Paulette Ruth Shoemaker

Paulette Ruth Shoemaker passed from this life on October 11, 2017, to spend eternity with God in Heaven.  Paulette was born in Prague, Oklahoma on June 16, 1947, to parents Ollie Mae “Hicks” McLaughlin and Leonard Cecil McLaughlin.  After graduating from Prague High School she attended Central State University and was employed at Tinker Air Force Base, where she worked for 36 years until her retirement in December 2002. The highlight of her career was serving as Program Manager for the TF-33 jet engines, which power the      B-52, the C-141, the AWACS radar surveillance aircraft and others.  Her job required frequent travel to other military facilities to brief generals and other high ranking officials on the overhaul and maintenance status of the TF-33 engines. On August 11, 1967, Paulette married Edward Shoemaker of Seminole, and they have one daughter, Whitney Dawn Shoemaker, and one grandson, Tanner Clay McDaniel, who live in Tulsa.  Paulette and Ed celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. Paulette was a devout Christian of the Baptist denomination.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Seminole and regretted that her prolonged illness prevented her from attending church regularly. An avid sports fan, Paulette was a talented basketball player in high school and enjoyed supporting her favorite football and basketball teams, especially the OKC Thunder. Paulette loved to travel.  She and her husband enjoyed numerous trips abroad.  When her illness prevented overseas travel they enjoyed driving the backroads of America in their motor home with their four dogs, Chelsea, Maxwell, Molly and Megan. She also enjoyed nature and loved to watch birds, waterfowl, deer and turkeys from the sunroom of their lakefront home north of Seminole. Always a competitor, Paulette liked to play bridge and bunko with her special group of friends.  She spoke fondly of the fun and fellowship she experienced at those events and regretted that her declining health prevented her continued participation. She was a marvelous cook and enjoyed hosting social events and holiday celebrations for family and friends, events that always included food.  She would frequently remark “if you feed them they will come.” She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and as a very special friend to many others. Preceding her in death are her parents, Ollie and Cecil McLaughlin.  Paulette is survived by her husband, Ed Shoemaker of the home, her daughter, Whitney Shoemaker and grandson, Tanner McDaniel, both of Tulsa.  Other survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, Cecil Wayne and Pat McLaughlin of Prague, her sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Don Osborne of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and sister-in-law and spouse, Barbara and Glenn Pickle of Seminole.  She is also survived by many nieces, their spouses and children. A memorial service will be held for Mrs. Shoemaker at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole on Wednesday, October 18th, at 2:00 p.m., with Brian Price officiating.  Cremation services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.  Messages of condolence may be sent through www.swearingenfuneralhome.com.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society or cancer research organization of your choice. Funeral Information: October 18, 2017, 2:00 PM Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel - Seminole located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips Ave., Seminole, OK 74868