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DEWEY COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
Obituary

The Vici Beacon, Vici, Oklahoma,
November 2, 1961,

Parthena G. VanDyke Reeves

Parthena Gwin VanDyke, daughter of Wilbur and Almira VanDyke was born in Iowa on May 13, 1868 and passed away at the Shattuck hospital on October 26, 1961. She was 93 years, 5 months, and 13 days of age.

She came with her parents to Red Willow County, Nebraska when she was 15 years old. Later, that same year, in 1884, she was united in marriage to Andrew Jackson Reeves. Seven children were born to this union, two whom preceded here in death.

Mr. and Mrs. Reeves left their Nebraska home and came by covered wagon to Oklahoma Territory in 1894. They established their home in Dewey County five miles southeast of the present town of Vici and lived there for many years. The homestead was one of many new homes in early Oklahoma and the Reeves family opened their home and hearts to other pioneers of this area, striving in every way to develop their community into a place where all people might live together in peace, harmony, love, and kindness.

In early childhood, Mrs. Reeves dedicated her life to her Master. She has lived a consecrated Christian life throughout the years and was a devoted member of the Church of the Nazarene. She was loyal to her Church, always in attendance when possible. Her Christian faith made of her a devoted person, not only to her Master, but to her family, her friends, and her neighbors, willing at any time to sacrifice her own comfort and well being for others.

She moved to Vici in 1947 where she has since made her home. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1930, and by two sons, George Reeves and Wilbur Reeves.

She is survived by two sons and three daughters, Ralph Reeves of Bethany, Oklahoma; Golden Reeves of Roseville, California; Mrs. Maud Cullison of Grant Pass, Oregon; Mrs. Violet Joy of Vici, Oklahoma; Mrs. Mary Goldsbury of San Pedro, California; 40 grandchildren, 85 great grandchildren, and 17 great great grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Services were held at the Vici Nazarene Church on Sunday, October 29 at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. W. O. Boomer, assisted by Rev. Herb Bridgewater officiating. Interment was in the Sunnyside Cemetery with Shaw Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.