Saralou Williams

Saralou Williams, 77, passed away on December 17, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, surrounded by love and family. Saralou was born on May 6, 1948, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Ruby Irene and John Hendricks Flanigan. She was raised in the Bartlesville and Dewey communities, where she developed a warm, generous spirit and a deep appreciation for family and community. She graduated from Dewey High School in 1966. On December 21, 1968, she married Roy Hicks, and together they made their home in Bartlesville before later moving to Tulsa. They welcomed their son, Jason L. Hicks, on May 7, 1976. Roy preceded her in death on October 29, 1986. Saralou and Jason met Buryl Williams, who became her beloved husband. They were married on June 30, 1990, and shared a life filled with companionship, laughter, and a love of travel. They ultimately retired to the Grand Lake area, where Saralou found peace in the beauty of the water and the closeness of community. Buryl preceded her in death on October 23, 2013. Saralou had a long and distinguished career as a registered nurse, serving with dedication in the operating room at St. John’s Hospital. Her work reflected her skill, compassion, and care for countless patients. After many years of service, she retired to enjoy time with family and the next chapter of her life. Saralou was known for her great, infectious laugh and her love of quilting, crafts, cheering for her OU Sooners, and being around people. Whether gathered with family, working on a creative project, or sharing a conversation with friends, she brought warmth and light wherever she went. She was a devoted member of Family Community Church in Langley, Oklahoma, where her faith and fellowship were important anchors in her life. Earlier this year, she moved to Green Country Village in Bartlesville to be closer to family during her health decline, a season marked by love, care, and cherished moments together. She was preceded in death by her son, Jason L. Hicks; her husbands, Roy Hicks and Buryl Williams; her parents, John H. Flanigan and Ruby I. Flanigan; her brothers, John M. Flanigan and Bill Picaman; and her sisters, Phyllis Jo Stewart and Julia Blankenship. Saralou is survived by her daughter-in-law, Anya Hicks, and her husband, Buster Arnwine, and her grandchildren, Daniel Hicks and Stephen Hicks, all of Bentonville, Arkansas; her sister, Betty Sue Franklin, and husband Earl of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her sister-in-law, Joyce Flanigan of Dewey, Oklahoma; her niece, Cindy Jamison, and husband Kevin of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; along with a large and loving extended family of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. Services will be held Monday, December 22, at 10:00 a.m. at Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville, with a graveside service following the day after December 23, 2025 at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow at 11 a.m. Saralou will be remembered for her joyful laughter, her love of quilting, crafts, cheering for the OU Sooners, and connection, and the way she made others feel welcome and valued. Her life was a gift, and her memory will be carried forward with love.

Saralou Williams

May 6, 1948 - December 17, 2025