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Anna Laura Payne

Anna Laura Payne

Female 1913 - 2004  (90 years)

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Anna Laura PayneAnna Laura Payne was born on 23 Oct 1913 in Arthur, Parks Township, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was christened on 23 Dec 1922 in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 15 Sep 2004 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried on 18 Sep 2004 in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma.

    Notes:

    Member of the Chickasaw Nation. Her father, Thomas Hamilton Payne (Original Enrollee #3686) was a Chickasaw by blood.

    It is believed she was named after the popular Scottish Folk ballad, Annie Laurie. Her nickname, "Roonie" was also a product of popular culture, based on the Little Annie Rooney comic strip that ran during the depression.

    Anna Laura was baptized in 1922, her sponsors being her Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Sparks. According to a brochure from the Church of the Assumption, Duncan, commemorating Religious Heritage Day on Sunday, June 28, 1992, "Both sides of Anna Laura (Roonie) Strong's family history intertwines in their settlement of Duncan before the 1900's. Her Uncle John and Aunt Annie Sparks O'Neil's home, presently the Phil Leonard home, was used regularly for masses before the first church was built in 1909. Roonie attended the first parochial school, "Joan of Arc", which had been built by one of the outstanding parish priests, Fr. J.A. Garvey, and run by Sisters of Divine Providence."

    After their father left home, Bessie had trouble making enough money to support her family. When Anna Laura was 15, she and Fay were sent to Saint Elizabeth Academy, an Orphanage and Boarding School for Native American Girls in Purcell, Oklahoma. Anna Laura remembers the long train ride being frightening. Although the distance from Duncan to Purcell was not particulary long, it was a freight train and made numerous long stops. It was very late at night before they finally arrived, and they had long since finished the sack lunch their mother had made them. Lois joined them at the school when she was old enough. Both Anna Laura and Faye graduated from St. Elizabeth's. Lois returned to Duncan to live with Anna Laura, and she graduated from Duncan High School.

    Anna Laura's graduation was on the 26 of May in 1931. Her diploma was signed by Rev. Jacques Van Castel, Sister Adelhelma, Sister Theresa and Sister Lena. The nuns were members of the Sisters of St. Francis. Sister Lena had arrived at St. Elizabeth between 1889 and 1890.

    Sisters Adelhelma and Lena were from Germany. Sister Lena worked in the kitchen and Roonie had been assigned to help her. She recalls the day Sister Lena accidentally dropped her rosary while cooking and loudly proclaimed, "Mein Lord and Mein Gott! I dropped my Jesus in the Soup." Sister Lena presented this same rosary to Anna Laura as a graduation gift, in memory of the work and faith they had shared. An article about the history of this school is contained under the "research" tab of these notes.

    When Roonie's children were all school age, she returned to work. She was the head cook at first the parochial school in Duncan, and later at Duncan Junior High School. She held this position for approximately 20 years.

    Roonie and her sisters Fay and Lois remained close friends throughout their adult lifes, often traveling together.

    The Duncan Banner, Sept. 16, 2004 Anna Laura 'Roonie' Payne Strong

    Anna Laura "Roonie" Payne Strong, 90, of Duncan, died Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, in her home. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Assumption Catholic Church with the Rev. Victor John officiating. Burial will be in Duncan City Cemetery, under direction of Don Grantham Funeral Home.

    A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel. Roonie was born Oct. 23, 1913, in Alma (sic) to Thomas H. and Bessie Gentry Payne. She married Homer Richard Strong on Oct. 23, 1931 (sic), in Waurika. He preceded her in death on Sept. 19, 1990.

    Roonie was a graduate of St. Elizabeth's Academy in Purcell in 1931. She later attended Duncan Business School. She was employed by the Duncan Public School System for 28 years before retiring.

    She was a member of Assumption Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir for 60 years and was a member of the Ladies' Altar Society. She was also a member of the Fatima Study Club and was a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.

    She was a wonderful homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother.

    Survivors include five sons and spouses: Charles and Pat Strong of Edinburg, Texas, Bill and Betty Strong of Yukon, Tom and Vickie Strong of Laveen, Ariz., and John and Brenda Strong, and Paul David and Jane Strong, all of Duncan; a daughter, Caroline Brasher of Duncan; a sister, Lois Marie Payne Hanna of Oklahoma City; 22 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

    She was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Theresa Marie Rutledge; a great-granddaughter, Alexandra Kathrine Brasher in 1994; and a sister, Fay Pierce Yeager. Bearers will be her grandsons.Memorial contributions may be made to Chisholm Trail Hospice, P.O. Box 2000, Duncan, OK 73534-2000.

