Mollie Lee (Childress) Stehno, age 87, died March 11, 2022, in Norman, OK, Born March 24, 1934, in Chandler, OK, she was preceded in death by her parents, AB (Ike) and Zelma Childress; her sister, Midge Marker; and brother, John Childress. She is survived by three sons, Albert Frank Stehno of Billings OK, Scott Eugene and Kathren Ann Stehno of Moore, OK, Kent Allen and Beth Marie Stehno Billings, OK. She also leaves her three grandchildren, Julie Elizabeth Meder, Kimberly Morgin Stehno, and Kolton Ray Stehno. Mollie also leaves her five precious great grandchildren; her very special niece, Chele Marker Cash; and great nephews.
Mollie’s greatest passion was raising her three sons to become hard-working individuals with a desire to excel in all that they pursued from their youth and into adulthood. She was a great model for continuous learning to her children and grandchildren. Much of her learning led to developing hobbies that she enjoyed her entire adult life. In her free time, she always had at least one project if not more. They included, painting pictures, building stain glass window hangers, painting ceramics, pouring steppingstones, knitting, or crocheting many beautiful pieces. Her last project was building kaleidoscopes from stained glass for her great grandchildren.
Mollie graduated from Chandler High School and finished her teaching degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1965. She taught in many schools in Oklahoma during her 28 year career. It was not uncommon to hear people who had Mollie as a teacher in their elementary years to say how much they enjoyed having her as a teacher. She challenged her students to strive for excellence. She will be remembered by many former 4-H and FFA Students around Oklahoma were she supervised and assisted with speeches, scrap books and all species of livestock at shows around the country.
Mollie wanted her students to have learning opportunities that went beyond the curriculum. She was always seeking teaching material that would expand her student’s knowledge. Mollie was also an avid reader of books of all genres. Additionally, she was also a researcher of historical events and people. Her research led her to become the editor of a published journal about Oklahoma History of Outlaws and Lawmen, The 101 Ranch in Ponca City Oklahoma, as well as researching for other authors and publishing several books on Oklahoma and Western History herself.
Through her many interests she still made time to attend events to support her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family will miss her immensely.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local Future Farmers of America chapter in you city.