwen was united in marriage to Fredrick Joseph Almy on December 10, 1936 in Keystone where they made their initial home. Gwen and Fred raised their three children Marilyn, Marijo and Peggy in Keystone where she has resided her entire life. In 1955, Gwen accepted a position with Kerr Glass Manufacturing in Sand Springs and continued to work there until her retirement in 1982 after 26 years.

Gwen was very active in the Home Demonstration Club which later became the Keystone Friendship Club since the beginning of the organization. While a member Mrs. Almy was an officer and was very active on many committees. Gwen loved to do many things some of them include crocheting, hand working, ceramics, cooking, sewing and working in her yard. She loved to plant and maintain her garden as well as canning the fruits of her labor. Gwen often talked about her travels to eight different countries in Europe as well as Alaska and Hawaii. However Mrs. Almy often expressed how she really did enjoy the time spent in Alaska. It was ritual for the family to be at Gwens home for holidays including Thanksgiving. She loved to prepare food and desserts for her family that she loved dearly. Many people have spoken about Mrs. Almys generous and giving attitude.

Gwen was one of the leaders in the restoration and clean up of the Sinnett Cemetery. She has been a key member of the cemetery committee; ensuring families in the future that their loved ones has a respectful and dignified place for burial.

Gwendolyn Almy went to be with her Lord and Saviour at the age of 87 years at her home on Sunday, January 20, 2008. In addition to her parents Gwen was preceded in death by her husband Fred Almy on May 7, 1978 and a grandson Brad Dawson.

Gwendolyn is survived by Marilyn Coker and her husband John of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Peggy Arnold and her husband Bob of Cleveland, Oklahoma; Marijo Dawson and her husband J.E. of Mountainburg, Arkansas; five grandchildren Brent Coker of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Greg Dawson of Van Buren, Arkansas, Kelly Keener of Alma, Arkansas, Page Jones of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Stephanie McCrosky of Augusta, Georgia; fourteen great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, two special nieces Wilma Chronic and Shirley Braden as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Thursday, January 24, 2008 at the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Greg Dawson officiating. Chapman Black Funeral Home, Inc. of Cleveland will be handling the arrangements.