    (Courtesy of Lynell Cordell)

    (Research):BELOW IS A TRANSCRIPTION OF AN ARTICLE ABOUT ST. ELIZABETH'S ACADEMY

    A PIONEER PASSES
    By Mary Jo Turner
    Sunday, August 15, 1948
    The Daily Oklahoman
    D-Three

    Purcell, Aug. 14-Historic St. Elizabeth's convent, which for 60 years played a vital part in cultural development of Indian territory and early growth and education of Oklahoma, is closing its doors September 1 for lack of funds.

    Founded in February, 1888, one year before Oklahoma was opened to settlement and barely a year after Purcell was established as a junction point on the Santa Fe, it is one of Oklahoma's most famous old schools.

    The spacious, roomy, two-storied frame building, set in a grassy plot with a peaceful background of slender poplars, elms and cedars, is still a thing of considerable beauty. For many years it was the only educational landmark in an unsettled area, and the sight of students playing about its grounds, supervised by the black-robed nuns, against the bright southwestern skies, has become familiar to nearly all Oklahomans who have lived here any length of time.

    When St. Elizabeth's convent was founded, in 1888, Purcell was a part of the Chickasaw nation of the old Indian territory, and the gateway to the great ranching empire which lay to the west and south. The country then was all pastureland, heavily wooded and a ranch of 10,000 to 20,000 acres was commonplace. Most of the settlers were Chickasaws, but here were also Choctaw families, and a good many white settlers. All were eager to send their children to school and the news that St. Elizabeth's convent had opened in Purcell was welcomed far and wide. Families packed their children and brought them to board and room at the convent, or if there was no space there, boarded them in homes and they attended day school.

    Three eager young nuns, all now dead, of the Order of St. Francis, made their way west from Philadelphia and arrived in Purcell on Feb. 14, 1888. They were the late Sister Barbara, Sister Mary Joachim and Sister Patricia. At the time there was under construction a three-room frame building on the same lot where the Benedictine priests had built a one-room church. Sunday services were conducted in the church which on week days was converted into two school rooms by hanging a heavy carpet to form a partition. In one room a Miss Fritch taught the boys, whil in the other room Sister Mary Patricia taught the girls. By November, however, the new three-room frame building was completed and enrolment consisted of 120 pupils. Ages of these pupils ranged from 6 to 18 years. Soon, there were 25 boarders, then 50. The one-room frame building was used for boys.

    Money for the grounds, buildings and teachers was paid for by Miss Katherine Drexel of the wealthy Philadelphia Drexel family. She had become interested in educating the Indians through the efforts of Father Vincent Jolly, O.S.B., who taught at the Sacred Heart academy situated in unsettled wilderness in what is now Pottawatomie county. Father Jolly, accompanied by Father William Capital, took turns in coming to Purcell to hold services. Father Jolly told Miss Drexel of the Indian boys and girls who needed educational opportunities, and described the great wilderness, which pioneers were still to conquer. One church was unable to bear the expense. But Miss Drexel could and did for 60 years.

    Miss Drexel furnished money for the grounds, buildings and early support, and a new building site was selected in 1891 by the Very Rev. Ignatius Jean, Benedictine priest, while Rev. F. Steven, director of the Indian bureau, gave the plans of the building to Miss Drexel. At her instigation, Archbishop Ryan of Philadelphia designated the Sisters of St. Francis of the Philadelphia Foundation, Mother House in Glen Riddle, Pa., to take charge of the mission. Miss Drexel also offered to pay of the sister's support.

    In an area known as Love's pasture, named for the late Robert Love, Purcell's founder, who proved to be very helpful to the new school, ground was broken and the building erected which still stands today. On the second floor near the chapel is a bronze plaque dedicated to the founder, the late Father Vincent Jolly.

    In the summers of 1889 and 1890, three more sisters, Sister Valentine, Sister Lena, and Sister Ludemiller joined the little bands of nuns and in 1891, Sister Mary Teresa, who is now the only one of the early group left, came to teach.

