Ella B. Callison-Criswell's Obituary
Ella B. Callison-Criswell, of Welch, Oklahoma, passed away February 2, 2013 at Integris Baptist Regional Health Center in Miami, with her family at her side. She was 90 years old. Ella was born June 18, 1922 in Oeneville, TX to Charlie and Dorothea (Harms) Boehme. She attended Texas schools in her youth. She later attended Beauty College in Muskogee, Ok, receiving her Cosmetology certificate. She ran an in home shop for several years, cutting and styling hair. On October 17, 1942, she married Howard Callison in Rosebud, TX. In their years of marriage, they raised four sons, Wayne, Ernest, James, and Charlie. Howard preceded Ella in death on July 29, 1966. She later married Isaac B. "I.B." Criswell on September 1, 1967 in Pryor, OK. The couple moved to Welch in 1975 where Ella was active in the community. She was an avid homemaker, and enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, and talking with family and friends. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxillary of Welch #8542; Beta Signa Pi; Welch and Vinita Senior Citizens, and the Welch Christian Church. I.B. preceded Ella in death on May 24, 2002. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two grandchildren; and 4 brothers. She is survived by four sons, Wayne Callison and his wife Patty of Pryor, Ernest Callison and his wife Jo of Welch, James Callison and his wife Vickie of Goodlettsville, TN, and Charlie Callison of Omaha, Nebraska; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren with 1 great grandchild on the way; 2 brothers, Edgar Boehme and Melvin Boehme both of Temple, TX; special friend, Dortha Scott of Claremore, OK; and a host of friends. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at the Welch Christian Church. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at the Welch Christian Church with Minister Brad Canham officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Roger Callison, Chuck Tullis, Todd Stendebach, Aaron Ward, Ryan Callison, Stephen Callison,Josh White, Camm Clark, Chris Wehunt, and Andrew Callison. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Chambers, Ron Walker, and Jacob Mount. Interment at Bryan Chapel Cemetery, East of Pryor, OK. The body will lie in state for viewing at the funeral home. The casket will be closed at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, prior to visitation at the church, and will not be re-opened.
What’s your fondest memory of Ella B.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ella B.?
Share a story where Ella B.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ella B. you’ll never forget.
How did Ella B. make you smile?