Aletha Jane Williams

Aletha Jane Williams died Sunday morning May 5, 2019. It was far too soon at only 65. She was a successful artist widely admired for her use of color in her own mixed-media creations and in the images others sent her. She taught design classes in the home and sold her work at various art fairs and websites, including her own. She led and collaborated with artists all over the world, never failing to make new friends, mentor some, and even act as a sort of "den mother" to lend support when needed. Her blossoming as an artist came late in life, when the time and circumstances were right and brought her from an 8-year detour into Houston back to Swan Lake in Tulsa in 2005. She struggled with her health in the last 10 years, although she kept the same warm and kind attitude toward everyone. Aletha was funny, feisty, strong, talented, clear-eyed, and proud of her work and independent life. She was especially proud of her children Heidi Cobb of Tahlequah and Wes Deweese of Houston, who were with her at the end. She was a loving daughter to her mom and "Dad No. 2," Virginia and Ken Gable, of Claremore, who were also with her at the end. She had looked forward to the June 1 wedding of her grandson Lane Cobb and fianc'ee Whitney Wright and to her grandson Braden Cobb embarking on adulthood; she also delighted in her great-grandson Maddox (son of Lane) and was proud of son-in-law Scott Cobb, all of Tahlequah. Aletha also had looked forward to setting up regular Facetime calls with newest grandson Owen Deweese and his mom and dad, Bonnie Casson-Deweese and Wes; and her continuing marathon sessions with Heidi. Nothing made Aletha laugh harder than the sound of babies' uncontrollable laughter. She loved all animals, especially her cats and dogs and most especially her devoted border collie, Gypsy, who still mourns her. She has a passion for hummingbirds and monarch butterflies. She recently became a news junkie and disliked the current climate of incivility. She was a voracious reader who was always eager to learn something new and always made time for lunch with Jeopardy with husband Bob. She married into a large (and still expanding) extended family and loved throwing an annual Christmas party for all of them. Most of all, she was a loving, true soulmate to Bob, together for almost 33 years and married for 31 years; she was forever patient and gently grounded him when he needed it. He will miss her forever. Her father, Bill Yoder, and brother, Dusty, died in recent years. She is survived by her daughter Heidi Cobb and husband Scott Cobb; son Wes Deweese and wife Bonnie Casson-Deweese; grandsons Lane and fianc'ee Whitney and Braden Cobb and Owen Deweese and great-grandson Maddox Cobb; her mother and stepfather Virginia and Ken Gable; her niece Mandy Fitzmorris and her daughter Makaela; and countless other friends and relatives by marriage. It can be truly said she was loved by all who knew her. Aletha Jane Yoder was born September 9, 1953, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. She graduated from Claremore High School and spent 2 years at Northeastern State in Tahlequah, where she was active in student government. Employers over the years included Ad Inc., Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Tulsa Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Hobby Lobby. In recent years, she launched her own successful business, AJ's Design Artz. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral services. Instead, the family will stage a celebration of her life and art. The celebration of Aletha's life will be held at the Williams household July 6, 2019, from noon until whenever. There will be food and drinks, soft and otherwise. There will be opportunities to purchase some of Aletha's arts and crafts, with all proceeds going to her favorite charities. This will be a joyous occasion, celebrating a wonderful woman and artist. All are welcome Please donate to her preferred charities in honor of Aletha Williams in lieu of flowers or memorial gifts: Meals on Wheels Tulsa The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma Pets for Vets Wounded Warrior Project Rescue Me Street Cats Tulsa St. Jude Hospital-Tulsa Affiliate

Aletha Jane Williams

September 9, 1953 - May 5, 2019