Laurita Lee Semke passed away on December 18, 2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 95. Born September 15, 1928, she was the daughter of Lauron and Alma Sears. She attended school in Tulsa, graduating from Will Rogers High School in 1946. She attended college at Oklahoma University, Tulsa University, and Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, Oregon. She worked for Skelly Oil Company in Tulsa and Clackamas Community College.

Laurita married James "Jim" Semke on September 12, 1964 and together they lived in several different states, making lifelong friends along the way in California, Oregon, and Texas. They loved to travel together, and Laurita often encouraged others to explore everything our great country has to offer.

In her later years, Laurita's favorite pastime was creating her own greeting cards to send not only to family and friends, but also to those who she didn't even know to help lift their spirits in their time of need. Oftentimes she spent hours with her friends around her dining room table cutting and pasting cards and fellowshipping. Ever patriotic, Laurita took time and care to send handwritten notes to our country's soldiers stateside and abroad.

The Lord was her companion and she looked forward to meeting Him. She attended many churches in her 18 places of residence but was with Asbury Church in Tulsa for over ten years. Laurita was always quick to share scriptures and new insights she learned at church or while studying her Bible.

Laurita was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim Semke, and her son David Watkins. She is survived by her stepdaughter Lynn Semke Purviance (Ralph), stepson Chuck Daves, Jr. (Tom Yates); grandchildren, Tonya Richardson (Steve), James Purviance (Kerri), and Jacob Semke; and greatgrandchildren Cara McCarty, Ross Wilkinson, Anna Purviance, Sara Purviance, and Amy Purviance.

Laurita made friends everywhere she went, and she leaves behind many. We will all miss her laughter, concern for others, and her bright spirit.

Laurita's family wishes to thank the staff at Country Club at Woodland Hills, Millenium Home Care, Millenium Hospice, and Clarehouse for their care.

Memorials are suggested to go to Asbury Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Memorial Service will be 2PM, Friday, February 16, 2024 at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, 5111 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma.