On March 21, 2023, Mavis Irene Rose Shanklin, loving wife, and mother of two, passed away at the age of 93 in Mount Dora, Florida.
Mavis was born June 14, 1929, in Plunkett, Saskatchewan to Albert and Irene Farkas. She completed her high school education in Plunkett and then became a hygienist in Kipling, Saskatchewan for her uncle Dr. Andy Cook. On October 9, 1950, she married John A. Shanklin, from Grand Prairie, Texas. John was in Canada working on the first transcontinental pipeline being laid in Canada. They raised two children,
Shermon and Debby.
Mavis was very proud to become a US citizen on September 16, 1965. Her naturalization ceremony was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Mavis has a passion for cooking delicious meals and setting a beautiful table for entertainment and family gatherings. Her pecan pies won many blue ribbons at the Nowata County Fair. She was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of Nowata serving as secretary, treasurer, and dedicated Sunday school teacher. Participated in the La-Kee-Kon Garden Club, volunteered at the historical society of Nowata and gave her time and support to the Nowata FFA and 4-H Clubs.
Mavis was preceded in death by her father and mother, husband John A. Shanklin and son Shermon Shanklin. She is survived by her daughter Debby Shanklin Barrett (Dr. John Driggers), her brothers Glen and Gerald Farkas (Joyce) of Canada. Three grandchildren, Trevor (Leslie), Carly, and Corbin (Chelsea) and six great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Nowata, Oklahoma at a later date. Arrangements in Nowata, Oklahoma will be done by Benjamin Funeral Services.
Contributions may be made to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation- 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, Florida 32778.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.
