Lorene Hammontree, a longtime resident of Henryetta, died Jan. 1, 2016 in Tulsa at the age of 92. Lorene was born April 26, 1923 in Hanna to Carl Garrison and Lottie (Bryan) Garrison.
Lorene grew up in Hanna. Following her high school graduation, Lorene attended Northeastern Oklahoma State University in Tahlequah where she graduated in 1961, receiving her bachelor of science degree in Education. Several years later, in 1968, Lorene completed her masters degree in teaching. Lorene later worked as an elementary educator, beginning with Schulter Public Schools, and later worked in Hanna Public Schools and in Bartlesville Public Schools, before retiring with Dewar Public Schools and having spent 23 years as a teacher. Lorene was a lifelong member of the Nazarene Church and faithfully attended at every opportunity. Lorene married the love of her life, Leo Hammontree in August, 1941. They remained happily married for 30 wonderful years until Leo's death in 1971.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Leo Hammontree; her mother and father; three brothers, Sonny Garrison, Fred Garrison, and Bill Garrison; and a sister, Wanda Sheward.
Lorene is survived by her daughter, Joie Russell of Henryetta; a son, Jimmy Hammontree and wife Laverne of Ft. Gibson; four grandchildren: Jerry Russell and wife Sheila of Morris, Diane Parker and husband Brian of Lowell, Ind., Jimmie Hammontree and wife Joela of Ft. Gibson and Debbie Hammontree of Ft. Gibson; seven great grandchildren: Jerry Lester Russell, Jr., Zaine Russell, Amanda Parker, Lauren Parker, Lacey Bean, Brianna Schroeder, and Christopher Hammontree; two great great grandchildren: Brooklynn Russell and Jace Russell; brother, Ledger Garrison and wife Lahoma of Hanna; two sisters: Tibby Weder of Checotah and Sally Hinz of Kansas; by numerous other extended family and many good friends.
Viewing for Lorene will be held at Integrity Funeral Service Monday, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
A funeral service for Lorene will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazerene in Henryetta with Rev. Lowell Churchill officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Hanna Cemetery in Hanna, Oklahoma under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Russell, Jerry Russell Jr., Zaine Russell, Brian Parker, Randy Stidman, and Lucas Stidman.