Eileen Alberta Coulson


Eileen Alberta Hickman Coulson was the youngest of eight children born to Frederick Henry and Jennie May Sheets Hickman November 19, 1928 near Lenora, OK. She passed from this life Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at the Vici Nursing Home, Vici, OK. She was 81 years and 5 days old.

Eileen attended grade school at White Eagle and Valley Center country schools on the JV Flats around Lenora, OK. She graduated from the Richmond High School with honors in 1946. She taught school one year at Valley Center before marrying Hilbert Coulson at Canadian, TX, November 6, 1947. Their mothers, Jennie Hickman and Louella Coulson, were their attendants. Eileen has lived her entire life in Dewey and Woodward counties. Their first home as newlyweds was on the Aldridge Homestead southwest of Cestos. Then, they relocated to the Fred Hickman place.

Three children were born to this union, Francis Hilbert in 1948, Jerry Lynn in 1949 and Deena Jo in 1954. They lived on the Remmele place north of Vici from 1950-1958 farming and milking cows. During these years, Eileen kept busy with her children and many day-to-day chores. In October 1958, they moved ½ mile east of Vici, OK, which is their current residence. She and her cousin Geraldine Young patched walls and wallpapered many homes in the area. In 1959, they took a memorable family vacation traveling with their children to Colorado Springs; camping at Estes Park and making the uphill journey to the top of Pikes Peak by automobile.

Eileen and Hilbert operated the Champlin Service Station in Vici from 1960 to 1980, working alongside each other until retirement. After retiring, they enjoyed following their grandchildren in many sports and activities. They spent time in Wellston helping Francis and Phyllis Coulson build their home. They were always available to help family when needed; from remodeling homes to grandkid-setting. They also traveled with Dale and Marlene Coulson to destinations in Missouri, Colorado, and other states; always enjoying the scenic drives.

Eileen was very accomplished in her embroidery skills. During her lifetime she completed 80 full-sized quilts. These quilts won several awards at the Dewey County Fair winning many ribbons. Quilts were given to every grandchild for a graduation and wedding gift. She also made a baby quilt for every great-grandchild. Beyond quilts, Eileen made denim shirts, tea towels, and pillow cases for her family to enjoy. Eileen took great pride in her yard and flowers. Her snowball bush was always lush with blooms (until the grandkids played summer baseball in front of the snowball bush) and her flower barrels were always overflowing. Eileen took great pleasure in cooking for her family and canning jelly and fruit for Hilbert to enjoy. She was known for her homemade popcorn balls at Halloween by her grandchildren and the neighborhood kids. Grandchildren had a special place in Eileen’s heart. She taught them how to embroidery and make crafts, and she always kept special snacks and movies for the grandkids’ visits. Hilbert and Eileen made a weekly trip to Woodward on Fridays. The grandkids have fond memories of driving to Woodward, eating at Buffy’s, and catching a movie of the grandkids’ choosing. Together, Hilbert and Eileen wore out a Ford Crown Victoria by driving all over the state to the grandkids’ school and sporting events. Commonly, they watched video-taped games at home when there wasn’t a game scheduled. Eileen was a member of the Friendly Neighbors Club and enjoyed getting together and playing cards with the members. In 2003, she suffered a stroke causing her to move into the Vici Nursing Home. When her health permitted, Eileen would make trips to Woodward to eat out with Hilbert, attend family events and grandchildren’s’ and great-grandchildren’s’ school events, and take drives with Hilbert to admire the countryside and visit family and friends. In November, Hilbert and Eileen celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Those preceding her in death, parents Fred and Jennie Hickman, sisters, Gertrude Mercer, Iva Barr, Stella Winburn, Della Charboneau; brothers Cleo Hickman, Andrew Hickman and Freddie Hickman; father-in-law and mother-in-law Floyd and Luella Coulson, and special daughter-in-law, Phyllis Coulson. She is survived by her husband Hilbert Coulson of the home in Vici, OK; children Francis Coulson of Wellston, OK, Jerry Coulson and wife Mary of Chester, OK, and Deena Louthan and husband Ralph of Seiling, OK; grandchildren Janna Walker and husband Jeff of Midland, TX, Marty Coulson and wife Keri of Wellston, OK, Monty Coulson and wife Darla of Wellston, OK, Amy Cunningham and husband Jeff of Vici, OK, Arlan Coulson and wife Noelle of Bentonville, AR, Angela Shuck and husband Dustin of Edmond, OK, Alicia Ellis and husband Dusty of Taloga, OK, James Louthan and wife Jamie of Edmond, OK; great-grandchildren Evan Green of Wellston, OK, Halle and Savanna Walker of Midland, TX, Chelsea and Courtney Coulson of Wellston, OK, McKinley, Maddox and McKoy Coulson of Wellston, OK, Jackson and Connor Cunningham of Vici, OK, Tyler Coulson of Bentonville, AR, Darcy Shuck of Edmond, OK and Mason Louthan of Edmond, OK, other family and many dear friends.