Arlene Bernice Dougherty, Norman, Oklahoma, passed away September 14, 2017 following a short illness, at the age of 95. Her funeral will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Enid, with Pastor Timothy Dorsch of Enid and Pastor David Nehrenz of Norman officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials in her name may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation with the funeral home as fund custodian.
Arlene was born at home to Ernest and Martha Holle on the family farm in Fairmont, Oklahoma on October 15, 1921. She graduated from Garber High School in 1940. She then attended St John’s Lutheran College in Winfield, Kansas for two years before enrolling in St Mary’s School of Nursing, graduating on May 21, 1944, and was certified as a Registered Nurse on October 7, 1944. She worked as an RN at St Mary’s Hospital for 25 years. Arlene married Russell A. Dougherty, Jr on December 3, 1944, at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairmont while Russell was on leave from his ship in the Navy. After WWII, Arlene and Russell lived in Enid where Russell worked for the Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company. Arlene and Russell also lived in Alva, Ada and Ardmore, Oklahoma late in Russell’s career with OG & E, before returning to Enid. After retiring from OG &E, Arlene and Russell moved to Las Cruces, NE Mexico, where Russell passed away in 1989. Russell’s remains were returned to Enid for burial and Arlene will be buried beside him. Arlene returned to Enid a few years after Russell died, and lived in Enid until 2008 when she moved to Norman to live with her family. After Arlene returned to Enid, she served as a volunteer at St Mary’s until she was no longer physically able. Arlene was a long-time member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Enid before moving across town and joined Redeemer Lutheran Church. Upon moving to Norman, she attended Trinity Lutheran Church while retaining her membership in Redeemer.
Surviving include a son, David Dougherty, and three daughters, Patty Hankins, Holly Dougherty and Becky Flaming. She also has six grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, twelve surviving, and four great great grandchildren.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, her two brothers, Gordon Holle and Dale Holle, and by one great grandchild.