IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Lori

Lori Henry Profile Photo

Henry

Aug 5, 1977 — Jun 20, 2025

Obituary

It is with profound sadness and eternal love that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, wonderful wife, and devoted mother, who left this world far too soon. She brought light, warmth, and joy into every life she touched, and her memory will live on in all of us. Lori Dawn Wohlgemuth was born on August 5, 1977 to Marva and Don in Enid, Oklahoma and passed from this life on Friday, June 20, 2025. A memorial service will be 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the Pawnee High School Auditorium, 615 Denver St. in Pawnee, followed by a reception at the Rodeo Arena Event Center, 34718 E. 44 Rd. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Their much-anticipated little girl was later joined by a longed-for brother. A very thoughtful and studious child, she thrived in church, school, and a robust social life. Lori had a way of making others feel better simply by being present. A radiant light, she was everyone's safe place, quiet strength, gentle hand, loyal heart, and wise soul. When she was 12, after accepting Christ as her Savior in Awana, she was baptized to show her love for Jesus. Her activities were varied, learning to play the piano, playing softball, learning to play the saxophone, always reading, and enjoying friends.

During her sixth-grade year, the family moved to Fairview, Oklahoma. She immediately integrated into the small community of 2,500 people. She was the fifth generation to live in Major County, so she was surrounded by great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins. She often bemoaned thinking she could not date because she was "related" to everyone. Here was where she cultivated relationships which have remained all her life. She met her best friend, Metisha, and they had a connection which prompted so much joy and orneriness. Lori developed an eye for style and design by working in her grandmother's dress shop. She volunteered in her brother's sno-cone hut and worked at the city pool. Basketball camps, church camps, band trips-she was introduced to so many experiences and fully enjoyed her childhood. She graduated as one of the valedictorians of her class and headed for the family tradition of attending Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. After one year she transferred to Oklahoma State University where she belonged. She was rushed into the Chi Omega sorority. Lori applied for and was accepted into the Walt Disney World College Program, where she spent a fall semester working and living at the campus. This was a joyful and growing time for her. Upon her return to OSU, she met the love of her life, John Dean Henry, from Pawnee, Oklahoma. Lori received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from OSU, and she eventually obtained her teaching certificate and found her calling. She taught at Cleveland schools, Morrison schools, and Pawnee schools.

John proposed and on June 17, 2000, they were married in Fairview and began a 25-year marriage. Three children were born to this dynamic duo-Laney, Haley, and Lawson. She adored being a mom and she and John gave their children all of the opportunities they felt like they had as children. John and Lori eventually moved to Pawnee where the family has a cattle ranch. As a family they loved to be at the beach - any beach - but especially in Florida. New Orleans was another favorite. A plethora of animals filled their lives outside and inside their home. Dogs, cats, lizards, goats, chickens, and cows were cared for and Lori especially enjoyed them these last few years. She said especially dogs fully accepted her and gave her joy. They all enjoyed sports, music concerts, and movies. Lori's greatest sports love was the Kansas City Chiefs. She practically lived in Chief's gear and watched every minute of games and social media posts. She especially loved when the kids' friends came over. She wanted their home to have a revolving door for friends and activities. Seeing her children grow into the beautiful, talented, loving kids they are was her goal and joy. That eye on the prize kept her fighting through all of her challenges.

At age 16 she was diagnosed with a genetic heart condition which would eventually take her life. Through all the additional added unique diagnoses, she would comment that she won the short stick of the gene pool. Almost 16 years ago she experienced an unexplained stroke which did not affect her life too much. Life continued with very little interruption. Six years ago, though, June 9, Lori had a massive stroke this time, which compromised every area of her life. Although she never fully regained her speech or her small motor skills, she fought back with every ounce of strength to be with her family. There were many trying times, but there was great joy in those years as well. Lori's smile could brighten the darkest days, and her laughter was a gift to everyone around her. Whether you were family, friend, or stranger, her kindness, warmth and unshakable positivity made you feel seen and loved. She embraced every situation with hope and determination, and she never complained.

She was truly loved by all who knew her-a daughter who made her family proud every single day, a supportive and loving wife, a friend whose loyalty was unmatched, and a mother whose children were her greatest joy. Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the extra time we had with her. Her spirit will live on in her children, in our memories, and in the love she gave so freely. She will be missed beyond words and loved beyond measure.

Meeting Lori in heaven is her beloved best friend, Metisha; her cherished grandpa, Marvin; and all her great-grandparents, grandparents, unmet sisters, bonus brother, and a crowd of witnesses waiting for her. Lori is survived by her husband of 25 years, John, and her children, Laney, Haley and Lawson of Pawnee, OK; her parents and in-laws: Marva and Danny Morris of Edmond, OK; Don and Norma Wohlgemuth of Aurora, CO; Peggy and Jerry Ryan of Pawnee, OK; Matthew Henry and Laura Kenny of Tulsa, OK; her grandmother, Jeanette Martens of Edmond, OK; her brother, John and Emily Wohlgemuth of Edmond, OK; her Henry sisters and brothers: Jamie and Lance Troester of College Station, TX; Lacy and Shawn Fournier of Bixby, OK; Tyler and Nicole Henry of Jenks, OK; her bonus sisters: McKenzie and Ben Neveras of San Jose, CA; Kendall and Zach Cowden of Oklahoma City, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved her well and whom she adored.

Her family would like to thank all the people who walked this journey with us, but there are far too many to recognize. Lori was especially loved and cared for by friends Heather Heisler and Trisha Haines. Thank you will never be enough.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests donations be made to the Pawnee Public Library in her name.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Service

June
26

Thursday

Pawnee High School Auditorium

615 Denver Street, Pawnee, OK 74058

Starts at 3:00 pm

Visitation

June
26

Thursday

Pawnee Bill Rodeo Lakeside Arena

N/A, Pawnee, OK 74058

Starts at 4:00 pm

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