Obituary for Shelley Strickland

Ponca City Now - October 10, 2023 2:58 pm

Shelley D. Varner Strickland

September 7, 1959 – October 7, 2023

Shelley Diane Varner Strickland passed away on October 7th at Integris Hospital in Oklahoma City after a long illness.

Shelley was born in Blackwell on September 7, 1959 to Melvin and Robinell (Johnston) Varner. She grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell Public Schools.

In 1977, Shelley married Lloyd Delano and they made their home in Ponca City. He proceeded her in death.

After a time, Shelley married Rex Strickland in Fordyce, AR, where they lived for many years until Rex passed away after a battle with bone cancer.

Shelley loved to bake and made yummy cinnamon rolls. She also liked being outdoors fishing and taking care of her horses. She also bred and sold Chihuahua puppies for a time as well.

Shelley is preceeded in death by both of her parents, her bonus Dad, Robert Oldham, her grandparents Jim and Mildred Johnston and Everett and Willetta Varner.

She is survived by sisters, Melanie (Rob) Eynon of Tulsa and Tandra (Frank) Hessman of Derby, KS., a niece, Hannah and a nephew Sam, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Shelley also had many friends she thought of as family.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 27th in the chapel at Roberts and Son Funeral Home in Blackwell.