Ima “Faythe” (Branen) Berglund

July 6, 1916 – July 13, 2010

Ima Faythe Berglund, longtime resident of Ponca City, passed Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at the Ponca City Sterling House. She was 94.

Faythe was born July 6, 1916 on a farm near Crescent, Oklahoma, the daughter of James Monroe Branen and Josie Alice (Mount) Branen. At the age of three she moved with her family to Perry, Oklahoma. She graduated from Perry High School in 1933, one of three students who finished 12 years of schooling in 11 years. When she was a junior she won second in the state Latin contest at Oklahoma A&M College. She graduated from junior college at Tonkawa in 1935.

She was married to Ralph H. Berglund on August 30, 1968 in Ponca City. Her work experiences included a telephone operator, receptionist /bookkeeper in a medical doctor’s office, and Conoco, retiring on July 31, 1981. She received her Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree at Oklahoma University in 1971 and her Master of Liberal Studies in 1983 after her retirement.

She was a member of the Ponca City First Presbyterian Church. She had many varied interests which included yard work, gardening, classical music, college and church choirs, and playing the violin in the church orchestra. She enjoyed being an amateur photographer as well. She won blue ribbons at the County Fair in categories such as: embroidery, crocheting, knitting, African violets, cakes, cookies and Aunt Bill’s candy. Faythe had a practical outlook on life and described herself as an optimistic person.

She is survived by one niece, Betty Lee Koenig and one nephew, Ernest Paul Moore Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph, on June 26, 1985; three siblings, Florence, Mitte Lee and Sherman.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church, Ponca City.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 1505 East Grand, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74604.

Largest Private Donation Ever Made to Northern Oklahoma College
published on 09/06/2010

TONKAWA — A landmark $1.6 million endowment by the estate of Ima Faythe Berglund, an honor graduate of 1935 University Preparatory School (UPS) College, now known as Northern Oklahoma College, will enhance the education of future mathematics and science students.

In announcing the gift at the Renfro Center Wednesday, Tom Poole, interim NOC President, said “Today truly marks an historic day for Northern Oklahoma College. Ima Faythe Berglund’s incredible gift will make a difference in the lives of the students. We are grateful for Faythe’s gift and believing in our college’s future.”

The contribution to Northern Oklahoma College Foundation Inc. will be known as the Ima Faythe Berglund NOC Endowment Fund. The fund will provide scholarship awards and program support in the Departments of Science and Mathematics.

Berglund, who described herself as “an optimistic person,” has given the students reasons to be optimistic about the future by helping to further their education.

Making brief statements at the announcement ceremony were Mark Detten, president of NOC Foundation, and Jesse Mendez, chairman of NOC Board of Regents. The presentation of the ceremonial check was by RCB Pioneer Bank, Ponca City.

A quiet, intelligent and unassuming lady, Berglund had a thirst for education. As a student at Perry High School in 1933 she finished 12 years of school in 11 years. After graduating from UPS, it would be 36 years later before she continued her quest for education. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1971. A long time resident of Ponca City, she was married to Ralph Berglund in 1968. During her working career, she was employed as a telephone operator, receptionist and bookkeeper in a doctor’s office and at Conoco.

After her retirement from Conoco in 1981, she completed her master’s degree from OU in 1983. Berglund was a member of the Ponca City First Presbyterian Church and an investment club. She died earlier this year.

Guests were welcomed by Sheri Snyder, executive director, NOC Foundation, included Judy Poole, members of the NOC regents, Lynn Smith, Jeff Smith and Linda Brown and from the NOC Foundation Mac Bradley, Gary Martin and Mike Loftis as well as attorney Bob Malone.

Other special guests included Sen. and Mrs. David Myers, NOC President Emeritus Joe Kinzer and past Oklahoma State Regent Carl Renfro. Also, Enloe Baumert, representing the law firm of Baumert, Cummings and Hiatt, Berglund’s law firm, and members of the RCB Bank Otis Marrow, Jeff Cowan, Joe Langley and Jason Pinney.

The program ended with the NOC Ensemble singing “Alma Mater,” composed by Bill Heilmann. A reception followed.