    Sister Teresa, now the Sister Superior of St. Elizabeth's convent, is 80. She is small of stature, being only 4 feet 9 inches in height and is slender and frail. Born in Philadelphia Ja. 29, 1868, she was an only child of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Caterson, also natives of Philadelphia. In May, 1888, she took her vows at Our Lady of Angels convent at Glen Riddle, Pa., and taught one year in Wilmington, Pa. The death of her mother the next year left her free for her appointment ot the new convent in the Indian territory. On the way to the new town of Purcell, she has two companions, twos sisters who were going to the missions near Pawhuska in the Osage nation. She she came alone from St. Louis and arrived at Purcell on Sept. 4, 1891, just in time to see the ground being broken for the present site.

    Government support by which the Indian girls' tuition was paid in part by the government was withdrawn in 1932......(Causing the sisters) to run the institution on practically no income except from Miss Drexel. For some time the sisters kept the girls without government aid from their own slender resources as teachers. Continued maintenance was impossible during these depressing days. This meant that the girls representing the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee and Pottawatomie tribes as well as others in all probability would be deprived of an eduation.

    However, through the mediation of George C. Wells, at that time supervisor of Indian education, Oklahoma district, and Chief Dwight, chief of the Choctaw nation, a contract of 10 was received. But things have changed during the "war" years. There is a scarcity of teachers and enrollment is down. All in all, it seemed best to close the doors.

    So historic St. Elizabeth is closing its doors. And good little Sister Superior Teresea will teach no more. She will take a long rest. She would like to spend the rest of her life in Purcell but will go where the church decrees.

    (Medical):mtDNA Results (based on test of a child of Anna Laura PAYNE, a direct female descendant of Mary Richardson).

    Your Haplogroup and mutations relative to the Cambridge Reference Sequence (CRS) are shown below. A value of CRS indicates no mutations. High resolution (HVR2) results are shown only if you have requested the mtDNAPlus or mtDNA Refine test. If you ordered a Mega mtDNA the Coding Region (CR) will be displayed below.

    As you go through your mtDNA results, we strongly encourage you to read the ?u?mtDNA Results Tutorial ?/u? that we have put together in the form of frequently asked questions about mtDNA results.
    HVR1 Haplogroup J

    HVR1 differences from ?u?CRS
    ?/u?16069T
    16126C
    16209C
    16265G
    16319A

    ?b?Haplogroup Description?/b? J* Specific mitochondrial haplogroups are typically found in different regions of the world, and this is due to unique population histories. In the process of spreading around the world, many populations-with their special mitochondrial haplogroups-became isolated, and specific haplogroups concentrated in geographic regions. Today, we have identified certain haplogroups that originated in Africa, Europe, Asia, the islands of the Pacific, the Americas, and even particular ethnic groups. Of course, haplogroups that are specific to one region are sometimes found in another, but this is due to recent migration. The mitochondrial haplogroup J contains several sub-lineages. The original haplogroup J originated in the Near East approximately 50,000 years ago. Within Europe, sub-lineages of haplogroup J have distinct and interesting distributions. Haplogroup J* -the root lineage of haplogroup J-is found distributed throughout Europe, but at a relatively low frequency. Haplogroup J* is generally considered one of the prominent lineages that was part of the Neolithic spread of agriculture into Europe from the Near East beginning approximately 10,000 years ago.

    Anna married Homer Richard Strong on 23 Feb 1932 in Waurika, Jefferson County, Oklahoma. Homer (son of Walter Winfield Strong and Terezie Rose "Tessie" Soukup) was born on 29 Feb 1908 in Junction City, Comanche County, Oklahoma; died on 19 Sep 1990 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried on 22 Sep 1990 in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 2. Charles Richard Strong  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 24 Aug 1932 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 21 Oct 2021 in McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas; was buried in Camargo (Westside) Cemetery, Camargo, Dewey County, Oklahoma.
    2. 3. William Robert Strong  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 20 Feb 1934 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 4 Mar 2024 in Yukon, Canadian County, Oklahoma.
    3. 4. John Ralph Strong  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 16 Jun 1935 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 4 Apr 2022 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried on 8 Apr 2022 in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma.
    4. 5. Mary Caroline Strong  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 18 Mar 1939 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 5 Jan 2018 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried on 8 Jan 2018 in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma.
    5. 6. Theresa Marie Strong  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 25 Mar 1942 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 28 Jul 1995 in Austin, Travis County, Texas.
    6. 7. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    7. 8. Living  Descendancy chart to this point


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Charles Richard StrongCharles Richard Strong Descendancy chart to this point (1.Anna1) was born on 24 Aug 1932 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 21 Oct 2021 in McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas; was buried in Camargo (Westside) Cemetery, Camargo, Dewey County, Oklahoma.

