Jamie Donetta Harden

Jamie Donetta Harden, 61, passed away on February 23, just days before her 62nd birthday.

Born on February 28, 1964, Jamie was raised north of Ponca City, where her family operated the Harden Dairy Farm for many years. She attended Kildare Elementary School and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1982. Those who knew the Harden Dairy Farm’s annual Haunted Hayrides will fondly remember Jamie’s unforgettable portrayal of the witch. No one could cackle or command a scene quite like she could - she embraced the role wholeheartedly and delighted in bringing fun and laughter to others.

Jamie and her family were longtime members of Asbury United Methodist Church in Ponca City until its closing, and her faith and community connections remained important to her throughout her life.

Jamie spent her working years in roles centered around people, which suited her warm and engaging personality. She worked for several years at Ponca City Discount Foods and KFC in Ponca City before beginning her long career at Southwest Cupid in Blackwell in 1993. She remained there until her passing. Jamie truly loved her work, but more than that, she loved the people she worked alongside. She formed many lifelong friendships through her employment. She proudly served as a union representative and was often the first to organize fundraising efforts for coworkers facing hardship or medical challenges. Supporting others came naturally to her.

Jamie’s hobbies included needlepoint and crocheting. She lovingly created blankets for her family, gifts that will continue to wrap them in comfort and memories for years to come. Jamie also treasured family card games, even if she occasionally showed playful frustration when her youngest nephew played wildly and made his famously rash calls. She had a contagious smile and a warm presence that made others feel welcome and valued. To know Jamie was to love her. She stood firm, when necessary, yet treasured her relationships and friendships deeply.

In recent years, Jamie devoted herself to caring for her brother, David, a role she embraced with quiet strength and unwavering love.

Jamie was preceded in death by her parents, Arlo Dean and Ruth Irene (Denton) Harden, and an infant sister and infant twin brother. She is survived by her brothers, Timothy “Tim” ( Carol) Harden and David Harden; her nieces and nephews, Danny Harden, Erin (Eric) Liberton, John Harden, Erica (Chase) Fetters, Ellen (Brian) Masters, and Mark (Kylie) Harden; and 15 great nieces and great nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles. The family would like to extend special gratitude to Ronna Douglas, lovingly known to Jamie as “Ronnie K,” who was more like a sister than a cousin and was by Jamie’s side in her final moments.

A memorial service honoring Jamie’s life will be held Monday, March 16th, at 2:00 pm at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City OK, with burial of ashes to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward at the home of Tim and Carol Harden for fellowship and refreshments.