Norma Vinyard-Rose

Norma Vinyard-Rose was born in a little town called Ola, Arkansas on May 23, 1938. She was one of eight children; the daughter of Lennis Vinson and Mary Ellen (Barret) Benefield. After graduating from Ola High School, she was excited to venture out to new territory. She moved to Chicago for a period of time before settling in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She met Wayne Carr at her local church and was married in 1959 until 1968. There, she began working as a bookkeeper at Silvey Insurance Company until her retirement in 1997. Norma had a love for life and never let anything hold her back from accomplishing her goals. She had a way of lighting up a room and loved to go square dancing. It was then, she caught the eye of a young man called Ted. Their love grew into a beautiful marriage joining together Norma and Theodore Edgar Vinyard, on November 25, 1970 at their home in Tulsa. Together, they shared over 33 years of memories. After Ted passed in 2004, she would marry her good friend, Leonard Rose, in April of 2005. Leonard and Norma found comfort in each other’s company and shared six years of companionship before his passing in 2011. One of Norma’s greatest joys in life was being a mother. She was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Deanna and Jennifer. She was grateful to later gain the title of grandma to six grandkids and ten great-grandkids. She loved every moment spent with her family whether it be holiday get-togethers or spending time taking in the outdoors. Norma loved to travel and took many family vacations, going to Alaska, Colorado, England, Paris, London, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and more. Some of her favorite memories were taking the RV out, hiking in Colorado and trips to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. The grandkids loved to spend the summers at grandma’s house. She would take them to the park, play around the farm or taking the boat out on the lake. Her ranch was home to many, she always had an open door. She had a warm heart, never failing to lend a helping hand, and was fiercely protective of those she loved. She had a way of making you feel comfortable, often finding ways to relate to your story or joke to bring a smile to your face. She had the greatest since of humor and the most contagious giggle. Despite the challenges in life, she kept a smile on her face and happiness in her heart; not shy in getting on the dance floor at the Senior Citizen events. A Christian by faith, she finished her race here on earth and was called to her eternal home on Sunday, May 5, 2024 in Tahlequah, OK at the age of 85 years old. The unfailing love and joy she brought to our lives will forever be held in our hearts.

Norma went on to join her parents, her husband, Theodore “Ted” Edgar Vinyard and later husband, Leonard Rose, three brothers, Cletus Benefield, Billy Joe Benefield and Clayton Lavan Benefield, three sisters, Reba Riley, Wanda Pettit and Faye Bradford, two brothers-in-law, Jim Riley and Earl Bradford, along with two sisters-in-law, Ruby Lee Benefield and Laura Benefield.

Those left to remember her include her two daughters, Deanna Clark of Skiatook, OK and Jennifer Rose and husband Rick of Tahlequah, OK and one sister, Mae Mills of Sperry, OK. Her legacy lives on through her six adored grandchildren, Angela Hayes and Chris Teague, Amy Hayes and husband Jason Fowler, Ashlie Sebert and husband John, Jonathon Rose and wife Rebecca, James Rose and Allison Rose, ten great-grandchildren, Kaitlan Teague, Madalynn Underwood, Triston Teague, Marcus Underwood, Keira Teague, Victor Sebert, Patrick Sebert, Makayla Hayes, Elva Sebert and Makenna Hayes, as well as many nieces, nephews and loved ones.

Funeral services for Norma Vinyard-Rose will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 2:00pm at Reed-Culver Chapel with Reverend David Wiens officiating. A visitation will be held prior to services beginning at 11:00am. She will be laid to rest at Tahlequah City Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Jonathon Rose, James Rose, Triston Teague, Chris Teague, Jason Fowler and John Sebert. Her honorary pallbearers include Marcus Underwood, Victor Sebert and Patrick Sebert.