Carla (Jo) Haley Mains

1956 - 2015

Tulsa, Oklahoma:  Our vibrant, wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, left our hearts broken Sunday, March 8, 2015. Her joyful spirit and presence will long be remembered by those who now deeply miss her. Carla, along with her twin sister, Charla (Sue) Haley Fitzwater, was born on July 19, 1956 in Wichita, Kansas. At the age of 2-and-a-half months, God lovingly gave them to Wendell and Esther Haley to complete their family. Until the age of ten, Carla and Charla explored Ashland, Kansas, making lifelong friends and singing their way into the hearts of many, including sitting on a swing set for hours, singing while work was completed on the family home in Ashland. Wendell and Esther divorced, each marrying special people, giving the twins two more parents in Mable Ann Haley and Freddie Wayne Howard. A move took Carla and Charla to Wichita, Kansas, where they gained many more friends at Kensler Elementary School, Hadley Junior High and West High School. In 1968, Wendell and Mable Ann Haley added to their family, and the twins enthusiastically welcomed Cheri (Ann) Haley-Liddy as their little sister. Carla loved singing, being chosen to participate in a special singing group of the Girl Scouts and joining Wichita's Sing Out Kansas (a division of Up With People), performing at various events across the state. In high school, Carla was active in choir, including selection as a member of West High School's elite singing group, Hilarks. A family move in the middle of her senior year took her to Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City, but a kind and thoughtful principal at West High School allowed the girls to transfer their credits from that last semester and Carla "officially" graduated from West in 1974. After high school, Carla attended Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, graduating in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in English, after her dad encouraged her to "pick something and get out of school." During her college years and for several years following, Carla was employed at Mercy Health Center, working her way into the position of Sterile Supplies Manager. Carla married the love of her life, Michael Lynn Mains, after the two met through a dating service, long before the days of match.com and other websites. Mike paid for a 12-month subscription, enabling him to meet as many women as he wanted during that time period. Carla was the first one he met! Their lives were joined together on September 12, 1981 and Carla became a loving stepmother to Mike's 7-year old daughter, Jodi. In June of 1983, Mike and Carla moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they lived the majority of their marriage, with the exception of a nine-month move to Orlando, Florida. Before her kids were born, Carla worked for a time at St. Francis Hospital and a staffing services agency. On November 29, 1986, Carla gave birth to her "little bitty," Jenison Mains, who brought great joy to her mom. Carla and Mike's second child, Michael Mains, Jr., was born on June 22, 1989, completing their laughter-loving family. For many years, Carla was a stay-at-home mom, pouring her energy into raising their children, and devoting time to various PTA chapters, lending her talents whenever possible. Once the kids reached school age, Carla went back to work, spending nearly 14 years at U.S. Cellular and 2 years at West Corporation, creating lasting friendships with coworkers (her other family) who will miss her smiles, her hugs, and her wicked sense of humor. Carla was preceded in death by her devoted stepfather, Freddie Wayne Howard, her dedicated father, Wendell Stevens Haley, and her beloved brother-in-law, Danny Mack Mains. Carla is survived by her loving husband, Mike Mains, her adored children, Jenison and Mikey, and her stepdaughter, Jodi Mains Lee of Altus. Her twin sister, Charla Haley Fitzwater (Stephen) of West Jordan, Utah and her younger sister, Cheri Haley-Liddy (Wayne) of Sherwood, Arkansas will deeply miss Carla's laughter. Her precious mother, Esther Howard, and her caring stepmother, Mable Ann Haley mourn her passing. Lost without her are her treasured furbabies, Magic and Misty (dogs) and Merlin and Madeline (cats). She is also survived by two grandchildren, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless cherished friends. When you look up in the night sky and see the brightest star, read a great book, hear music that brings you joy, cry over a poignant commercial, or laugh hysterically at something funny, think of Carla. She'll be watching!

Viewing from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. The family will welcome attendees between 4:00 and 7 p.m. at Add'Vantage Funeral Service. Funeral services 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2015 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 6767 South Mingo in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Interment will immediately follow the service at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, 12410 North Yale Avenue, Sperry, Okllahoma.