Ernestine Carole Center

Ernestine Carole (Wheeler) Center was born in Stilwell, OK on October 9, 1933, the daughter of Lon and Daisy (Ritchie) Wheeler. She was raised with her three siblings, Bruce, Woodie and Pauline. From a young age, she showed a passion for beauty and fashion, sewing dresses and making outfits. Ernestine loved doing her makeup and kept up with the latest skin care regimens, even acting as a representative with BeautiControl for a short time. She went on to sell insurance before becoming a clerk for Tahlequah Public Works Authority for over 34 years.

After she retired from TPWA, she devoted her time to family, church and tending to her cats. She was a proud Democrat and stood strong for her political and Christian views. She was a faithful, longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Tahlequah and found joy in singing with the church choir and trio gospel group, sharing the love of Christ through song. She had a servant’s heart and her door was always open. She had a way of making anyone feel welcome, no matter the time of day or night. Her family was her world and her favorite hobby, never missing an opportunity to be with her kids and grandkids. Everyone looked forward to the holidays and Thanksgiving dinner at Ernestine’s house, where all would come together to enjoy the home cooked meal she prepared. Beautiful both inside and out, she was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend. On Thursday, April 3, 2025 at her home in Tahlequah, she was called to meet her Lord and Savior at the age of 91 years old. The kindness and generosity she shown throughout her life will be treasured by all that knew and loved her.

She has gone on to join her parents, Lon and Daisy Wheeler, two brothers, Bruce and Woodie Wheeler and one sister, Pauline Parker.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Ricky Steven Center of Glenpool, OK, two daughters, Sondra Joanne Burden of Emporia, KS and Pamela Susan Milvo of Tahlequah, OK and one daughter-in-law, Catherine Ramsey of Glenpool, OK. Her legacy lives on through her five grandchildren, Jennifer Ann Baker of Edmond, OK, Eric Steven Center of Glenpool, OK, Laura Faye Allen of Tulsa, OK, Brent Paul Burden of Emporia, KS and Caroly Jo Burden of Overland Park, KS, seven great-grandchildren, Jordan Anthony Baker, Sarah Ann Webber, Lauren Elizabeth Webber, Braedon Isaiah Gunn, Phoenix Lorenzo Gunn, Brooks William Burden and Smith Anthony Windholz, as well as many nieces, nephews and numerous friends and loved ones.

Graveside services for Earnestine Carole Center will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 2:00pm at Tahlequah City Cemetery with Reverend David Wiens officiating.