Cheryl Denise Selke
Obituary
Cheryl “Denise” Selke was born on May 4, 1947 to Dennis and Toni Barker in Abernathy, Texas. Denise passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at the age of 69.
Denise grew up in Abernathy, Texas and graduated from Abernathy High School where she was active in basketball, tennis, and cheerleading. Denise met Barry Selke in the first grade and they were good friends throughout their school years. After high school graduation, Denise and Barry became engaged and married on October 8, 1966. Denise had two beautiful children, Gregory and Traci. Denise and Barry moved numerous times to various locations in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Utah, while Barry worked for Cities Service Gas and the Williams Company. With each move, Denise found the opportunity with each move to make new friends. Denise purchased and published the Oklahoma Petroleum Directory for a number of years before the directory was purchased by another publishing company. After retirement, Denise and Barry purchased a motorhome and traveled extensively across the United States. Denise especially loved the mountains and the sea shore. Denise and Barry moved to their present home and acreage, near Sperry, Oklahoma in 2013. Denise had always been a wild bird lover and enjoyed watching and feeding the songbirds at their various homes. She especially enjoyed the Purple Martins and became very involved with the Purple Martin Conservation Association for the past 3 years.
Denise was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Barry, a son, Gregory, a daughter, Traci and two grandchildren, Rachel and Glennon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Purple Martin Conservation Association, 301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 6, Erie PA 16505.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Barry & Family, So very sorry to hear about your loss, know she will be missed by all who knew her. Our condolences, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Garry & Ginny Langfield
Just looked at my email account. Cindy and I remember Denise with her thoughtful and caring attitude. You and your family are in our thoughts.
John and Cindy Schwennesen
She will be missed on the PM forum, so sorry to hear of this, wishing the family comfort and peace.
Raymond Gingerich
I'm very sorry for your sudden loss. I considered Cheryl a friend even though we only chatted on the Purple Martin forum. She encouraged me and other landlords to do our best . We will miss her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Kronemeyer PMCA member
Barry, Gregory, Traci, and grandchildren - Please accept our deepest sympathies on your loss. Cheryl was a delightful person, and though we did not know her personally, we knew her through her love of birds, nature, and especially Purple Martins. Many in the PMCA community share your loss - we all enjoyed talking about Purple Martins with her. We share your sorrow, and hope the birds she loved give you some peace in your hearts.
Louise Chambers/Purple Martin Conservation Association
Barry, I'm so sorry to hear about Denise. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this terrible time. Karen Wilder
Karen Wilder
We are very sorry to hear about Denise's passing and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Philip and Mary Rullman
Barry & family, I am so sorry for your loss and the suddenness and shock of it. I will support you in any way I can. Although I just met you & Denise recently I consider you good friends and am extremely sad & shocked by her passing. Cheri Murray
Cheri Murray
Our deepest sympathy for you and your family. She was a lovely person. RIRN
Don and ZoAnn torrey
So very sorry about Denise passing. Thoughts and prayers with you.
Bill and Dreda Ballard
For all the good times & memories thank you Denise. I miss you.
Celia Lehmann
Lit a candle in memory of Cheryl Denise Selke
Celia Lehmann