Fern (Stepp) Kirkpatrick

Ratliff City - Services for Mrs. Retha Fern (Stepp) Kirkpatrick, aged 98, of Pruitt City, are scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the River of Life Church of Wilson. Her son-in-law, Rev. Dan Stewart, will officiate the service. Following the service, interment will take place at Dixie Cemetery, located north of Ringling. These arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Ratliff City.

Fern Kirkpatrick was born on November 30, 1927, in Ringling, Oklahoma, to James Russell Stepp and Ollie Marie (Sullivan) Stepp. She peacefully went to her heavenly home on February 25, 2026, at her residence in Ratliff City.

Raised in Ringling, Fern attended school at Mountain Home, where she graduated high school in 1945. She married Mr. Raymon "Shine" William Kirkpatrick on November 2, 1946, in Ringling. Together, they made their home in Stillwater and Kingston before returning to the area where they spent their lives. Always prioritizing her family, Fern was a dedicated wife and mother, while also working as a secretary, bookkeeper, and accountant over the years. Raymon preceded her in death on July 25, 1990. Fern remained active in her Pruitt City community, continuing to support her family and showering her grandchildren with love. She found joy in tending to her yard and was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, the Oklahoma Education Association, the Carter County Retired Teachers Association, and the Shell Street Church of Christ.

In addition to her husband, Fern was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Mike Kirkpatrick; brothers, George, Ezell, Carl, David, Jimmy, and Jerry Stepp; sisters, Gladys Hutchenson, Florence Engelhardt, and Doris Blasingame; granddaughter, Ashlee Perry; and great-granddaughter, Envy Jade.

Fern is survived by her daughters, Patricia Whipple and husband Jim of Mustang, and Carla Stewart and husband Dan of Healdton; her brother, Raymond Stepp and Shirley of Blanchard; sisters, Sonja Stepp of Newcastle and Carolyn Martin and husband Chick of Stillwater; grandchildren, Kevin Wiles, Jamie Smith, Willie Kirkpatrick, Hoot Kirkpatrick, Raymon Sam, Andy Sam, Dan Stewart, Jr., and Walter Stewart; as well as 19 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous other family members and friends.

Pallbearers will include Willie Kirkpatrick, Hoot Kirkpatrick, Kevin Wiles, Jamie Smith, Raymon Sam, Andy Sam, Dan Stewart, Jr., and Walter Stewart. Honorary bearers consist of the remaining grandchildren, as well as nephews and nieces.

Family visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM Friday evening at Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Ratliff City. Condolences may be expressed online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.