OPPLIGER, Evangeline (Vannie)

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona Saturday, July 28, 2012 Evangeline “Vannie” Oppliger passed away peacefully in Houston, TX on October 18, 2011. She was born on December 23, 1918 in Burns, KS and spent her formative years in Emporia, KS until she met Oscar Oppliger whom she married in 1939. In the Forties, the couple moved to Arizona where their four children were born. Although being a wife, mother, and grandmother were Vannie’s greatest joys, golfing came in a very close second. In 1959 she and Oscar celebrated both winning the club golf championships at the same time. In her later years Vannie was active in her church, St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, and was known for her homemade cookies she baked for church functions. Preceded in death by Oscar (1984), Vannie is survived by her children, Cynthia Benson (Lynn) of Superior, AZ; Michael Oppliger (Donna) of Conroe, TX; Georgene Hughes (Ross) of Houston, TX; Frederick “Rick” Oppliger (Lisa) of Phoenix, AZ. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Clarkdale, AZ on Saturday, August 4, 2012, at 11 a.m. Interment will be in St. Thomas’ columbarium immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1175, Clarkdale, AZ 86324. Information provided by survivors.