Lana Cartlidge Obituary

Lana Jean Cartlidge, 72, of McAlester, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Savanna, Oklahoma.
A memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Bishop Chapel of Memories. Mr. Louis Reynolds will be officiating. Inurnment will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.
Honorary pallbearers will be Teresa Green, Aja Cartlidge, Clifford Hunter, Wesley "Ty" Sharp, Lance Cartlidge.
Lana was born on January 15, 1953, in Dallas, Texas to Clifford W. Cartlidge and Wilma F. (Brown) Cartlidge.
Lana's educational journey began at Savanna High School. Her commitment to education led her to Kiamichi Technical College, where she pursued her dream of becoming a teacher. Lana's dedication to children's education and development was evident in her over six years of service at the Choctaw Nation HeadStart Center in McAlester.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lana was a beloved nanny, a role she embraced with open arms and an open heart. She provided care and guidance to multiple children throughout the years.
Lana's interests were as varied as they were vibrant. An avid bird watcher, she found joy in the simple pleasure of observing the beauty of winged creatures in their natural habitat. Her love for photography allowed her to capture these moments, creating a visual diary of the world through her eyes. Lana's artistic talents were not limited to the lens; she was also a gifted artist and craftsperson. Her creative thinking was evident in every project she undertook, each piece a testament to her imaginative spirit.
Lana's legacy is one of love, learning, and creativity. She inspired those around her to see the beauty in the world and to pursue their passions with dedication and joy. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Lana is survived by her son, Leslie Cartlidge and wife, Amy Waldorff of McAlester; grandchildren, Aja Cartlidge and Ashlynn Cartlidge of McAlester; brothers, Harold Cartledge of Sand springs, Gary Cartlidge of McAlester, Paul Cartlidge, Cecil Cartlidge both of Sand Springs; sister, Flora Sharp of Stigler; nephews, Lance Cartlidge of Sand Springs, Wesley "Ty" Sharp of Stigler, Ivy Sharp of McAlester, Chase Cartlidge of Sand Springs; a niece, Raven Cartlidge of Sand Springs; great-nephew, Caynon Sharp of Stigler; great-niece, Shayleigh Sharp-Mick of McAlester; great-great-nieces, Luna Mick and Astrid Mick both of McAlester; along with numerous other family members and friends.
Lana is preceded in death by her father, Clifford Cartlidge; mother, Wilma (Brown) Cartlidge; her twin brother, Leonard Cartlidge.
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