Theo Ann (Anthem) Wille, a longtime resident of Owasso, Oklahoma, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2021, at the age of 79 years. She was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1941, in Woodward, Oklahoma, to Theodore Ansley and Verla Viroque (Shepherd) Anthem. As a child, her family would make a pallet under the tree so she could wake them when Santa arrived. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out for her or them. She fell asleep and Santa came and went without waking her up.
Theo was reared mostly in McPherson, Kansas, and was a graduate of McPherson High School. She was married August 29, 1959, in McPherson, to Raymond Curtis Wille. They were married over 50 years before he passed in 2010. She and Raymond owned three gas/convenience stores together along their journey. They also owned a mobile home park for over thirty years. They took great pride in making a great place for people to live. Their tenants made them realize how wonderful people can be. Another of Theo’s most important accomplishments for the community and surrounding areas was back in the late 80’s, after becoming a resident of Owasso. Theo was one of the main ring leaders in getting local telephone service for Owasso/Collinsville and surrounding areas. She took on the Corporation Commission and Southwestern Bell with a vengeance by organizing rally’s, media, petitions, etc. for equal access phone service (EAS). Those who have been in this area since the late 80’s and before, especially realize the importance of that particular battle.
Theo loved going to family reunions throughout the years in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. Her and Raymond met his brothers and wives twice a year for a weekend together. In the past eleven years, reunions were hosted at the Hampton in Owasso twice a year and attended by countless family. She believed “life is short, enjoy your family and friends before you’re called away”.
Theo is preceded in death by her husband Raymond C. Wille, a son, Steven Ray Wille, her parents, two brothers, two sisters, two brother-in-law’s and three sisters-in-law’s.
Those she leaves behind are:
Son; Mark Wille and wife Lorrie, of Claremore, Oklahoma
Son; Gerry Wille and wife Susie, of Collinsville, Oklahoma
Daughter; Elizabeth Puckett and husband Kem, of Owasso, Oklahoma
Daughter; Suzanne Benedict and fiancé John, of Owasso, Oklahoma
Sixteen grandchildren
Nine Great-grandchildren
One Great-great grandchild
Brother; Mitchell Anthem and wife Mary, of Fulton, Missouri
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. A Rosary Prayer service will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday November 4, 2021, with Funeral Mass 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Collinsville with Father Ernesto Cavillo officiating. Serving as casket bearers will be Steven Puckett, John Puckett, Landon Puckett, Joseph Wille, Joshua Wille, and Luke Benedict. Committal service and interment will follow at St. Therese Catholic Cemetery. The family requests memorial contributions be made in Theo’s memory to St. Therese Alter Society. Arrangements were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
