Vermelle Gilreath, a former Henryetta resident and resident of Globe, Ariz., died Aug. 26, 2015 in Globe at the age of 97. Vermelle was born Feb. 15, 1918 in Hartshorne to Andrew Hunter Patterson, Sr. and Allie Mae Patterson.
Vermelle attended Hartshorne Public Schools and graduated from Hartshorne High School. Vermelle married the love of her life, Rayfe E. Gilreath, Sr. March 15, 1936 in Hartshorne. They remained happily married for 39 years until his death in 1975. The couple moved to Henryetta in 1941 and were members of the First Presbyterian Church. She was also a longtime member of the Eastern Star.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Rayfe Gilreath, Sr.; two sisters, Christine Hunter Hays and Kathryn Charlotte Newman; a brother, Andrew Hunter Patterson, Jr. and grandson, Brad Wheeler.
Vermelle is survived by three children, Betty Louise Thedford and husband Mike of Oklahoma City, Rayfe Gilreath, Jr. and wife Judy of Wickenburg, AZ, and Patricia Ann Wheeler of Globe, Arizona; a brother, Bob Patterson and wife Linda of Henryetta; by grandchildren Melissa and Randy Hunt, Mike Thedford, Jr., Brent Wheeler, and Tisha and Tom Mullens; and great grandchildren Brea Wheeler, Libby , Nathan and Joseph Thedford, Blair and Hope Hunt; and great-great grandchildren Brody and Eliza; other extended family and many good friends.
A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m., at Integrity Chapel with Jim Hays officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service.
