Lois Ann Pitts

Lois Ann Pitts, 87, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, master gardener, and treasured member of her community, passed away on December 9, 2025, at home in Jay, Oklahoma. She was born February 4, 1938, in Grove, Oklahoma. Lois was known for her kindness, devotion to educating others, and the joyful spirit that brightened every environment.

During World War II, the Nelson family journeyed to California. They quickly found work as welders working on the Kaiser Warships. This provided a better economic state and stability for the family. Lois was enrolled into kindergarten with thousands of other children. Towards the end of the war, Homer brought his family back home and purchased land in the Whitewater area. Lois attended school in Whitewater, a one room building, through the eighth grade. Lois attended Jay High School and graduated in 1955, as salutatorian. Blessed with a scholarship to Draughon Business School in Tulsa, Ok.; Lois boarded a bus in Afton and headed onto become an office manager. Once she completed her course, Lois quickly decided it wasn’t her dream and she returned home. She knew that there was something else waiting for her. Lois had known her future husband Jack Pitts most of her young life. His family lived in Deerlick which was just a short distance from her family. On February 22, 1959 they married while he was serving in the army. After his service they made their home in Deerlick where they lived together for over 50 years. Although she used her business skills helping Jack manage his business, she came to realize that she wanted to teach.

When she turned forty, Lois enrolled in Northeastern State University, earning a Bachelors & Master’s degree of Education. Teaching English first at Jay High School , then moving to Grove High School . Her passion for learning never ceased. Lois was a gifted writer, speaker, teacher, and she cherished her students and colleagues.

A gifted storyteller, Lois received awards for her talents and shared her love of language by serving as a judge for speech contests and academic quiz bowls. Her dedication to youth, literature and community extended well beyond the classroom. She was an active member of her church and found great joy in her fellowship with the Keenagers at Jay First Assembly. Her generosity was also evident through her volunteer work at the Christian Mission Thrift Store in Grove, where she poured her heart into helping others.

Lois’s passion for gardening was one of her greatest joys. She cultivated an abundant garden that she shared freely with friends. Family and neighbors. Her love of herbs led her to care for the herb gardens at Har-Ber Village, where she delighted in teaching others about their uses and history. Lois was also an engaged member of the Sweet Annie Earp Club, the Toastmasters Club and a dedicated participant in her local library’s book club Her creativity and community spirit were highlighted when she became one of the first participants organizing the Christmas Home Tours.

She is survived by her daughter, Kerry Seifried and her husband Mike; her grandchildren Jessica Seaton and her husband, Chris, JR Seifried and his wife Sarah, Chris Seifried; and her four great grandchildren, Shelby Rae Shotpouch, Marley Seifried, Avonlea Seifried and Jonah Seifried.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Homer Holt Nelson and Leona May (Creason) Nelson; her husband of 50 years, Jack Ray Pitts; and her six brothers, Robert, Charles George, Leslie, Jerry and Everette Nelson.

As we remember Lois Ann Pitts, we celebrate a life rich with service, learning, creativity, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and generosity that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Above all she was a child of God. A believer in Jesus Christ always willing to tell her testimony and help others.