WAURIKA, OK — Kay Cockrell

Oct. 21, 1935 — Aug. 18, 2010

Kay was born in Randlett on Oct. 21, 1935 to Beulah Mae (Turner) and William Fredward Riley. She went home to Christ on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010 in Wichita Falls, Texas after a lengthy illness. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010 at the Dudley Funeral Home Chapel with her grandson, Sam Dowdy officiating. Burial followed in the Addington Cemetery.

Kay attended Randlett schools all 12 years. She married Sammy Junior Cockrell on Jan. 2, 1953 in Burkburnett, Texas and then graduated high school in May 1953 as a married lady.

She was multi-faceted in her working life. She was primarily a homemaker, being the creator of thousands of excellent meals, both everyday meals and holiday feasts. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed crafting with her sewing machine and serger. She sold Avon, worked along side her husband Sam in the grocery business, and after her children graduated from high school she and Sam became cross country truck drivers for North American Van Lines.

Having been born and raised in the southern Oklahoma region, they loved traveling and seeing all the different areas of the United States. They especially loved horse races, dog races, marveling at the size and scope of buildings in major cities across the United States. Taking Oklahoma watermelons to new friends in northern states who were amazed at their size was a favorite way to represent Oklahoma.

Kay had a remarkable memory for all known exits, truck stops and weigh stations. She was called the “human atlas” when she started spouting directions from memory or over the phone to someone who was lost. After retiring, Sam and Kay were content to live on their farm in Hastings, enjoying their family, many good meals, friends, and playing dominoes and gin rummy. She lived with her daughter Carole in Waurika for several years.

She was preceded in death by Sam, her husband of 51 years, on Aug. 7, 2004. Kay was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Margaret Ellen Mitchell, and her brother, Cecil Ray Riley.

She is survived by one son, Jimmy Dale and wife Linda of Lawton; three daughters, Sandra Kay Cockrell of Duncan, Carole Nan Cockrell of Waurika, and Linda Gail Cockrell of Waurika; one sister, Melba June Waldrop and husband Arvie of Wichita Falls, Texas; five grandchildren, A.L. Applegate, Sammy Dowdy and wife Jennifer, David Applegate and wife Laura,  Shanda Cockrell and David Cronin, Chris Cockrell; and four great-grandsons, Samuel, Connor, Riley, and Carson. There are no great granddaughters yet, but we have great hope. 

Kay treasured her grandchildren and was waiting for her great-grandchildren to make their mark on the world. Kay, known as “Miss Picky,” was loved and admired by her many caregivers and the Waurika Ambulance Service. She was especially loved by Debbie Robinson and all the nurses from Angels Home Health as well as Charlotte Avens from Gentiva Health. She considered the ambulance personnel her friends and trusted their care.

As their final loving act, Kevin, Sarah, Jamie, Pam, Ben, Lori, Mendy, Ladonna, Heather, Floyd, Jeff, John, Tanja, Desi and Rebecca will serve as pallbearers or honorary bearers. The very practical side of Kay valued a dollar well spent, therefore she would have appreciated memorials to be directed to the Waurika Ambulance Service at 122 S. Main, Waurika, OK 73573.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dudleyfuneralhomes.com.