July 17, 1930 - February 10, 2022
Emily was born July 17th, 1930, in Oklahoma City to Elmer and Elizabeth Nienhaus. She passed peacefully on February 10th with loving family by her side. Emily graduated from Classen High School and Oklahoma A&M (OSU/State), where she was an active member of Kappa Delta sorority.
Emily was highly active in her community. She was a member of Republican Women of Garfield County, Junior Welfare League, Catholics Women’s study club, YWCA and so much more. Emily was always a leader in these organizations, guiding and mentoring, making sure everyone was included, and helping the group accomplish meaningful goals. Not a day went by where she didn’t share a graceful presence, welcoming smile, and unique perspective to her peers, family and friends.
Emily is survived by husband William (Bill) Waken celebrating a beautiful marriage of 66 years; Brother Davy Nienhaus; Children Steve and Carolyn Waken of Dallas, Brad Waken and Kari Higgins of Enid; As the family she built grew, she became MeMe to many grandchildren; Elizabeth Waken of Enid, Alexandra and Zachary LeGrant of Edmond, Carlene Waken of Washington, D.C., John Waken and Amanda Cardinal of Dallas, Samuel Waken and Anna Grace Waken of Oklahoma City, Kira Higgins of Enid. Great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Carter LeGrant of Edmond; and countless nieces, nephews and friends. Emily is preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Elizabeth Nienhaus and her son Keith Waken.
Mass of Christian Burial for Emily Waken will be Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 2:00 pm in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 110 N. Madison St., Enid with Reverend Mark Mason celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Recitation of the Rosary will be Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm in Anderson-Burris Funeral Home Chapel with visitation with the family following. Memorials may be made through Anderson-Burris to OMRF-Alzheimer’s Division), Cimarron Council Boy Scout of America or YWCA.
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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