    Notes:

    Charles was born in the midst of the Depression, and vividly remembers the financial struggle faced by his impoverished parents. In the summers, Charles was usually sent to stay on the farm owned by his great-grandparents, James and Zada Gentry. Charles remembers Zada as a tiny woman, and a good cook. She often remarked, after he devoured her meals, "Charles, you must be hollow to your toes."

    Charles eventually rebelled against his father's stringent demands. In a bid for independence, he dropped out of school for in the eighth grade, staying out late most nights or not coming home for days at a time.

    His parents sent him to Oklahoma City, to live with his Aunts Fay and Lois, who shared a home. His grandmother, Bessie Payne, lived there with her daughters as well. Charles slept in a cot in the back room. He remembers his grandmother having a Chocolate Hostess Cupcake waiting for him each day when he returned from school. Charles graduated from the 8th grade at Holy Angels Parochical School in Oklahoma City on May 25, 1947. After his graduation, he enrolled in the Oklahoma National Guard. He added two years to his age so he would be eligible to enlist. He was 5'8" and 138 pounds, and told the unit he was age 17, not 15. After seven months of duty, on June 4, 1948, he was honorably discharged as a Private. The reason for his discharge was listed as "Business Interference"

    Charles returned home to Duncan to attend High School. He later dropped out of High School as well, and went to work at a bakery. He developed a lifelong aversion to most baked goods, remembering the overwhelming smell. Charles finally realized that education, was the best way to escape poverty, so he returned to school. He graduated from Duncan High School in May, 1952, along with his younger brother Bill.

    Charles and Bill both enrolled at Oklahoma A&M (now OSU) in Stillwater. Charles borrowed money from his Aunt Lois to pay for his freshman year, and then was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He received a medical discharge due to a chronic skin condition which made it impossible for him to wear combat boots. After his brief military service, he returned to OSU and used the GI bill to pay for the remainder of his education. He was original a Chemistry major, but changed to business and accounting due to these same skin allergies.

    A Feb. 7, 1956 article in the student paper reported that "Charles Strong, arts and sciences junior from Duncan, was named president of the Newman club Sunday evening during the election of the 1956 officers. Strong, a chemistry major, replaces Stan Prochaska, agriculture journalism senior from Enid, as proxy of the organization of Catholic students. He had been vice president and one time co-chairman of the membership committee. Ed Wakeen, OIT student from Massachusetts was elected vice president...(also from Massachusetts) Joe Hayden was elected treasurer...Beverly Kirchmeyer from Ponca City was elected secretary. Continuing as chaplin.....will be Rev. Joseph Dillon, assistant pastor of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stillwater."

    Being president allowed Charles to live in the Newman club, further helping him with financing his education. It was also through the Newman club that Charles met his wife, Pat, a fellow student at OSU.

    Charles received his B.S. degree in May, 1959 with a major in accounting and minor in economics. His first job was as an instructor of accounting and economics at Bloomsburg State College in Pennsylvania. He was there for one year, after which time he went to work as an auditor for a public accounting firm in Tulsa. After two years in public accounting, he worked as an auditor for two years at Halliburton in Duncan, Oklahoma. He received his CPA certificate (#1659) from the State of Oklahoma in 1963. Charles went back to OSU, and received his M.S in accounting in May, 1964.

    Later, he went on to obtain his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama (May, 1972, Major in Industrial Relations with minors in Economics and Finance). It was at the married student housing at the University of Alabama that the Strong's started their lifelong friendship with JF and Earlene Burney.

    While working on his Ph.D., the Strong's moved between small college's in Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas at which Charles had short term teaching assistantships. He was an instructor at OSU, the University of Alabama, Mississippi State College for Women, University of Texas at El Paso, and the University of Montevallo (in Alabama).

