Charlotte Ann Keyes Johnson

Charlotte Ann Keyes Johnson was born May 28, 1934. She returned home to her heavenly family on July 26, 2022 at the age of 88.Charlotte was born in her grandma Bertha's house north of Anadarko on the hill where the Wichita made their summer camp long ago. She spent much of her childhood there with her parents, brother and sister, and her beloved grandmother Bertha Wallace Sahkono. Many wonderful days were spent with her cousins Randy, Margie, Donna, and Mike Edmonds, who were like siblings to her.Charlotte was raised in the traditions of the Wichita and Caddo tribes. In 1951 she was elected by the tribal elders to be the Wichita Princess. Charlotte said it was an honor to represent the tribe and one of the happiest times of her life, but she stepped down to marry Cruz Johnson on May 22, 1951. Their union led to six children. The marriage eventually ended in divorce around 1962. A few years later she met Arthur Thomas, who was then President of the Delaware Tribe. They had one daughter.Charlotte loved to travel. She visited many sites around the country, but she particularly enjoyed seeing them with family. Whether it was cruising with some of her children and grandchildren, or visiting her family in New York, Utah, Washington State, and Hawaii, Charlotte was up for adventure. She played pool with some of the best and competed in softball leagues as a young girl. She loved music and dancing. She and her husband Cruz won a dance competition at Medicine Park above the current Plantation Restaurant - a favorite hangout in her high school days. Once, while looking at pictures with her children, she sheepishly admitted that one had been taken on a day when she skipped school with her boyfriend, her brother and his girlfriend Toma Littlechief. She said they even packed a lunch. In her recent life, she enjoyed watching OU football, Thunder basketball, BYU games and professional tennis, sometimes taking off work to watch Wimbledon!Charlotte's faith was the guiding light in her life. She and Cruz were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on April 24, 1955 in Elmer Thomas Lake in the foothills of the Wichita Mountains. Sixty-six years later, Charlotte messaged one of her daughters that she was celebrating the anniversary of her baptism. She called it a beautiful day stating that she considered her baptism day as "truly my second birthday." In 1966, Charlotte earned her certification from Draughon Business School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upon graduation, she was employed at the Indian Hospital, in Pawnee, OK as a medical records clerk. She continued to work for Indian Health Services until she retired in about 1994 after 28 years of service. Before that, however, she went through many hardships to care for her children. Only days before her passing she shared just one of many blessings throughout her life. She recalled the time there was no milk in the refrigerator to make dinner. Charlotte didn't know what to do, but was prompted to rake the front yard (which was nothing but dirt and a few leaves). She did so, believing it would give her time to think of a solution. As she raked, she looked down to see a couple of dollars lying at her feet. She immediately walked to the store for milk, then fixed a delicious meal for six smiling faces. Her children remember seeing their young mother beside her bed, down on her knees in prayer, thanking her father in heaven for all her blessings.Charlotte was known for many things: her beauty, her kindness, her pride in her heritage, her devotion to her faith, and her delicious meals, especially her unmatched fry bread. But mostly she was known for her pride in her family - both the family she was born into and the family she helped create through her children and numerous grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, Reuben and Pearl Keyes, her sister Mary Keyes Pinezaddleby, and her infant grandson William Cruz.She is survived by her brother Neil Keyes, and her seven children: Rita Johnson-Ness & husband Shawn; Linda Gibson & husband Patrick; Dan Johnson & wife Jo Ellen; Gary Johnson; Diane Johnson; David Johnson & wife Myra; Andrea Hill & husband Erik; and honorary daughter Vivian Johnson Zaldana. Charlotte was the matriarch of 24 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and nieces who love her like their own mother.With such a large family, Charlotte somehow made each child and grandchild feel loved and special. She showed them kindness, comfort, support, joy, and most of all her undying love. The family is overjoyed that she is again healthy, happy, and reunited with those who went before, but she is so greatly missed. Until we meet again sweet mother....Services will Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at the Wichita Tribe Community Center at 11:00 A.M.Burial will be at Rock Spring Cemetery, Anadarko, OK. Services under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Anadarko, OKMessages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.smithfuneralservice.com

Charlotte Ann Keyes Johnson

March 28, 1934 - July 26, 2022

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services