Verilea Elsie Gleichman of Okarche, Oklahoma departed this life for heaven on January 21, 2025. Verilea’s birth on November 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 8th 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, Missouri, 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 December 5, 1963. They raised Mark involved in growing a farming business while both had full-time jobs. Following Sterling’s unexpected passing on January 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, Oklahoma. 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 October 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 Oklahoma 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 February 20, 2010. They enjoyed each other’s company until Gerald passed away on January 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, 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.
Visitation was held at Sanders Funeral Service Sunday, January 26, 2025. Services were Monday, January 27th, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Okarche with burial at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.
