Katherine Maddox

Katherine Teresa Wey Maddox Kay Maddox went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 17, 2011, dying peacefully in her sleep, after living a rich and full life for 97 years, 1 month and 15 days. Kay was born in Leedy, OK, on June 2, 1914. She was the oldest of four 4 children born to Paul P. Wey and Myrtle Leigh Wey. Kay graduated from Chillicothe, TX, High School in 1931, and she attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a Bachelors of Arts degree in teaching, emphasizing mathematics. Kay later obtained her masters degree.

While at the University of Oklahoma, Kay met the love of her life, Gaiser Dawson Maddox. The two were married on December 7, 1938, in Panama, and they lived in Venezuela until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Immediately following that event, the couple returned to the United States and Mr. Maddox entered active military service. Due to his expertise, he was assigned to an office in Washington, DC, that monitored the production of oil from the Middle East. It was there that the first of two sons was born, and shortly after the conclusion of the War, a second son was born while the couple resided in Midwest City, OK.

The family moved to Venezuela in 1946, and then to Norman, Oklahoma in 1948, where the couple resided for the next 53 years, except for one year when the family lived in Parkersburg, W. VA. Mrs. Maddox taught mathematics in the Norman Public Schools for 30 years, retiring in 1978. Mr. and Mrs. Maddox moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma in 2001 to be near their younger son, John.

Mrs. Maddox was for more than 50 years an active member of the First Baptist Church of Norman, Oklahoma, serving on many different committees. Upon her move to Ponca City, she promptly joined the First Baptist Church there. Gaiser and Kay were both very active in the International Student Association at the University of Oklahoma, and became second parents to many international students.

Gaiser and Kay had many friends with which they enjoyed spending their time. One group played a monthly canasta card game for over 40 years. Gaiser and Kay enjoyed traveling and made many extended trips oversees, Kay especially delighted in her grandchildren, and was blessed with seven 7 great grandchildren.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her husband of 67 years, Gaiser, who passed away on December 22, 2005. Kay was a resident of Westminster Village in Ponca City. Kay outlived all three of her younger siblings, but is survived by both her sons: Ken Maddox who lives in Hood River, OR, and John Maddox and wife Sharon, who live in Ponca City, OK: Three grandchildren: Kimber Morrow and her husband, Steve, who live in Salisbury, MD Kristin Cheng and her husband, James, who live in Norman, OK and K.C. Maddox and his wife, Kinsey, who live in Midlothian, TX and seven 7 great grandchildren: Ethan Morrow, Eli Morrow, Kate Cheng, Joshua Cheng, Ellie Cheng, Quinn Maddox and Olivia Liv Maddox. Kay is also survived by two sistersinlaw Eulonda Alkim and Ruth Maddox, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family requests that any memorials be made to any Christian charity of your choice. Both Mr. and Mrs. Maddox donated their bodies to medical research.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2011 in the Chapel of the First Baptist Church, Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Oklahoma International Student Services, Attention: Monica Sharp, 640 Parrington Oval, Room 220, Norman, Oklahoma 73019