Roselene Blossom-Lenio

Roselene Blossom-Lenio, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on December 10, 2024, in Salina, Oklahoma, at the age of 79. Born on January 28, 1945, in Claremore, Oklahoma, Roselene lived a life rich in love, community, and cultural heritage.

Roselene was a remarkable woman who found great joy in her family. She devoted herself to her children, Eddie Carnes and wife Sofia, and Billy Carnes, both of Salina, Oklahoma. Her legacy of love and kindness is continued by her grandchildren: Sharla Carnes, Nate Carnes, Travis Carnes, Trey Carnes, Teisa Carnes, and Shawnda Edelman, all of Salina, as well as Kendal Carnes of Florida. She also leaves behind a thriving family of 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends who will carry her memory forward. 

In her community engagement, Roselene was a devoted member of Standing Rock Church, where she served as the song leader. Her passion for music, especially her fluent proficiency in Cherokee, allowed her to connect deeply with her culture. Roselene was known for her beautiful renditions of Cherokee songs, often performed alongside her sisters at various commemorative ceremonies and funerals. 

Roselene had an abundance of interests that brought her happiness. She was an avid football fan, with a particular admiration for the University of Oklahoma and the Dallas Cowboys. She was notorious for dressing up on Halloween and loved to hand out candy to the kids. Her enthusiasm extended to attending her grandchildren's sporting events, where she was always their most ardent supporter. She found joy from fishing and gathering wild onions, activities that connected her with nature and her roots. She enjoyed her time working at Jiffy Stop where she had the opportunity to visit with locals and customers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Jennie (Christie) Blossom; her infant son, Danny Ray Carnes; her husband, Allan Lenio; and siblings, Moses Blossom, Thelma and Wilma Kingfisher, and Cherry Blossom.

Funeral services for Roselene will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 20, 2024, in the Shipman’s Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jesse Youngbird officiating. Interment will follow at the Little Rock Indian Cemetery near Locust Grove with Billy Carnes, Eddie Carnes, Nate Carnes, Travis Carnes, Trey Carnes, and Shane Alberty serving as casket bearers. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 19, 2024, in the Shipman’s Funeral Home Chapel. To leave a personal message, please visit her guestbook at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.