Myrtle Odessa Chandler Stevens

Myrtle Odessa (Chandler) Stevens, 96, passed from this earth to eternity in Heaven on Thursday, November 4th, 2021 at her home in Gracemont, Oklahoma with her family by her side. She was born on March 16th, 1925 in Gracemont, OK to William and Molissie (Treat) Chandler. She grew up in Gracemont and graduated from Gracemont High School. Myrtle married the love of her life, Garland Stevens, on January 15, 1942 in Gracemont, OK. She and Garland shared a love for farming and ranching which they shared the entirety of their married life. She remained active in the farming operation her entire life as she balanced being a loving mother, devoted wife and active church member. She continued with her education and received her bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha and then went on to earn her masters degree in Home Economics from OU. She also earned a degree in Art Education from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO). She spent 26 years teaching students at Ninnekah Public School, Riverside Indian School, Gracemont High School, Eakly High School and USAO. She worked full time as the alumni director at USAO for 12 years and was recognized and honored for her many years of service by having the Stevens Alumni House named in her honor. The state of Oklahoma awarded her the Home Economics Teacher of the Year in 1976 and she was awarded the National Home Economics Teacher of the year in 1978. She received the National Distinguished Service Award in 1989 from the Future Home Makers Association. She was also active with the Oklahoma Girls State. With so much emphasis on education and being an educator you would think that was her passion in life, but that was not the case. Her true passions could be made an acronym of FFF (Faith, Family and Farm). Her faith in Christ is what truly allowed her to live such an accomplished and fulfilling life. Her stories of faith and miracles that she experienced throughout her life were heard by everyone that encountered her. She and her husband Garland were very involved with their home church of Gospel Lighthouse in Anadarko from its inception in 1975 to present. In addition to teaching Sunday School, she served as the church secretary for over 40 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt and friend to an untold number of people she encountered in life. Anyone who knew her, was aware of her ability to tell a captivating story, These were often stories that incorporated FFF. It was evident from those who knew her that of all her accomplishments in life, that aside from her love of Jesus, some of her proudest moments were those she spent working on the farm. From early years of milking cows, picking cotton, working ground with a team of mules to recent years of taking food to the field during peanut harvest, she was always involved and ready to put in an honest days work. She is survived by:Two sons: Rickey Lynn Stevens of Gracemont, OK Garland Duane Stevens, Anadarko, OKGrandsons: Ryan Lynn Stevens and his wife, Michelle , Gracemont, OK Radley Lance Stevens and his fiance, Katherine Palmer, Anadarko, OKGreat-Grandchildren: Mercy Lee Stevens, Justus Lynn Stevens and Garland Faith StevensNiece: Lynda Price and her husband, Dan, Goldsby, OKGreat-Nephews: Matthew and Annette Price and their children; Rachel, Remy and Miranda Christopher and Haley Price and their son, JamesNumerous other nieces, nephews and friendsShe was preceded in death by her parents, William and Molissie Chandler, her husband, Garland Stevens, her siblings; Vonnie Davidson, Boyd Chandler, Loyd Chandler, Esther Newnum and Vernie Hines, Her daugher-in-law, Rita Stevens. Funeral Services: 2:OO P.M., Wednesday, November, 10, 2021 Gospel Lighthouse Church, Anadarko, OKOfficiating: Rev. Gary ButlerBurial: Gracemont Cemetery, Gracemont, OKServices under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Anadarko, OKMessages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.smithfunerlservices.com

Myrtle Odessa Chandler Stevens

March 16, 1925 - November 4, 2021

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