Elfriede Veronika Shriver's Obituary
Elfriede Shriver Obituary
Elfriede V. Shriver passed away Monday, December 19, 2022 at Franciscan Villa in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She was 87.
Elfriede was born August 17, 1935 in a small village dating back to the1560’s, called Bad Bruckenau, Germany. Her parents, Joseph and Berta Muller had five children, Elfriede was the second oldest of four girls and one brother. Elfriede’s father was a shoe cobbler in the early days, but with a growing family and need to increase his income, he became a tax collector for the local level government. The family was very involved in the Catholic Church and helping others.
Elfriede graduated high school and completed her education in a technical school where she earned a culinary education. She married Joe F. Caldwell, a Sergeant in the U. S. Army who was stationed in Germany. The couple had three children, James, Joyce, and Sherlly. In 1960, their family moved “jumped across the pond” by moving to Ft. Polk, Louisiana. This was certainly new country, a new language, and required a lot of learning. From 1961 to 1964, Joe, Judy, and Barbara were born into their family. Elfriede was dedicated to raising her six children. She was a caring person that always placed her children’s wants and needs before her own. Joe retired following 23 years & 11 months of honorable service to his country. They moved to Ft. Worth Texas to be nearer family. Joe preceded Elfriede in death in 1976.
Along with her three youngest children, Elfriede eventually made her way to Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was there she met a man named Virgil A. Shriver and the couple married in
1986. You could say he was the love of her life! They traveled and really enjoyed their life together. It was a beautiful story and now, they will be together again.
Through the years, Elfriede was very involved in her parishes, St. Mary’s in Tulsa and St. Clement’s in Bixby. She earned her driver's license at 45 years of age. Elfriede served as a Candy Striper at Saint Francis Hospital for many years. She loved to work in her flower garden, she was a terrific cook of German cuisine, and loved to travel. Her favorite destinations included Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Hawaii.
Elfriede is survived by her six children: James Caldwell, Joyce Caldwell Nelson, Sherlly Caldwell Rhodes, Joe Caldwell, Judy Caldwell Wolf and Barbara Caldwell Treubig; one surviving brother, Manfred Muller; as well as 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1 PM Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Bixby. Friends may join the family to pray the Rosary 7 PM Tuesday evening, December 27, also at St. Clement's.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Elfriede Veronika Shriver, please visit our floral store.
Read More
What’s your fondest memory of Elfriede?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elfriede?
Share a story where Elfriede's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elfriede you’ll never forget.
How did Elfriede make you smile?