Ruth Ann Harton

Ruth Ann Harton, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026. She was born on September 24, 1939, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to Curtis and Maxine White. Ruth was proud of her early accomplishments and often shared stories of her years as an outstanding basketball player and valedictorian of her graduating class—achievements that reflected her intelligence, determination, and leadership. Following high school, she began a successful career in banking and was a charter employee of Plaza Bank, where she served as Vice President until her retirement in 1996. Her professionalism, integrity, and dedication left a lasting impression on colleagues and clients. On December 12, 1958, Ruth married James Richard Brooks. They shared many years together until his passing in 1994 and were blessed with two daughters, Jan Brooks and Shelley Brooks Koster. On December 18, 1998, Ruth married Bob L. Harton. Together, they enjoyed many blissful years of marriage, sharing a love of dancing, embracing the joy of their large blended family, and spending their retirement years attending their grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s school events and sporting activities. Ruth was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasured time spent with family. She was a fantastic cook and took great joy in hosting holiday dinners, creating traditions and memories that will live on for generations. She especially loved two-stepping and square dancing with Bob and their friends. A woman of strong faith, Ruth was a charter member of East Bartlesville Christian Church, a member of Town and Country Church, and was currently a member of Dewey Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Maxine White; her sister, Lana Jo Blackwell; her nephew, Gary Dale Lewallen; and her first husband, James Richard Brooks. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Janis Brooks; her granddaughter, Nikki Stephens, and husband Jason Stephens. She is also survived by her daughter, Shelley Koster, and husband John “Butch” Koster; grandchildren Brittany Dunn and husband Mike Dunn, and Brady Koster and wife Samantha Koster. Her great-grandchildren include Rylee McClintock, Easton Stephens, Kynslee Stephens, Dawsyn Dunn, John-John Dunn, Baker Dunn, Keaton Koster, Kova Koster, and Kollyns Koster. She is further survived by her sister, Vicki Griffin, and husband Larry Griffin; their children, Christy White and husband Rance White, and Ricky Dale Griffin and wife Angelina Griffin, along with their children. Additional survivors include her stepchildren, Bobby Dale Harton and wife Colleen Harton. Stepdaughter Laketa Harton Langley and husband Tim Langley. Her step-grandchildren include Tanner Langley, Chad Langley, and Brady Langley. Bobby Harton II and children Taylor Harton and Trey Harton; Rebecca Harton and her daughter Gryffin Harton; Alicia and Trace Helm and their son Tristin Widener; Brandy and Mark Rank and their children Isabelle Andrews and William Andrews; Cory and Kayla Harton and their daughter Opal Harton; Brandon and Carolyn Harton and their children Saint, Max, Atlas, Gabriel, and Luca. Ruth Ann Harton’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with love, laughter, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Journey Home.

Ruth Ann Harton

September 24, 1939 - January 2, 2026