Vivian Stelle Obituary

Vivian Marie (Middlebrooks) Stelle, 91-year-old Bluejacket resident, passed away late Monday, July 21, 2025, at Saint Francis Vinita Hospital after a battle with cancer. She was born on February 4, 1934, in Nashville, Arkansas to James Randolph Middlebrooks and Lavada Crownover Middlebrooks. She was the first of eleven children, Vivian attended Whitaker Home Orphanage in Pryor from age 6 until she turned 16, then attended Vinita High School. Vivian met the love of her life Herbert Washington Theodore Stelle and they were united in marriage on December 21, 1951. They traveled together as he served in the Army. She started work at Eastern State Hospital in 1961, as kitchen supervisor and worked there for 33 years. Vivian was a devoted mother to Laura and Herb, they were her pride and joy, and she made sure they were provided with everything they needed. She was a member of the Kelso Faith Baptist Church. Vivian really enjoyed going to the Branson Shows and Silver Dollar City, traveling, hitting garage sales, going for rides in the Jeep, exploring, camping and fishing.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Herbert Washington Theodore Stelle, four brothers, three sisters, grandsons David and Anthony Stelle, and a very close friend, James Holman.

The family includes her children, Herbert "Herb" Stelle, Laura Woodall and husband Jack; a brother Cecil Middlebrooks; grandchildren, JoAnn Crafton (John), Joshua Woodall (Merain), Amber Lee (John); fourteen great grandchildren, Malachi, Mariah, Nakeya, Ryland, Trinity, Rosalea, James, Journey, Jonah, Hazel Grace, Josh Jr., Amanda, Aubree, and Larry; one great great grandchild, Maverick; numerous other nieces, nephews and other relatives. They will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel in Vinita.

The graveside service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita, Pastor Bobby Whitchurch will officiate. Friends may give to the American Cancer Society in Vivian's memory. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. "Vinita's only locally family owned and operated funeral home."