Obituary of Delores (McGuire) Steudeman

Delores (McGuire) Steudeman, age 82, passed from this earthly world on Tuesday, February 5, 2019,

at her home in Ardmore, Okla. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, February 8, 2019, in The Chapel at Griffin~Hillcrest of Ardmore. Interment to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Ardmore.

Delores Arlene Steudeman entered this life on October 8, 1936, in Wewoka, Okla., to Winifred ‘Winnie” McGuire and Charles “Mickey” McGuire.  The family moved several times throughout her childhood as her father worked for Halliburton.  She was particularly fond of having lived in Illinois, and in Casper, Wyoming.  She talked about the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone often and how beautiful it was, saying that was one place she’d like to see again.  She spent most of her life in Oklahoma.  On October the 23, 1963, she married Hubert Steudeman.  Together they raised her 5 children, and later they both doted on their grandchildren. Hubert and Delores were best friends, who laughed together, took drives together and occasionally Delores would concede to go fishing.  Hubert liked to tease Delores a lot and in doing so taught one of their granddaughters to say “Grandma Flukey” – and that nickname has been carried on as great- grandchildren were taught it by their parents. 

Delores’s first job was as a ticket attendant at a movie theater in Lubbock, Texas. During the 1970s, she, her mother and family members, owned Daylight Donuts in downtown Ardmore .  Delores retired from Wal-Mart where she had been the cash office manager.  When Hubert retired, they talked about traveling but their plans were cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer.  She cared for him through his illness and he passed away in 1992. Delores often posted on Facebook the fond memories of him, saying how much she missed him even though so many years had passed.  When her mother, Winnie, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Delores began the nearly decade long process of caring for her until she passed in 2002. It was only a few months later that she began babysitting 3 of her great-granddaughters, the youngest 6 months old at the time.  She often said that God knew she needed someone to take care of and that they were a gift from God. Delores was a woman of deep faith in Jesus Christ.  She prayed without ceasing and it was not unusual for her to awaken in the middle of the night with a burden to pray for someone.  That might sound like she was a worrier, but to her family, she was a Warrior – a Prayer Warrior.   She kept a prayer journal and wrote the names of those for whom she prayed and marked each name when a prayer had been answered.  She believed in people and she recognized their talents, and strengths.  She was there to remind them exactly what those strengths were, at the moment it was needed most, either through an encouraging word, or a poignant scripture.  She was an avid reader of the Bible and other books.  Delores was an inspiration to her family, the kind of woman that made you want to be a better spouse, a better child, a better parent, or grandparent - and a better Christian.  Each of her children are a testament to the love she had for them, as they too are some of the most generous and kind people. The biggest thing she wanted for her family was for each person to be happy.  She loved the big family gatherings at holidays and birthdays, and loved cooking and visiting and looked forward to daily calls with her dear sister-in-law, Mary McGuire. 

She became so many things throughout her rich life, filled with great love of her family.  She became a referee –as a mother to 3 boys and 2 girls who were close in age, it seemed they wanted to create new ways to inspire her prayer life.  Through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she became a baseball and softball fan, a football and basketball fan, learned about volleyball, musical theater, dance, learned to read a swim meet scoreboard, listened to ukulele, violin and guitar serenades, and though she did not have the opportunity to attend a game, was easily the biggest fan that Ardmore Girls Soccer has ever seen. She loved taking selfies with her great-grandchildren and keeping up with all of their activities.  She was their biggest fan and looked forward to pictures and videos of their activities.  She believed that children should be encouraged to follow their passions and dreams.  She reminded her family to always use their talents and loved to hear them sing.  In her last days, when she could no longer go to church, her family brought church to her.  Gathered around her bed, overflowing into the hallway and living room, they sang songs of praise.  She had said it often but she said it again that day, “God has really blessed this family.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Winnie and Mickey McGuire, her husband Hubert Steudeman, her beloved brothers Ronnie and Merle McGuire, and a great-grandson, Dylan Martin.

Delores’s children are Pamela McBride, Steve Franks and his wife Sherry; Rick Franks and his wife Connie of Ardmore; Lloyd Franks and his wife Sharee of Lone Grove; Michelle Peters and her husband Eddie of Byers, Texas. Grandchildren include:  Shena Zink-Peters, Bobby Zink, Matt Franks, Tobie Franks, Jack Franks, Amy Trevino, Jeanie Witt, Stephanie Dery, Johnny Bailey, Sandy Bailey, Brandan Ashworth, Aaron Franks, Chris Ashworth, Kacie Murguia and Tyler Franks. 38 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Tobie Franks, Johnny Bailey, Brandan Ashworth, Chris Ashworth, Tyler Franks, Torrey Peters, Raul Trevino and Jesse Murguia. Honorary pallbearers will be: Bobby Zink, Matt Franks, Jack Franks, Aaron Franks, Brad Dery, Billy Witt, Shane Williams, and John Day.

Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, February 7, 2019, at Griffin-Hillcrest, Ardmore.

Condolences may be left at www.griffinhillcrest.com.