Martha Ann McAlvain was born September 1, 1915, in Claremore, Oklahoma, to George William and Ada Belle (Horner) Henshall. She died Monday, February 3, 2014, in Oologah, Oklahoma, at the age of 98 years. Martha was a lifelong Oologah area resident and was very proud of her five generation lineage. She was married December 6, 1933, in Claremore, Oklahoma, to Joseph Ralph McAlvain. She had worked several jobs, but being a homemaker and caring for her family was primary in her life. She had also worked as a Rosie the Riveter during World War II. Martha was a strong in her faith and was a member of Liberty Free Will Baptist Church in Oologah. She enjoyed a variety of pastimes including quilting, especially with her friends at the church. She also enjoyed traveling and going on bus tours. In addition to these interests, she held the title of farmer, helping her husband Ralph with their cattle. One of her fondest pastimes was cooking for family and having family gatherings.
Loving family members include:
Two daughters and sons-in-law;
Doris and Jim Shepherd, of Oologah
Ada and Ted Vancuren, of Owasso, OK
Five grandchildren;
Dr. Larry Shepherd and his wife Rhonda, of Tulsa
Cindy Drain and her husband Mike, of Haskell, OK
Diana McCown and her husband Jeff, of Edmond, OK
Angie Harbaugh and her husband Zach, of Owasso
Mark Vancuren and his wife Sheila, of Owasso
15 great grandchildren;
Jordan, James, William, and Hanna Shepherd
Mason Watts
Megan Bailey
Adam Drain
Brooke and Brandy McCown
Adan, Zane, and Anson Harbaugh
Riley, Jaxson, and Avery Vancuren
Two great great grandchildren; Mackenzie and Brock Bailey
Sister; Yvonne Baker, of Tulsa
And a host of nieces, nephew, and other relativesShe was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph, two sisters, Ollie Hartman and Mary Jones, and a brother, Buster Henshall.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2014, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral services will be held 11:00 Monday, February 10, 2014, at the Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso. Committal services and interment will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville, Oklahoma. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
