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Lana Leist-Burkhart, 78 year-old Woodward resident, passed away Tuesday, April 13th. In accordance with Lana's wishes, a celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Building in Freedom Oklahoma on May 1st beginning at 3pm.
Lana Leist-Burkhart was born on March 21st, 1943 in Pontiac, Michigan to Virginia and Dallas Leist. Lana was raised in Laverne, Oklahoma and moved to Alva, Oklahoma in 1951. After graduating from Alva High School, she attended Oklahoma State University and received degrees in Spanish, English and Profanity.
Lana was united in marriage to Alan Burkhart on December 8, 1990 in Oklahoma City. The ceremony was conducted by the Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, John Dulan. Alan and Lana went on to make their home at the Burkhart family ranch nine miles south of Freedom, Oklahoma.
After receiving her education, Lana went on to teach at OSU, OU, Waynoka, Carmen, Fairview, Geary and Sharon Mutual. She coached the Sharon Mutual academic team and lead them to compete in the State Championship and was the first teacher in NW Oklahoma to teach Spanish to multiple school districts via live video call. Lana also managed and owned several bars and always said she would either end up being a brain surgeon or a fry cook.
Lana and Alan were avid travelers and managed to visit over four continents. Lana loved all the animals on the ranch and enjoyed working alongside her husband running their gift and trophy business, Cimarron Alabaster. Lana was also an extremely talented artist, a published author, a lifeguard, a swimming teacher, and a member of the Freedom School Board. Prior to becoming a member of the Freedom School Board, Lana spent three years tirelessly fighting to keep Freedom Schools open. Lana also spent most of her free time offering life advice and counsel for COUNTLESS family and friends. One life lived, many lives touched.
She is survived by her spouse, Alan Burkhart; sons, Dave Burkhart, Bill Burkhart and wife Valorie, Evan Burkhart; daughter, Liberty Burkhart; sisters, Jan Enger and husband Von, Sherre Mawhirter and husband Brent, Ann Carlson and husband, Max; brother, George Leist and wife Linda; grandchildren, Jordan, Blake, Kasi and husband Jon, Rylie, Abby, Caitlyn and Lauren; great granchdilren, Paxton, Donald, Jordan, Brantley, and Zoey; and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Lana is preceded in death by her parents, and a baby boy.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the VFW with Billings Funeral Home accepting contributions.
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