Stella Louise Rawlings

Stella Louise Kilgore Rawlings passed from this life September 8th, 2024 at the age of 77. Slipping peacefully from the bonds of this earthly realm, she was surrounded by her family, at her home in Oklahoma City. Stella Louise Kilgore was born Dec.1st, 1946 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to Elmer and Nina Kilgore. Stella spent her school years in Chickasha, graduating from there before leaving home to go to college. Stella received a degree in journalism from East Central University of Ada, Oklahoma. She spent many years as a journalist for newspapers in Edmond, Woodward and Ada Oklahoma.

Stella then moved to San Marcos Texas and taught journalism at the San Marcos Baptist Academy. While there she ran the Academies newspaper. During her tenure she wrote personal interest stories that were published in various newspapers internationally. After leaving San Marcos, Stella returned home to Oklahoma to continue her career in journalism.

While in Oklahoma Stella was assistant editor at the Oklahoma Baptists Messenger and remained there for several years. Working at the Messenger helped her heed her fathers desire to make sure his daughters were good strong Baptists and to stay close to their roots. After retiring from the Messenger, Stella spent a few years working at LifeWay Christian bookstore. After LifeWays closing, Stella spent a couple of years working at the Oklahoma History Museum. Soon after beginning her job at the History Museum. She was diagnosed with cancer but still continued working until her husband, the late James Michael Rawlings' health was declining and she stayed home to be his caretaker.

She was currently a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, where her and her late husband had been attending for several years. She was truly blessed with a number of very dear friends from her Sunday morning Sunday school class. Her Sunday school class were daily visitors to her home during her final weeks.

She enjoyed visiting her grandchildren and great grandchildren most of all. She also enjoyed her beautiful garden that she had put so much time and work in to. She also worked tirelessly on researching and charting her family tree and hoped that someone else would pick up and continue her work. (And we nominate you Christopher!)

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Michael Rawlings.

Her parents, Elmer and Nina Kilgore.

Her grandson, Justin Rodriguez

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Graham & her husband, Randy Graham of Mooreland OK.

Her grandchildren: Bradley Rodriguez & wife Melissa of San Marcos TX.

Spencer Rodriguez of New Braunfels TX.

Ashley & her husband Elton Gil of San Marcos TX.

and Tamara Rodriguez of Covington LA.

She was also proud to be a Great Grandmother to : Aubrey and Mason Naranjo, Ashton Gil, Ariel Rodriguez, Avery Rodriguez and Savanna Gil.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, September 16 at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 8601 South Pennsylvania Avenue, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with interment at the Fairlawn Cemetery in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

The viewing will be held at Southern Hills Baptist Church from 1:00 until the time of her 2:00 service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Southern Hills Baptist Church Oklahoma City (Send Relief Ministry Center).