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Ida Elaine
Kaighn, 69, passed away on Thursday, July 28th in Norman, Oklahoma.
Elaine was in her home and surrounded by her loving family, devoted
caregivers and lifelong friends as she made the passage into the spirit
world. Her joyful presence and deep love for family and friends will
remain with us always, and we shall think of her often.
Elaine was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on March 3, 1942 to George and
Van Schott. She was the second born of five children: Dean, Betty, Paula
and Nancy and was especially close to her two youngest sisters as they
shared a deep and loving bond that would last their entire lives. She
was first married to David Grantham in 1960, with the marriage ending in
1968. They had two children together, Brent and Sheri. Her second
marriage was to Bill Kaighn in 1979. Their marriage was perhaps the most
fulfilling aspect of a wonderful life, and they shared a remarkable and
deeply inspiring love and dedication that spanned 32 years. Bill has
five children from his first marriage: Kevan, Charles, Lisa, Julie and
Laura. They had thirteen “cutie pie” grandchildren and six great
grandchildren.
Bill and Elaine shared a sprawling, lovely home on Westwood Drive in
Norman that she often referred to as “The Castle.” It was the site for
many cherished family meals, holiday gatherings, swimming parties and
extended sleepovers. Elaine was an accomplished cook, baker and gardener
and truly enjoyed creating the best possible environment and experiences
for her family and friends. She also had a deep affection for the fine
and performing arts, which she and Bill always shared with family and
friends. The two traveled to their favorite destinations in the U.S. and
abroad, and as an avid swimmer, Elaine was particularly drawn to the
beach.
Elaine graduated from Harding High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in
1960. She was an alumna of the American Institute of Banking, having
completed their pre-standard, standard and general curricula during the
years of 1966-1977. She was a dedicated and tireless banking
professional who was universally admired for her sound financial
judgment, vitality and integrity. She began her career at Citizen’s
National Bank in 1960 where she worked until 1972. At Citizen’s, she
began as a utility clerk and advanced rapidly through many positions,
learning about every administrative aspect of the banking business. From
there, she was instrumental in the organization and opening of the
Exchange National Bank of Del City in 1972. She initially began as
Cashier and was made Vice President and elected to the Board of
Directors in 1976. Her terminal banking position began in 1979 at City
National Bank in Norman where she was Vice President in Commercial Loans
and managed their bond portfolio. She also handled daily investments in
overnight funds and made and serviced commercial and installment loans.
Elaine considered the position at City to be the apex of her career in
banking and it was with great and lasting disappointment that she was
forced to end her employ due to chronic illness.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, George and Van, and her
sister Betty.
Survivors include her husband Bill Kaighn of Norman and
her children Brent Grantham of Norman and Sheri Grantham of Edmond. And,
her stepchildren: Kevan Kaighn of Phoenix, Arizona; Charles Kaighn and
his wife Debbie of Raleigh, North Carolina; Lisa Kaighn and her husband
Steve Katz of Durham, North Carolina; Julie Jones and her husband
Patrick of New Bern, North Carolina; and Laura Klabel and her husband
Dennis of Peru, Illinois. Also, her siblings: Dean Schott of Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma; Paula Erdman and her husband Jim of Boley, Oklahoma; and
Nancy Dombek and her husband Ron of Henryetta, Oklahoma. Grandchildren
include: Sophia, Olivia, Evan, Christopher, Lacie, Heather, Christa,
Grady, Arden, Kelsey, Finn, William and Michael. Great grandchildren
include Mac, Kiaya, Isaiah, Brendon, Preston and Austin.
A special mention is made of caregiver Linda Harrell, who gave Elaine
constant care, love and companionship throughout her three and a half
year battle with cancer. Linda is held in the highest esteem as Elaine’s
earthly angel and the family will be eternally grateful for her
dedication. In addition, hospice nurse Liz Loffland provided
extraordinary care to Elaine in her final weeks. There was an instant
bond between Liz and Elaine that brightened Elaine’s final days in a
truly meaningful way.
Visitation will be held Sunday, July 31, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. at
Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman, Oklahoma. The family will be
greeting friends at Havenbrook on Monday, August 1, 2011 from 6:00 to
8:00 p.m. Please see the Havenbrook website for a map and directions.
A public service is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, 419 S. University, Norman,
Oklahoma. The pallbearers will be led by Brent Grantham and Charles
Kaighn and include: Evan Grantham, Grady Kaighn, Christopher Clanton,
Seth Erdman, Nathan Erdman, Brendon Thomason and Preston Thomason.
Honorary bearers include: Jim Erdman, Ron Dombek, Jeremy Dombek, Austin
Hackett, Gene Inman, Herb Mee, Glen McElroy and Lester Reed.
Interment will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
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