Obituary for Robinell Oldham

Robinell Oldham

(October 7, 1935 – December 22, 2015)

Robinell Oldham of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2015, as the sun set at the age of 80 years.

Robinell Johnston was born on October 7, 1935, in Blackwell to Josh William and Mildred (John) Johnston. At a young age, she found great joy in singing and would continue to do so throughout her life. During her high school days she was a member of the First United Methodist Church Choir, a girls quartet, and a symphonic choir. She graduated from Blackwell High School in 1953. On February 12, 1954, she married Melvin Varner and they began their life in Blackwell. She attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College and graduated in 1955 with an associate’s degree. Upon graduation, she began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone. In 1959, she was blessed with the birth of her first daughter, Shelley Diane, and then again in 1968, with Melanie Robin. Following a lengthy illness, her husband preceded her in death in 1972.

Robinell’s love for the Lord and her active involvement within the church soon led her to meet Robert Oldham and they were married on December 7, 1973. This union blessed them with another daughter, Tandra Dawn. Robert preceded her in death on September 22, 2013, and she continued to make Blackwell her home.

Robinell loved being a mom, and in later years, a Grammy. Primarily, while her children were growing up, she was a homemaker. For a time, she worked outside the home for Kasl-Hutton Drug Store, Equity Group, Frocks and Fashions. Lunch-n-Munch and as a substitute teacher. She was very active and held many positions over the years in the Blackwell Music Boosters. Robinell truly enjoyed involving the community in fundraisers and being able to plan trips to New Orleans and Orlando for all the high school band and vocal students.

Left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Shelley (Varner) Strickland of Ponca City, Melanie (Oldham) Eynon and husband Rob of Tulsa, and Tandra (Oldham) Hessman and husband Frank of Derby, Kansas; a sister, Wynell Merritt of Medford; and two grandchildren, Hannah and Samuel Hessman.

She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Monday, December 28th in the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell with Rev. Cap McIlnay officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Honorary casketbearers will be Bruce Dale, Bob and Geneva Fletcher, George and Luan Keltch, Rose and John North, Alma Robison, Mary Bonewell, Betty Snow, and Janice Hicks.

The family of Robinell Oldham would like to personally thank Dr. Lamont Bloom, Dr. Seth Page, and all nurses and caregivers that were involved in her end of life journey. The compassion, excellent care and emotional support provided to both our mom and entire family is deeply appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Victory in the Valley in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.