    Charles looked a bit like Henry Kissinger (Secretary of State under Richard Nixon). Once, while on a business trip, he was in a bar in Washington D.C. He heard a whispered conversation between two people, who were hotly debating whether or not he was indeed Dr. Kissinger. When the waitress came up to ask if he wanted a refill, he drolly answered, in his Kissingerian best, "Yah."

    In May, 1973, Charles was offered a position in the Accounting Department of Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas. He also received his Texas CPA Certificate (No. 12,595) in January, 1974.

    While in the Rio Grande Valley, Charles became an avid bird watcher and member of the National Audobon Society. He participated in many bird censuses. He also enjoyed sailing.

    Dr. Strong later became a full professor at Pan American. He taught mainly accounting classes, although towards the end of his career he began to teach in the management department. He retired in December, 1997. During his tenure at Pan Am, he served on numerous committees, was a N.A.S.A. Faculty Intern at the Johnson Space Center during the summer of 1974, and served as a visiting professor at Incarnate Word College in San Antonio. He also did the accounting, taxes, and financial planning for a corporate client in Edinburg. Charles retired from Pan American in December 1997.

    Charles is a voracious reader, and is especially interested in nature and history. In the late 1990's he and his brother Bill made several trips to Europe to visit their cousin Pete Kubik and to visit various battle sites of World War II. He also became interested in Genealogy, and began travelling throughout the southwest, visiting courthouses in search of land records and also interviewing family members.

    He is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw nation, as was his maternal grandfather, Thomas Payne. He is also a Mason.

    (Medical):Had Covid-19 in December 2020.

    Charles married Patricia Marion McGuire on 25 May 1957 in Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma. Patricia (daughter of Keith David McGuire, Sr. and Josephine Marguerite Morlas) was born on 30 Oct 1933 in Camargo, Dewey County, Oklahoma; died on 16 Mar 2018 in Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas; was buried in Camargo (Westside) Cemetery, Camargo, Dewey County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 9. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 10. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    3. 11. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    4. 12. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    5. 13. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    6. 14. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    7. 15. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  2. 3.  William Robert StrongWilliam Robert Strong Descendancy chart to this point (1.Anna1) was born on 20 Feb 1934 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 4 Mar 2024 in Yukon, Canadian County, Oklahoma.

    Notes:

    (Research):Bill attended Oklahoma A&M at the same time his brother Charles was there. He served in the Army from 1957 to 1978. He was a Major, and in Military Intelligence. He was stationed in Germany for many years. After his retirement, he became a regional sales manager for Motor Manual.

    Obituary

    William "Bill" Robert Strong passed away on March 4, 2024. Bill was the second child of Homer Strong and Anna Laura Payne born in Duncan, Oklahoma on February 20, 1934. As the second son of seven children, he had four brothers and two sisters.

    Bill gained a love of music and singing from his father who sang in a Barbershop quartet throughout his childhood. He received a scholarship in music to Oklahoma State University in 1953 and helped to create the singing group called The Four Chi's as a part of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He met the love of his life Betty Wehunt on a blind date at the University. He was drafted into the Army after college in late 1957. During boot camp he married Betty in Colorado Springs on February 22, 1958. He spent 20 years in the Army and then had a 20-year career with Hearst Publishing. He enjoyed traveling, and both of his careers provided plenty of it. They lived in Europe several times and transferred to six different states while in the military. He also traveled all over the states for his job at Hearst while based in Oklahoma.

    Bill was a class clown who loved one liners and corny "Dad jokes" which always made us laugh. He also had a lifelong love of dancing. No matter where we lived, he would find a restaurant with a dance floor and would dance with mom while the kids ate. He loved going out on a family vacation. While his children were young, they either went camping, boating, sailing or drove cross country to visit out-of-state relatives every summer. Later in life he and his wife would take 2 vacations a year traveling either to Europe or visiting their children across the nation. When Bill retired, he bought a home in Texas and spent his later years "snow birding" from Oklahoma to Texas with a few trips to see his children in the US or friends in England.

    He was diagnosed with cancer over 10 years ago. His cancer resurfaced in 2019 and then again last year in 2023. The last reoccurrence eventually took his life after nearly a year of chemotherapy. Bill is survived by his brother Thomas Strong (wife Vicki) and his brother Paul David Strong; his son, Richard Strong; his son, John Strong (wife Kim and son Benjamin); his son, Stanley Strong (wife Ginger and daughters Kennedy, Brooklyn and Rayanna); his son, Gregory Strong (wife Cecille and son Maximillian).

