Waunita Mae Cochran

Waunita was born in Haviland, Kansas to Henry Lewis Clark and Mamie (Johnson) Clark on June 1, 1934 and after 89 beautiful years, was promoted to her Heavenly home August 25, 2023.

Growing up Waunita enjoyed helping her Father on the farm and playing with her 3 siblings. She graduated Haviland Rural High School in May of 1952. Waunita married Keith Cochran on June 28, 1952 in Haviland. When Keith asked Henry for his daughters hand, Henry replied, “Yes, but you’ll have to wait until after harvest!”

Keith and Waunita were blessed with 2 children, a son, Tommy and daughter, Billie.  They made their home in Greensburg, Kansas until moving to Beaver, Oklahoma in March of 1962. 

Waunita joined the First Christian Church in 1963 where she acted as the Sunday School Superintendent for over 50 years. Waunita had a servant’s heart and loved to help when-ever and where-ever she was needed.  Living only a half a block away from the church, she was there every time the doors were open and even if they weren’t, she would unlock them.

Waunita’s servant’s heart would be showcased when at choir practice (49 years ago), a friend asked if she would babysit for her. Waunita agreed, and what started as a favor turned into caring for not only her friend’s children, but more kids than the family can remember (up to 10 - 15 kids in the house at one time!).  She truly had a gift with children; a light and love that could be seen on her face every time a little one entered the room.  

She then went to work for “The Little Duster” shop for Jo Reddick,  “Anything Grows” flower shop,  “L&L Travel” and finally “Beaver Supply”. When asked why she was still working she said, “I love to help and visit with everyone.”

Waunita enjoyed playing golf, traveling, attending rodeos, basketball and baseball games, and various other activities with friends.

Waunita was proceed in death by her parents, Henry and Mamie, her husband, Keith, son, Tommy, brother, Merlin Clark, and sister, Euleta Lindsey She is survived by her daughter Billie Beaudrie and husband, Jhanzzen of Amarillo, sister, Murietta Teide, three granddaughters, Jennifer Cochran, Marenda Navarro and husband AD, and Emily Fish and husband Scotty as well as seven great grandchildren. She also loved and enjoyed her “first” honorary grandchildren the Payne kids:  Abby, Barby, Will & George Wade, as well as their spouses and children.

Waunita, or “Nana” as she was known by so many, will be remembered fondly as the sweetest lady with a contagious smile and immense love of people, young and old. Donations in Waunita’s memory can be made to The First Christian Church of Beaver, PO Box 40, Beaver, OK  73932.