Obituary

We are gathered today to celebrate the life of Ms. Catherine DeBoes, a woman we will forever cherish and deeply miss. Ms. Catherine was born on June 13, 1942, and passed away on September 2, 2026, at the age of 84. She was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was blessed to see generations of her family grow, many of whom are gathered here today. She was also a dear friend and a mother figure to many.

Ms. Catherine was born near Stroud, Oklahoma, to Fred and Victoria. She brought laughter wherever she went, and her home was a place where people could settle in and feel comfortable. Many family members and friends can probably remember coming over, sitting down on her couch, and eventually drifting off to sleep.

Ms. Catherine loved her family and loved reminiscing about the good old days. She often shared stories of the joys and experiences she had with her parents, children, grandchildren, and extended family. She also loved cooking special dishes for those she loved. Chicken and noodles, ham, dressing, greens, potato salad, okra and tomatoes, and, of course, wild onions were just a few of the family favorites that came from her kitchen.

One of Ms. Catherine’s greatest joys was fishing, especially fishing for slab crappie. Most people who knew her well probably have a fishing story with her of their own, because chances are they went fishing with her at one time or another. She rarely passed up an opportunity to throw a line in the water—even if that meant finding her way onto someone’s private property to do it. We could fill pages with the fishing stories shared by her family and friends, and those memories will continue to bring smiles for years to come.

She was a pillar of the family and a keeper of its history. That history lived in the stories she told, the photographs covering the walls of her home, and the countless pictures she kept dating all the way back to her childhood. Family meant so much to Ms. Catherine. To honor her memory, may we continue creating memories with one another, sharing our stories, and adding to the family history she worked so lovingly to preserve.

In her later years, Ms. Catherine developed a strong faith in God. She enjoyed attending church and listening to gospel music, especially The Williams Brothers and the powerful voice of Rance Allen. Her faith became an important part of her life, and she placed her trust in the Lord before her final day on this earth.

Ms. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Victoria, and her siblings Benella, Shirley, Opal, and Dora Lee.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Charles, Bill, Daniel, Robert, Shirlen, and Orlando; her siblings, Raymond and Mary; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends.

Ms. Catherine leaves behind more than memories. She leaves generations of family, stories that will continue to be told, traditions that will continue to be shared, and a presence that so many will remember as a source of comfort, laughter, and love.

Visitation 
Thursday, September 10, 2026
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home
2103 E. 3rd St
Tulsa, OK

Funeral Service
Friday, September 11, 2026
11:00 am
Glad Tidings Ministry
2123 North Frankfort Avenue
Tulsa, OK

Final Resting Place
Golden Valley Cemetery
Stroud, Oklahoma