Lorna Louise Bakenhus

Lorna Louise Bakenhus, a cherished sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a brief illness. Born on December 14, 1948, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lorna was the beloved daughter of Ora and Evelyn Bakenhus. Lorna was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Oscar Bakenhus. She is survived by her devoted brother, Orville Bakenhus, and her loving sister, Joyce Stone. Her legacy of kindness and joy continues in her nieces, Angela Layman and Michelle Justice, who will carry her memory forward with love and laughter. A graduate of Rhema Bible College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Lorna also attended Domata and other Bible training ministries, with two years of college study in Arkansas. Her faith was her compass, guiding her through a remarkable career as a Prayer Partner at the Abundant Life Prayer Group, part of the Oral/Richard Roberts Ministries, where she served for over 25 years. Before committing her life to prayer and ministry, Lorna demonstrated her versatility and work ethic as an A-Class Machinist and International Export Shipping Manager at a Fortune 500 Factory. Her career path also included roles as a Postal Service employee, a taxi driver, a nurse aide, and a dishwasher. Lorna's faith was not confined to her professional life. She was an active member of several churches, often attending multiple services and prayer meetings within a single week. Her devotion took her on mission trips to Peru and Israel, where she spread love and kindness across the globe. Beyond her spiritual and professional pursuits, Lorna was a woman of diverse interests. She found joy in gardening, creating lush flower beds and bountiful vegetable gardens wherever she resided. Her passion for history often led her to libraries and online platforms, where she indulged her curiosity with fervor. A child at heart, Lorna cherished her train set, which she kept running throughout the year. Her quirky sense of humor was encapsulated in her belief that "If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right." Known for her storytelling, Lorna never met a stranger. She was an encourager, always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it was caring for children, performing household chores, or offering a prayer for those in need. Her simplicity in dress, favoring a sweat jacket and beanie cap, and her preference for going barefoot were as distinctive as her aversion to gray hair. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place on July 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Though she has left this earthly realm, Lorna's spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her. Her family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to a charity that reflects her generous spirit. Lorna's life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and service. Her laughter and love will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.