Patsy Carpenter Obituary

Patsy Ann Carpenter, age 97, graduated to glory on July 21, 2025 peacefully at home. She was born on August 7, 1927 in a little white frame house in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. In the twenties, very few babies were born in hospitals. Dr. E. T. Alexander, the local doctor, brought her to Don and Daisy Grider in the little black bag that always seemed to be a part of him. At least that is the story she was told and believed for many years. Patsy's parents enrolled her in the first grade at Barnsdall Public Schools in September 1933, and she graduated from Barnsdall High School with the class of 1945. She was one of three honor students who delivered speeches at her high school graduation. Patsy was married to Rex Lee Carpenter on September 27, 1947. Together they had four children, Stuart, Timothy, Jeffery and Tammy. Patsy earned a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University, although when she began her college career before taking a pause for marriage and children, it was Oklahoma A&M. Patsy was a teacher and center director in the Osage County Head Start Program for ten years. She began her special education career with Barnsdall Public Schools in 1979. The teachers of Barnsdall Public Schools named her Teacher of the Year in 1990. Patsy was a dedicated member and enthusiastic supporter of the Oklahoma Educators Association throughout her career and into her retirement. She did not miss a single OEA convention throughout her teaching career. She also served as President of her local Barnsdall Education Association for ten years. Under her leadership, BEA became a bargaining unit. In 1993 she was honored with the Kate Frank Award for her unwavering dedication to member rights. In 2005, she received an award from the State of Oklahoma, honoring her as a Very Important Member of the Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association. Patsy was a faithful member of the Barnsdall First Christian Church, where she taught Vacation Bible School and served as Treasurer, up until her final days. She previously served as President of the Delta Kappa Gamma and Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association. She was a devoted member of her local PEO chapter. She dedicated herself to numerous organizations throughout her life, all of which focused on education and compassion for those who could not defend themselves. Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rex L. Carpenter, sons Timothy and Stuart Carpenter, granddaughter Traci Carpenter and great-granddaughter Caitlan Doty. She is survived by her son Jeff and Juanita Carpenter and their daughters Danielle (Carpenter) and Arthur WIlliams and Nichole (Carpenter) and Matt Truitt. Daughter, Tammy and her husband Buster Hedgcoth; children Kristen (Keene) and Andrew Farquharson and Colton Keene. Daughter-in-law; Gail Carpenter, Granddaughters Tiffany Carpenter, Charity (Carpenter) and Tony Duran and grandson Josh Carpenter. Great-Grandchildren; Emma Galligher, Skylee and Maisie Carpenter, Gabby and Maddox Duran, Liam and Astrid Truitt, Link Williams, and Anne Farquharson. Services will be held on Thursday, July 24th at 10:00 with viewing from 9:00-10:00 at Barnsdall Christian Church. Graveside services to immediately follow. If you wish to honor Patsy, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Barnsdall Christian Church. Pallbearers will be Jeff Carpenter, Josh Carpenter, Colton Keene, Matt Truitt, Arthur Williams, and Andrew Farquharson.