Wathena was born to Rufus and Mildred Opal (DeJarnette) Willcoxson in Miami, Oklahoma on November 23, 1927. She was a graduate of Miami High School in Oklahoma where she was involved in the High School band since the 7th grade, playing numerous instruments. She was a member of the Liberty Methodist Church.
Wathena enjoyed camping but loved to fish and her families memories of trips to Bennet Springs are something they will cherish forever. For the longest time, Wathena could brag that she held the Oklahoma State Record for the largest recorded spoonbill caught by a female at 89 lbs. The State awarded her a certificate for this accomplishment. Wathena also had numerous trout that she had caught through the years mounted which have now been passed along to great grandkids.
Wathena was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clyde; her daughter; Elizabeth Ann.
Survivors include her daughter; Debra (Raymond) Gillespie; her son, Gary (Debra Lee) Hahn; four grandchildren, Catherine (Steve) Fisher, Andrew (Krista) Hahn, Kevin (Keighly) Hahn, and Jason (Danielle) Hahn; twelve great grandchildren.
