Vernadine Wages, a longtime resident of Meeker, Oklahoma, passed away on September 6, 2026, in Meeker at the age of 83.

Vernadine was born on September 1, 1943, on her grandparents’ farm in rural Tuttle, Oklahoma, to Vernon G. and Betty L. (McDaniel) Statton. In 1957, Vernadine and her family moved to Meeker, where she attended Meeker Schools and graduated from Meeker High School with the Class of 1961.

Following graduation, Vernadine moved to Oklahoma City, where she lived at the YWCA and began her working life as an elevator operator. On May 1, 1964, she married John Edward Wages. Their marriage would span more than 47 years until John’s passing on October 18, 2011.

Vernadine and John returned to Meeker during the 1980s and made their home there for the remainder of their lives. Together, they shared a love for travel and adventure, seeing much of the country over the years. In their younger days, they traveled by motorcycle, and Vernadine could often be easily spotted by the sparkly ball cap she wore while riding. Later, they traded the motorcycle for an RV and continued exploring the country, enjoying the freedom of RV life and the opportunity to bring their beloved dogs along for the journey.

Every trip seemed to leave Vernadine with a memory and often a new shirt to go with it. She collected shirts from the many places she and John visited, and each one came with its own story. Naturally social and outgoing, Vernadine loved visiting with people and had a gift for making new friends wherever their travels took them.

Vernadine enjoyed a long and varied working career. After beginning as an elevator operator in Oklahoma City, she later worked for Southwestern Bell, which eventually became AT&T. During her many years with the company, she worked her way from switchboard operator to supervisor over the engineering department before retiring.

After returning to Meeker, Vernadine and John also served their community as reserve deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Vernadine later worked for the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, serving for many years as both a dispatcher and reserve deputy.

Her faith and church family were an important part of Vernadine’s life. She was an active member of Mammoth Baptist Church and, following John’s passing, became especially involved with the church’s Widows’ Group. The ladies often sat together during worship services and shared many trips and outings throughout the years. Their friendship and fellowship became a meaningful part of her life.

In her free time, Vernadine enjoyed quilting and had a deep love for dogs. Her dogs were much more than pets to her; they were treasured companions and an important part of her family and travels.

For the final two and a half years of her life, Vernadine made her home at the Meeker Nursing Center.

Vernadine was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Edward Wages; her parents, Vernon G. and Betty L. Statton; her brother, David Statton; and her sister, Clara Kersey.

Those left to cherish her memory include her brother, Fred Statton; her sisters, Veta Statton and Norma Henson; her three stepchildren, John Wages, Mike Wages and Shelia Roque; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by her friendship, stories, and outgoing spirit.