Earlene Vann

Funeral services for Carrie Earlene (Montgomery) Vann, 83, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Seabolt Cemetery in Nicut, Oklahoma, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Earlene was born July 23, 1943, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Vivian Viola (Seabolt) and Godfrey Earl “Sam” Montgomery. She passed away on October 30, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On May 23, 1959, she married John Ralph Vann, who survives her at their home. They have one daughter, Cindy Linn Welch and husband, Monte, of Kimberling City, Missouri.

Outside of her work, Earlene enjoyed gardening, playing the piano, reading, and researching her family history. With an eye for detail and a creative touch, she lovingly created beautiful family scrapbooks, preserving treasured memories of the past and leaving a lasting legacy for her grandchildren.

Her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren, who lovingly called her 'Nana.' They were Hillary Linn and Jared Myers of Overland Park, Kansas; Joe M. Welch III and Maureen Hynes of Chicago, Illinois; and Anna Caroline and Tyler Offutt of Bentonville, Arkansas. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Emery Savannah Myers and Maddox Franklin Myers. Her extended family of beloved grand-pets included Bailey, Skeeter, Elwood, and Birdie, along with her riding horses, Alice and Bubba.

Earlene devoted 45 years to a career she truly loved. She managed two successful law practices for Jim Jones and Frankie Sullivan, developing close and lasting bonds with both families. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, often providing free legal advice to friends and family and helping them navigate difficult situations.

Earlene’s faith in God was an important part of her life. She found comfort and peace in the familiar hymns of faith, whose words and melodies reminded her of God’s love and promises.

Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Rick, and sister-in-law, Jeanie Montgomery, of Muldrow, Oklahoma; brother in-law, Ronnie Vest; nieces and nephews Sammi D. and Rocky England, Brian and Monica Vest, and Tara Vest; along with many other loved ones from the Vann family.

Earlene was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Joann “Sissy” Vest.

Active pallbearers will be Joe Welch, Jared Myers, Tyler Offutt, Donnie Bernard, Rocky England, and Tara Vest.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sammi England, Donna Heredon, and Connie Baker.

Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, where the family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.