Lily Ann Neill

Lily Ann Wanger Deweese Neill, 90, of Woodward, Oklahoma, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at Western Skilled Nursing in Buffalo, Oklahoma. A memorial service will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Woodward, Oklahoma, followed by a Cookie Fellowship Celebration. The family invites all attending the service and celebration to wear bright colors in honor of Lily. Lily was born August 23, 1935, in Freedom, Oklahoma, the daughter of Elvin and Edna (DeVous) Wanger. She graduated from Fort Supply High School in May 1954 and attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University for two years. She then married her high school sweetheart, D.L. Deweese, Jr., and moved to Goodwell, Oklahoma, where she attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education May 1958. During this time, they welcomed their son, Gary Don. After graduation, D.L. and Lily moved to Harper County, northwest of Woodward, where Lily helped farm and ranch while raising their growing family. During those years, they welcomed daughters Sherry Jo and Cherry Ann. Lily was active at Crown Heights Baptist Church in Woodward, serving as a Sunday School teacher. Family life was filled with canyon cookouts, camping trips, and long days spent by the pond—always together and always full of laughter. Following the sudden death of her husband in September 1970, Lily faithfully continued farming and ranching while raising her three young children. She began attending First Baptist Church in Fort Supply and remained steadfast in her faith to the Lord and devotion to family. On October 3, 1974, Lily married Donal Lee Neill. On April 15, 1976, they welcomed their son, Brig Alan Neill, who brought great joy to their lives. Their home grew even fuller as they lovingly adopted three children into the family: Laverna, Cindy, and Billy. Don and Lily owned and operated Woodward Beauty College and several beauty shops over the years. In 1978 Lily began attending Beauty School and earned her Master Instructor of Cosmetology. She taught hundreds of students, cherishing her relationships with students, clients, and the community. In 1988, they moved from the farm to Woodward and became active members of First Baptist Church of Woodward. Lily joyfully organized funeral dinners and used her remarkable cooking talents to serve her Lord and comfort countless families. Lily soon discovered a love for quilting. She created many treasured quilts for family, friends, and church members and participated in the “tie and bind” ministry, providing quilts to those needing prayer, comfort, and love. Lily was a gifted baker and truly never met a stranger she couldn’t feed. Her kitchen was the heart of every gathering—fancy dinner parties, harvest suppers, reunions and countless acts of kindness shared through food. She was known for her beautiful wedding cakes and especially her beloved assortment of Christmas candies. Lily loved trying new recipes and made sure no one ever left her home hungry. She was preceded in death by her first husband, D.L. Deweese, Jr.; her son, Brig Alan Neill; her parents, Elvin and Edna Wanger; her brothers, Loyd and Lewis Wanger; her sisters, Dorothy Ismael and Alice Jones; and many other close relatives and friends. Lily is survived by her husband, Donal Lee Neill; her children: Gary Deweese (Trisha), Sherry Jo Yauk (Justin), Cherry Deges (Stephen), Laverna Bell, Cindy Neill, and Billy Neill (Terrina); grandchildren Matt Yates (Sally), Tina Yates (Josh), Kendra Russell (Jake), Tana Curry (Shane), Tyla Yauk, Hank Yauk, Ian Deges (Chelsea), Delisa Collins (Jacobi), Skyler Neill, Tylynna Walton, Danielle Bell, Lyndsee Neill, Jacob Edwards, and Jeremiah Edwards; along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International or Oklahoma Baptist Home for Children, with Anderson-Burris Funeral Home accepting the donations. Lily will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, unwavering faith, generous heart, and the way she made everyone feel welcome, loved, and well-fed. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the family she cherished, and the countless lives she touched with a meal, a quilt, or a simple act of kindness.

Lily Ann Neill

August 23, 1935 - February 13, 2026