Woodward News
Woodward, Okla. —
Ione Calkins, 90 year old former Woodward resident, died Wednesday, September 5, 2012 in the Meadowlake Estates Nursing Home in Oklahoma City following a lengthy illness. Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2012 in the Elmwood Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Billings Funeral Home.
Ione Eunice (Green) Calkins was born on August 8, 1922 in Waynoka, Oklahoma to Martin St. Vincent and Rena Ruth (Miller) Green. She attended school in Enid and Vici, graduating from Vici High School in 1940. Ione graduated from Northwestern State College and also received her Masters Degree in Special Education from the University of Oklahoma. She was united in marriage to Lafayette Johnson in the early 1940's. To this union one son James was born. Ione taught school in Fargo from 1948-1949 and started teaching in Woodward in 1949. She taught 5th grade for many years and later she taught special education reading. Ione also served as the Assistant Principal for a period of time. She retired from teaching in 1983.
Ione was united in marriage to Floyd Calkins on June 17, 1965. They made their home in Woodward. He preceded her in death on May 4, 1995.
She was very active in the First United Methodist Church and later in the Faith United Brethren Church which became the Faith United Methodist Church in Woodward, where she held several positions. She was a member of several circles and served leadership positions in them. She was also a member of the Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association and had been recognized as a “Very Important Person” by her peers.
She is survived by one son James Johnson and wife Linda of Moore; one sister Sudie Fae Stambaugh of Guymon; three granddaughters, Candy Reynolds and husband John of Oklahoma City, Teresa Harkrider and husband Jon of Midwest City, Angela Brito and husband John of Mustang; two step-grandchildren, Dean Fanning and his partner Lee Parker of Oklahoma City and Dina Fanning and her partner Londa Dick of Yukon; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and five sisters, Francis, Thelma, Wilma, Verda Lou, and Ruth.
Memorials may be given to the Faith United Methodist Church with the funeral home accepting the contributions.
Remembrances may be shared online at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com
