Bessie Lula (Brown) Stidham

Bessie Lula (Brown) Stidham was born July 15, 1929 in Chandler, Oklahoma to Travis and Edna (Santee) Brown.  She passed away March 30, 2020 in Chandler at the age of 90.

Bessie married Leo Kenneth Stidham in 1948, and they raised two sons together.  Throughout her life, one word that would describe Bessie is social.  From her years of morning coffee with neighbor Lucille Williams, to her frequent front yard outdoor picnics, her camping outings and Lake Eufaula time, to hosting garage sales, and Halloween parties in Chandler, one thing all these had in common is family – lots of social family time.  As all family events require food, Bessie always provided.  Even though Bessie was a good cook, many memories are of her providing everyone with snacks and treats, such as homemade ice cream, Little Debbie snack cakes, packaged chips, etc.  For many, Bessie doled out treats not usually provided by parents including memorable trips to McDonald’s.

Bessie loved being around family and friends, shopping, eating, or just hanging around outdoors in a favorite lawn chair.  She will be greatly missed by many.  Donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 64 years, Kenneth Stidham; sisters, Evelyn, Loretta, June, Pat; and her brother Conard.  Survivors include two sons, Rick Stidham and wife Katrina of Shawnee, Ron Stidham and wife Connie of El Reno; 8 grandchildren, Brandi, Stevee, Keith, Deryck, Krystal, Adrianne, Heather, and Michael; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Phyllis Coleman of Chandler, Georgia Richey of Pinegrove, California; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

A graveside service for the immediate family will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2020 at the Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler.  Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston. 

With the restricted number that will be allowed to take part in the graveside service, we welcome you to leave your condolences for the family, here on Bessie’s page.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bessie Lula (Brown) Stidham, please visit our floral store.