Rites held for Sallie Stafford

Sallie Jo Stafford, age 82. passed away on October 18, 2025, in Holdenville, Oklahoma. She was born on December 6, 1942 in Calvin, Oklahoma to Fred Brown Sr. and Clydia Lo Travis Watson.

She graduated from East Central University with a Bachelors degree in Education, and worked for the Department of Human Services. She retired in 1992 as the County Administrator for Hughes and Seminole Counties. Later she worked for John Gibbs Motor Company and retired in August 1992, to care for her mother.

She is survived daughter Mary Ann and husband Jeff Ledbetter, Holdenville; Alan and wife Trisha Stafford of Holdenville; grandchildren Jessica Ledbetter of Eugene, Oregon, and Dalton Stafford and wife Jesse of Enid; greatgrandchildren Layne Reilly and Broox Ray Stafford.

She was preceded in death by her husband Alton Ray (Fat) Stafford, and her parents, She was also predeceased by her sister Mary Lou Brown, her brother Fred Brown Jr., her brothersin- law Leon Moore and Doyle Cooper; her grandparents, special friend Coy West; and dear friend Jean Phillips.

Sallie was always active in the community serving in different capacities with the Red Cross, Twin Rivers Head Start, and the Holdenville Ladies Auxiliary known as the Pink Ladies and the Holdenville General Hospital Board. She served in different capacities at the Calvary Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church.

She was involved in politics starting with her father’s campaign as County Commissioner. She loved the political process and enjoyed helping candidates’ campaign. She was very people-oriented and loved ministering to others.

Funeral Services were held at the Hudson-Phillips Chapel in Holdenville on Tuesday, October 21st at 2:00 pm. Interment followed at Holdenville Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Alan Stafford, Dalton Stafford, Jeff Ledbetter, John Wardlow, Mike Kuepker, and Bob Dahle.