Obituary for Emily Leterle

Emily Leterle

(August 1, 1927 – April 8, 2016)

Emily Jane (Sheldon) Leterle was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on August 1st, 1927, to Bliss P. Sheldon Sr. and Nina (Wade) Sheldon. Her family moved to Ponca City in 1932. Emily attended Ponca City schools and later attended St. Mary’s Catholic school. While attending St. Mary’s, she was a contributing member of the school music program playing her accordion at programs and solo recitals.

Following graduation in 1945, Emily worked at Conoco until meeting Jene F. Leterle, a returning World War II veteran. They were married April 10th, 1947, at St. Mary’s church in Ponca City.

The happy couple moved to Indiana where husband Jene attended Purdue University while Emily worked for the local newspaper. Jene graduated from Purdue with a degree in metallurgical engineering and the couple returned to Ponca City. Here Emily worked for the Ponca City News and her husband worked for Conoco until his retirement.

They became proud parents of two children, Joe Leterle and later Kathryn Leterle. Emily enjoyed raising her children and assisting daughter Kathryn with Blue Bird activities and son Joe with Boy Scouts. Emily volunteered at the Opportunity Center and served as a pink lady at the Ponca City Hospital. She was a member of St. Francis guild and the Rosary group at St. Mary’s. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends.

Emily is survived by her son: Joe Leterle of Marietta, GA; daughter: Kathryn (Leterle) Alward formerly of CA now living in Ponca City; grandchildren: Grant Alward, Reed Alward of CA, Christina and Jessica Leterle of GA; great-grandchild: Serenity Alward; brother: B.P. (Nick) Sheldon Jr. and wife Sonia of Ponca City.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Jene, her parents Bliss P. Sr. and Nina Sheldon, and grandson Scott Alward.

Emily was the family matriarch for many years and the family affectionately referred to her as Auntie Em.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma 445 Fairview, Ponca City, OK.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City, OK on Tuesday, April 12 at 10:00 am. A rosary service will be at Trout Funeral Home Chapel on Monday evening at 6:30 pm.

Source: Trout Funeral Home