Marva Outhier

Marva Nell Outhier, lovingly known as “Nell", was born March 27, 1931 at Lexington, Oklahoma. She was the tenth of eleven children of John Willis Ward and Mary Amelia “Mollie” (Kirkland) Ward. She grew up at Corbett, Oklahoma and attended Valley Grove Elementary and graduated from Lexington High School in 1949. After graduation, she worked at Mid-Continental Insurance while attending Business College. Nell met the love of her life, Tom Outhier, and they were married October 1, 1950. From that day on she wanted to be known as Mrs. Thomas L. Outhier and would correct anyone who didn’t address her that way! Tom and Nell established their first home on the farm at Homestead. They both worked for United State Gypsum; Tom in the lab and Nell as bookkeeper. In 1954, Nell left USG to begin her life as a full time mother to their first child, Thomas L. Outhier, Jr. (Chip). Korlis (Ko-Ko) was born in 1955 and Melissa (Punky) in 1957. Nell cherished her family and loved being involved with her church and community.

She was a devout Christian and loved her Lord. She was kind and welcoming to all the ministers and newcomers who came to Okeene. Nell served in all aspects of the church, teaching Sunday School and Bible School classes, church secretary and Sunday School superintendent, various committees, and provided children with transportation to Sunday School and church. The joy of Nell’s life was attending her grandchildren’s academic and extracurricular activities. Throughout Nell’s life she worked as a bookkeeper for Tom’s Texaco, Lawrence Gorman Insurance, Diamondback Campers, North Blaine Water, Dr. and Haworth’s Veterinary Clinic. In her spare time she was a Blaine County Child Advocate, house to house census taker, and Grand Matron of Eastern Star. Nell loved doing genealogy research and compiled massive family history books for the Outhiers, Wards, and Kirklands. Nell was a woman of words and a lifelong learner, using a new word every day and reading several books a week. Nell became a real estate appraiser, and took French classes. Next to her Lord and family she loved the farm. Nell enjoyed watching the crops grow and the baby calves being born.

Nell is survived by her children, Chip and Annette Outhier of Okeene, Ko-Ko and Randal Kirkhart of Waukomis, Punky and John Boeckman of Enid; grandchildren, Jeff and Mary Kirkhart, JoRanae and Robbie Newberg, Thomas A. (Trey) Kirkhart, Alissa and Michael League, Thad and Jennifer Outhier,  Tiffanie and Matt Anderson, Rachel Outhier, Lauren and Brian Armstrong, Jill Boeckman and Ashley Loncarich; great grandchildren, Megan Carson, Ali Kirkhart, Celeste Kirkhart, Robert Newberg, Shelby Kirkhart, Thomas A. (Trey) Kirkhart II, Logan Braziel, McKinley Outhier, Jaxon Anderson, Connor Braziel, Kale League, Aiden Braziel, Kyser Anderson, Nathaniel Outhier, Auggie Armstrong, and Nell Armstrong.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Tom Outhier; her parents, John and Mollie Ward; siblings, Eual Ward, Janice Giles, Pauline May, Oleta Wynn, Colonel Troy A. Ward Ret., Martha Jane Williams, Wynema Jackson-Outhier, Fred Ward, Lurlene Outhier, Sgt. Major Curtis Gene Ward, Ret.; Tom Outhier’s siblings, Ray Outhier Jr., Louiese Reames, Maebelle Pollman, and Jean Outhier.

The Celebration of life services for Nell Outhier will be Friday, April 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Okeene. Burial will follow in Homestead Cemetery with arrangements by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Okeene. Viewing will be Thursday 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.  The service will be live-streamed on Okeene United Methodist Church Facebook page.

Memorials may be given to Okeene Library, Food Pantry at the Okeene United Methodist Church, Homestead Cemetery or Okeene United Methodist Church through the funeral home.