Floreta "Reta" M Elkins

Graveside service for Floreta “Reta” M. (Carter) Elkins are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, OK with Jamie Griffin officiating. Services are under the direction and care of Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Healdton.

Reta was born December 4, 1939, at Lindsay, OK to the late Mr. Tommie Ralston Carter and Mrs. Irene Adell (Hackney) Carter Kanive. She departed this life Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Elmbrook Nursing Home at the age of 83 years, 11 months, and 29 days.

Reta was born and raised in Lindsay where she attended school, graduating with the class of 1956. She married Mr. Jesse Perkins in 1955 and the couple made their home in Lindsay until Jesse passed away from a tornado in 1974. Reta then married Linley Don “L.D.” Elkins in 1976, at Gainesville, TX. They began their married years residing in Lindsay but moved to Healdton where they resided for 16 years, making their home on their farm in Graham. Reta was CLEET certified and began her career in law enforcement as a dispatcher for Healdton Police Department. She was later employed by the Carter County Sherriff Department, working under Robert Denney for 10 years. Reta also worked for Garvin County for 11 years, retiring in 2004. She returned to Healdton as a dispatcher until her health declined. Reta was involved in the rodeo circuit, competing in barrel racing, on the back of her favorite horse that lived to be 29 years old.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Tommie and Irene; husbands, Jesse Perkins and later L.D. Elkins; Stepfather, Joe Kanive; three children, Randy Perkins, Jody McCann, and Mark Perkins; stepson, Joe Don Elkins.

Survivors include her daughters, Renee West and Tamara Gustus; stepdaughter, Diana LaPorte; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, other family and friends.

Special thanks to Reta’s granddaughter, Amber Aguilera Edwards, with End Wise Doula, who stayed by her side until her passing along with Elmbrook Nursing Home staff and Cross Timbers Hospice staff for the extraordinary care they provided, most importantly, thank you to Billy Needham and his family for the wonderful friendship and care they have shown Reta.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.