Katherine Lee Deas

Katherine Lee Williford was born December 18, 1929 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Lillian Burns Deavours Williford and Joe Brown Williford. She was their second child joining her brother Robert Jay Williford. Raised in Sand springs, OK, she was 12 years old at the beginning of World War II. She graduated from SSHS in the class of 1947, where she was active in journalism and drama. On April 23,1948 she and William Deas were married in the Presbyterian Church of Sand Springs. Bill remained in the Army Reserve, having served in the Philippines during WWII and was soon recalled to duty during the Korean War. They moved to Temple, TX while he served at Fort Hood training soldiers. Afterward they returned to Tulsa and in 1952 had their daughter Susan Melissa, followed by a move back to Sand Springs. In 1955 their son William Christopher was born. While the children were growing up, Katie was very involved in activities, serving as PTA president, Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout Cookie district chairman, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible school. There were many other charities such as March of Dimes. She was also very politically aware, working on the campaigns of many Republican candidates for local, state and national offices. She and her daughter wore matching mother-daughter outfits for Henry Bellmon's first campaign for governor (Bellmon's Belles) and for Bud Wilkinson's unsuccessful campaign for US Senate. As years went by she also played piano accompaniment for band students in their music competitions. One activity dearest to her heart was the Sunshine Choir, founded by Ruby Halm, made up of children from the Presbyterian Church, ranging in age from preschool through elementary years. She and Bill were also sponsors of the church Senior High Youth group for several years. As their children grew and left home, she and Bill moved to Tulsa where she became active in volunteer work and fundraising for charity organizations such as the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and their annual fundraising talent show "The Red Glove Review" held at the Tulsa Municipal Theatre. She greatly enjoyed working behind the scenes on set designs, lighting design, and stage management. When they became grandparents, much of their time and energy was devoted to their 3 grandsons in Texas, whom they adored. Through all of her life she always acknowledged and appreciated the gift of music. She often said that the piano lessons taught by Mrs. C.C. Jelks were the key that opened so many doors in her life. She enjoyed playing nearly every day until just the last weeks before her death. Her drive to lift people's spirits was with her until her death Katherine was predeceased by her mother Lillian Williford, her husband William Deas, her son William Christopher Deas, her brother Robert J. Williford, and great grandson Zachary Rhoads. She is survived by her daughter Susan (and her husband Harroll Rhoads) of Ada, OK; grandsons Chad (and his wife Shondra) of Ada, OK, Preston Rhoads of Norman, OK, and Elliott Rhoads of Oklahoma City, OK.; 6 great grandchildren Chanel Rhoads McWethy, Paige Rhoads, Kameron Rhoads (and his wife Courtny) all of Ada, OK, and Piper Rhoads of Oklahoma City, OK, Haley Donaldson (and her husband Jordan) of Oklahoma City, OK, and Cassie Whiteside of Ada, OK; 7 great-great grandchildren Harper Milne, Mason McWethy, Aubree McWethy, Journey Rhoads, Miles Rhoads, Monte Rhoads, all of Ada, OK; and Bella Donaldson of Oklahoma City, OK; 3 nieces Katrinka Williford Lawson (and husband Bryant Lawson) of Gillett, TX; Kathy Deas Hoffman of Danville, KY; and Jan Deas of Naples, FL. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:30am, Friday, June 21, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, Sand Springs, OK. In lieu of flowers, donations to First Presbyterian Church of Sand Springs are appreciated. Moore Southlawn 918-663-2233

Katherine Lee Deas

December 18, 1929 - June 16, 2024