Barbara Arlene Doyle

On Saturday, July 2, 2022, Barbara Arlene Doyle passed away at the age of 89. She was born February 26, 1933, in Danville, IL to Robert & Mary (Poll) Winkler. She received her nursing diploma from the Beth-El School of Nursing (now the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs) in 1959 and began practicing general and psychiatric nursing as a Registered Nurse until her retirement in 1994. During her career, she was a district President of the Oklahoma Nursing Association in 1982 and was recognized for her contributions to mental health services in Oklahoma by the Central Oklahoma Community Mental Health Center in 1987. She married Donald John Doyle on March 13,1959 and had three children: Mark, Karin and Lori.

Because she was an Army wife, she was, by necessity, a world traveler, living in Germany and Okinawa, Japan, and in the United States from California to Maryland, and from New York state to Texas, as well as many points in between. In almost every place she lived, she practiced nursing.

She was known for being a crafter, in many media: quilling and tole painting, macramé and decoupage, but her latest obsession was stamping and card making. She produced beautiful and thoughtful personalized birthday, anniversary, and get-well cards.

Her other great passion was the church, and for the last 37 years she was a pillar of the Goodrich UMC community. At various times she was the head of Vacation Bible School, and of the church’s annual bazaar. She was a long-time member of the church’s prayer team and for many years produced the ‘praying for you’ cards. She held numerous positions in the United Methodist Women’s organization, including President and Secretary. She was known for her corn salad and ‘dump cake’ at church potlucks. But even more than that, she was the self-appointed, one-woman welcoming committee for anyone she didn’t recognize. Many people remarked that her infectious smile was the first thing they experienced at the church.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, and two brothers, Robert and William. She is survived by her 3 children (Mark Doyle, Karin Doyle and Lori Allen); 3 grandchildren (Jane Hopaki, Garret James Anoatubby & Henry Anoatubby) and 4 great-grandchildren (Emil, Hollis, Ingrid and Marin).

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 2 o’clock p.m. at Goodrich Memorial United Methodist Church, 200 W Hayes Street, Norman OK 73069. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the church, or to another charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.primrosefuneralservice.com for the Doyle family.