Ann Whitesell

Ann Alice Whitesell, 88-year-old Vinita resident, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Ann was born near Vinita on June 29, 1935. She was the daughter of D.O. and Jerlean Lindsey of Vinita. Ann was a dairy farmer with her husband. Ann loved her church, where she served as church secretary, Sunday School teacher, a missions leader, and the camp cook at many church camps. Ann was a very special person and wonderful mother. She never seemed to complain in spite of hard work on the farm, taking care of others, and her own physical pain. She maintained her faith over the years and never seemed to resent God for any hardships that came her way. She was a loving person with a positive attitude, friendly and open in making others a part of the family. Ann and Don were high school sweethearts who were always hand in hand and lived very full lives. They were adventurous in their travels and enjoyed having people from many cultures and places in their home, including close family friends from Guatemala, Finland, Brazil, and Germany. Survivors include her adult children—Randy Whitesell of Evergreen Colorado; Sonja Wadley of Vinita, and Terri Van Ostran and Stan Van Ostran of Topeka, Kansas. She also is survived by her six grandchildren—Timothy and Kristin Van Ostran with two great grandsons—August and Rowan; Kelsey and Matanya Horowitz with two great grandchildren—Evelyn and Asher; Mackenzie and C.J. Garcia; Jodye Whitesell; Brian Wadley; Brittany and Daniel Day. Ann is also survived by one sister, Geraldine Epperson. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ellis Whitesell, and her siblings—David Lindsey, George Lindsey, Jean Robertson, and Dan Lindsey. Memorial service will be held at 10 am, Saturday, October 28, 2023, at First Baptist Church, Vinita, with Pastor Skip McClain officiating. Services are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com.