Funeral services for Nikki Marie Newkirk, 95, of Enid, is 10:00 am, Monday, January 20, 2020 in the Mausoleum Chapel in Memorial Park Cemetery with Pastor Jody Schmidt to officiate. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
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Nikki was born August 15, 1924 in Aline, OK to Forrest A. and Effie (Wallace) Rader, the eldest of four children. She passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020 in Enid.
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Nikki graduated from Enid High School and then went to work for Southwestern Bell. She married D.T. Gardner in 1945 and they had one daughter, Cheryl Anita (Terrye) in February 1946. They were divorced later that year, and Nikki returned to work at the phone company. In April of 1950, Nikki married Marvin R. Newkirk, who also legally adopted Terrye, and the family moved to Oklahoma City, where he worked for the trucking company, Lee Way, and she did bookkeeping work for Cullimore Furniture and the United Methodist Indian Mission. Nikki and Marvin bought property on the newly made Lake Eufaula in the mid 60’s, and many friends and family followed suit, forming a wonderful community where they retired full-time in 1983 and remained until 2001 when they moved to Muskogee.
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An amazingly strong and joyful woman, Nikki was a delight to family, friends, and complete strangers. She loved tomato beers, dancing, and playing bridge. Nikki couldn’t repeat a joke to save her life, which often only resulted in making it twice as hilarious.
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Nikki is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, her daughter, Terrye, and her brother, Wallace Rader. She is survived by her grandson, Jubal Lee Young, of Nashville, TN; her great-granddaughter, Sophie Claire Young, of Nashville, TN; two sisters, Bonnie Booth of Eufaula, OK and Ruby McNutt, of Enid; niece Kelly Craig, of Enid; four nephews, Mike Andrews, of Oklahoma City; Forrest Rader, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Roger Dewey of Enid; and Richard Dewey, of Enid.
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Memorial’s in Nikki’s name may be made to Hospice Circle of Love with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.
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Nikki was a true character and a family treasure.
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“I have loved and I have been loved. I have been happy and I have been unhappy. That’s life.” Nikki Marie Newkirk.
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Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
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Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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Tours: 301 S. Oakwood | (580) 237-6164
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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.
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