Ora Lee Shaklee

Lee was born in Talihina, Oklahoma to Lucille and Bill Angel. She is survived by her caring husband and best friend Howard Hedgepeth of Del City, and four loving daughters, Donna Johnson of Cashion, Vickie Davidson, Sherry Davidson, both of Oklahoma City, and Tammy Shaklee of Austin, Texas. She is survived by two sisters, Mary Lou Hayes of Ada, and Barbara Box of Roff. Grandchildren, Cary Davidson, David Davidson, Cory Smith, Eric Smith; Great Grandchildren, Jessica Brinkley, Tyler Davidson, Brittany Davidson; Great Grand Child, Hazel Brinkley. Preceded in death by grandchild, Jamie Brinkley.

Lee made Oklahoma home her entire life. While in Eastern Oklahoma and a young mother of three young daughters, Lee began her career in banking with her first job in Wilburton. She then moved to Del City, where she made her home until her passing. She was most remembered in Del City for managing the former Del State Motor Bank, as one of very few women bank officers at the time. She was a great example of a trailblazer for independent women, then as a very private, but single working mother of three older and one younger daughter. For years, she remained close friends with employees that worked with and even for her. During many tornado warnings, she was the first to arrive the bank to open the basement for employees and their families so as to give them a safe shelter from the storm. To banking Boards of Directors, she was most known for making her famous rum cake, a tradition carried on by one of her daughters today. During the holidays, she would even take orders for “Lee’s Rum Cake” so others could share them with their families. Her early involvement with the American Legion and VFW led to Lee’s quiet volunteerism at the Del City Nursing Home, on occasion for homebound elderly, and even by randomly baking sweets to surprise various Oklahoma City Fire Departments.

Upon her early retirement, Lee enjoyed international travel with her husband Howard, and most enjoyed years of extended stays in Israel, embracing the culture, foods, and traditions. Lee was an enthusiast for the great game of chance, for which she enjoyed many years, and was quite successful. She was at opening day of Remington Park, after which she became a regular throughout the Quarter Horse season. When not home playing Yahtzee daily, Lee over the years became friends with many Harrah’s Casino staff members in cities from Las Vegas, to Tahoe, to the banks of the Mississippi. She was known by long-time employees, whom she often generously shared a race ticket, winning receipt, or extra game token as her gratitude for friendship and service. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

Surviving a stroke in June 2007, Lee shared her quiet but daily heartfelt gratitude to her husband Howard for taking great care of her at her long-time home in Del City for more than two years, with much love and assistance from her daughters. Upon moving to Grace Living Center in 2009, she communicated strongly through her beautiful and soft eyes to then make friends with the caring and joyful staff and her roommate Billie. Her loss of communication did not diminish her ability to care for and comfort others.

Lee’s family extends the utmost in accolades and the greatest appreciation to the loving care, service, and professionalism exemplified tirelessly every day by the staff, medical professionals, and Hospice services at Grace Living Center on Northwest 10th and May Avenue. Thank you for gently caring for Lee, and holding her hand until Jesus gently walked her through the gates of Heaven.