Linda Lu Liles Wildgrube, 84, left her earthly home on Saturday, January 24, at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma, Sept. 17, 1941, to Winfred (Doc) and Ruby (Kirk) Liles. Her early education was Park School, Lovett Jr. High and was a 1959 graduate of Blackwell High School. She was known for her lightning speed typing and shorthand, which landed her a job with Continental Oil Co. right after graduation.

On Nov. 6, 1959, she wed William (Bill) Wildgrube at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Blackwell, and resided six miles east of town. To this union, her proudest achievement, a daughter, Lori Lynn, was born.

Linda quickly adapted to being a farmer’s wife ~ cooking for hired hands, errands to get equipment parts, driving wheat trucks, raising chickens and garden/canning the “best” vegetables. One of her greatest loves was her fur babies. She knew how to throw parties on the farm, especially 4th of July celebrations. Her home was always open to Lori’s friends as well, many called her “mom.” Linda was an accomplished seamstress; she enjoyed fishing, hosting pitch parties and playing bridge, but her “quick wit” was one that many will remember. With her humor and sassiness, she could hold her own with the best of them.

A “bonus” son Rick Buellesfeld entered Bill and Linda’s life early on. He and his family (wife Sherry, children Randy, Gayle, and Richard) were a big part of her life. She enjoyed their livestock and judging competitions.

After Bill’s passing in Nov. 24, 1993, she was employed at several businesses, including Blackwell Regional Hospital, Coonrod Construction and Cameron Industries. Several years later, she left the farm and lived in Ponca City and Oklahoma City. She later lived with her daughter Lori and son-in-law Greg Hailings, along with Madison Lin (who affectionately called her Simma) in Oklahoma City. Madison’s friends also affectionately knew her as Simma and enjoyed many slumber parties at her apartment. Madison and Linda celebrated each New Year’s Eve with sparkling grape juice and hors d’oeuvres. Madison was Linda’s shining star.

Another blessing was when her mother married Eldorado Moore and his children, Don, Mark and Barbara, became her siblings.

Her Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, February 23, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, in Blackwell, with Rev. James Bozarth officiating. The service will be livestreamed by Roberts and Son Funeral Home, and will be accessible through their website at www.robertsandsonfh.com prior to the service. A visitation will be held prior to the service at Rick Buellsfeld’s home, 10501 West Doolin Avenue, in Blackwell, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow after the service in the Blackwell Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, parents Doc and Ruby Liles, stepdad Eldorado Moore, brother Jim Liles, brother-in-law Herb Cable, in-laws Adolph and Alma Wildgrube, brother-in-law Bob Wildgrube, sister-in-law Carol Wildgrube, nieces Kimberly Liles Hailings and Rhonda Wildgrube Miller, and great-nephew Troy Deon Oder II.

Those left to honor her memory are her daughter Lori (Greg) Hailings, granddaughter Madison; bonus son Rick (Sherry) Buellesfeld and family; sisters Sherry Liles Cable and Barbara Moore; brothers Don (Davonna) Moore and Mark (Willa) Moore; nieces Brenda (Brian) Hooper and family, Jennifer (James) Caldwell and family, Carla (Bill) Hobbs and family; nephew Larry (Cynthia) Cable; numerous great-nieces/nephews; and dear lifelong friend Carol Eckert Mullins.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Northern Oklahoma Humane Society, or donor’s choice.

"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure." — Renee Wood

You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our hearts.