Kathleen Ivy Bird

1922 - 2014

Kathleen Ivy Bird, 92, long-time Stillwater resident, was surrounded by her family when she passed away at Journey Home in Bartlesville, OK on Sept. 29.
She was born Kathleen Ivy White on Feb. 27, 1922, the shy young daughter of full-blood Pawnee Benjamin A. White and Ethel Mae Mack White, of Maramec, OK.
Her love and commitment to education was important, even as a young girl. She attended Pawnee Grade School as well as Quay Grade School and High School, where she was twice named Valedictorian. She received her BS in Education from Oklahoma A & M College in 1943. She then moved to South Dakota to teach school for two years on the Pine Ridge Reservation, experiencing all of the trials and tribulations of reservation life. During WWII, she wrote to Byron Bird, who she'd met at Oklahoma A & M. It was love at first sight for Byron, and he began his pursuit of the beautiful young coed. Once her friends told her all about the up and coming football star with his sense of humor and good heartedness, her interest was piqued. When Kathleen returned to Oklahoma, she married Byron Bird, and they enjoyed 38 years of marriage before his death in 1983.
Her teaching career continued with a position at Quay Grade School, her alma mater, in 1949. In 1966, Kathleen returned to Oklahoma State University where she earned her MS in Education. Kathleen's accomplishments were many: she was a consultant for the nationally published children's newspaper, Weekly Reader, in 1971; her numerous awards included the Oklahoma Economic Award in 1975 and 1976, the Outstanding Leader in Education Award in 1976, and Highland Park Teacher of the Year Award in 1982-83. In May 1986 Kathleen retired from Stillwater City Schools after 27 years of service, having begun at Lincoln School in 1959 and Highland Park in 1961. Kathleen was fortunate to spend her life alongside many accomplished artisans and scholars, enriching her own life-long desire to learn and contribute to the the lives of others. These experiences resulted in lifelong friendships and associations.
Kathleen is survived by her son, Michael Jack Bird, granddaughter Detra Bird, great grandson Avery and great granddaughter Molly, Stillwater; son Stephen Byron Bird, Pawnee County; and daughter Susan Kay Bird Stine, husband Greg Stine, and grandson Christopher Robert Stine, Bartlesville. Her extended family includes her former students, friends and neighbors, all of whom Kathleen held dearly.
A memorial service will be held at a future date. "It is the mothers, not the warriors, who create a people and guide their destiny." Luther Standing Bear, Oglala Lakota
In lieu of flowers, send donations to: The Journey Home, 3406 S.E. Kentucky, Bartlesville, OK 74006.