Ralph Chunestudey Obituary

Ralph (Butch) Eugene Chunestudey, 84, passed away on July 19, 2025, at his residence in Jay, Oklahoma with his family by his side. Ralph was born on April 9, 1941 in Claremore, OK to his parents Jalum and Josie (Jumper) Chunestudey. In Butch's younger years, he joined the United States Marines. He was the youngest Tank Operator in the United States Marines running a crew of 17 and was Honorably discharged. He worked and retired with ODOT. He was a man of strong faith and a member of Brush Creek Baptist Church of Jay, OK. Butch loved going to church and serving the Lord while being with his family and church family praising the Lord. He would enjoy watching western movies and watching football on holidays with family. He loved seeing and spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids. Butch loved speaking Cherokee and was one of our fewest elders to be Fluent Speakers of the Cherokee Language with The Cherokee Nation Tribe. He was very proud of his Cherokee language and heritage. Butch will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Butch is preceded in death by his wife, Shug Chunestudey; Grandson, Kyle Bacon; Sons, Bradley Chunestudey, Ivan Chunestudey; Brother, Robert Chunestudey; Sisters, Billy Jean Lankford and Patricia Goodman. Butch is survived by his daughter, Pamela Robinson and sons, Bobby Chunestudey of the home and Gordan Chunestudey of Eucha, OK; Grandchildren, Tyler Bacon and wife Chelsee and their children Ty Bacon and Kyle (Drew) Bacon of Grove, OK, Whitney Morgan and husband Jessie Youngpuppy and their children Jessie Youngpuppy, Jr. and Jordan Youngpuppy of Eucha, OK; Great- Grandson, Riley Bacon (son of Kyle) of Jay, OK; Sister, Mary Ann and husband Charles Tucker of Salina, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Ralphs's Celebration of Life Wake Service will be held on Tuesday, 6:00pm, July 29, 2025 at Lawson's Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Chapel, 311 W. Gray St., Jay, OK 74346. Followed by his family visitation to greet friends until 8:00pm. Ralph's Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, 11:00am, July 30, 2025 Lawson's Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Chapel, 311 W. Gray St., Jay, OK 74346. Ralph's burial will be held at Jumper Cemetery, Jay, OK. Arrangements are entrusted to Lawson's Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 311 W Gray St., Jay, OK. 74346 with Shaunda J. Lawson, 3rd Generation Owner/Funeral Director and Staff.