Our precious Mom, Ernestine Doris Naifeh, was born on February 13, 1935, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
She lived on Lincoln Street - and little did she know that in her high school years, she would fall in love with the boy who lived across the street. His name was Raymond Naifeh, who later became our wonderful father. Dad was 3 years older than Mom, and he attended OSU. Of course, when Mom graduated from high school, it was no surprise that she followed him there, where she attended for 1 year.
Marriage quickly followed on November 19, 1954. It was obvious they were so in love, and having fun together, with 4 children - in 5 years. And, so they began the start of Their Family Tree.
Their first child, Bill, arrived in 1956. Fourteen months later, Susan Gayle was born, bringing a daughter in the mix. Two years later came Ernestine Carol, but 3 children were not enough. So, in 1961, Mary Katheen showed up.
One of the favorite questions to our Mom was, "Who is your favorite child?" She would never tell because her endless love was plenty for each and every one. And it was in our childhood that we felt her great love. A love that was so wide, so long, so high and deep - the love of God. And when each of us would call our Mom, we identified ourselves as, "Me." We did not have to say our name, each voice was imprinted in her beautiful heart.
Mom's strength and perseverance was shown in many ways, but the toughest storm she faced was when her true love passed away. He went to be with Jesus in 1986, at the age of 54, it happened much to quick. She trusted God with all her heart to bring her through this time. And, she sought His will in all she did, and He showed to her - a new season of life. The faith she had, the deeds she did, grew more and more with time.
She not only shared her enormous love with her special family, but her love stretched to so many more, well beyond Her Family Tree. You could not stop her love for people, and her sharing of her faith. She wanted each person she encountered - to know the love Christ gave.
She was such an incredible woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. With her kindness and love felt by each one who came across her path. God's plan for her was mighty as she touched so many lives. She shared the Good News to family, friends - and those who did not know Christ.
In the last few weeks, she stopped to get gas in her car, and she noticed a young woman there. She asked the lady if something was wrong, and the lady began to share. Her mother and father had recently passed, and she felt unloved and alone. Mom shared the great love that Jesus had for her, and the lady was so touched. Although the two had just met, they exchanged phone numbers in a gas station parking lot.
And, that is our Mom.
The Family Tree has grown from 2 kids living across the street, getting married and having 4 children. The family in total is well beyond - the original six. Her children are now grown, with children of their own. Bill Naifeh and wife, Linda Corell; Susan Wiggins and husband, John; Ernestine Carol Shires; and, Mary Kathleen Naifeh.
Her grandchildren were her bright spots, and the first one was Charise, married to Antonio Luque. With many more to come, we list them by their ages - Josh married to Michelle, Kellen, Mark married to Jennesa, and Atticus. But it does not stop there. She was blessed with 5 great grandchildren - brothers Luis and Oliver; siblings - Jonathan, Olivia and Michael. Mom had many names that included Mom, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Gi-Gi.
God gave to Mom an angel to be with her on earth. The baby of the family grew into a gracious woman of the Lord. Like Mom had taught us all to be, Mary was so full of love - to help Mom in her time of need - and care for her each day. The baby of the family became the woman that Mom raised her to be.
We could go on and on about our Mom, but in our hearts will always be - our memories. We would have kept her so much longer, but it is the Lord who counts our days.
On August 4, 2024, at 89 years old, Mom went to be with Jesus. Her warmth, strong faith and unconditional love will be deeply missed by all, especially those of us who were privileged - to be included in Her Family Tree.
A private family graveside will be held for Ernestine on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, OK, with a Celebration of Life to follow at Crawford Family Funeral Service in Edmond, OK at 1:00PM.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ernestine, please visit our Tree Store.
Our precious Mom, Ernestine Doris Naifeh, was born on February 13, 1935, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
She lived on Lincoln Street - and little did she know that in her high school years, she would fall in love with the boy who lived across the street. His name was Raymond Naifeh, who later became our wonderful father. Dad was 3 years o
Saturday, August 10, 2024
1:00 pm
Crawford Family Funeral & Cremation Service
610 N.W. 178th St. Edmond, OK 73012
Gracelawn Cemetery
1407 North Blvd. Edmond, OK 73003