Phyllis Luton of Claremore, OK, passed away in the arms of her daughters on December 24, 2023. She was born to Philip and Marie Kulcke and raised in north Louisiana. Phyllis was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and Sam Houston State University and was an educator until her retirement. Phyllis and John Luton were married June 1, 1962 and spent 56 wonderful years together in Texas, West Virginia, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Together they raised two daughters. Phyllis was a longtime resident of Ponca City, OK. She was a devoted member of Northeast Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. Phyllis was also a volunteer driver for Ponca City Meals on Wheels for many years.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving husband and her parents. Phyllis is survived by her daughters Kelley Knizner and husband Paul, and Meredith Gatzemeyer and husband Tyler; grandchildren Sean Tucker (Jessica), Kristopher Tucker, Kayley Sakelos (Nick), Paul Knizner, III, Adrienne Gatzemeyer, Kimberly Gatzemeyer and Amy Gatzemeyer; greatgrandchildren Hazel Sakelos, 2024 great grands Sage Sakelos and Willow Tucker; brother Larry Kulcke (Tavie) and sister Marjorie Cole (Dicky); three nieces, one nephew; and numerous friends across many states.

Phyllis will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her desire to share the Gospel of Christ, and her love of her family. She was a wonderful wife to John, a loving mother and doting MeeMaw. She would have loved to love and spoil her new great grandchildren. Phyllis will be kept close in the hearts of her family as they move on in this life without her.

Phillipians 4:6-7 (NLT) Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Phyllis’ daughters wish to thank the staff of Brookdale Claremore and Transitions Hospice for their love and care of our mother, both during these last five years, and most especially the last days of her life.

There will not be a service in accordance with Phyllis’ final wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Ponca City Meals on Wheels in Phyllis’ name.

Paid Obituary