Oweda Darlene (Wilkerson) Lonberger of Milltown, IN, died July 15, 2016 at the age of 89. Her spirit was released from her frail body and went to join her Lord. Oweda was born on December 4, 1926 in Lewis, KS. She was the daughter of Frank and Lavida (Weese) Wilkerson.
As a child, Oweda lived through the Dust Bowl remembering the red dust blowing in from Oklahoma. She was valedictorian of her senior class at Lewis High School. She enjoyed playing the clarinet in the school band and also played a mean game of table tennis, winning the championship her senior year. Following graduation, Oweda obtained employment with Boeing in Wichita, KS. She worked on the aircraft assembly line and was later promoted to office staff. When World War II ended she and Lloyd Lonberger were married in April 1946. Lloyd's work in the poultry industry allowed their family the opportunity to travel and live though out much of the United States. Their last move was to Bentonville, Arkansas in 1975 and they lived there until Lloyd's death in 2001. Later in 2001 Oweda moved to Milltown, IN in order to be near her daughter and other family. She was a member of New Salisbury Full Gospel Church until her health began to fail.
Oweda was a homemaker for most of her life, a career she truly enjoyed. Being a wife and mother was what she most wanted to be. She was an accomplished seamstress, cook, gardener and decorator. When her husband became disabled in later years she entered the business world as a Mutual of Omaha sales rep. Although she was quite successful in this venture, she was glad when she was able to give it up and get back to what she truly enjoyed…being a homemaker. A warm and gentle woman with a cheerful outlook and loving ways, she was beloved by family and friends. She had a quick sense of humor and a delightful laugh always at the ready. Oweda is loved always by her family and friends, and her presence in their lives will be missed from this day forward.
Oweda was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd G. Lonberger, parents Frank and Lavida Wilkerson, in-laws Grover and Sarah Lonberger, brothers Duane Wilkerson and Dean Wilkerson, grandchild Shane Lonberger and special friend Paul Thomas. Surviving Oweda are her children Diana (Bill) Turney, Bonita (Jim) Brashear, Brian (Kelly) Lonberger, Susan (Ron) Graves, grandchildren Rick, Chad, Shawn, Chris, Sherry, Patrick, Crystal, Angela, Tony, Ashley, Debbie, Tammy, Brandi, Taylor, Erika, Stevi, Kamdin, Kendal, Zoey, and many great-grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 19. 2016 from 12:00 until Funeral Service at 4:00 pm at Dillman-Green Funeral Home in Marengo, IN. Officiating will be Rollie Collins of New Salisbury Full Gospel Church.