Evelyn Marrie Whisenhunt Detten

Evelyn Marrie Whisenhunt Detten passed from life on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the family home in Arthur City, Texas. She struggled long with Alzheimer’s dementia and was called home on Saturday morning with her family at her side.

Evelyn was born on July 20, 1952 in Sudan, Texas, to Delter G, Whisenhunt and Bessie Mae Samis Whisenhunt; the youngest of six siblings. She was the granddaughter of original Choctaw enrollees Lyman Samis and Minnie Noah and the great-granddaughter of original enrollee Mary Francis Pickens. Evelyn spent many years as an administrative assistant and manager of social services for Choctaw Nation, serving with three administrations in southeastern Oklahoma working with social programs and the Choctaw Housing authority. She married John in Muleshoe, Texas, where they both worked for the City of Muleshoe and spent 40 plus years raising two children before moving to Oklahoma in 1990.

She leaves to treasure her memory, husband, John Detten of the home; son, Jason N. Detten of Washington, D.C., and daughter, Andrea N. Lee of Arthur City, Texas; along with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She also leaves a huge extended family and a wonderful wealth of great friends. No services are planned at this time, but the family will announce a Celebration of Life around the time of her birthday in July. Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book or send private condolences to the family at www.praterlampton.com.

Local arrangements by Prater-Lampton- Mills and Coffey Funeral home in Hugo.

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