Anna Ellen Rumley, age 78 years, died Friday, April 28, 2017, following a difficult struggle with multiple medical problems. This feisty and generous lady obtained her ultimate wish of spending her final day on Earth at the home she had shared with her spouse of 51 years, Warren Burch Rumley (Nov. 12, 2016).
Born on February 13, 1939, in Oklahoma, to parents Pete and Clarena (nee Clifton) Ice. Anna came from humble beginnings, learning the value of hard work and self-sacrifice from the inspiring example of her beloved mother. An early marriage to Eugene Hendrix, produced her only child, son Richard Eugene Hendrix.
Defined by her perfectly coiffured red hair, Anna worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Warren, as the managers and maintenance persons of various real estate endeavors in Tulsa, (most notably, the Port-Of-Spain Apartment Complex), besides maintaining a large Tulsa Tribune Newspaper distribution route. Anna and Warren became close friends of the many tenants who lived in their residence, maintaining those relationships throughout their lives. In addition, the couple graciously cared for many abandoned cats and dogs, treating these creatures better than they did themselves, by providing copious amounts of foodstuffs and comfortable home. Piper, Sis, Screamer, Moonshine, Heidi, Heather, Major, and Midnight are just a sampling of the animals who benefitted from their care.
Anna loved all things glamorous, feminine, and glittery, yet sacrificed her desires, endlessly, to provide generously for the welfare of her grand-daughter, Rikki Jean Hendrix (Pebbles) and her great-grand-daughter, Angelina Gypsy Hamilton, who she lovingly referred to as "the Baby".
She is survived by several siblings, having lost her dear sister, Delores, two years ago; her son, Rick (Isabell) of Claremore, OK; grand-daughter, Pebbles; great-grand-daughter, Gypsy; brother-in-law, Wayne (Andrea) of Tulsa; two nieces, Wayna and Sharon (the "Turdy Bird") Rumley; and two nephews, Wayne II ("#3") and Warren Benjamin ("Bennie, Benihana") Rumley.
The family extends their enduring gratitude to Cathy and Bob Harvey, Sperry, OK, who provided unending care and compassion for Anna during her final days, as well as the long hours necessary to prepare for her for her homecoming. We are forever indebted to their generosity towards this fine lady. A special thanks to Shelle and Vernon Fletcher for all their assistance and to the many craftsman and workmen who, rapidly and efficiently, prepared her home for her return.
Memorial gifts may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, in honor of Anna and at her request.
The family will receive friend from 4:00-6:00 P.M., Thursday, May 4, at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st Street, Tulsa, with viewing available from 10AM'8PM that day. The funeral service will be conducted Friday, May 5, at 2:00 P.M. at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, 5111 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, with interment immediately following at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Moore's Southlawn, 918-663-2233.