Jessie Rae Stone (1928-2023) Marlow, OK

Jessie Rae Stone, of Foster, Oklahoma, was born on May 7, 1928, in Marlow to William Jesse and Maude Ella (Coffey) Gann. She passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at her home with her family by her side.

Jessie Rae grew up and lived in the Foster community on land that had been in her family for years. She attended Burrows High School, graduating as Valedictorian of her 1947 class. Another exciting honor for Jessie her senior year was when her basketball team completed against teams from much larger schools in the first-ever Lindsay All Girls Basketball Tournament and won the championship trophy. What a feat! Each year Jessie Rae and attending teammates were honored at Lindsay. Upon graduating, Jessie continued her education at Draughon’s Business School in Oklahoma City.

On July 3, 1949, Jessie Rae married a handsome and talented cowboy named Ralph Stone. Together they operated and managed a cattle and horse ranch for 35 years, until Ralph’s passing in 1984. At the PRCA National Finals Rodeo they were honored by having 8 world championship titles won in the calf roping event riding horses they had raised and trained. Their home was full of trophies from showing their outstanding houses in competitions in Oklahoma and Texas.

Jessie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Marlow over 70 years. She was also a member of various business organizations related to her employment at Halliburton’s, Doyle ISD and the Delta Community Action Agency. At Delta, Jessie worked as a comptroller 42 years investing herself in helping others. She gave of herself on a daily basis to anyone in need. The ladies at Delta were certainly her second family and she dearly loved each of them. To this day they have not moved or changed one thing in her office, in hopes she just might return.

For certain Jessie lived life to the fullest, but perhaps nothing gave her more pleasure than spending time with her family. She was a fabulous cook, and everything was made from scratch. She was known for delicious feasts, and everyone wanted a seat at her table. Her children and grandchildren were especially spoiled not only by her cooking but the generosity of her heart and love she showed them each and every single day.

Preceded in death by her parents and husband, Jessie is survived by her children: Carolyn Goodrich of Norman, David and wife Angela Stone of Lindsay; grandchildren: Marcus Goodrich, Clayton Stone, Jessica Stone, Lyn (Robert) Davis, Crowley, Texas; Lisa (Don) Rice, Duncan, Oklahoma; Sheila Stone (Craig) Schoen, Alberta, Alabama; Robin Stone, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Holly (Brent) Green, Yukon, Oklahoma.

The family will greet visitors on Thursday, March 23, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Whitt Funeral Home, Duncan. Funeral services will be Friday, March 24, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Marlow, with Pastor Doyle Sharp officiating. Interment will be held in the Marlow Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Lynden Branch, Charles Turney, Curt White, Clayton Stone, Butch Graham, Marcus Goodrich; honorary pallbearers are Don Spivey, Dr. Ron White, Dr. Fred Rule, D.B. Green, Chuck Hill, Harbour Whitaker and (Eddie) Butch Graham. Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Delta Community Action, 302 SW 2nd Street, Lindsay, OK 73051 or American Heart Association, 3401 NW 63RD Street #510, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.