Nancy Ann Stolper

Nancy Ann Stolper, 91, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2020 after a lifetime of commitment to family and service to others. Nancy was born June 26, 1928 in Aurora, Illinois, the oldest child of Dorothy (Loewenthal) and Arthur Puklin. She was a 1946 honors graduate of Aurora West High School and received a BA degree in Sociology from Connecticut College in New London, CT in 1950. Following her passion for helping others, Nancy earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration in 1952. Upon completing her graduate studies, Nancy was hired by the Tulsa Council of Social Agencies (now Community Service Council) to start a volunteer bureau. Though she did not initially know anyone in Tulsa, she quickly acclimated and was introduced to Philip Stolper of Muskogee whom she married in 1955. Nancy and Phil made their home in Muskogee and she temporarily left full-time employment to raise their four children who were born in a five-year period. She was a loving, involved mother who encouraged and supported her children’s participation in reading, music, scouting, faith, and school activities. By example, she taught her own core values to her children: kindness; acceptance of all forms of diversity; and empathy for individuals facing life’s challenges. Nancy became active as a community volunteer during these years with organizations including Girl Scouts, United Way, Goodwill Industries and others. She served as a board director and chairperson for the Muskogee Guidance Center. In 1974, Nancy resumed her professional career as Coordinator of Volunteer Services at Muskogee Regional Medical Center (now St. Francis Hospital Muskogee). She later served as the hospital’s Director of Public Relations before retiring with 20 years of service. After retirement, Nancy continued as a volunteer at the hospital for many years and served as president of its Auxiliary. She was a member and board director of the Pilot Club of Muskogee and Habitat for Humanity. She completed the OSU Extension Master Gardener program and enjoyed growing vegetables, arranging flowers and cooking in all forms. Nancy played mahjong over many decades and participated in a regular game into her 80s. She was an active member of Temple Beth Ahaba where she planned holiday celebrations and served as the congregation’s president. Nancy and Phil moved from Muskogee to Tulsa in 2014 and were married for 59 years at the time of Phil’s death in 2015. Survivors include four children and their spouses: Dan and Jennie Stolper, Susan and Richard Frapart, Sally Jo and Bob Bybee, and Jon and Angie Stolper; and grandchildren and spouses Allison Hearne (Mike), Adam Frapart (Lauren), Jeffrey Stolper (Lisa), Stephen Frapart, Haley Bybee, Ashley Bybee, Nathan Stolper and Matthew Stolper. She also leaves five great-grandchildren, her brother, Richard, and her special foreign exchange daughter, Dora Zall. Her brother, Robert, preceded her in death. Private graveside services for immediate family will be held at Greenhill Cemetery. The family is unable to receive visitors so that all may remain healthy in these days of the coronavirus. Nancy’s family thanks Dr. John Carment, her compassionate caregivers, Miller Hospice and the staff at Zarrow Pointe (formerly The Tulsa Jewish Community Retirement and Health Care Center). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Zarrow Pointe, 2025 E. 71st Street, Tulsa, OK 74136 or your favorite charity.

Nancy Ann Stolper

June 26, 1928 - April 15, 2020