Retta Jo Evanson

Retta Jo (Vanfleet) Evanson was born in Buffalo, Oklahoma on February 17, 1939 to Ervin and Hazel Vanfleet. Retta attended Laverne Schools and graduated from Laverne High School with the Class of 1957. A short time later Retta and Wayne Evanson were united in marriage on August 29, 1959, at Laverne, Oklahoma. Later they moved to Enid, Oklahoma in 1969 where they were members of the of the Elk Lodge and attended the Methodist Church of Enid. Retta spent her working years serving others, starting as a salesclerk at TG&Y and as a bank teller for the Security National Bank. Following her retirement from the bank, she took on a role as a store clerk at Pearson’s Natural Food Store.

Retta Lived a life defined by the thing she nurtured and loved. A devoted animal lover, she found immense joy in the companionship of her beloved dogs, who were her cherish family members throughout her life. Her love for nature was equally reflected in her garden, where she spent beautiful days growing elegant irises and harvesting homegrown peppers, as well as in her home, which was filled with a magnificent collection of owl treasures she delighted in gathering over a lifetime. Family meant everything to Retta, she delighted in every opportunity to spend time with her loved ones, particularly showering her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews with affection.

Retta returned to her hometown of Laverne, Oklahoma, in 2021 to live out her final days. This final chapter was a beautiful blessing, allowing her to be constantly surrounded and supported by her loving family. Retta left this life, at her home rural Laverne Oklahoma on the last day of August 31, 2026, with her family by her side. Retta was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Wayne a brother Rodney Vanfleet. She survived by a brother Jim Vanfleet, nephews Philip and Matthew Vanfleet, nieces Veronica Robbins and Leslie Schuermann and many great nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held 11:00AM on Friday September 4th at the Laverne Cemetery, Laverne, Oklahoma with the United Methodist Church Pastor David Cook officiating.