Airawana Milacek

Airawana Ivon Milacek, of Waukomis, OK, passed on to her Heavenly home on February 27, 2022 at the age of 94 years. She was born to her parents, Chester and Edith (Hood) Andrews, on May 23, 1927 in Aline, OK. When she was a young girl, she was called by her first name of Airawana, but as she grew older, she preferred her middle name of Ivon. She attended grade school at McWillie, OK, and graduated from Aline High School in 1946. Ivon married Orbia Hoyle in 1947. They resided in Aline, OK where they soon welcomed a daughter, Orbitta Jo. Their marriage was shortened by his untimely passing in September of 1951. Soon after his death, she moved closer to her parents in Waukomis, OK and worked for a brief time in Enid, OK as a secretary for Farm Bureau. In May of 1953, she married Alfred Milacek at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Enid, OK. They made their home in Waukomis, OK where they farmed and raised cattle. Throughout the years, they welcomed six more children to their family: Mary Ann, Donna, Barbara, Charlotte, Charles (Chuck) and James. Ivon was a dedicated wife, a nurturing mother and a loyal friend. Her family was of the utmost importance. She worked diligently, day and night, to show her love and commitment, and was most content when everyone gathered together for meals, holidays, or just because. Ivon knew her way around the kitchen and prepared delicious meals around the clock for many hungry mouths. She was a gifted seamstress who sewed hundreds of garments and costumes for her children and grandchildren. Her hands crocheted miles of colorful yarn into the most beautiful baby blankets and afghans. If you knew Ivon at all, you were likely a recipient of one of her thoughtful, handmade gifts. She never forgot to acknowledge a birthday, anniversary or to express her gratitude for even the smallest of things, with a Thank-You card. There wasn’t a stain she couldn’t remove, or a crying baby she couldn’t soothe. Her nurturing spirit didn’t stop with people. It was evident in the way she tended to her flower gardens and the companionship between her and her dog, Little Bit. They helped each other through some struggling times in these last few years. She was not exempt from life’s hardships, but she faced each one with unwavering determination, faith and hope; always coming out on the other side with renewed strength and gratitude. Be it a ballgame, wedding, birthday, funeral, church service or any other event that a person could attend to encourage and support a loved one or express faithful devotion, Ivon was in attendance. Her motto must have been, “If the good Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise”, because she was not one to be stopped once she set her mind to something. She had a beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, and a laugh that could chase your troubles away. No matter the task or chore before her, she whistled her way through with a melody that would rival the most enchanting songbird. It was one of her most endearing qualities. Ivon was truly a Proverbs 31 woman. She was revered and respected, and her legacy will live on in the lives of her children, grandchildren and many generations to come. Her presence here on earth will be greatly missed, but we rejoice knowing that she is with our Heavenly Father. The gift of salvation and promise of eternity in Heaven, is the hope that sustains us and brings joy to our hearts as we imagine being reunited with her again someday. Preceding her in death were her parents; Chester and Edith Andrews; a sister, Winona Boatright; husband, Alfred Milacek; sons in law, Danny Mugg and Alfred Nelson; and a grandson, Christopher Nelson. She is survived by her children; Jo Nelson of Aline, OK; Mary Ann Breckenridge and husband Bob of Waukomis, OK; Donna Grant and husband John of Springtown, TX; Barbara Bergdall and husband Butch of Lahoma, OK; Charlotte Steddum and husband Randy of Rose Hill, KS; Charles (Chuck) Milacek of Yukon, OK; and James Milacek and wife Amy of Enid, OK; 20 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Added to those left to cherish her memory, include a multitude of nieces and nephews, many other special family members and countless friends.