Arabel Wycoff Cammann/Johnston died July 1, 2015 at the age of 100.
Arabel Etta Wycoff was born June 7, 1915 in Garnett, Kansas to John Quincy Wycoff and Etta Jane Crow Wycoff. Throughout Arabel’s life from early on she knew no other than to dedicate her life to helping others.
She graduated from Garnett Kansas High School in 1933. Arabel’s love of music was evident early and she was a music major at Lindenwood College for Women, Saint Charles, Missouri where she received her Associated degree. A serious illness interrupted her plans for a professional music career, but she enjoyed being a private music teacher throughout her lifetime. Her great pleasure was playing the piano for the servicemen in WWII and entertaining numerous organizations and social events with her ability to play both the piano and organ and any style of music. In her youth, Arabel was an avid sports participant, but after her continuing illness she settled on music, fishing gardening, designing clothes, sewing and bridge. She was quite proud of the Marlin she caught while deep sea fishing.
Arabel was an active member of many organizations. She was presented with her 65th year membership pin in 2014 for the Tuscan Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star and DAR. She was a member of Gore United Methodist Church of Gore, Oklahoma.
Arabel married George L. Cammann in November 1936, in Garnett, Kansas. Eighteen years later they adopted a six year old daughter, Barbara Jane who lives in California with her husband, Benjamin, and two years later a seven year old son, Bruce John, who is a Veteran casualty of the Vietnam War living in Missouri. George suffered a fatal heart attack in June 1980.
She married James U.L. Johnston in 1981 and they were together 21 years, enjoying their home on Lake Tenkiller. U.L. had three sons, James Johnston Jr. and wife Cindy, Jerry Johnston, and Larry Johnston and wife Molly and daughter Linda Johnston Bailey and husband Tom.
Barbara, Bruce and U.L’s children blessed their lives with several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Arabel greatly appreciated U.L’s extended family of his sisters and U.L’s nephew Roy Moore and wife Patrycia, niece Amanda Johnston and her special friends, Ray and Jane Brewer who were all so kind and thoughtful of her needs and her very beloved Yorkshire terrier, Dandy Two, who was her solace and protector.
A special recognition to Brookdale Magnolia Gardens Retirement Staff and Hospice Advantage formerly Hope Hospice and staff for their years of care and love for both Arabel and Miss Dandy III during the last precious years of her life. As stated about her father, Arabel had those same qualities that typified her. Arabel did not have to be asked for help; she volunteered and helped those whose help was needed.
Viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Foster-Petering Funeral Home. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday at Gore United Methodist Church in Gore, OK.