The final resting place of centenarian Ethel Arterburn is at the west side of section 4 of Memorial Park Cemetery, just north of the tower and fountain. She shares a horizontal marker with her husband Donovan.
Ethel's obituary, from Dignity Memorial:
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Ethel Nadine Arterburn, known to them as ‘Eppie’, was born 4th of nine children, May 31, 1917, to William Verdon and Ethel Pearl Vinson Holeman in Abilene, Kansas. She died August 16, 2020 while having resided at Southern Plaza Christian Retirement Community, Bethany, Oklahoma for the last 11 years. Ethel’s interests and passions were many and varied. Her great zest for life was reflected in her specialized car tag, “ILV2DAY”. She continued to look for the beautiful and best as the years extended to her very old age. Whatever the circumstance she kept on each day hopeful and true to the hope that “something good” does indeed come to her. When asked to what she attributed her long life she would say, “Dancing and maintaining a positive attitude.” Dancing became in her retirement years an outlet for the contagious joy that the trials of life could never suppress. Ever smiling she had deep roots of joy delighting in and caring for the Love of her life, her children (“How can I have such wonderful children! Every one!”), her extended family and many valued friends. When life took unexpected turns, as it does, there was no release of her love and care. Following in her mother’s footsteps her faith was connected to the Methodist church. Independent and strong of spirit she watched for and collected optimistic, motivating and loving thoughts and sayings. Many expressed the deep love and unwavering devotion she held for her husband, Don. Butter dishes and bells both gifts and collected solidified memories of places and people. Flowers were the signature touch of her adult life. She is preceded in death by her parents, all her siblings, Twila Leland, Cecil Holeman, Irma Clark-Garnett, Doris Hopkins-Staley, William “Bill” Holeman, Wilma Stevenson-Estes, Gerald Holeman, Shirley Muzney and her husband of 53 years Don R. Arterburn, Sr, who died on December 8,1998. Ethel and Don were co-owners of Don’s Auction in OKC, OK for 28 years working side by side providing a life and home environment free from want. She was also preceded by her firstborn son, William Elmer Phillips and her grandson. Jerry Eugene Phillips, Jr. She is survived by five of her six children: Jerry Eugene Phillips (Eva Jane) of Colville, WA, Judith Dianne Lancaster (Ronald) of Manitou Springs, CO, Karen Sue Cope (Michael) of Midwest City, OK, Donovan R. Arterburn, Jr. of Oklahoma City, OK, Sherryl Jo Gambrell (Rick) Aurora, CO. As well as 14 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 11 great great grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 10:00 am with Pastor Josh Baldwin officiating. The service will be available live on the Bill Merritt Funeral Service Facebook page starting at 9:55 AM.