    Obituary published on Legacy.com by YANDA & SON FUNERAL HOME - YUKON on Mar. 12, 2024.

    William married Betty Alice Wehunt on 22 Feb 1958 in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado. Betty was born on 4 Mar 1935 in Ada, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma; died on 29 Apr 2013 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma; was buried on 3 May 2013. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 16. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 17. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    3. 18. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    4. 19. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  3. 4.  John Ralph StrongJohn Ralph Strong Descendancy chart to this point (1.Anna1) was born on 16 Jun 1935 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 4 Apr 2022 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried on 8 Apr 2022 in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma.

    Notes:

    Obituary

    John Ralph Strong, 86, of Duncan, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 4, 2022.

    Graveside funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 8, 2022 at the Duncan Cemetery with Rev. David Galletly, and arrangements have been entrusted to the family care of Carter-Smart Directors.

    Family visitation will be Thursday evening April 7, 2022 at the Carter-Smart Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

    John was born June 16, 1935 in Duncan, Oklahoma to Homer and Anna Laura (Payne) Strong. He attended Duncan Public Schools, where he participated in Choir, and graduated in 1954. He joined the U.S. Air Force in June of that year and served until May 1968. After his military service he worked for Halliburton, Texas Instruments, and retired from Duncan Public Schools after working as a janitor at Woodrow Wilson Elementary for many years. He married Brenda Cole in 1979. They had two children, Carrie and Taylor. He was a practical man and was excellent at mechanical repair. In his younger years he was an avid fisherman, spending hours at the lake. He was above all. though a voracious reader and history buff, and was passionate about subjects he studied. He was also a lover of classical music. During his military service and after, he was fortunate to work and travel all over the glob and always had an interesting story to share. These stories about his travels helped instill his love of history and the arts in his children.

    He was preceded death by his parents, two sisters and one brother.

    John is survived by his wife; Brenda of the home, daughter; Carrie and her husband Andy Walters, son; Taylor and his wife Catherine Strong, two grandchildren, Edward and Anne Strong, and three brothers; Bill, Tom and Paul David Strong and numerous nieces and nephews.

    https://www.cartersmartfuneralhome.com/obituary/John-Strong

    John married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 20. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 21. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  4. 5.  Mary Caroline StrongMary Caroline Strong Descendancy chart to this point (1.Anna1) was born on 18 Mar 1939 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 5 Jan 2018 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried on 8 Jan 2018 in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma.

    Notes:

    Mary Caroline Brasher, 78, of Duncan, Oklahoma passed away Friday morning, January 5, 2018 in Duncan. Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Monday January 8, 2018 at Don Grantham Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Glenn McGee officiating. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery under the care of Don Grantham Funeral Home. The family will receive friends 5:30 to 7:00pm Sunday evening, January 7, 2018 at the funeral home.

    Caroline was born in Duncan, Oklahoma on March 18, 1939. She was the fourth of seven children of Homer and Anna Laura. She was baptized and raised in the Assumption Catholic Church in Duncan where she was a member for many years. She often spoke of warm childhood memories of family, friends, dancing and music. She recalled as a very young child meeting her father on Friday afternoons coming home from Ft. Sill during the War and walking home with him and about being the fastest runner on the street as a child, frequently out running her male playmates. She dearly loved her brothers and sister.

    After high school, she met James Earl "Jim" Brasher, an army serviceman stationed at Fort Sill and they soon fell in love and were married May 28, 1960. Caroline and Jim became lifelong residents of Duncan where they raised their four children. Caroline was a tireless homemaker, ran a small day-care from home, and was avidly involved in her children's school and sports activities. Caroline enjoyed spending her later years collecting and watching classic movies, listening to Frank Sinatra tunes, remodeling her homes, attending family reunions and traveling. She loved the colorful Southwest desert landscape, and made a few trips to visit the rich cultural heritage found in Santa Fe, New Mexico with family and church members. She loved following OU football and OKC Thunder basketball. Most of all, she loved her family and was very proud of her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. She was passionate about giving to charitable causes including religious and cultural affiliations. She drew strength from Billy Graham and other evangelical ministries and was a prayer warrior, especially during her beloved husband's prolonged illness.

