Lee Oda Long Wells

         Lee Oda Long Wells, 79, of Talihina, OK passed away Friday, December 14, 2018, after months of illness, surrounded by loved ones and caregivers.  Lee Oda was born to Herman & Edith Woolsey Long at their home in Tuskahoma on May 25, 1939.  She was raised in the Tuskahoma area with 6 sisters & 4 brothers.  She graduated from Tuskahoma High School.  In 1961 she met and married Glover Wells.  They lived in the Honobia/Smithville area helping each other raise their children John & Dorothy.  After son Haskell was born they moved to Safford, AZ where farm life helped Lee do the things she loved: gardening, canning and preserving food.  She loved quilting, an art she learned from her mother, grandmother & aunts. These ladies were strong, loving role models for Lee Oda and they never left her mind and heart.  She was fortunate to make friends in  Arizona who loved the same crafts she did.  Many friends helped her learn new crafts that she shared with everyone.  She loved crocheting, knitting, making clothes, dancing, music, reading & playing canasta with her friends and family.  She could fish & camp with the best of them.  Her younger siblings looked up to her as a second mother.  She loved her family with no bounds.  In the late 90’s she and Glover moved back to Oklahoma and lived in Albion until Glover passed away.

            Lee Oda renewed old friendships & moved to Poteau, then back to Talihina where she lived at Talihina Manor; when she moved back to Talihina in July she said, “I am back home”.   She was there for only a few months but she kept her ability to love & be loved by just about anyone that met her.

            She loved her grandchildren  & great grandchildren.  She was especially close to her sisters & nieces looking forward to their visits, love and care.  She loved telling stories about her and her brothers.

            Survivors include her sons, John & Haskell Wells of Safford, AZ; daughter Dorothy of Poteau; grandchildren & great grandchildren, nieces & nephews; brothers, R.L. Long of Albion, Carroll Long of McAlester, Clyde Long of Talihina & Elmer Long of Albion; sisters, Doris Wells of Safford, AZ, Gloria Jean Duncan of Tuskahoma, Gail Hotella of Albion, Alberta White & Pat Wells of Talihina.  She was preceded in death by her baby sister, Trecia Long, a grief she carried every day.

            Lee Oda’s family sends their heartfelt thank you to Talihina Manor caregivers & staff.  You gave loved and care when our mother needed it.   Thank you to Heart of Hospice for all you did for our family.  Thank you Choctaw Nation doctors for not being afraid to comfort her and her family.  Evans & Miller, Jim Cook & staff help to alleviate the pain of this event in our lives. You have a special place in our hearts.  May God Bless all of you for your compassion, patience, understanding care and love.  It will never be forgotten

            Memorial services will be 10 am, Tuesday, December 18, 2018,Valley Christian Church in Talihina.