Emma Austin

Emma Austin, resident of Ponca City, passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at the Ponca City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 87.

Emma was born July 10, 1922 in Pineville, Missouri, the daughter of Ralph Johnson and Myrtle Wylie Johnson. She graduated from Pineville High School in 1939 and later attended Neosho, Missouri Junior College. She was married to Robert Lee in 1939 and to this union was born three children, Dennis Ray, Robert Kent and Barbara Jean.

Emmas family moved to Ponca City in 1948 where she became the manager of Nelsons Furniture and Carpet. The Nelsons opened a store in Joplin, Missouri in 1970 for the sole purpose for Emma to manage. Emma was married to Charles Austin on September 4, 1970. While living in the Joplin the couple was instrumental in building the Lutheran Church in Noel, Missouri. After her retirement from Nelsons the couple moved to Dallas, Texas in 1985 and then returned to Ponca City in 1994.

Emma was a longtime active Lutheran Church member and member of the Lutherans Womens Guild. Her dearest enjoyment in life was her children. She was an accomplished hand quilter and had made several quilts for her children. Emma loved family get togethers and was known for her chicken and noodles, pies and homemade bread.

She is survived by her husband, Charles her three children, Dennis Ray Lee and wife, Linda, of Ponca City, Robert Kent Lee and wife, Velma, Neosho, Missouri, and Barbara Jean Eaton of Ponca City three sisters, Leora Armstrong, Pineville, Missouri, Vita Abercrombie, Buffalo, Missouri and June Ruddick, Bartlesville, Oklahoma one brother, Bill Johnson also of Bartlesville six grandchildren and six great grandchildren numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents two brothers, Arlie and Edward Johnson two sisters, Eula Mustang and Mamie Bittle and her soninlaw, Bill Eaton.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 Friday evening at Grace Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2010 at the First Lutheran Church, Ponca City with Pastor Tom Ramsey presiding. Interment will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Casket bearers will be her grandson, Jeff Lee and great grandsons, Tanner Lee, Dalton McNaughton, Aaron Lee, Cory Lee and Jared Yaffee.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Womens Guild, 1104 North 4th, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.