Edna Ilene Free was born April 20, 1916, at Fiat, Indiana, the youngest of five children to Clyde and Jennie Hopkins White. She died Tuesday, December 1, 2009, in Owasso, Oklahoma, at the age of 93 years.

She moved with her parents to Kiefer, Oklahoma, during the oil boom. She was reared and educated in Kiefer and graduated with the Kiefer High School Class of 1933. She continued her education attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she graduated with her Bachelors of Education Degree in 1937. She began her career at her alma mater of Kiefer where she taught fourth grade. Three years later she began teaching third grade in Fairfax, Oklahoma.

She was married February 8, 1944, at Kiefer, Oklahoma, to William Henry "Bill" Free. Bill served his country during World War II and after he returned home from his duty, he and Ilene made their home in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. They were transferred to Wichita, Kansas, where she continued teaching second grade. They were then transferred to Oklahoma City, and then later made their home in Owasso at the Baptist Village. She was a faithful member of First Christian Church in Owasso. She enjoyed a variety of pastimes including reading and game playing.

Loving family members include: Her daughter and son-in-law
Sherry and Mike Elliott, of Rolla, Missouri; Two grandsons; Aaron Elliott, of Springfield, Missouri Josh Elliott and his wife Clair, of San Diego, California
Two great grandchildren; A.J. Elliott and Avery Elliott

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, and one brother. Her husband Bill Free preceded her in death August 29, 2008
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2009, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral services will be held 1:30 pm. Friday, December 4, 2009, at the Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso with Pastor Ben Killion officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Mimosa Manor Assisted Living at the Baptist Village of Owasso, 7410 North 127th East Avenue, Owasso, Oklahoma 74055-4010.

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