CHETOPA — Longtime Chetopa resident Ora Catherine Ahrens passed away Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Chetopa Manor. She was 99 years young.

She was born June 8, 1912, in Norman, Okla., to H.C. and Vinnie (Lovelace) Brown.

She married George C. Ahrens Sr. in Norman on Jan. 21, 1939. The couple later made their home in the Chetopa area. George preceded her in death on Dec. 20, 1974.

Mrs. Ahrens worked as a seamstress for H.D. Lee Sewing Factory in Chetopa for many years. She was an avid homemaker and enjoyed cooking and sewing for her family and friends.

She is survived by two sons, Woody Neil McMahon and his wife, Nancy, of San Antonia, Texas, and George C. Ahrens Jr. and wife, Sharon, of Welch, Okla.; a daughter, Barbara C. Broyles and her husband, Vernie, of Neosho, Mo.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Yoko Ahrens; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Claude M. Ahrens.

The service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Church of God in Chetopa. The Rev. J.B. Roberts will officiate. Serving as pallbearers will be John McCoy, Jim Broyles, Bob Ahrens, Steve Ahrens, Robert Farrow and Kevin Gillmore. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the Church of God in Chetopa. Burial will be at Oakhill Cemetery at Chetopa.

The Thomas Funeral Home of Welch, Okla., is in charge of arrangements.