    Caroline is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 57 years, her parents, Homer and Anna Laura Strong, her sister, Theresa, and beautiful granddaughter Alexandra. Caroline is survived by her children Regina Stuart and her husband, Don; Libby Morris and her husband Terry; Andy Brasher and his wife, Kim; and Patti Moore and her husband Steve. Grandchildren Brandon, Shelby, Beau, Victoria, Trevor, Caroline, Jeremy, Caelan, Shannon and Kathleen. Great-grandchildren Jackson, Addison, James, Elizabeth and Clay all of whom she loved and was so very proud of.

    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christians Concerned at 702 W. Willow Ave, Duncan, OK 73533. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.granthamfuneralhomes.com.

    Mary married James Earl "Red" Brasher on 28 May 1960 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma. James was born on 10 Nov 1938 in Decaturville, Decatur County, Tennessee; died on 15 Jul 2017 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; was buried on 18 Jul 2017 in Duncan Municipal Cemetery, Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 22. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 23. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    3. 24. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    4. 25. Patricia "Patti" Lynn Brasher  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 29 Jan 1965 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 10 Nov 2020 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

  5. 6.  Theresa Marie Strong Descendancy chart to this point (1.Anna1) was born on 25 Mar 1942 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 28 Jul 1995 in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

    Notes:

    The Duncan (Okla.) Banner Sunday, July 30, 1995

    Theresa Strong Rutledge

    Austin, Texas--Former Duncan resident Theresa Strong Rutledge, 53, of Austin died Friday, July 28, 1995, in Austin.

    Services will be 10:30 am Monday at Duncan's Assumption Catholic Church with the Rev. James Rapp officiating. Burial will be in Duncan cemetery under the direction of Don Grantham Funeral Home.

    Ms. Rutledge was born March 25, 1942, at Duncan to the late H.R. "Sarg" and Anna L. Payne Strong. She had been an employee of the Word of God Benedictine Monastery in Watertown, S.D. and homemaker. She was affiliated with the St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in Austin.

    Survivors include two daughters, Anna Marie Rutledge and Sarah Rutledge, both of Austin, five brothers Charles Strong of Edinburg, Texas; Bill Strong of Oklahoma City; John Strong of Duncan; Tom Strong of Phoenix, Arizona; and Paul Strong of Santa Barbara, California; a sister, Carolyne Brasher of Duncan; and a grandson, Matthew Rutledge of Austin.

    Bearers will be nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Williamson County Hospice, 308 W. 17th, Georgetown, Texas 78626, or to the Chisholm Trail Hospice, P.O. Box 1142, Duncan, Oklahoma 733534.

    Theresa married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 26. Ann Marie Rutledge  Descendancy chart to this point was born on 28 Sep 1965 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 12 Oct 2018 in Travis County, Texas.
    2. 27. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  6. 7.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 28. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  7. 8.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 29. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 30. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]



Generation: 3

  1. 9.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 31. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  2. 10.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

  3. 11.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 32. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 33. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    3. 34. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    4. 35. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  4. 12.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 36. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 37. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  5. 13.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 38. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 39. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    3. 40. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  6. 14.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 41. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 42. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  7. 15.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

  8. 16.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (3.William2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  9. 17.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (3.William2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 43. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  10. 18.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (3.William2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 44. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 45. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    3. 46. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  11. 19.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (3.William2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 47. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  12. 20.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (4.John2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  13. 21.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (4.John2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 48. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 49. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  14. 22.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 50. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 51. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  15. 23.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 52. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 53. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 54. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    3. 55. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    4. 56. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  16. 24.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 57. Alexandra Katherine Brasher  Descendancy chart to this point was born about 1994 in Oklahoma; died about 1994 in Oklahoma.
    2. 58. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    3. 59. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  17. 25.  Patricia "Patti" Lynn BrasherPatricia "Patti" Lynn Brasher Descendancy chart to this point (5.Mary2, 1.Anna1) was born on 29 Jan 1965 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 10 Nov 2020 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.

    Notes:

    Obituary

    Patricia (Patti) Lynn Moore, 55, joined her Lord and Savior on her late fathers birthday, November 10, 2020 after a sudden and brief illness. She passed away quietly with loved ones surrounding her. Her funeral will be held at Whitt Funeral Home in Duncan on Saturday, November 14, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation on Friday, November 13 from 5-7 p.m.

