Wanda Choate

Funeral services for Wanda Choate, 88, were Monday, March 23, at Hennessey Public School Auditorium officiated by Jimmy Berkenbile.

Burial followed at Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Wanda was born in Kingfisher on Sept. 5, 1937, to George and Lorraine Roberts Thompson and died Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Greenbrier Nursing Home in Enid.

Wanda married Max Choate in Hennessey on Nov. 26, 1955. The couple moved to California, then returned to Hennessey in 1974.

She owned and operated Rainbows in Hennessey for many years.

Wanda was very active in the community and was on the board of directors for Hennessey Celebration, Inc.

She directed the Miss Hennessey Pageant from 1979-1990. She was a member of the Hennessey Child Study Club, the Golden Eagles, Hennessey Senior Citizens and First United Methodist Church.

Wanda is survived by three sons, Kevin Choate and wife Karen of Enid, Kenny Choate of Helena, Kyle Choate and wife Shannon of Hennessey; one daughter, Kyla Norman and husband Mark of Enid; seven grandchildren, Sharon Kline, Brittany Martinez, Blake Choate, Ty Choate, Kylene Collins, Russ Choate and Ryan Choate; and great-grandchildren Sedona Kline, Rayne Edwards, Rogan Choate, Khyren Collins, Conrad Martinez, Castian Martinez, Khloee Collins, Leightyn Collins, Max Choate and Easton Choate.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Max, son Kelly Choate, sister Catherine Schwarz and brother Melvin Thompson.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.