Wanita Fern Salyer

Wanita Salyer, age 95, of Norman, passed away, on May 27, 2020. She was born, June 1, 1924, in Roosevelt, Oklahoma, to Clarence and Ottie Bryant Totten.
Wanita grew up on a farm in southwest Oklahoma during the depression, chopping and picking cotton, acquiring a strong work ethic. She graduated high school from Cowden, Oklahoma in 1943 where she played basketball and was named all-around player in Washita County that same year. She had a passion for basketball that carried throughout her life, playing recreationally until she was 40 years old, at the old Building 92 on the South Naval Base, with other Norman women with the same enthusiasm.
After high school, Wanita moved to Oklahoma City. She worked at various jobs and also attended Blackwood Business School. One evening enjoying Bob Wills at the Trianon Ballroom, she met Dale Salyer. They were married on September 5, 1953. The family moved to Norman in 1960. She was homeroom teacher and active in her children’s school activities; later working at the Al Salyer car dealership until her retirement.
Wanita was a member of First Baptist Church of Norman and the Aquilla and Priscilla Class where she had many dear friends. She constantly gave of herself to others including neighbors, friends and family. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Arbor House for their wonderful care the past 4 1/2 years.
In addition to her parents, Wanita was preceded in death by her husband, Dale in 2005; 4 brothers Ross, George, Floyd and Joe.
Survivors include her children Sherri (Randy) Stansel and Ralph (Courtnay) Salyer of Norman; grandchildren Blaine (Michelle) Stansel, Elise Stansel, Jeremy (Asia Perkins) Salyer; and great granddaughter Everly Stansel.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Sunday May 31, 2020 at Tribute Memorial Care, 708 24th Ave NW, Norman, OK. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to OMRF or a charity of your choice.