Julia “Gwen” Gwendolyn (Riggs) Stites, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away on May 13, 2024. Gwen was born in Muldrow, Oklahoma, to Dewey Riggs and Rose Alma (Sutton) Riggs, on August, 14, 1940. She graduated Muldrow High School in 1958. She married Edmund Eull Stites on August 13, 1959. Gwen was a homemaker and a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling, playing bingo and visiting with family and friends.
She is survived by her sons, Eddie Stites of Sallisaw; Greg and Dana Stites of Sallisaw, her grandchildren: Danna and Chris Orendorff of Sallisaw, April and James McInerney of Sallisaw, Courtney Stites of Verdigris, Christina and James Pletcher of Claremore; Noah Rumsey of Van Buren, Arkansas; her siblings, Barbra Lewis of Muldrow; E.C. Riggs of Sallisaw, and 10 great grandchildren, Malora Stites, of Sallisaw and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Larry, and siblings Kay Hicks, Bob, Doyle, Arnold, and Herbert Riggs.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel of Forever Memories Funeral Services, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
Funeral will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the Mineral Springs Church in Muldrow, Oklahoma.
(The church address is , Muldrow, Oklahoma 74948)
Final resting place will be at the City of Sallisaw Cemetery.
Pallbearers are her grandsons and her nephews.
The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to Forever Memories Funeral Services, INC, Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
FMFSINC.COM
Gwen was my cousin, and I love all of my cousin dearly? We have lost so many in the past year. So glad I got to spend some time with her at the last family reunion.
So sorry to hear of the passing of such a beautiful kind lady and when I say lady, that is what she was. I know how hard it is to lose your mama. Prayers for your family.
Oh Gwen how I am gonna miss u! You are a GOLDEN ONE always spreading love & happiness wherever u were! The world needs more of people like u but may u go rest in peace. You will b dearly missed! Love u!
Sending my love & prayers to the family !
Gwen was such a sweet, beautiful, strong lady ..
I met her for the first time at age 15 when her son Larry was my boyfriend… She was a living doll & always so fun to visit ..
Hugs to all of you I know she will be greatly missed ..