Imadene Olinger

Imadene Olinger of Baron, Oklahoma, was born on May 26, 1933, in Baron, Oklahoma, to Vernon and Nona Bradford and passed away on January 18, 2023 at Quail Ridge Living Center, West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, at the age of 89.

After graduating from Westville High School in 1951, Imadene attended Draughon’s Business School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her best friend and roommate Virginia (Wright) Adair. She moved to Stilwell, Oklahoma, where she worked in the County Courthouse until marrying Richard Olinger, who was in the Army, on November 20, 1954 in Stilwell, Oklahoma. They were married 68 years.

During the years Richard served in the military the couple lived in Arkansas, Germany, Texas, and New Mexico. While living in New Mexico, Imadene worked as a Bookkeeper and Purchasing Agent for the military base day-care and kindergarten. After Richard retired they moved back to Baron, Oklahoma, where Imadene went back to work at the Stilwell Courthouse in the Assessor’s Office. From that office she moved to the County Clerk’s Office where she was a County Purchasing Agent until being elected Adair County Treasurer on August 28, 1990, and served in that office until her retirement in 1993.

Imadene and Richard raised Limousine cattle and she enjoyed spending her time reading, crocheting, gardening, camping at Lake Tenkiller, and going to garage sales with sister-n-law Theora Olinger. Imadene was a great story teller and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. A devoted wife, a wonderful mom and grandma, and beloved by many caring relatives and dear friends, her memory will be forever in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Nona Bradford, sister Yvonne and husband Russell Blackerby, sister Verlene and husband Bob Knepp, and brother David (Mick) Bradford.

Imadene is survived by her husband Richard, brother Ben Bradford and wife Merleen of Catoosa, Oklahoma, son Richard (Rick) Olinger and wife Debbie of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, daughter Karen Olinger of Claremore, Oklahoma, son James (Jim) Olinger and wife Missy of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, grandson Eric Olinger of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, step-granddaughter Brandi Trollinger and husband Josh and kids, Jaden, Brayden, Talia, Moriah, and Myles of Centerton, Arkansas.