Obituary for Lolita Chaney
Ponca City Now - April 13, 2021 5:15 pm
Lolita Mae (Tewell) Chaney
March 25, 1937 ~ April 10, 2021 (age 84)
Lolita Mae Chaney, 84, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, went to be with her Lord and Savior surrounded by her family and loved ones on Saturday, April 10th, 2021.
Lolita was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma on March 25th, 1937 to James and Leta Viola Tewell. Growing up, she loved to spend time with her two sisters, Barbara and Norma. They enjoyed playing at the park down the road from their house, attending church on Sundays, and spending time together as a family. She attended Ponca City High School. While in high school, she was a baton twirler with the Ponca City High School Marching Band. She graduated high school in 1955.
Lolita married the love of her life, Gerald Chaney, on December 6th, 1954 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. They were married for nearly 47 years. Gerald and Lolita moved around the state of Oklahoma for Gerald’s job, but eventually made their forever home in Ponca City, Oklahoma. They loved to spend quality time together playing cards, taking trips and vacations, and she enjoyed helping Gerald pull in cars for his salvage yard. Gerald and Lolita shared a love that was so special. Together they had a love and a bond that conquered all. They had two children, Danny and Lori Chaney. They loved spending time with their children, and were so proud of both of them.
Lolita began working for City Services in 1968 in the Accounting Department, and then continued her career working for Ponca City at City Hall in November of 1973. She was a dedicated employee, and served at City Hall for 41 years until her retirement in May of 2014. While working for City Hall, she held the position of Accounts Payable Clerk. She was a dedicated, hard worker, and she loved what she did. She made many lifelong friendships during her time at City Hall. She was very involved in the community’s events, and she could always be seen at local parades, high school football games, and even Goblins on Grand during the Halloween season. She was not just a City Hall employee, she was truly invested in the heart of her community.
Lolita had many hobbies that she was passionate about. She was a country music enthusiast, but especially loved old country gospel songs. Lolita was a phenomenal cook, and made sure that everyone left her house with a full stomach. She loved reading stories and novels about love, especially ones that had a happy ending. She loved taking pictures on her camera to capture the moment, and always made sure that her family had beautiful, tangible memories through her photos. Lolita loved to cross stitch, and was extremely skilled at it. Lolita was an avid bowler, and bowled in leagues at the Ponca Bowl for over 15 years. She collected angel pins to wear on the right side of her collar on her shirts, and she would never be seen without one. She also enjoyed playing computer games, but especially loved games that made her think and solve a problem. One of her favorite things to do was to keep up with her family and friends on Facebook.
Although Lolita had many hobbies and a career that she loved, her true passion was her family and loved ones. Lolita loved spending time with family in any way she could. She would always host holiday get-togethers at Christmas and Thanksgiving, and enjoyed having everyone at her house to celebrate. She attended birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and other important life events. She loved talking on the phone to her sister-in-law’s, and would spend hours catching up with them each week. Lolita was always present at family events, and was dedicated to spending time with her nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lolita was very invested in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time with her eldest grandson Damon, taking him on vacations and traveling across the country. They visited Disney World, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, the Great Salt Lakes, and many other places along the way. Damon loved spending time at his grandma and grandpa’s house, and he is so thankful for the impact they had on his life. Lolita also loved spending time with her granddaughter Cerena. Whether it was driving her to dance practice, helping her with homework, or letting Cerena stay with her afterschool, they loved spending time together, and the two shared a very special bond. She could always been seen at Cerena’s dance recitals, hi-stepping performances, track meets, choir concerts, pageants, and her college dance concerts. Lolita also loved spending time with her youngest grandson Dylan, and always supported him in all of his endeavors. She never missed a soccer game, boy scout pinewood derby car race, or FFA banquet. The two of them took many long drives back and forth to Branson, Missouri together, and they formed a very special friendship along the way.
Lolita was kind, caring, genuine, and above all, selfless. She was extremely thoughtful, and considerate of everyone. She could always be seen doing something for someone else, and never putting herself first. Lolita truly had the heart of a servant. She loved Jesus with her whole heart, and taught her children and grandchildren to do the same. She loved others without bounds, and would never hesitate to help someone in need. She was so invested in her family, and took pride in each of their accomplishments and efforts. Lolita was always there. She went far above and beyond for the ones she loved. She made sure those around her felt loved, special, and important at all times. Lolita was a constant source of encouragement, joy, and unwavering love. Her house was a home to all who walked in the door, and she never met someone who was not her friend. Anyone who knew her was much better for it. Lolita was one of a kind, and she will live on in the hearts of her loved ones forever.
Lolita is survived by her sister Norma Brown, and sister-in-law’s, Linda O’Malley, Marsha Townley, Judy Watson, Kathleen Chaney, Earnestine Chaney, and her brother-in-law, Terry Chaney. She is survived by her two children Danny (Candy) Chaney, and Lori Chaney. She is survived by her three grandchildren Damon (Ashley) Chaney, Cerena Chaney, and Dylan Chaney. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lolita is preceded in death by her husband Gerald Chaney, her father James Tewell, her mother Leta Viola Tewell, and her sister Barbara Chaney.
A Memorial Service will be held at Osage Heights Baptist Church at 142 Tapp Rd. on Friday, April 16th at 2:00 PM. A Graveside Service will be held at Resthaven Sunset-Memorial Park at 1901 E. Hubbard Rd. on Saturday, April 17th at 2:00 PM. In the words of Lolita, “I love you all bunches”.