Berniece Ann Kolar

Berniece Ann Kolar was Born February 8, 1926 in Richland, OK to Frank and Jesse Wellner. She passed away on January 10, 2024 at her home in Yukon, OK with her two daughters and two great-granddaughters by her side. Berniece attended Union City Schools, graduating in 1944 from Union City High School. After school she had a brief career at the First National Bank in Oklahoma City. Berniece met a young Czech mechanic, Gilbert, who ended up being the love of her life. They married on February 6, 1947, and Berniece gave up banking to start a family and become a housewife. She had two daughters, Jo, Ann and Kay that she loved so much.
Bernice took on many names through the years. Some of those that loved her the most called her mom, grandma and G.G. (great grandma). She loved her family and showed it in so many ways. She always would say how proud she was of all her kids and grandkids, and how lucky she was to have such good kids. Truth is her family and friends were the lucky ones. She would often say, "that's how we do", referring to the way her family always helped loved ones. If someone was moving, painting, or anything she was there to help. She spent countless hours attending her grandkids and great-grandkids extracurricular activities and enjoyed every bit of it.
Although not Czech herself, she adopted Gilbert's Czech heritage and became active in the Czech community. She was a member of Czechs Inc., The Czech Hall and Sokol organizations. She enjoyed meeting her friends at the Czech Hall for the Saturday night dances. She volunteered many nights at the Czech Hall and making kolaches at Czechs Inc. for the Yukon Czech festival. In 2021 she was honored by being the Grand Marshall at the annual Yukon Czech Festival. She was also a member in the American Legion Auxilary and Moose Lodge.
Berniece is survived by her daughter Jo Ann Hale and husband Chuck of Mustang, OK; daughter Glenda "Kay" Edwards and husband Mel of Yukon, OK; grandchildren Michelle Creel of Mustang, Shelly Rapoport of Yukon, Dustin Hale and wife Michelle of Yukon, Jeff Edwards and wife Audri of Yukon, Justin Edwards and wife Jennifer of Yukon; great-grandchildren, Miche'la Creel, Bryan Creel, Alyssa Rapoport, Kaitlyn Rapoport, Mathew Edwards, Aiden Hale, Sarah Edwards, Anna Edwards, and Luke Hale. Berniece is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Gilbert Kolar, her parents Frank and Jesse Wellner, grandson-in-law David Creel, two sisters and two stepbrothers.
Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 16 and again on Wednesday, January 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at the Yukon Cemetery.