Verilea Gleichman
Verilea Elsie Gleichman of Okarche departed this life for heaven on Jan. 21, 2025.
Verilea’s birth on Nov. 22, 1936, on the Okarche family farm marked the beginning of a life grounded in faith. Rudolph and Margaret (Henrichs) Meyer welcomed her at the “home place.”
Verilea’s spiritual journey began with baptism and a confirmation at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Her education at St. John’s parochial school through eighth grade instilled a strong Christian foundation and lifelong relationship with God.
Her upbringing was rooted in the rich traditions of farm life, where she discovered the rewards of hard work and dedication. She acquired a range of skills from driving tractors and operating combines to managing wheat trucks and caring for cows.
She graduated from Okarche High School in May 1954. Her height earned her the nickname “Tex” during these years, but it also enabled her to excel as a basketball player.
She was chosen to participate in the Amateur Athletic Union tournament in St. Joseph, Mo., in 1954 as part of a Kingfisher County girls’ team.
She attended Oklahoma State University for one year and returned to Okarche to marry Sterling Lloyd Williams on May 12, 1956.
Verilea and Sterling were blessed with a son, Mark Lloyd Williams on Dec. 5, 1963.
They raised Mark while involved in growing a farming business while both had full-time jobs. Following Sterling’s unexpected passing on Jan. 10, 1986, Mark and Verilea continued the farming operation.
She was employed by oil-related companies, where she made a profound impact. She worked for Kerr-McGee and then Woods Petroleum from 1968 to 1985 as a landman, leveraging her exceptional skills.
She traveled extensively to other states to negotiate oil lease agreements, fostering growth and success. She was known as an outstanding landman and excellent golf player, one of her many talents.
After Woods Petroleum was bought out, she worked for L&R Properties until she retired in 2018, with an incredible career history.
Another talent was her exceptional sewing skills. She was constantly designing stunning outfits for her own wardrobe and making lovely clothes for her nieces, as well as their dolls.
Verilea was an avid singer and a member of a singing ensemble in El Reno. During a rehearsal, she accidentally fell off a riser and was rescued by Robert Faust, marking the inception of their relationship, which culminated in their wedding on Oct. 8, 1988.
Verilea enjoyed staying active in various activities, including serving as secretary for the Sierra Safari Club, participating in Lamplights Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, bridge clubs and assuming multiple roles in St. John’s Lutheran Church over the years.
She was passionate about cooking and entertaining, inspiring others with her creativity. She adorned the table with the finest elements and had a special set of dishes for every occasion.
Robert’s and Verilea’s home in Calumet is where they resided until building a home in Okarche. Their large garden at Calumet was a hobby they shared and they took great pride in taking their produce to Farmers Market at El Reno on Saturday mornings.
Bridge was another activity that brought them joy and they were proud to be part of a bridge club. Robert passed on July 25, 2007.
While chasing her grandchildren and their activities, she serendipitously bumped into an elementary school classmate, Gerald Gleichman, and rekindled a meaningful connection.
As two widowers, they embarked on a heartfelt courtship that culminated in a wedding on Feb. 20, 2010. They enjoyed each other’s company until Gerald passed away on Jan. 1, 2025.
In celebration of her life, we honor family members who preceded her in death. Her parents, Rudolph and Margaret Meyer; husbands Sterling Williams, Robert Faust and Gerald Gleichman; and a sister, Lonna Bruner, who all contributed to her growth and wisdom.
She is survived by her sisters Laurnell Lenz and Florene Tipton, who were blessed to have shared in her adventures; her son Mark Williams and his wife, Tonya, who were the recipients of her unconditional love; her grandchildren Jillian and her husband, Jake Neuenschwander, Austin, Cassidy and Justin Williams, who were the apples of her eye; great-grandsons Paxton and Charlie Neuenschwander, who filled her life with delight; and many more loved ones, including ones from her blended marriages who she cared deeply about.
Services were Monday, Jan. 27, at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Okarche with burial following at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.