February 22, 1924 – February 8, 2014 Waunema Ruth Chisum Baum was born Feb. 22, 1924, in Dexter, Texas to Floy and Ruby Marie Kirby Chisum. She passed from this earthly life on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at the age of 89, at her home in Whitesboro surrounded by her family.
After attending school in Red Branch and Gordonville during her early years, she became a student in the Whitesboro schools where she earned her high school diploma. Following graduation, she attended North Texas Business School in Denton.
Waunema Chisum married Charles E. Baum on June 24, 1946, in Sherman, Texas. Close friends, the late Mike and Mary Ann Allen, were wedding attendants. The couple established their home on Water Street where they lived together for the remainder of their lives. They celebrated over 66 years of marriage prior to his death on May 5, 2013.
Waunema successfully combined the roles of wife, mother to their two daughters, and businesswoman during her lifetime. She worked at Fant Milling Company in Sherman, where she served as administrative secretary to the vice-president. She also worked at Wilson N. Jones Hospital where she was secretary to the administrator. She worked at Security Bank in Whitesboro for over 20 years prior to her retirement.
Waunema enjoyed reading, and her favorite hobby was playing bridge. She was very family oriented. She loved having company and loved entertaining in her home.
A long time member of the First United Methodist Church of Whitesboro, she was a member of United Methodist Women and the Grail Sunday School Class. She was also a charter member of Chapter A, PEO for 60 years and a member of the History Club.
Waunema was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charles E. Baum, and one grandson, Charlie Cox.
Survivors include: daughter, Kay and husband John Moczygemba of Whitesboro; daughter Susan Cox of Whitesboro; grandson, Kevin and wife Renee Garvin of Wills Point; granddaughter, Gina Garvin of Sherman; granddaughter, Christi and husband Jason Strange of Whitesboro; grandson, Mike Cox of Orcutt, Calif.; great-grandchildren: Riley Stricker of Whitesboro; Grant Garvin of Wills Point; Connor Hastcoat of McKinney; Noah Strange and Cade Strange of Whitesboro; and Ruby Cox and Charlie Cox of Orcutt, Calif.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Rick Carney and Rev. Ken Hildebrand officiating. Interment will follow the services in Oakwood Cemetery. All service arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home in Whitesboro, Texas. Family night will be held, Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers were: Phil Harris, Taylor Harris, Jon Brown, Mike Allen, Trent West, Payson West and James Aldridge.
Memorial donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Whitesboro.
To sign the online registry, please go to www.meadorfuneralhomes.com.