Mary Kathern Harman

Mary Kathern Harman, while surrounded by her loving family, went to be with God and her beloved husband, Leon on May 20, 2020. Kathern blessed her family for 95 years.
Services have been entrusted to the care of Dighton Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater. The family will have a private graveside service Saturday, May 30th at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Kathern was born June 11, 1924 to Ed and Ethel Huntleman in Navina, OK. She attended Guthrie High School and graduated in May 1943. In the summer of ‘43, Leon walked across Oklahoma City at 3:00 in the morning to propose to Kathern. The two were united in marriage on November 28, 1943 at her parent’s home in Cashion, Ok.
Kathern was employed by Douglas Air Craft in Midwest City, during WW II in 1943, where she riveted First Aid boxes. In 1944, they moved to Edmond, Oklahoma where they lived until 1956. Kathern and Leon relocated to Ponca City in 1956. Shortly thereafter Kathern and Leon opened their home to foster children, caring for 28 children throughout the years. Kathern eventually opened her home daycare to assist working moms. She cared for many children over a period of 33 years. Even though Kathern was busy with these endeavors, she continued to be involved with her own children’s activities including girl scout leader for many years and various band organizations.
Upon retirement, Kathern enjoyed spending time with her beloved Leon and serving her community. She helped Leon deliver bakery goods to various nonprofit organizations. She was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and enjoyed being involved in various fellowship opportunities.
The good Lord blessed Kathern with 5 beautiful daughters, 15 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She loved everyone and let you know if you forgot to give her a hug. The love she had for her family beamed from the smile she gave every time she was able to spend time with each of them. Kathern loved her eye-catching azaleas, ornate iris patch, and every flower in-between. Her flower gardens were her place of pride and joy. In her spare time, she made numerous wedding cakes for various family and friends. Traveling and camping was also a passion for Kathern. Her favorite trip was to Germany in 1987 to see her grandson Ronnie Hopkins who was stationed there with the U.S. Army. She also enjoyed long Sunday drives with Leon especially when he took her for her favorite ice cream cone.
Kathern is survived by her five daughters and their families. Her daughters include Delores and Earl Shortridge of Denver, CO., Kathleen and Pete Hopkins of Sand Springs, OK ., Sandra Foster of Ponca City, OK., Brenda and Shawn Lewis Ponca City, OK., and Linda and Roger Kelle of Ponca City, OK. Grandchildren include: James Shortridge and Heather Altman and family of Chapel Hill, N.C.; Lynette and Greg Humphreys and family of Greeley, CO., Tanya and Kevin Prosch and family of Henderson, NV; Katie and Jason Cudworth and family of Fernley, NV.; Ronnie and Lavonna Hopkins and family of Woodward, OK; KaLyn and Danny Burris and family of Sand Springs, OK; Brent and Kari Hopkins and family of Wichita, KS; Shasta Belty and family of Sand Springs, OK; Jason and Toma Foster and family of Liberty, MO; Sara and Casey Smith and family of Ponca City, OK; Shane Lewis of Ponca City, OK; Heather and Jason Peck and family of Guthrie, OK; Josh and Leah Kelle and family of Tonkawa, OK; Jared and Ashley Kelle and family of Stillwater, OK. Sister Dortha Mason of Edmond, OK and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kathern was preceded in death by her husband Leon, grandson Kyle Foster, parents Ed and Ethel Huntleman, sister Marjorie Hamilton, and infant brother Harold Edward Huntleman.
The family would like to thank Hospice for the love and care they provided in Kathern’s final days. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 Turner Road, Ponca City, Okla. 74604 or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.