What I Never Wanted to Write

Lisa Jo was born to Kathy Galusha Kincheloe July 11, 1968, in Enid and passed away Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Lisa and Gary Wehrenberg were married April 22, 1989. Lisa attended and graduated from Enid High School in 1986. She graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University with a bachelor of arts degree in law enforcement. She received her masters of counseling and psychology with honors from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Lisa owned and operated The Chimney Sweep until 2005. She was a school-based counselor for several schools. She had a passion for helping children and youth and counseled in many schools, therapy and family settings. Lisa was an active member of Lahoma First Baptist Church.

Lisa especially loved sponsoring youth and children's trips to Falls Creek. She also inspired and encouraged many cancer patients and their families. Lisa loved Christian music and especially enjoyed watching her children's sporting activities. Lisa is loved by her husband Gary of the home; daughters, Tabitha Blythe of Oklahoma City, Kelsi Nicole of Vinita, Okla., and Jayci Alis of the home; her son, William Chase of the home; grandsons, Curtis Hudson and Heston Jo, both of Vinita; and several other family and friends. She was preceded in death by Alfred and Jo Ann Galusha and one grandson.

Lisa was a cherished wife, beloved mother and devoted Grandma Pisa. She did have a beautiful smile, quick laugh and sweet spirit, but she also was a scrappy fighter who tackled life head-on, never shrinking back. Her love for God, her family and others was contagious. A little bit of Lisa will always live on in anyone who was privileged enough to have met her.

That is the official version. Quick, concise, summarizing. Just the facts. Maybe in a few days, I can do a better job of it. Maybe somehow I can find some kind of words to explain it to those of you who don't know her. I hope so. I'll try.