Zoma Ouida Canterberry Banther was born on October 31, 1930, on the Canterberry family home farm in the Lake Valley Community near Gotebo, Oklahoma, to Dick and Jessie Bottom Canterberry. She graduated as Salutatorian of her class from Hammon High School in 1949. Following graduation, Zoma began her career as a telephone operator in Hammon. She went on to work for Southwestern Bell, where she built a long and successful career, retiring at the age of 55 as a Second Line Supervisor for PBX Design.

As a young woman, Zoma began writing letters to a sailor who was stationed in Hawaii with the United States Navy. Through those handwritten letters, their friendship deepened into a lasting love. The miles between them only strengthened their bond, and when he returned home, they stepped confidently into a future they had already begun building through faith, commitment, and devotion. Zoma married Jimmy Banther on November 11, 1955, and together they built a marriage marked by loyalty, laughter, faith, and unwavering partnership. For nearly 66 years, they walked side by side through every season of life, each one strengthened by the other. In retirement, Jimmy and Zoma became "snowbirds," spending eighteen cherished winters at their home in Mission, Texas. Those years were filled with travel, friendship, and shared adventures—just as their entire marriage had been. Their love story, which started through letters across the miles, remained steady and enduring through the decades.

Zoma found joy in church, family gatherings, yard work, cooking, and playing Mah Jongg. She had a servant's heart and dedicated time volunteering at Deaconess Hospital and preparing meals for Mobile Meals through Putnam City United Methodist Church.

Family was the center of Zoma's life. She had three sisters—Norma Treadaway, Lavena Whiteley, and Glenna Penick—and two brothers, Murl and Richard Canterberry. She also shared close bonds with her brothers-in-law Albert, Robert, and Paul Banther. Zoma took special pride in her nieces and nephews. Often found at the kids' table, she delighted in entertaining them as much as they entertained her. Each niece and nephew carries a lasting imprint of Aunt Zoma's love in their hearts.

Zoma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy Banther; her parents, Jessie and D.R. Canterberry; her in-laws, Lewis and Arlene Banther; her sister, Norma Treadaway; her brother, Murl Canterberry; and her brothers-in-law, Robert and Albert Banther.

She is survived by her sister, Lavena Whiteley of Yukon; her sister, Glenna Penick of Palm Coast, Florida; her brother, Richard Canterberry of Oklahoma City; her brother- and sister-in-law, Paul and Janila Banther; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews too numerous to list.

Zoma also treasured the many friendships she formed at the Dale Robertson Senior Center in Yukon.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Arbor House and Suncrest Hospice for the compassionate care and dignity shown to Zoma and her loved ones during her final months.

Viewing will be held Wednesday, February 25, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, 3925 N. Asbury Avenue, Bethany. A Celebration of Life service will take place Thursday, February 26, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Yukon, 15 S. 6th Street. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 8701 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City.