Arlena Mae Dunbar of Oklahoma City, passed away quietly with her family by her side, December 13, 2016. Arlena was born in Mountain Park, OK on February 9, 1929. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vinnis and Effie McBride and her brother Sam McBride. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, William E. Dunbar, two daughters, Charlotte Nard and husband Michael, Teresa Dunbar-Gay and husband Gene, four grandchildren, Christopher Nard and wife Piper, Amanda Haysmer and husband, Jeremy, Cynthia Nard and fiance Issac Schlosser, Stacey Flener and husband David, Preston Gay and family, nine great grandchildren, Cale, Pruitt and Calloway Nard, Cheyenne and Wyatt Haysmer, Jackson Williams, Kason Flener, Katie and Logan Schlosser, a sister and best friend, Faye Dunbar and a brother, Frank McBride and wife Anita, numerous nieces and nephews, and long time friend Tamara Meadows
Arlena began her health care career with Four Seasons Nursing Centers in 1968 working in medical records, then became the Administrator and was shortly promoted to Regional Director of Operations over Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. In 1983 she formed a lifelong partnership and friendship with Denver McCormick, Linda McCormick and Jackie Bosler as co-owner of Southwest Health Care Management, Inc. They went on to manage and own multiple long term care skilled nursing centers and assisted living centers in Oklahoma. Up until her recent illness she continued to operate her businesses along with her daughter, Teresa Dunbar-Gay. Arlena's professionalism, her dedication to her residents and her business acumen were just a few of the reasons she was so loved by her employees and so well respected in the industry.
Bill and Arlena enjoyed many years of Square Dancing, which included Arlena's talent for sewing each of their dance costumes. Bill and Arlena also enjoyed traveling across the United States in the RV Club of Oklahoma.
But, despite her long career and her numerous hobbies that kept her busy, the light of her life was her family, her husband Bill, her two daughters and their children and grandchildren. If not working, she could always be found with her family, enjoying a meal, fishing at the lake or just watching Thunder basketball.
Arlena inspired many people over her lifetime in the care she provided to the elderly, but her memory will continue to inspire many more by those employees who will continue her legacy!
A memorial service will be held December 17, 2016, 2pm at Buchanan's Funeral Home 8712 N. Council Rd. OKC 73132.
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