Emma Austin, resident of Ponca City, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at Ponca City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 87.

Emma was born July 10, 1922 in Pineville, Mo., the daughter of Ralph Johnson and Myrtle Wylie Johnson. She graduated from Pineville High School in 1939 and later attended Neosho, Mo., Junior College.

She was married to Robert Lee in 1939 and to this union was born three children, Dennis Ray, Robert Kent and Barbara Jean.

Emma's family moved to Ponca City in 1948 where she became the manager of Nelson's Furniture and Carpet. The Nelsons opened a store in Joplin, Mo., in 1970 for the sole purpose for Emma to manage.

Emma was married to Charles Austin on Sept. 4, 1970. While living in Joplin the couple was instrumental in building the Lutheran Church in Noel, Mo. After her retirement from Nelsons the couple moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1985 and then returned to Ponca City in 1994.

Emma was a longtime active Lutheran Church member and member of the Lutheran's Women's Guild. Her dearest enjoyment in life was her children. She was an accomplished hand quilter and had made several quilts for her children. Emma loved family get-togethers and was known for her chicken and noodles, pies and homemade bread.

She is survived by her husband, Charles; her three children, Dennis Ray Lee and wife Linda of Ponca City, Robert Kent Lee and wife Velma of Neosho, Mo., and Barbara Jean Eaton of Ponca City; three sisters, Leora Armstrong of Pineville, Mo., Vita Abercrombie of Buffalo, Mo., and June Ruddick of Bartlesville; one brother, Bill Johnson also of Bartlesville; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Arlie and Edward Johnson; two sisters, Eula Mustang and Mamie Bittle; and her son-in-law, Bill Eaton.

A visitation for family and friends will be from 6:30 to 7:30 Friday evening at Grace Memorial Chapel. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at First Lutheran Church, Ponca City with the Rev. Tom Ramsey presiding. Interment will be in the IOOF Cemetery.¬ Casket bearers will be her grandson, Jeff Lee and great-grandsons, Tanner Lee, Dalton McNaughton, Aaron Lee, Cory Lee and Jared Yaffee.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Women's Guild, 1104 North Fourth, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

Emma's guestbook may be signed at www.gracememorialchapel.net.

paid obituary