Sylvia Maude Awtrey

Ringling – Funeral Services for Mrs. Sylvia Maude “Skeets” (Harris) Awtrey, 86, longtime resident of Ringling, is scheduled for 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at Alexander Funeral Home Chapel of Ringling with Rev. Carolyn Higdon officiating. Interment will follow at Ringling Memorial Cemetery of Ringling.

Skeets was born February 6, 1927 at Ringling to the late Harley Franklin “Bid” Harris and Pearl (Smith) Harris. She went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Healdton.

Skeets was raised at Mountain Home attending school there. After school she attended cosmetology school and became employed as a Beautician in Norman. She married Mr. Lyndell Awtrey on April 2, 1949 at Gainesville, TX. They resided at several college communities while Lyndell was obtaining his college education before they moved back to Ringling. Skeets was always a very devoted homemaker. She loved to decorate and sell antiques from her antique shop “Finders Keepers” at her home. Lyndell preceded her in death on November 20, 2000. Shortly after Skeets became a part of Alexander Funeral Home of Ringling. She mostly stayed at night and always had a deep devotion to helping families with the death of their loved one. She was a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation being a direct descendent of the first Chickasaw Nation Governor , Cyrus Harris. Skeets attended the Asphaltum Assembly of God Church.

In addition to her husband Lyndell, also preceding her in death is her Parents; ; Daughter in law – Melinda Awtrey 1984 and a brother, Harley Harris.

Survivors include her Son, Keith Awtey and Vickie Colten; Daughters, Jerrye Southward and husband Lindsay, Donna Woolston and husband Chris, Reta Johnson and husband Dale and Karen Cain and husband Brett; Sisters, Betty Jo Smith and Joyce Byers; Brother, Benjamin “Frank” Harris; Sister in law, Nan Harris; Brother in law, J.C. Awtrey; Special lifelong friend and roommate at the Wilson Nursing Home, Grace Dobbins; 12 Grandchildren, 21 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren; Numerous other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Lindsay Southward, Kent Southward, Danny Key, Chris Woolston, Luke Woolston, Dale Johnson, Kelly Tallbear and Bret Cain.

Honorary Bearer will be Zane Gray.

Family visitation will be from 6-8 PM Monday evening at the funera home of Ringling.

Condolences may be shared online at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org