Mary Cornelsen

Mary Cornelsen, 82, lifelong Goodwell, Oklahoma resident, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 6, 2018 at BSA Hospice of the Southwest in Amarillo, Texas.

The daughter of Marguerite (Calhoon) and Harold Strong, Mary Jane Strong was born October 10, 1935 in Guymon, OK . Mary attended Goodwell schools, graduating from Goodwell High School, She attended Panhandle State College, where she met Jerry Lee Cornelsen.They were united in marriage on July 18, 1954 in Goodwell . Mary was a talented and well-known local artist, and enjoyed teaching local art classes and sharing her gifts. Faith and family were a Cornelsen foundation. Mary and Jerry, aka “Mar and Jer”, shared their home and table with their children’s friends, church family, neighbors and many college students over the years. Mary loved children and provided child care for many in the community. Mary loved these children like her own and lit up every time they were around. Mary adored her own family and cherished her grandchildren. She followed all of their activities and sports. Mary was a faithful member to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Texhoma, where she worked in the church in many capacities.

Jerry passed away January 4, 2013, and soon after Mary moved to Amarillo, Texas and lived at Brookdale Assisted living, closer to her daughter and great grandchildern.
Mary is survived by her three daughters, Connie Ratliff and husband, John, of Amarillo, Texas; Karen Heizer and husband, Bill, of Enid, Oklahoma; Janie Steele and husband, David, of Odessa, Texas; son, Jerry Don Cornelsen and wife, Dawn, of Goodwell; sister-in-law, Lucille Spradling and husband, Buster, of Mooreland, Oklahoma. She was “ Granny “ to her nine adoring grandchildren, Mindy Ratliff Jones, Bethany Ratliff Lankford, Holly Ratliff McFadden, Jeremiah Heizer, Kendra Heizer Michael, Kelsey Cornelsen, Natalie Steele Henchcliff, Cammie Steele Forman and Abbie Steele Foster; and thirteen great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by two brothers, Johnny Strong and Harold Strong, and a sister, Sallie Strong.

Viewing will be at the Henson-Novak Funeral Home, 501 NW Fifth, Guymon, Oklahoma on Friday, June 8th, 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the family being present from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Funeral services will be Saturday morning, June 9th, 10:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 416 N 2nd Street, Texhoma, with Pastor Tom House, officiating. Interment will follow in Goodwell Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, And OPSU Foundation c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73042.
Friends may sign the online guestbook and send condolences at www.hensonnovak.com.

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