Leeta Fern Lankford

Leeta Fern Lankford, age 101, of Norman, passed away February 22, 2021.  She was born July 15, 1919, in Farmersville, Illinois, to the late Harry Eugene Matthews and Virginia Simon Matthews.  In 1936, she met the love of her life, June Carroll Lankford, and they were married August 28, 1937, in a rose garden ceremony officiated by her uncle, Rev. A. E. Browning.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rita Carroll Lankford (1941); and her husband, J.C. (2013).  She is survived by her son, Joe Lankford of Norman; and daughter, Rebecca Lankford of Tulsa. 

Leeta enjoyed most of her life as a mother, wife and homemaker but found time for bridge and golf, two activities in which she excelled.  She was always a willing worker in the Presbyterian Church.  She was a member of the Southern Artists Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution.  After her beloved husband’s retirement in 1972, her great joy was the extensive travel they were able to do together in all parts of the world.  Most of her prized oil paintings were gifts that decorate the walls of her many friends and family.

But, when all was said and done, the greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren who she is survived by, Stephanie Stegge Kern of Tulsa, Jennifer Lankford Beaty and Julie Lankford Yousey of Oklahoma City, and Robert Brian Stegge of Austin, TX.  Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Mason and Max Beaty, Jackson and Stella Kern, Hayden and Hudson Yousey and Zoe and Gage Stegge.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to a cause close to your heart.