Gloria Placke

          It is with great sadness that the family of Gloria Evelyn Placke (nee Lewis), age 88, announce her passing on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1019.  Her memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, December 21, at Evans & Miller in Poteau, Oklahoma with interment following at Oakland Cemetery.

          Gloria was born to Mathilda Stampfli Lewis and Elmer Roscoe Lewis in Crescent Mills, California on August 15, 1931, the fourth of five siblings.  Raised in Indian Valley, Plumas County, CA she enjoyed outdoor activities including scenic drives, water skiing, ice skating, and fishing. Gloria loved camping trips with grandchildren, family and friends to Colorado and Oklahoma destinations 

          In 1949 Gloria married her high school sweetheart, Arthur Clyde Stockton, Jr.  She enjoyed working at the Plumas Bank in Greenville as Operations Officer.  After marrying Ray Kirkland, Gloria moved to Oklahoma where they operated the Kerr McGee Station and raised cattle. Later clerking at the Poteau Food Market first and then at True Value Hardware gave her the opportunity to get to know many local residents whom she loved. Ever up for a new adventure, she married, Denzil Placke who captured her heart with his music and fun loving spirit.

          Gloria is survived by two daughters, Kathleen James and husband David, and Candace Moon and her husband Lloyd, six grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mathilda Stampfli Lewis and Elmer Roscoe Lewis, son, Arthur Clyde Stockton, III; siblings, Ray Robinson, Frances Schneck, Betty Plummer, and Elmer (Doc) Lewis as well as her husband Denzil Placke.  The family is deeply grateful for your condolences but in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma at www.alz.org/oklahoma or to your favorite charity.