LAWANNA MAE HARDING GANN
LaWanna Mae Harding Gann, left this life on December 15, 2020. A graveside service will be held at the IOOF Cemetery in Tonkawa, OK, at 11:00 Monday, December 21, 2020, with Pastor Don Griffin officiating. Viewing will be Saturday, December 19, 2020 from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM. and Sunday, December 20, 2020, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The family will greet visitors from 2 to 5. Face masks are required. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.
LaWanna was born in Oklahoma City to John Andrew Harding and Eva Clara Stalder Harding. John Harding was the superintendent at the Oklahoma City Halliburton camps, where she spent her early years. She began playing the accordion at a young age. She became an accomplished musician, winning first in the State of Oklahoma at age 10. She played on the radio on the Danny Williams show. She played throughout her life, entertaining guests. She attended Northeast High school in OKC then Oklahoma A & M. She met and married Jesse Hubbard Gann Jr. on January 12, 1952 while he was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base. They were stationed from coast to coast with the USAF, living in Anchorage, Alaska, California and Honolulu, Hawaii. As an officer’s wife, LaWanna learned to be a wonderful hostess.
The family moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1973 where they started Jay Gann Realty. LaWanna was a lifelong learner and took many classes throughout her life. She enjoyed all life had to offer. While raising three children, she worked as a bank teller and dental assistant. She opened the first clothing resale shop, The Remarkable Shop, in the old Mell’s building. She was a Master Gardener, president of the Red Rose Garden Club and Gardener of the Year.
Her passion was working as a Dorm Mother at Bell Hall, N.O.C. She loved the girls and their antics. She retired from N.O.C. after 22 years. She took up quilting and belonged to the Quilters Guild. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. She had an easy infectious laugh and was mischievous herself. She was a storyteller with many hilarious tales to tell. She was fun, funny and always lovely. Her easy smile, sparkling eyes and laugh will be missed by many.
LaWanna has three children, Gina G. Gann Redinger of Prunedale, Ca., Jesse H. Gann III, Gulf Breeze, Florida, and Gineta G. Gann Swanson, Ponca City, Ok. She was preceded in death by her Eva and John Harding, Jesse H. Gann jr, John Keith Gann, Royce Andrew Redinger.
Memorial contributions can be made to Cann Memorial Gardens, 1500 E. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601
Casket Bearers will be Jesse H Gann III, Jesse H. Gann IV, Ryan Redinger, David L. Swanson, Jose Wheeler and Christopher Wheeler. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Gina Reddinger, Paul Redinger, Rick Redinger, Regan Redinger, Sally Redinger, John D. Swanson.