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Wynona Cathey passed away on May 12, 2023, in Durant, Oklahoma at the age of 84. She was born August 14, 1938, in Paoli, Oklahoma to A. E. (Buster) Wigley and Gladys (Hatcher) Wigley. She came into the world as a twin with her sister Ramona, who was her lifelong best friend, confidante, conspirator, and sparring partner. Her father was a rancher and farmer and raised Wynona and her five siblings with a strong will and solid work ethic.
She graduated from Paoli High School in 1956. Upon graduation, she went to work at Wacker’s Five and Dime in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, as a bookkeeper.
During weekends of hanging out and dragging Main in the nearby “big” town of Pauls Valley, she met John R. Cathey. They married in Pauls Valley on August 22, 1958, and began their long life together. The two of them immediately moved to Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where John received a Certificate of Drafting from Oklahoma State Tech. Together they lived in both Anadarko and Oklahoma City prior to moving to Durant, Oklahoma. During their time in Oklahoma City, two sons, David and Scott, were born. Both boys were teenagers when Wynona and John bought the Bryan County Abstract Company in Durant.
As a part owner of Bryan County Abstract, Wynona closed Farmer’s Home Administration loans for hundreds of new homeowners while she managed and mentored employees. She and John both became very involved in the abstract and title business and spent countless hours serving the industry through the Oklahoma Land Title Association (OLTA) and American Land Title Association (ALTA). Both served as OLTA Presidents and John served as an ALTA President. As part of her work with OLTA, she was instrumental in the creation of the first continuing education classes for title insurance in the State of Oklahoma. When John was part of the leadership in ALTA, they were able to travel throughout the United States making lifelong memories and friends.
Wynona was a very creative person who spent many hours sewing dresses and outfits for herself, her granddaughter, and other family along with many curtains, pillows and cushions, and everything in between. Her beautiful home was always adorned with her creativity. She enjoyed helping to plan and decorate for several OLTA conventions, with her favorite being the one when her son, Scott was President. She devoted countless hours to her two beloved grandchildren, Michael and Lauren, and never missed a chance to attend any event they were involved in.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 61+ years, John R. Cathey; parents, A.E. and Gladys Wigley; brothers and their wives, A. E. (Al) Wigley, Jr. and Katherine, Donald (Corky) L. Wigley and Skee; L.P. Wigley, a sister and husband, Joyce Bingham and Don; brother-in-law, Howard Wolf, brother-in-law Harve Cathey, and his wife, Susie.
She is survived by sons, David Cathey, and wife, Deanna, and Scott Cathey, and wife, Melissa, grandchildren, Michael Cathey and Lauren Cathey, her twin sister, Ramona Wolf, and many nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Wynona’s name to the National Audubon Society to celebrate her love for birds.
A Celebration of Life is set for Thursday, May 18th, 2023 at 10:00 AM at
Brown's Funeral Service of Durant. Services are under the direction of
Brown's Funeral Service. Online condolences can be made at
www.brownsfuneralservice.com
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