MOORE — Twila “Granny” Salyer, 102, of Del City, died March 5 after a long and fulfilling life. A proud and lifelong Oklahoman, Twila was born on June 7, 1910, in Caddo County near Hinton. She was the youngest of 11 children.
A graveside service was held on March 8 at Resthaven Memory Gardens, under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home, Moore.
“Granny,” as everyone affectionately knew her, moved to Oklahoma City in 1940 and worked at Safeway and Humpty Dumpty grocery stores during World War II.
In 1951, Granny started work at Tinker Air Force Base where she would remain for 25 years until she retired. She spent the last four decades as a full time grandmother and great-grandmother. All who knew Granny will remember her as the proud and loving matriarch of her large family. Her compassion, sense of humor, and unmatched strength of spirit inspired so many people.
Her upbringing was simple and full of hard work, and she carried those traits all through her life. She was gracious and humble and the ultimate giver. Despite her declining health over the last several years, Granny’s positive attitude was resolute. She treasured family birthday parties and Christmas dinners where she would dote on her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a quiet observer, yet her presence in the room was always palpable. Granny was the first to offer a warm smile, a gentle hug, and a genuine compliment. Her sausage gravy, peanut brittle and deviled eggs were legendary and sought after. Granny loved to watch Texas Rangers baseball and was a devoted Sooners football fan and loved to talk about her teams.
Granny’s family wanted to believe she could live forever. Truth be told, the lessons she taught us and example she set, will never be forgotten. Granny has left this earthly life for a better place: a place full of loving family and friends that have been waiting a long time to see her again. Now Heaven has another angel, and this world is a much better place because of Granny.
Granny was preceded in death by her parents Nancy and Samuel Hildebrand; her 10 older siblings; daughter, Millie Baxter; grandson, Terry Baxter; and great-grandson, Tripp Lewallen.
She is survived by her daughter Wanda Korfe; grandchildren Derek Baxter, Jamie Lewallen and Brooke Mitchell; along with 21 loving great-grandchildren.
