Pauline Henke

Pauline HenkeHenke, Pauline obit

1927-2018

 

Pauline Henke passed from her earthly and mortal life to her spiritual heavenly home on Saturday December 22, 2018 at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 24, 1927 near Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Earnest Daily Dobbs and Mary Lee Mooney Dobbs. Like many of her generation, she would endure a challenging young life of meager existence in rural Arkansas. With the onset of the depression and the passing of her mother, Pauline’s childhood and life reality was difficult. Her father would eventually remarry, Vida Quarry, in 1935. In 1941 the family moved to California with five children seeking a better life. A sister, Faye Dell, would remain in Arkansas with grandparents. In California they endeavored as sharecroppers while one child, Ruby, died. Pauline, being one of the older siblings had the task of helping care for the younger ones. This responsibility would build on her strength and resilience which would one day elevate her to the rank of exceptional mother and family matriarch. In 1945 the Dobbs Clan would return to Arkansas except for Pauline. She had met her first husband, Leo C. Hampton, and returned to Oklahoma with the Hampton family. They were married on June, 16, 1945 in Shawnee, Oklahoma where they established their home. Before Leo’s untimely death on April 24, 1968 they were blessed with the birth of three sons, Darrell, Gary, and Richard.

God’s plan for Pauline would continue with her marriage to Carl R. Henke on August 19, 1968. Carl had children of his own, Carla, Charles, Susan, Bobby, and Carl Jr. This union resulted in a large blended family and for nearly 50 years both Carl and Pauline did a splendid job setting a pattern and stellar model for wholesome family life. The holidays, family gatherings, and Sunday dinners were some of her greatest joys. She was an excellent cook while maybe awesome, would be a better word. She always made sure there was a favorite dish for everyone present. Sometimes this resulted in many entrees. (What a grocery bill)? Her tireless work ethic surpassed the home, into the yard, a garden, flower beds, and even the fields to help Carl with small scale farming. Feeding the critters and watching wildlife from the porch of her country home along with travel were also some of Pauline’s favorite activities. She and Carl ventured to Alaska, journeyed through many states, and once put their motor home on a flat rail car to tour Copper Canyon in the perilous Sierra Madres of Old Mexico. It was quite the adventure for the girl from Arkansas.

With her steadfast faith in God, Pauline enjoyed her church family, attending worship, and especially the Women’s Group, (LWML). It was very important part of her life. For years, Pauline was the self-appointed PR person greeting those entering God’s House on Sunday morning. She made an extra effort and gave special attention to welcome visitors and newcomers.

It was a position well suited for her. You would be hard pressed to find someone warmer, more caring, more passionate, and more gracious for this job. Even in declining health she wanted and wished to participate in church activities. As good faithful servants of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, both Pauline and Carl rarely missed the day of worship. They were good Worker Bees throughput the years while serving in many capacities. Pauline was truly a family treasure in our lives and can never be replaced. She will be deeply missed by all the lives she touched, especially her family, and those close to her. Job well done my good and faithful servant.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Mary Dobbs, her stepmother, Vida Quarry Dobbs, husband Leo C. Hampton, husband Carl R. Henke, sister, Ruby Dobbs, brothers, Edward Dobbs and Darrell Dobbs. She was also preceded in death by daughter in-law Brenda Hampton and Granddaughter Brandy LaVoglio. Surviving Pauline are Children: Darrell Hampton, Gary Hampton, (Mel) Richard Hampton, Carla Lattimore, (Frank) Charles “Chuck” Henke (Ronda) Bobby Henke, Susan Henke, and Carl Jr. Henke (Carolyn). Also surviving are sister, Faye Dell Copeland, Frances Herring, Barbara Tennison, Shirley Gipson, Linda Krepps, Bonnie Woody, Ricky Dobbs, and Phyllis Francis. There are a host of nieces and nephews along with15 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 28th from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday December 29, 2018 Edmond, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Summit View Cemetery in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

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