Ima Jo Stith

Ima Jo (Layne) Stith passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 26, 2025 in Grove, Oklahoma. She was born on August 5, 1943 in Kingston, Oklahoma to Jodie and Verna Layne. She was preceded in death by her brother Jerry Drennan and is survived by her brother Ralph Layne and sister Patsy (Layne) Yarber. Like so many families of the 1940s, they moved to California in search of a better life. It is in California that Ima met her husband and the love of her life, William “Bud” Stith. They married on May 13, 1961 and started their family. In California, they called Castro Valley, and then Manteca, home. She is survived by her four children, Dianna Angelo, Deborah Stith, William “Bill” Stith, and Brian Stith and his wife Ladonna.

In 1984, Bud, Ima, Bill, and Brian moved to Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma. They loved the tranquil beauty of living on the lake. They enjoyed fishing, boating, and jet skiing, along with the beautiful sunsets from their front porch. They shared many wonderful years on the lake with their lifelong friends Darryl and Sherry Kinsey.

Ima spoiled her family with her cooking and baking skills. From simple beans and biscuits and gravy to homemade pies, pumpkin rolls, and cinnamon rolls. Back in the day, Ima canned pickles and tomatoes and made her own jelly. Ima was also a talented seamstress. She made many of her daughters’ school clothes and did it with ease - measuring, pinning, altering, and making it all look effortless. She made many stuffed animals, blankets, and children’s clothing for her lucky grandchildren. While in Grove, she dedicated several years to delivering Meals on Wheels and worked at a local nursing home for a period of time. She was gentle, kind, and compassionate, especially with the elderly. She was a caregiver until the end and showed by example what it means to be unselfish.

Ima also had a fun-loving and spirited side. She was a die-hard NFL Raiders fan. Whether the team be called the Oakland, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas Raiders, this loyal fan rooted them on every season for decades. She listened to all forms of music and, for a time, was a member of Sweet Adelines, a women’s singing organization that sang and performed barbershop harmony. She loved Bingo and frequenting the local casinos. If there was a Bingo game anywhere within a 50-mile radius, Ima and her bag of colorful daubers would be there! She met many wonderful people at Bingo and some became lifelong friends.

Ima loved her grandchildren and her grandchildren loved her even more. Her grandchildren called her Nanny. She was preceded in death by grandson William Dylan Craig. She is survived by Layne Angelo and husband Hrach Rouchanian, Faye Angelo, Ashley Stith, Isaiah Tagg, Nevaeh Tagg, and Kyeleah Stith. Nanny was not a pushover, which was one of her most enduring qualities. She was lively, feisty, and passionate, especially when it came to her grandchildren. She was so proud of each and every one of them. Ima, Mom, Nanny, we will never forget you and we will strive to make you as proud of us as we were of you...love you forever.

Ima Jo Stith is under the care of Worley Luginbuel Funeral Home in Grove, Oklahoma. No services are planned with the funeral home at this time.