Obituary for Esther Blanche Renfro
Esther Blanche Renfro, a remarkable woman of faith, strength, and perseverance, passed peacefully from this life on September 3, 2025, in Altus, Oklahoma, at the age of 97. Born on October 21, 1927, in Prairie Hill, Oklahoma, Blanche's life was a testament to hard work, love, and unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and country.
She began her education at Prairie Hill before graduating from Duke, Oklahoma with the class of 1946. Upon graduation, she attended Draughon's Business College in Wichita Falls, Texas. Returning home to Duke, she married the love of her life, Fred H. Renfro. Their enduring marriage was blessed with three children: Rebecca Diane, Fred "Sonny" H., and David Alan Renfro. Her love story with Fred was one of fate and faith. While performing in a school play, Blanche wore a striking red dress that caught Fred's eye. At the completion of World War II, they were united in marriage and began their lifelong journey together.
Blanche's professional life was equally inspiring. She began her career as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in Altus before taking a position at Altus Air Force Base. There she transitioned into procurement, including ten years as Base Historian where she often accompanied troops on their missions to document the history of Altus Air Force Base. She also worked in contracting and purchasing, ultimately building an impressive 40-year career in Civil Service. She retired in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and excellence. Along the way, she pursued higher education with passion, earning two Master's Degrees in Business Administration with Honors, one from Southern Illinois University and the second from Cameron University.
She was a proud member of Eastern Star and Phi Beta Kappa. Blanche embodied her favorite saying: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." She lived this philosophy daily, never wasting a moment or opportunity. She found joy in gardening and canning. Whether it came from the ground, a tree, or the wind, she knew how to preserve it. Her passion for African violets filled her home with beauty, and her private library reflected her lifelong love of learning.
Faith was the cornerstone of Blanche's life. Being devoted members of the First Baptist Church of Duke, she and Fred taught Sunday School together. When health challenges kept her from attending, she held church faithfully at her kitchen table every Sunday. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was deeply personal, and she viewed her passing not as an end, but as her greatest graduation ceremony a joyous reunion with her Savior. Â
Blanche is survived by her loving children: Diane Hodges and husband Jim, Fred H. "Sonny" Renfro, Jr. and wife Linda, and David Alan Renfro. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Shelly Jo Federico, Mace Renfro, Brett Renfro, Michael Hodges, Jason Hodges, and Krista Dudley with husband Recil; eight great-grandchildren, a sister, Darlene Kirby and her two daughters Jennifer Young and Amanda Kershaw, and her great-niece Addie Haden; and her dear friend, Jana Riggs. Â Â Â
She arrived in heaven just in time to wish her parents, Dan and Cora Weyrick, a happy 100th Wedding Anniversary; also receiving her in heaven was her beloved husband Fred Renfro, and her brother Vernon "Buddy" Edward Weyrick.
Blanche Renfro lived her life with faith, love, and determination. She will be remembered as a hardworking woman who gave her all in everything she did and left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
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She began her education at Prairie Hill before graduating from Duke, Oklahoma with the class of 1946. Upon graduation, she attended Draughon's Business College in Wichita Falls, Texas. Returning home to Duke, she married the love of her life, Fred H. Renfro. Their enduring marriage was blessed with three children: Rebecca Diane, Fred "Sonny" H., and David Alan Renfro. Her love story with Fred was one of fate and faith. While performing in a school play, Blanche wore a striking red dress that caught Fred's eye. At the completion of World War II, they were united in marriage and began their lifelong journey together.
Blanche's professional life was equally inspiring. She began her career as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in Altus before taking a position at Altus Air Force Base. There she transitioned into procurement, including ten years as Base Historian where she often accompanied troops on their missions to document the history of Altus Air Force Base. She also worked in contracting and purchasing, ultimately building an impressive 40-year career in Civil Service. She retired in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and excellence. Along the way, she pursued higher education with passion, earning two Master's Degrees in Business Administration with Honors, one from Southern Illinois University and the second from Cameron University.
She was a proud member of Eastern Star and Phi Beta Kappa. Blanche embodied her favorite saying: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." She lived this philosophy daily, never wasting a moment or opportunity. She found joy in gardening and canning. Whether it came from the ground, a tree, or the wind, she knew how to preserve it. Her passion for African violets filled her home with beauty, and her private library reflected her lifelong love of learning.
Faith was the cornerstone of Blanche's life. Being devoted members of the First Baptist Church of Duke, she and Fred taught Sunday School together. When health challenges kept her from attending, she held church faithfully at her kitchen table every Sunday. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was deeply personal, and she viewed her passing not as an end, but as her greatest graduation ceremony a joyous reunion with her Savior. Â
Blanche is survived by her loving children: Diane Hodges and husband Jim, Fred H. "Sonny" Renfro, Jr. and wife Linda, and David Alan Renfro. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Shelly Jo Federico, Mace Renfro, Brett Renfro, Michael Hodges, Jason Hodges, and Krista Dudley with husband Recil; eight great-grandchildren, a sister, Darlene Kirby and her two daughters Jennifer Young and Amanda Kershaw, and her great-niece Addie Haden; and her dear friend, Jana Riggs. Â Â Â
She arrived in heaven just in time to wish her parents, Dan and Cora Weyrick, a happy 100th Wedding Anniversary; also receiving her in heaven was her beloved husband Fred Renfro, and her brother Vernon "Buddy" Edward Weyrick.
Blanche Renfro lived her life with faith, love, and determination. She will be remembered as a hardworking woman who gave her all in everything she did and left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Aco
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Previous Events
Viewing
Sunday
7
Sep
1:00 PM
- 5:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Cemetery Details
Location
Duke Rock Cemetery
North of Duke HW 34 West - 1 Mile West on 1590 Road
Duke, OK 73532
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