Ann Marie Wendorff

Ann Wendorff, of Tulsa, OK, passed away at her daughter's home on (September 18, 2022) following a short illness. We celebrate her life of 93 years, and the lives of those she touched along the way. Ann was born on March 2, 1929, in Tulsa, OK, the daughter of Joseph Allen Walton and Mary Jane Brown Walton. She graduated from Tulsa Will Rogers High School at the age of 16, whereupon she boarded a train for Grinnell, Iowa, and continued her higher education at Grinnell College. Ann graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, but her first love was Mathematics. As early as high school she tutored other students (ie: football players) in algebra, and continued throughout her life to help students, including her own grandson, to learn and appreciate mathematics as she did. While at Grinnell, Ann met Charles (Chuck) Wendorff, the love of her life, and the two were married on December 29, 1947. Chuck and Ann's journey through life together reached 68 years before Chuck's death in 2016. The Wendorffs moved to Tulsa, OK, in 1948. Ann discovered she was ahead of her time in the male-dominated chemistry field. She adapted and utilized her math skills, working as an accountant for AAMCO and several independent oil companies. This led to a desire to learn tax preparation. She worked for H&R Block until she ultimately started her own Tax Preparation Business that she operated for over 20 years. Chuck and Ann were blessed with 4 children, Deborah, James, William, and Lisa. Ann proved to be a master at balancing a career with her home life. She was a cub scout leader for her boys, and a gifted seamstress, sewing nearly all the clothes for her and the kids, and even making sports coats for Chuck. When Debbie was married, Ann made all the bridesmaid dresses and matching doll dresses for Lisa to play with! Ann had a caring heart and even later in life she hand-sewed Port pockets for people receiving chemotherapy. Although she was raised and married at Boston Avenue Methodist Church, Ann and Chuck found their church home at John Knox Presbyterian Church. They faithfully attended for over 66 years. The Bible book of James, Chapter 2:14 perfectly describes Ann's life of Christian service. She taught children's Sunday School, Synod school and Vacation Bible School. She helped start the church preschool co-op childcare so she and her friends could play bridge together! Ann served as a church Elder, worked in the church office as church Treasurer, and was the first woman Trustee at John Knox. She played in the church handbell choir for many years, and her joyful laughter was a delight to all choir members during their practice. She loved puzzles and games, and every family member was aware they were up against a ruthless competitor when they played against Ann at any game. She loved to laugh and as Chuck told the story, she would even laugh in her sleep at times! Ann was known for her own witty expressions, and every family member has a favorite they like to share: "Cat fur to make little kitten britches" "Pinning didies on flies" "Double-headed duck fit" "I'll look for you when I see you coming" "Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, How'd you like the play? "...Until the world looked level" "On the other hand you could have a wart" Ann was preceded in death by her husband Charles Louis (Chuck) Wendorff and a grandson, Carl Lattimore III (Trey). Her legacy lives on in the lives of her 4 children, Deborah Jean (Debbie) Chisler (son-in-law, Steve), James Walton (Jim) Wendorff (daughter-in-law, Donna), William Alan (Bill) Wendorff (daughter-in-law, Joni) and Lisa Kay Rogers, who were all with her at the time of her death. In addition, she leaves 4 grandchildren; Trey's widow Crystal Lattimore, Rachel Allen (her husband Peter), Aric Wendorff (his wife Tabatha) Todd Wendorff (his wife Catherine), Kyle Rogers (his wife Emily), 2 step-granddaughters CJ Morris, Becky Burks and 5 great-grandchildren who all love and adore their GG. A Service of The Resurrection will be held at John Knox Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 4:00 PM. Friends and family are all welcome to join us as we celebrate the amazing life of Ann Marie Walton Wendorff. In lieu of flowers please honor Ann's memory with contributions to John Knox Presbyterian Church 2929 E 31st St. Tulsa, OK 74105 or Transistions Lifecare 6310 E 102nd St, Tulsa, OK 74137"

Ann Marie Wendorff

March 2, 1929 - September 18, 2022