Julia "Bitsy" A Koerner

Julia Anne Koerner, “Bitsy”, a long time resident of Stillwater, OK died on Sunday, July 22, 2018 with her family by her side. A celebration of life will be hosted by the family on July 28, 2018 from 10:00-11:30 am at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 516 W 3rd, Stillwater OK. There will be a private service at a later date.

Julia was born November 20, 1931 in Durant, OK, the daughter of William Amos Knight and Julia Maureen Knight.

She graduated from Durant High School and later attended Oklahoma State University earning her BA Degree in Education and History. While raising her family, Julia completed her MS degree as a reading specialist. Upon completion of her education, Julia began her career as the Presbyterian Kindergarten teacher. In 1964 she began a 25-year career with the Stillwater Public School System. She taught at the Middle School, Jr. High School and High School. She retired in 1989. One of her greatest joys in life was running into past students and visiting with them about their lives.

Julia and her husband, Max Koerner (the love of her life), were married on August 12, 1950. They were married 34 years before his untimely death in 1984.

Julia was a devoted wife and mother encouraging her family in their endeavors. She enjoyed many years volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, a Methodist youth fellowship sponsor and serving in many areas at the First United Methodist Church while raising her family. For many years, Julia was an active member of the Stillwater Medical Center Auxiliary. She served as president and snack bar coordinator. Julia had many hobbies including tole painting, knitting, cross stitch, crocheting and quilting. Her favorite hobby was playing bridge with dear friends for more than 50 yrs. Julia loved to travel with her family and friends. Her travel companions, Bill and Sharon George, Bob and Jane Noble, Vic and Wanda VanHook, Jean Ames and Corrinne King traveled with Julia to many places around the world.

Survivors include her daughters, Patricia Alexander and husband Doug, of Tulsa, OK, Karen Dean and husband Scott, of Stillwater, OK; grandchildren, Abby Thralls and husband Ray, Raygn Alexander, Kira Frisby and husband Aaron, David Dean and fiancé Lindsay Coe; great granddaughters, Stella Frisby, Kathryn Thralls, Elizabeth Thralls; close family members Bill and Sharon George, Jerry and Jennifer Knight, Sharon Noles and many cousins and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Max Koerner; parents, Amos and Julia Knight and her brother, Don Knight.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Stillwater Public Library, 1107 S Duck Street, Stillwater, OK 74074 or the OSU Foundation for the Max & Julia Koerner scholarship fund, 400 S Monroe Street, Stillwater, OK 74074.