Avery William Guthrie

Avery William Guthrie, lifelong Pawnee County farmer and rancher, passed away on Friday, December 21, 2001 at his home near Cleveland at the age of seventy-seven years, eleven months and fourteen days.

Avery was born on January 7, 1924 in Skedee, Oklahoma. He was the son of Evan W. and Hattie L. Guthrie. Avery was raised in the Skedee and Blackburn area, attending school in Skedee, Blackburn and Silver Springs.

Upon completion of his schooling, Avery enlisted into the service of his country where he served as a staff sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. Just prior to his honorable discharge from his military service, Avery was married to Margaret Ruth Robinson in November 1946. Upon his discharge the couple established their home near Keystone where they raised four sons, Anthony, Bruce, Jeff and Tom. Avery accepted employment with Armco in 1955 as a Steelworker in Sand Springs for nearly twenty-eight years, retiring in 1983.

He took his children and grandchildren to many roundup, cattle drives and rodeos throughout the years, however, he was especially fond of the Ben Johnson Cavalcade in Pawhuska. His passion and love for farming and ranching never subsided during his career with Armco as be built a new home and rodeo arena near Westport in 1963, Willow Creek Roundup and Roping Arena.

Avery was married to Zola Mae Bruton on May 1, 1970 in Cleveland, Oklahoma. The couple attended the Oakhill Church of Keystone Lake. After their marriage, the couple continued active with rodeo and roundup club activities, often riding in parades and attending rodeos throughout the area. Avery was a Past President of the Pony of American Association and was one only two national inspectors in Oklahoma for the Association. Additionally, he was a former President and longtime member of the Rigsby School Board. For all those who were familiar with Avery, knew he was always ready to share his experiences with advice and through a story and the story was never exactly the same. His laughter, love for those around him, and quick wit will be missed by all.

Avery is survived by his wife, Zola Mae Guthrie, of the home; his children, Anthony and Marcella Guthrie, Terlton, Oklahoma; Bruce and Joan Guthrie, Muskogee, Oklahoma; Jeff and Kathy Guthrie, Cleveland, Oklahoma; Tom and Gale Guthrie, Sand Springs, Oklahoma; Sondra Jefferson, Pawnee, Oklahoma; and Jess Guthrie, Tulsa, Oklahoma; a sister, Augusta H. Lovett, Neodesha, Kansas; special brother, Bob Stephenson, Cleveland, Oklahoma; twenty-one grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a very special friend, Teresa Whaley. He was preceded in death by Father, Mother, Granddaughter: Leigh Michelle Angle died at birth; and a sister, Minnie Stach.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at the Oakhill Church of Keystone Lake with Rev. Harrel Jones officiating. Burial will be at the Blackburn Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

''Visit an online obituary and guestbook for Avery Guthrie at www.chapman-black.com.''