Jequita Uhles

Jequita Ann Uhles, 88, of Norman passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023. She was born December 3, 1934 in Corbett community east of Lexington, Oklahoma to Otis Oclea Johnson and Willene Clara Higbee Johnson.

Jequita moved to Norman in 1940 and started first grade at Lincoln Grade School. She began attending First Baptist Church of Norman in 1944 and was baptized in the old sanctuary in 1948 by her “preacher” E.F. Hallock. Jequita graduated Norman High School in 1953 and went on to attend OU for 1 year where she was a Varsity Cheerleader. She married William Herbert Uhles II “Herb” on July 10, 1954 at First Baptist Church Norman and was blessed with their five children, Sharla, Rusty, Ron, Ric & Rob.

She dedicated her life to faith, family and friends. She coached countless church league softball teams and invested in the lives of her kids, grandchildren and friends within the community. She also helped manage and operate the family business, Uhles Grocery Store. Her life was dedicated to serving others; she hosted exchange students, bible studies, and ran a “part time laundry mat and diner” out of her house for anyone in need of clean clothes and a homecooked meal. She worked for decades at First Baptist in the Family Life Center where she dedicated her life to service and relationship of others and never missed an opportunity to witness. A recent line from one of her nephews captured her perfectly. “Today I am remembering Jequita’s constant smile, her sense of humor, her sincerity in everything she did, how she made everyone feel welcome, and how she anchored a family for a generation.”

A number of years after Herb passed away, she was blessed with over 25 years of trips and adventures with her “special friend” Newt Mitchell Sr. There wasn’t a birthday party, ball game or holiday that they missed and were together for each other through good times and bad.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Herbert Uhles II “Herb”; her son William Herbert Uhles III “Rusty” and her “special friend” Newt Mitchell Sr. Jequita is survived by her daughter Sharla Leonard and husband Kenny of Edmond OK, her son Ron Uhles and wife Holly of Norman, OK, her son Ric Uhles and wife Sherri of Norman, OK, her son Rob Uhles and wife Charla of Norman, OK and Rusty’s surviving widow Starla Van Winkle of Norman, OK; her brothers Robert Johnson and late wife Sue, Kenneth Johnson and wife June and Dwight Johnson and wife Kathy; her grandchildren Hutch Hibbard & wife Alyssa, Heath Hibbard & wife Anna, Taylor Stitt, Hunter Hibbard & wife Lindsay, William Herbert Uhles IV “Ty” & wife Randi, Amy Miller & husband Jesse, Lance Uhles & wife Suzy, Jaxon Uhles & wife Jordan, Zac Uhles & wife Madison, Jillian Uhles & fiancé Jake Coffee and her sixteen great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the leadership and staff at Arbor House Reminisce Norman for the love and care they provided to Jequita.

The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday November 17th, 2023 at Tribute Memorial Care in Norman. The Memorial service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday November 18th, 2023 at First Baptist Church Norman, officiated by Monty Priest.