Lesta Anna Stokley

Lesta Anna Stokley, 98, formerly of Oologah was born on March 2, 1919. Her parents, Lester Newton Dixon and Ila Hazel Dixon lived in Cleveland, OK at the time, later moving to several communities as her father used his trade as a Barber to feed and clothe his family.

Lesta attended school at Carter Nine, Lyman, Denolia (called Whiz Bang) – all near Shidler, OK, Stillwater, Holdenville and finished school at Cromwell, OK.  She had a sister, Ruth Thacker and a brother who was stillborn.  In 1932, she met Maurice Stokley and after a four-year courtship, they were married in 1936.

They made their home in Cromwell, later moving to Tulsa where Maurice worked at Safeway, then Spartan, and finally American Airlines. They later moved to their present home at Oologah in 1960.  Lesta was busy as a young housewife caring for their two children Marion Newton and Ronald Edward, but still found time to work as a housewife, beauty operator, and in a grocery store.  Special interests along the way included crocheting, knitting, joining an extension club, gardening, canning, and sewing.

The Stokley family joined the Oologah First Baptist Church in 1964.  For many years she served in various capacities with the church, one favorite was the Sunday School Secretary.

She is survived by two sons: Marion Newton Stokley and his wife Pat and Ronald Edward Stokley and his wife Sue. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive her.

Visitation will be 1:30 pm to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 2017 at the Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 12:00 pm, Monday, March 27, 2017 at the Oologah First Baptist Church with Rev. Jody Bentley officiating.

Interment will follow at 3:30 p.m., Monday, March 27, 2017 at the Little Cemetery, north of Seminole.