It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Claudia Sue (Hawkins) Reith on May 31, 2024 in Tulsa, OK. Claudia was born on August 31, 1949 in Tulsa, OK to AB and Philomene Hawkins. She graduated from Edison High School and the University of Tusa with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She further received training as a medical technologist in which position she was employed for the next 22 years at Schumpert Medical Center in Shreveport, LA and South Tulsa Pathology in Tulsa, OK which later became LabCorp. After leaving LabCorp, she took classes in computer technology where she became an expert in multiple computer programs and earned certifications in computer networking. In 1998, she was hired by Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa as a Supervisor over the Clerical and Phlebotomy departments in the laboratory. She remained there until her retirement in February 2019.
Claudia was a true inspiration and a source of love. A strong, independent woman with a kind heart, she radiated positivity and warmth, spreading joy to all those around her. Whether it was a grand adventure or a simple act of kindness, she always made others feel special and heard. Her infectious smile had the power to light up the world, making everyone feel welcome and loved.
Claudia enjoyed traveling the world. She loved relaxing in hot tubs on cruise ships in the Caribbean and Alaska with Arnie, and she created some of the most treasured memories with her kids and grandkids on trips she would take them on in recent years. She was an avid gardener and in retirement she took a special interest in monarch and swallowtail butterflies as she created habitats for them in her backyard. She has always had a love for dogs, but that love intensified when she adopted her dog Lucy after her kids had moved out and started their own families. Most recently she had taken up swimming which she really enjoyed and where she made a special group of friends that she cherished.
She is survived by Husband Arnie Reith of Tulsa, OK, daughter Jocelyn Anstine and husband Travis of Owasso, OK , son Jamie Stephens and wife Kim of Columbia, MO, daughter Alexis Hamilton and husband Bryan of Owasso, OK, grandchildren Lindsey Anstine, Emily Anstine, Owen Stephens, Braden Anstine, Lexi Hamilton, Mae Stephens, Carson Baltes, Abigail Anstine, and Addison Dyer, brother Vernon Hawkins and wife Glenda of Tulsa, OK, brother-in-law Russ Stout of Baltimore, MD, mother in law Wanda Reith of Oswego, NY, stepson Barrett Reith of Pensacola, FL, stepdaughter Megan Conrady and husband Corey of Enid, OK, stepdaughter Mary Downing and husband Kevin of Garfield AR, stepson David Reneau and wife Amy, bonus grandkids Amberr Reith, Archer Conrady Ava Conrady, Abram Conrady, Kersten Reneau, Kaytlyn Reneau, Kimberlyn Reneau, Kamryn Reneau, Kellen Downing, Harley Downing, Sydney Downing, Hayden Downing, Piper Downing, many special nieces and nephews, and her dogs Ricky and Frank. She was preceded in death by her parents AB and Philomene Hawkins, son Kit Stephens, sister Jania Stout, nephew Peter Stout, and her beloved dog Lucy.
Claudia was an amazing mother to her children. Her children and grandchildren thought the world of her, lovingly nicknaming her Granatee during a trip to Florida that she took them all on to swim with manatees. Her family was her top priority, and she will be
deeply missed by all of them. She was also highly respected by coworkers over the years who have expressed the void she will leave in their lives.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday June 8, 2024 at 10:00am at Woodland Acres Baptist Church 5511 S. Harvard in Tulsa.