Stella Mae Vaillancourt, 62, of Tahlequah, slipped peacefully into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 7, 2021, in Tahlequah. She will be interred at Upper Camp Creek Cemetery in Roland, OK. She was born May 8, 1959, in Siloam Springs to the late Benjamin Harrison and Margie (Stanley) Ragsdale.

She grew up in Teresita, OK where she would explore the country roads, a journey that continued throughout her life. Gathering with family was her joy, holiday events being her favorite, where she would always help prepare a huge meal to be shared by all. She respected nature and said it was where she felt most at peace and one with the Lord. She enjoyed finding bargains at yard sales and sharing them with family and friends. Solving crosswords puzzles was a lifelong hobby that made her happy. If she took you shopping, you knew it was going to be a marathon, not a sprint; getting deals on dresses, jewelry, and purses made her smile. When at home, she enjoyed watching movies and her favorite TV show, The Walking Dead. She enjoyed a good meal, her comfort foods were: fried catfish, hush puppies, fried okra, brown beans with cornbread, and pumpkin pie, which she usually paired with an ice-cold Pepsi. Her absolute happiness in life came from her grandchildren, and they made her more kind, loving and gave her true hope. She was a retired tribal Casino Supervisor.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Vaillancourt; grandparents, Benjamin Franklin and wife Willie Nora (Jones) Ragsdale and Bill and Elsie (Thomas) Stanley; one sister, Lois Sarten; and her seven brothers: Blaine Ragsdale, Larry Ragsdale, Mark Arnwine, Dale Ragsdale, Timothy Ragsdale, Tommy Wayne Ragsdale, Joe Michael Ragsdale; and two grand-daughters: Kimberly Ragsdale and Jaylynn Clifton.

She is survived by her four sons: Jason Ragsdale of Vian, OK, Aaron Ragsdale of Pocola, OK, Rodney Jackson of Hackett, AR, and Kenneth Jackson of Fort Smith, AR. She leaves behind one brother and two sisters: Jasper Ragsdale of Peggs, OK, Cathy Jackson of Tahlequah, OK, and Teresa Adams of Tahlequah, OK. Her memory lives on in her fourteen grandchildren: Patrick Ragsdale, Levi Ragsdale, Kobe Ragsdale, Kaela Blackbird, Landyn Ragsdale, Tiyonna Ragsdale, Benjamin Ragsdale Jr., Joseph Ragsdale, Raylynn Clifton, Teagyn Ragsdale, Sophia Jackson, Trystan Jackson, Brentley Jackson, and Mckinley Jackson; and three great-grandchildren: Leland Santana, Liam Ragsdale, and Kenai Duran-Ragsdale, and two expected great-grandchildren: Ezra Stella Blackbird and Kayne Ragsdale. Lastly, she is survived by many cherished nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Honoring her wishes, no funeral services will be held. Instead, she requested a celebration of life to be held at Round Hollow in Tahlequah, OK. Her sons invite all friends and family to join them on Saturday, May 7, 2022, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services
463505 Hwy 101, Sallisaw, OK 74955
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