Clara June Pirtle

Clara June Pirtle was born on June 23, 1914, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Evart Owen and Florence (Neff) Hall. As a young girl June grew up and attended school in Sapulpa. Following the completion of her education, June was united in marriage to Lewis Pirtle in 1934. Following their marriage the couple made their home in McAlester, Oklahoma where they raised their four children Jim, Ricky, Karen, Marcy and Robbie. She was known as Mama June to all who knew her. Her life was devoted to her family. A widow at thirty-seven, Mama June raised five children (aged 17 thru 3) on her own. When Lewis died she asked God to give her a sense of humor and keep her alive to raise her kids. Mission accomplished --her “baby” is 65.
June always had a quick wit but whatever popped into Mama June’s head came out her mouth. Sometimes the filter was a bit off. She worked as a seamstress making clothes for others and in a sewing factory. She worked in the school cafeteria, and selling hats in a department store. She made bridal veils and headpieces for bridesmaids. June gained employment with Rockwell International where she worked from 1966 till 1977. June was very proud of the fact she helped make parts for the Apollo missions. Following her retirement, June remained in McAlester until April of 1982. At that time June moved to Hominy, Oklahoma where she has continued to reside.
After retirement she taught decorative painting classes. In her later years, she made beautiful quilts. Her latest one was started in October for her youngest granddaughter.
She always said the secret of her long life was having a sense and that she turned everything over to the Lord.
Mama June passed from this life on Friday, March 13, 2015 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma at the age of 100 years, eight months and twenty one days.
Survivors are her children Jim Pirtle and his wife Anna Doris of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Karen Ford and her husband Roy of Norman, Oklahoma, Marcy Severson and her husband Dick of Paris, Texas, Robbie Burnett and her husband Lafe of Hominy, Oklahoma, nine grandchildren Jaime Bruntzel, Jay Pirtle, Janna Wilson, Brian Ford, Sandi Ford-Ross, Chad Severson, Jeff Severson, Cheryl Rose, Brandy Robbins; twenty one great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends that will mourn her passing. June was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lewis Pirtle in March of 1953, son Ricky Pirtle in April of 1969, siblings Marie Cheney, Juanita Phillips, Loytt Landes and Evart Hall.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 am, Monday, March 16, 2015 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in McAlester, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home in Cleveland, Oklahoma.