Marla Jeanne Kirkpatrick, age 91, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025. Born on March 4, 1933, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Brantley Gilliam and Gladys Alyne Bigbie Gilliam, and was later adopted by Dale Rookstool. Marla lived a life defined by faith, generosity, and a deep love for her family.
She earned a business college degree and built an impressive career, being recognized as the Outstanding Business Woman of the Year by the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA). Her leadership and dedication extended into numerous organizations, where she served as an officer in the Women’s Circle, Oklahoma City Community Choir, Philharmonic Symphony League, and Ladies Music Association. She was also a Clerk of the Session and Elder at Graystone Presbyterian Church, a role that reflected her unwavering faith and commitment to service.
Marla shared 53 beautiful years of marriage with the love of her life, Marion Kirkpatrick, until his passing in 2004. Together, they built a family rooted in love, faith, and cherished traditions.
In 2020, Marla moved to Edmond for senior living, where she continued to find joy in her faith, family, and simple pleasures. She loved Jesus, God, family, singing, cruising, and traveling. Church music and hymns were the soundtrack of her life, and nothing delighted her more than spending time with loved ones or seeing their photos and messages appear on her digital frame. She lived by the values of love, generosity, optimism, and contentment, always encouraging those around her to embrace life with gratitude.
Marla was preceded in death by her parents, Dale Rookstool and Alyne Fransen, and her beloved husband, Marion Kirkpatrick.
She is survived by her loving children: Shelley Molloy (Rob) of Windsor, CO; Sheryl Alvarado of Escondido, CA; and Kenneth Kirkpatrick of Edmond, OK. She also leaves behind her stepbrothers, Alan Fransen (Judy) of Leawood, KS, and Richard Fransen of Edmond, OK; and her sister, Dala Westmoreland of Bixby, OK. Marla was a cherished grandmother to grandchildren Ryan, Aubrey, Ross, Reed, Riley, Rico, and Clayton, and a proud great-grandmother to great-grandchildren Lyra, Juno, Mila, Chloe, Mateo, Hadley, Amiyah, Tilly, Emiliano, and Ryatt, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Marla’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Suncrest Hospice Caregivers and to her Clayton Westlake Family for their compassionate support.
Above all, Marla wished to be remembered for agape love—unconditional, selfless, and enduring. Her life was a testament to this love, and her legacy will continue in the hearts of all who knew her.
A graveside service for Marla will be held Monday, February 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel, 7801 Northwest Expy, Oklahoma City, OK 73132.