    Patti was the fourth child born to Jim and Caroline Brasher in Duncan, Oklahoma on January 29, 1965. Raised in Duncan, she was a 1983 graduate of Duncan High School. She was married in 1985 to Steve Moore at the Assumption Catholic Church in Duncan. Patti had a sweet soul, generous heart, and always willing to put others' needs before her own. She offered a ready smile, an open ear, and kind comments to all those she met. She had a fun-loving and gregarious personality that made others around her feel welcome. Patti enjoyed children, working in the yard, laughing, politics and listening to rock music. She has a passion for reading history and visiting museums. Patti was a member of the Chickasaw Nation and loved her job and her regular customers at the Chisholm Trail Casino Gift Shop where she worked for the past 11 years.

    Patti especially enjoyed gathering for holidays, family reunions, special events with her family, and with life-long friends through the years. Above all, Patti loved being a daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, mother, and grandmother. She was proud of her children and grandchildren. Her last act of kindness was to give the gift of life through organ donation.

    Patti is preceded in death by her parents James and Caroline Brasher. Patti is survived by husband Steve Moore, daughter Shelby Moore of Duncan, OK, sons Beau Moore of Reno, NV, Trevor Moore of Owasso, OK, and Jeremy Moore of Duncan; grandchildren Jackson, Addison and Cayson all of Duncan; her siblings Gina Stuart of Duncan, Libby Morris of Norman, and Andy Brasher of Owasso; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. We will all cherish her memory and will miss her forever.

    Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.

    Patricia married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 60. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 61. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    3. 62. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    4. 63. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  18. 26.  Ann Marie Rutledge Descendancy chart to this point (6.Theresa2, 1.Anna1) was born on 28 Sep 1965 in Duncan, Stephens County, Oklahoma; died on 12 Oct 2018 in Travis County, Texas.

    Notes:

    Lead Clinical Researcher for Benchmark Medical Research in Austin.

    Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 64. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  19. 27.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (6.Theresa2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  20. 28.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (7.Living2, 1.Anna1)

    Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 65. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  21. 29.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (8.Living2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 66. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  22. 30.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (8.Living2, 1.Anna1)

    Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 67. Living  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 68. Living  Descendancy chart to this point


Generation: 4

  1. 31.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (9.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

    Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 69. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  2. 32.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (11.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 70. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  3. 33.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (11.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 71. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  4. 34.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (11.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 72. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  5. 35.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (11.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

  6. 36.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (12.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

  7. 37.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (12.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

  8. 38.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (13.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

  9. 39.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (13.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

  10. 40.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (13.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

  11. 41.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (14.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 73. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

    Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 74. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  12. 42.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (14.Living3, 2.Charles2, 1.Anna1)

  13. 43.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (17.Living3, 3.William2, 1.Anna1)

  14. 44.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (18.Living3, 3.William2, 1.Anna1)

  15. 45.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (18.Living3, 3.William2, 1.Anna1)

  16. 46.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (18.Living3, 3.William2, 1.Anna1)

  17. 47.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (19.Living3, 3.William2, 1.Anna1)

  18. 48.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (21.Living3, 4.John2, 1.Anna1)

  19. 49.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (21.Living3, 4.John2, 1.Anna1)

  20. 50.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (22.Living3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  21. 51.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (22.Living3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

    Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. 75. Living  Descendancy chart to this point

  22. 52.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (23.Living3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  23. 53.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (23.Living3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  24. 54.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (23.Living3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  25. 55.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (23.Living3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  26. 56.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (23.Living3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  27. 57.  Alexandra Katherine Brasher Descendancy chart to this point (24.Living3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1) was born about 1994 in Oklahoma; died about 1994 in Oklahoma.

  28. 58.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (24.Living3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  29. 59.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (24.Living3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  30. 60.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (25.Patricia3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  31. 61.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (25.Patricia3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  32. 62.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (25.Patricia3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  33. 63.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (25.Patricia3, 5.Mary2, 1.Anna1)

  34. 64.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (26.Ann3, 6.Theresa2, 1.Anna1)

  35. 65.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (28.Living3, 7.Living2, 1.Anna1)

  36. 66.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (29.Living3, 8.Living2, 1.Anna1)

  37. 67.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (30.Living3, 8.Living2, 1.Anna1)

  38. 68.  Living Descendancy chart to this point (30.Living3, 8.Living2, 1.Anna1)