A beloved Oklahoma Treasure

Nancy Ann Stine passed away on January 21, 2024. She was surrounded by her family, near and far, and all their love. She was born on October 31st, 1934 to James Walter Nance and Dessie May Nance in Norman, Oklahoma. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, her brother George C. Garner, a baby sister Linda Sue Garner, and her daughter Debbie Lander. She is survived and dearly loved by her husband of fifty-four years, Joseph (Joe) Stine, her daughter Priscilla Tubbs and her husband Mike Tubbs, her son Ted Bunch and his wife Beth Bunch, her step-son Stephen Stine, and step daughter Kristen Hipol and her husband Ted Hipol. She was “grandma” to eleven grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.
She and her husband Joe were founders and proprietors of the Timberlake Rose Rock Museum in Noble, Oklahoma. Operations began in mid-1970’s and continued until 2019.  She was extremely proud of her Oklahoma heritage, and loved being involved in tourism and representing our great state with her art. Many of the rose rock sculptures she and husband Joe, created have been gifted to dignitaries across the United States and the world. Some such recipients are Queen Elizabeth II, King Abdullah of Jordan, several U.S. Presidents, and dignitaries from Japan and China.
Earlier in her career, she worked at the state capital for the Department of Health and Human Services, as an executive secretary, until she left to pursue her business which featured the Oklahoma Rose Rock, our state rock.
She was a life-long Sooner fan and attended the University of Oklahoma. She loved to watch the Sooners as well as the OSU Cowboys, when they take the field.
She had many diverse talents. She was a gifted artist, using different media to create her art. She also enjoyed creating and selling her beautiful jewelry. She loved to write poetry, play the piano, and had completed extensive genealogy work.
She had many pets during her lifetime. She loved all animals, especially dogs and cats, adopting many of them. She has also been known for rescuing wildlife and has spent many nights hand feeding baby birds or taking care of other wildlife who needed her help. 
As a very young mother of three, she served her country as a naval wife, moving to various locations across the mainland U.S. and the Territory of Hawaii. 
She leaves with us, her legacy of strength of character, kindness of heart, a giving soul, spirituality and steadfast faith in the Lord, and love for her family, friends, and others she has known. 
I will include this poem, which she wrote:

Dear Family,
By the time you read this, I’ll be living in a better place.
And it will be a while before you again see my face.
Life, like a roller coaster, had its “ups and downs” side.
But the truth is, it was surely an exciting ride!
Hiking in the “Smokies” in the Carolina Mountains,
I felt the cool mist of waterfall fountains.
I Lived near the beach on a Hawaiian Isle,
Ran through the sand in tropical style.
Drank from the springs in the Ozark Hills,
Catching bass in the Gascenade River was one of my thrills.
The piano was my gift that the country church heard,
When like Grandma Ward’s pump organ,
My fingers rejoiced with the sound of God’s word.
Flying a small plane along the Georgia Coast,
Even that didn’t give me happiness the most.
Blessed with three children, two girls and a boy,
Joe added two children and our grandchildren filled our lives with joy.
They gave us the inspiration to fulfill our rose rock dream,
And a chance to show the world God’s wonderful creative scheme.
I tried to live my life to give God the glory.
And now, dear family until I see you again,
This is the end of my story.
I love you,
Nancy Stine, Mom, Grandma

A private family memorial will be held. Any remembrances can be made to your favorite animal shelter or Wildcare facility.