Gwen Leake

Gwen Leake, longtime Ponca City area resident, died Thursday, October 20, 2011 at her home following a short battle with cancer. She was 75 years of age.

Gwendolyn Fern Ringgold Leake was born December 11, 1935 to Elsie Lee LongRinggold and Paul Loyt Ringgold in Ponca City. On May 24, 1952 she married JC Leake at the First Baptist Church in Ponca City, while he was still in the U.S. Army. In 1953 JC returned from service and they began traveling around the country with Atlas Tank until 1959, when they returned to Ponca City.

Gwen began playing the piano at Osage Heights Baptist church in 1950 and continued to do so for 61 years. She also enjoyed playing for many special events when requested, such as funerals and weddings.

Gwens work history includes Humes Rexall, Ponca City Hospital, and McCord School. In 1978, Gwen went to beauty school, and then opened her own beauty shop. For the next 27 years, she enjoyed running her shop and meeting many great friends. After many attempts to retire, she finally was successful in 2005. At that time she moved to Miami, Florida with her granddaughter Heather. She returned in 2006, and painted the baptistery mural at Osage Heights Baptist Church.

Gwen enjoyed painting, crocheting, fishing, swimming and crafting. Most of all she enjoyed the time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gwen is survived by three daughters Marsha and husband, Bruce Siler, Kathy and husband, Steve Juckes and Lisa Hopkins, all of Ponca City. One brother, Paul Autry Ringgold and wife Geraldine of Blackwell. Grandchildren James Siler, Brian Siler, Heather Cannon, Abby Hand, Steve Juckes, and Kailee Juckes, Great grandchildren Colton Siler, Kristin Siler, Caitlin Cannon, Shelby Siler, Thomas James Siler and Adison Bloxsom. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband JC, parents Paul and Elsie Ringgold infant brother Owen Ringgold and soninlaw James David Hopkins.

A visitation for family and friends will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at Grace Memorial Chapel. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at Osage Heights Baptist Church with Pastor Jerry Graber and Rev. Harold Hutchins presiding. Music provided by Fred Collins and David Lee Hand. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Casket bearers will be Larry Lamb, Dennis Reeves, Gary Bales, Nathan Hall, David Grider and Wes Young. Honorary casket bearers will be Tommy Richardson and Clarence Cain.