Harriette "Steve" Elizabeth Ruley's Obituary
Miss Tulsa, 1941, Harriette “Steve” Elizabeth Stevenson Ruley, died peacefully December 16, 2016 surrounded by her family that she loved so dearly. She now stands professional model tall as she was in younger years, no longer in pain. She was a beautiful woman of many names, Mother, Mom, Grandmother, Mony, Aunt Betty and Steve or Stevie.She was born August 28, 1921 in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she lived most of her childhood except the depression years in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. She graduated from Central High School where she was a member of the Opera Club, singing the soprano role of “The Gondoliers,” a Gilbert and Sullivan production. She also sang on the radio.She attended the University of Arkansas where she continued her love of music singing with the varsity band, winning the yearbook beauty contest her freshman year and being an active member of the sorority, Delta Delta Delta. In 1941, she represented Oklahoma as Miss Tulsa in the American Royal Queen’s contest Livestock Show in Kansas City. Her interest in music continued throughout her life, singing in church choirs, Hyechka, the Montereau Chorus and solos at weddings and funerals.Just a few weeks after Pearl Harbor, she married Charles Harry Ruley on January 1, 1942 shortly after midnight and became an instant military bride in the throes of war, reporting immediately back to Ft. Sill for active duty. New Year’s Day wedding traditions had to prevail because she was the third generation to be married on that day, starting in 1886. It continues today with five generations celebrating wedding anniversaries on the first of January.After a long Air Force career, Steve and Harry returned to Tulsa in retirement. She remained very active with a young family still at home, plus grandchildren to enjoy. She also participated in the Tulsa Garden Club and Red Glove Review.She now joins treasured loved ones, husband, Charles Harry Ruley; parents, Clyde and Myrtle Stevenson; brother, Earl Stevenson; granddaughter, Tammy Scott-Craig and her beloved protector and loyal canine companion, Lucy.Steve is survived by a large, wonderful family, three daughters, one son and their spouses; Brenda Estes, Lucynda and Todd Olberding, Nina and Robert Huether and Jennifer and Loyd Ruley. She also leaves behind five grandsons, Brent Estes, Alden and Conlan Olberding, Cameron Walker and Bryce Ruley; six granddaughters, Megan Winslow, Chelsea Larson, Evaren Page, Ashlyn Ruley, Jann Flusche and Lauren Jeffrey. Ten great grandchildren include Ella, Eva and Christopher Winslow, Jameson, Cecilia and Emerson Larson, Tanner and Gavin Flusche, Elizabeth and Elinor Jeffrey and many nieces and nephews who called her Aunt Betty.A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Broken Arrow. A reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montereau Employee Appreciation Fund and St. Francis Hospice or any charity of your choice.
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