Russell Christy Van Nostrand Jr.

Russell Christy “RC” Van Nostrand, Jr., 89, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully in his family home in Edmond, Oklahoma with his son and wife by his side, June 17, 2021. He was born in Tulsa, OK on December 22, 1931.

RC loved life and loved people. He was a 32-degree Mason and a graduate of Oklahoma Military Academy. He was a mentor to many and loved by all, spending much of his time doing for those who could not do for themselves. Never expecting anything in return, he hoped to make a positive change in the lives of those he touched.

RC owned and operated Woodward Monument Company for 8 years, was the owner of a Rib Ranch chain of restaurants for 25 years, spent 12 years as a rancher on the Cross 7 Ellington North Ranch north of Mutual, Oklahoma, and 18 years playing golf at his family home in Cedar Valley.

RC was also a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Guthrie for many years.

RC was good with his hands, from doing the art work on monuments he manufactured to building both model and full scale airplanes. He had an ardent love for flying. King salmon fishing in Alaska and wing shooting bobwhite quail along the North Canadian River bottom always put a quick grin on his face.

RC was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Hope Van Nostrand; and sisters, Betty Semmell and Ruth Wilson. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Billie Jeanne; sons, Sam of Kenai, Alaska and Russell and wife Marsha of Enid, OK; two grandchildren, Abbie Wasson and husband Jeff and Christy Hay and husband Rick of Woodward, OK; two great-grandchildren, Zane and Luke; sisters, Louise Hunter and husband Everett of Woodward, OK, and Jean Brown of Hot Springs Village, AR; and many other family members and friends.

RC was dearly blessed by God almighty and blessed so many in his name. He will be greatly missed.