Rena Mae Carter

Graveside services for Rena Mae (Selvidge) Carter, of Skiatook, were held Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry, OK. Apostle Donnie Carter officiated. Casket bearers were Ben Carruthers, Terry Carruthers, Willie Carruthers, Jesse Whiteman, Eric Carter, and Jeff Stephens.

Rena was born April 13, 1929 in Barnsdall Oil Camp, OK to Etsel and Vivian (Embrey) Selvidge. She passed away March 22, 2012 in Skiatook, OK at the age of 82.

She and her three brothers, Jack, Jim, and Jerry received their educations in the Sperry School System. As a young woman, Rena married Charlie Ray Carter and together they raised four children, Shanda; the twins, Donna and Donnie; followed by Mike. She spent many years supporting her children in their school and sport activities. Rena even took a stint at coaching Little League Baseball when a coach was needed. Rena continued to show a competitive side. It was said that at one time she was one of the best women bowlers in the Tulsa area and was very proficient at shuffleboard and Canasta as well. After Rena Mae retired from Tulsa Rubber Company, she began to enjoy more relaxing pursuits which included quilting, reading, needlework, visiting with her grandchildren, and her favorite hobby, flower gardening. She also found time to help in her daughter Donna’s quilt shop, The Quilted Garden, in downtown Skiatook. Becoming a pet owner was added to her interests in the last few years. Rena and her dog, Kiki, were inseparable. The children agree that the most important thing their mother will be remembered for is that she taught them right from wrong. She wanted them to know there was a better way to live. It was a joyous day indeed when the entire Carter family was baptized together. Rena’s life was one of sacrifice and giving. She wanted only the best for her children. Her reward in Heaven awaits her.

She is survived by her children, Shanda Carruthers and husband Noel, Donna Joplin and husband Ben, Donnie Carter and wife Donna, and Mike Carter and wife Bonnie; grandchildren, Ben Carruthers and wife Tina Piehl, Terry Carruthers and wife Misty, Janna Carruthers, Willie Carruthers and wife Deena, Sarah King and husband J.J., Jesse Whiteman, Jeff Stephens and wife Christy, Amy Friday, Eric Carter and wife Brooke, Melanie Zabawa and husband Patrick, and Tham Kyler and husband Donny; great-grandchildren, Hannah Carruthers, Emma Carruthers, Abby Carruthers, Paisley Carruthers, Trenton King, Riley King, Avery King, Montana Kyler, Savanna Kyler, Breanna Kyler, Claire Stephens, Chloe Stephens, Cali Stephens, and Madison Friday; brothers, Jack Selvidge and wife Verna; Jim Selvidge and wife Marge; and Jerry Selvidge and wife Frances; uncle, Charles Embrey of Claremore; aunt, Ethel Embrey of Houston, TX; and many other relatives and friends.