September 24, 1928 - March 22, 2023
Funeral services for Mary Lehenbauer will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home Chapel, Enid, Oklahoma with Pastor Don Burris officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Ames Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday evening, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Anderson-Burris. Mary passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Golden Oaks Nursing Center.
Mary was born September 24, 1928, to Glenn and Hettie (Ritter) Wheeler at her grandparents' farm near Ringwood. Mary spent her early years on a farm at Seiling and then later her parents moved to a farm near Ames where she attended Ames Public Schools. Mary became a member of Ames Christian Church and for many years she was an active member serving in many areas of church life. She graduated from Ames High School in 1946 and afterward moved to Enid where she worked as a telephone operator. She later met the love of her life, Merl Lehenbauer.
Mary and Merl were married on February 22, 1948, and then began their lives together on the family farm southeast of Ames. There they had a small dairy and raised wheat and beef cattle. Here they also raised their three children Virginia, Terry and Jerry.
Mary and Merl retired from farming in 1988 moving to Enid. In 2000 they continued their retirement years at Golden Oaks Village. Mary enjoyed her time continuing with her interest in sewing and crafting as well as cooking special treats for her grandchildren. She and Merl treasured time with family and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by husband, Merl, parents Glenn and Hettie Wheeler, brother Leroy Wheeler of Oologah, and brother-in-law Cal Davis of Fairview.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Virginia Lehenbauer-Ingle of Enid, son, Dr. Terry and wife Cyglenda Lehenbauer of Exeter, California, and son, Jerry and wife Ranae of Kansas City, Missouri, four grandchildren Dr. David and wife Lauren Lehenbauer of Cincinnati, Ohio, Emilee Lehenbauer and Jeremy Albritton of Aldie, Virginia, Dr. Kyle and wife Brittany Lehenbauer of Kansas City, Missouri, and Dr. Katy Lehenbauer of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and five great-grandchildren Elijah, Hannah, Joshua and Jonathan of Cincinnati, Ohio and Bradlee Lehenbauer-Albritton of Aldie, Virginia. Mary is also survived by sister Nell Davis of Fairview, sister-in-law Hazel Wheeler of Oologah and several nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Outreach Ministries or Ames Christian Church with Anderson-Burris serving as custodian.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
A United Methodist Retirement Community
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Enid's Only Faith-based, Not-For-Profit, Complete Continuous Care Community. Including Long Term Care, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living Apartments and Townhomes.
