Jeanette (Walton) Uhles

Jeanette Lucille (Walton) Uhles, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on September 3, 2026 with her daughter by her side.

Jeanette was born on November 29, 1940, in Clinton, Oklahoma, to Carl and Lucille Walton. She grew up in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School in 1959. During her school years, she was an active member of the Sub Deb Sorority, where she developed lifelong friendships and a love of community involvement. She also enjoyed spending time with her family. One of her favorite memories was family picnics at her parents’ farm.

Gifted with a beautiful singing voice and a lifelong passion for music, theater, and the arts, Jeanette brought joy and creativity to all who knew her. After high school, she attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she met the love of her life, Charles Uhles. Their meeting began a partnership built on love, hard work, and service to others. Together they welcomed their daughter, Heather, and built a life that would leave a lasting impact on southeastern Oklahoma.

Jeanette and Charles spent most of their married life in Antlers, Oklahoma, where they grew Uhles-Halley Discount Drug into much more than a pharmacy. Through vision, determination, and countless hours of work, they transformed the business into a retail destination that included a gift shop, sweet shop, fudge station, and ice cream parlor. Their store became a gathering place for the community, earned numerous awards, and was featured on Discover Oklahoma. Jeanette's warmth and hospitality helped make the business a beloved landmark for residents and visitors alike.

Their commitment to Antlers extended far beyond their business. Together they were active leaders in the Main Street Program, Little Dixie Community Action Agency, the Antlers Chamber of Commerce, and the Deer Capital Tourism Association. They worked tirelessly to promote tourism, economic development, and community pride throughout southeastern Oklahoma.

Jeanette's greatest passion was the arts. In the 1970s, she founded the Antlers Arts and Humanities Council, bringing ballet performances, art exhibitions, music, and theater to a rural community that might not otherwise have had access to such cultural opportunities. Her home was always open to visiting artists and performers, whom she welcomed with generosity and grace.

For her dedication to arts advocacy, Jeanette received the "Arts Against the Odds" Award in 1977, presented by George Nigh, and the 1978 Governor's Arts Award Community Service Certificate of Merit.

She and Charles served on the board of the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival in Durant and were devoted supporters of the performing arts throughout Oklahoma. Jeanette also enjoyed performing herself with her portrayal of Clairee in Steel Magnolias with the Hugo Little Theatre.

Jeanette was also active in Scouting, working alongside Charles to support local Boy Scout programs and helping establish the area's first coeducational Explorer Post. She was a member of the Twentieth Century Club and served as its president, always finding new opportunities to serve her community and encourage others.

Following Charles's passing, Jeanette continued to operate the store and stay involved in civic leadership. She was honored as Antlers Woman of the Year in 2008, recognizing her decades of service and dedication to her community.

After retiring, Jeanette moved to Broken Arrow to be closer to her daughter and grandson. There she continued doing what she loved most: opening her home to others and hosting family gatherings and celebrations. She was an active member of the Solo Sisters and treasured the companionship and support of that community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Uhles; her parents, Carl and Lucille Walton; her brother, Bobby Joe Walton; her sister, Sue Carol Gastineau and husband Glenn Gastineau; and her nephews, Mike Gastineau and Kirk Gastineau.

She is survived by her daughter, Heather Bates and husband Alan of Tulsa; her grandson, Logan of Tulsa; her nephew, Joe Gastineau and wife Cheri Lou of Clinton; great-nephews and niece Alex Gastineau (Katie) of Denver, Emily Gastineau (Amanda) of Jones, OK, Kyle Gastineau (Michal) of Oklahoma City, OK, Tyler Gastineau (Kim) of Fort Worth,TX and Wesley Gastineau (Amber) of Lumberton, MS.