Obituary for Wanda Council

Wanda Joyce Council

October 25, 1923 – March 14, 2018

Wanda Joyce Council, longtime Ponca City resident, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2018 at her home in Ponca City. Wanda was the youngest of ten children, five girls and five boys. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Eugene and by her son Steven Eugene, as well as by both of her parents and all of her siblings.

The daughter of Clarence and Melinda McKinley, Wanda was born October 25, 1923 in Kinta, OK. She received her childhood education there, and attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, as well as the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University.

On November 8, 1942, Wanda and Bill Council were married in the First Methodist Church of Kinta and were blessed by a lifetime of happiness in fifty-two years of marriage, establishing their first home in Tulsa. Bill’s career in the US Navy began in Norman, with subsequent assignments in Chicago, IL and Coronado, CA. Throughout their tenure at both Chicago and Coronado, Wanda welcomed Civil Service employment with the Navy and the experiences that they shared moving from base to base. After Bill’s service in the Navy, they returned to Oklahoma City. While there, Wanda was employed by the Oklahoma City Public School System at the Board of Education Office and later as a classroom elementary school teacher.

Wanda and Bill moved to Ponca City from Oklahoma City in 1950, beginning Bill’s long career with Conoco. In 1957, the family was transferred by Conoco to the Kansas City area, then returned to Ponca City in 1960, where they participated in many decades of church involvement and service in the First United Methodist Church of Ponca City. Wanda and Bill especially treasured their time with family and friends. They loved water skiing with their family, as well as playing golf and traveling. Wanda particularly enjoyed her membership in the Ladies’ Golf Association at the Ponca City Country Club.

As a member of the Ponca City community, Wanda served in the Ponca City School System for ten years as a substitute teacher. She also participated in several organizations and enjoyed carrying out acts of Christian service throughout all segments of her life and interaction with others. Some areas of Wanda’s involvement with the community of Ponca City included being an active member of the United Methodist Women, of Chapter EL of P.E.O., and of the Contemporary Women’s Unit of the Ponca City Garden Club. Playing bridge with friends was always a great pleasure to her, as well.

In addition to being blessed by their many years of marriage, Wanda and Bill also cherished a close relationship with each of their three children. Surviving family members of Wanda include her son William Michael (Bill) and his wife, Elizabeth, of Oceanside, CA.; and, Joyce Elaine Council McCalip and her husband, Rick, of Katy, TX. Wanda is also survived by six grandchildren: Alison Council (Oceanside, CA.); Bryce Council (Sacramento, CA); Caren Council Kreusch and her husband, Jay (Dallas, TX); Stephanie Council (South Hadley, MA); Bradley Council and his wife, Lindsey (Plano, TX); and, Brandon McCalip and his wife, Kristin (Missouri City, TX). Also surviving Wanda are seven great-grandchildren: Jack, Peter, Mark (MAK), and Gracie Kreusch, all of Dallas, TX; Claire and Kyle McCalip of Missouri City, TX; and Jocelyn Council of Plano, TX.

Visitation time with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, at Trout Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service honoring Mrs. Council has been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday March 16, in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Ponca City with the Reverend Mike Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City, with Trout Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Included among the pallbearers are Dick Jacobson and Bill Schickram, as well as Wanda’s three grandsons, Bryce, Brandon and Bradley. The Good Samaritan Sunday School Class of First United Methodist Church serves as honorary pallbearers.

Memorial funds have been established with First United Methodist Church, 200 S. 6th St., Ponca City, OK 74601 and Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave., Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home