Capitola Joy Anderson Wadley

Capitola Joy Anderson Wadley, 89, passed away after an extended and brave battle with Alzheimer's Disease on Saturday, August 6, 2005. She died peacefully surrounded by many of her family members as a prayer of thanks for her life well lived was offered. Capitola 'Cappi' was born on July 26, 1916, to William J. and Mollie Anderson in Bowlegs, Oklahoma. After graduating from Bowlegs High School at age 16, Cappi attended East Central State College and then began her 31-year career in teaching. While teaching full-time in rural Seminole county, she continued her college work and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in May, 1939. Capitola then began her graduate studies and attended Columbia University in New York City and Louisiana State University. On January 20, 1940, Cappi married Dean M. 'Doc' Wadley of Ada, Oklahoma. Soon after the wedding the couple moved to Tahlequah, Oklahoma where Doc joined the faculty at Northeastern State Teacher's College (now Northeastern State University) as the head football coach. During World War II while Doc was serving in the Red Cross, Cappi stayed stateside and continued her teaching career in the San Diego, CA school system. Like many wives during World War II, Cappi had their first child, Dean M. Wadley, Jr., in 1943 while her husband was overseas. After the war Doc and Cappi had two more sons, Gregg Anderson Wadley (1947) and Timothy Durand Wadley (1949). In spite of a growing family and a continued commitment to teaching and church work, Cappi pursued her graduate studies at Northeastern State and earned her first Masters Degree in Teaching in 1955. In 1963 Cappi began her library work at NSU's library and was inspired to pursue another Masters Degree. Utilizing hard work in summer school and determination, Cappi earned a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1966. Cappi achieved the rank of Assistant Professor of Library Science and served as a librarian in the technical processes department at the Northeastern State University library until her retirement in 1979. She retired early to spend more time with Doc playing golf, enjoying their family and spending time at their condominium in Santa Barbara, California. During her years as a faculty member, Capitola was active in many educational organizations including the Oklahoma Education Association, the National Education Association, and the American Association of University Professors. She was also active in her community, especially the Tahlequah Church of Christ. Cappi's professional accomplishments were recognized in the 'Who's Who of American Women', 'Who's Who in Library Service', 'Who's Who of Women in Education', 'Personalities of America' and 'Notable Americans of 1976-1977.' Following Doc's death in 1986, Capitola retired to her Santa Barbara condominium where she enjoyed golfing, social activities through the local seniors group and a continued devotion to her involvement with the Church of Christ. She also served as an elected officer in the Women's Democratic Association of Santa Barbara. When her health declined, Cappi moved to Oklahoma City in 1998 where she remained until her death. Capitola was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Geraldine and her beloved husband, 'Doc'. She is survived by her sons: Dean M. Wadley, Jr. and his wife, Joyce; Gregg A. Wadley and his wife, Betsy, all of Oklahoma City; and Timothy D. Wadley and his wife, Linda, of San Francisco, CA; 3 grandchildren: Dean M. Wadley, III, and his wife Amber; Gregg A. Wadley, II; and Abby E. Wadley; two beautiful great grandchildren: Kaitlyn R. Wadley and Connor R. Wadley; 2 sisters: Ruby Buckley of Amarillo, TX and Bobbye Simpson of Kennewick, WA; and 2 brothers: Jack Anderson and wife, Tommye, of Santa Barbara, CA and Joe Anderson and wife, Sylvia, of Independence, MO. Viewing will be Tuesday evening, August 9th at Reed Culver Funeral Home from 5 pm to 7pm. Funeral services will be held at the Church of Christ, 419 S. College Avenue, Tahlequah, OK at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10th, 2005. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in the memory of Capitola Joy Wadley to the Alzheimer's Association, Central Oklahoma Office, 1 North Hudson, Suite 800, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.