Iola Ruth Maxey

Ruth Maxey was born April 19, 1930 on a small farm outside of Putman, Dewey County, Oklahoma and passed away March 18, 2024. She began her education at a one room schoolhouse known as Banner School. Her father worked for the WPA during those depression years. Also, she often recalled the dust storms which plagued the area and the details on how they tried to cope with it.
At fourteen her parents and younger sister Beth moved to Garfield County near Pioneer School which she attended. In 1948 she graduated in a senior class of 5 and was that year's basketball queen. After graduation, she moved to Enid and was employed as an operator by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. One day when sitting in her car downtown Enid, she honked her horn at a handsome young man, Arlo Maxey. That honk turned into a marriage on October 1, 1950 at Enid's First Baptist Church and lasted 71-years until Arlo's death. Of that marriage they raised two sons, Gary and Mike.
During her marriage and life, she belonged to homemaker clubs, enjoyed interior decorating, and working at Ron Licklider Interiors, was an excellent needle pointer, cooked to her family's delight, made sure everyone in the family had at least one bible, served on the Garfield County Election Board but most importantly to her, raised her boys and spent time whenever she could with grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was a good person who was always there to listen no matter how long it took, she will be missed.
Ruth's passing is proceeded by her husband Arlo Maxey, son Mike Maxey, sister Beth Sak, and her parents, John Loudenslager and Clara Hendricks. She is survived by her son, Gary Maxey and wife Debbie of Enid, four grandchildren, Garret Maxey and wife Madison and great granddaughters Lila and Nora of Verdigris, Morgan Maxey of Tulsa, Kelsi Lutz and spouse Jon Peetom and great-grandsons Hudson and Heston of Big Cabin and Tabitha Hurlbutt and husband Blake, and great-grandchildren Hensley and Hunter of Edmond and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be held for Ruth at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 2 p.m. Services are at the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory. Those wishing to, may visit the funeral home to pay their respects and sign the guest book
Memorial contributions in Ruth's name can be made to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, with Ladusau-Evans serving as custodian of the funds.
Condolences may be made online at www.ladusauevans.com