The Village Voice – June, 2020

Ann Cather

Dellanna (Ann) Tatum was born on June 24, 1941, in Grandfield, OK. She was the 4th child and the only daughter. Ann went to school in Grandfield through the 7th grade. After 6th grade, her home was very damaged by a tornado and in August of the same summer her dad died very unexpectedly with a heart attack. After 7th grade, the family moved to Edmond so her mother could complete her teaching degree and support the family. Ann loved Edmond (then, population 8500) from the moment she stepped on the soil. Her high school days were wonderful and that experience was also a turning point, as this was when she met a very handsome, tall, blond, blue-eye senior who was a Safeway sack boy, Bill Cather. He was so shy that Ann had to invite him on the first date, a Sadie Hawkins dance. Bill moved away shortly after graduation. Ann and Bill wrote letters for 5 years and saw each other for about 5 days almost every 6 months. Ann finished high school and attended Central State College (UCO). Her college years were full of many activities and work. Ann worked at the Audio-Visual and Correspondence Dept. all during college. She loved being a part of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity for Women and is still active in some of their activities. Ann graduated in 3 years and 3 summers with a double major in both secondary and elementary education. Ann married Bill Cather on June 10, 1962. After marriage, Ann joined Bill in Bremerton, WA. While Bill was finishing his obligation to the US Navy, Ann taught under contract at East Bremerton High School with the district knowing that it would only be one semester. Ann and Bill returned to Edmond for Bill to earn his degree in Physics. Ann taught school at Orvis Risner Elementary and taught there until Bill graduated. While Bill was busy studying, Ann went to classes at night and earned a Master of Teaching degree with an emphasis in Guidance and Counseling. Bill finished in May and Ann in August. Bill was hired by SW Bell Telephone and thus began their vagabond life of moving frequently for the first 15 years. During this time, Bill and Ann welcomed their two daughters. Ann did not return to work at this time and thus became a stay and home mom. She was also involved in several community activities wherever they were living. Finally, when they returned to Edmond, the girls were well into their public education and Ann returned to work. Ann has always been active in her church and her first job of returning to work was directing First Christian Child Care Center. She was also a secretary for the athletic director at UCO, Director of Christian Education, and was the Director of Social Services at Oklahoma Christian home. Bill retired early, allowing Bill and Ann to travel: several bus trips with the Telephone Pioneers and several cruises were thoroughly enjoyed. Ann and Bill have enjoyed their 4 grandchildren more than they can say. If the kids were involved in almost any activity, Bill and Ann were there. One of their very best decisions made was to move to Bradford Village.