Barbara Sipes

Barbara Ann (Drake) Sipes was born on December 2, 1956 in Tahlequah, OK, the daughter of Elmer George Drake and Ruth May Gritts. She was a graduate of Tahlequah High School and went on to attend Northeastern State University and Connors State College. She earned her LPN certification at Bill Willis Vo-Tech and spent many years caring for others. Barbara worked as a surgical nurse technician, in Solutions, and in the emergency room before beginning a new chapter in her career. For the last 20 years of her working life, Barbara was employed at Baldor in Westville, where she worked in assembly. She was known for her strong work ethic, dedication, and the friendships she made along the way.

On July 11, 1986, Barbara married the love of her life, James William Leon “Bill” Sipes. Together, they shared more than 39 years of love, memories, laughter, and adventures. Their life together was filled with stories and experiences that Barbara treasured deeply.

Barbara was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. She proudly served as President of the Auxiliary for four years and also served as the Oklahoma State Auxiliary President. She was also a member of the Elks Lodge of Wagoner. Her involvement in these organizations reflected her love of people and serving her community.

Barbara never met a stranger and was truly the life of any party. She loved to crochet, play shuffleboard, dance, and sing karaoke. She especially cherished spending time with her great-grandchildren, creating memories that they will carry with them for years to come. There was rarely a time when Barbara was without a cup of coffee in her hand, and she had a gift for turning even an ordinary day into an adventure—sometimes even when the adventure didn't start out that way. She was known for her cooking, especially her famous “Indian dressing,” as she called it. Her recipe had a little bit of everything thrown in—even pickles—and somehow it always became something special for the holidays. Barbara often made Indian tacos for fundraisers and dinners, bringing people together around good food, laughter, and fellowship.

Barbara's greatest gift was the joy she brought into the lives of others—a true light to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a big personality, a generous heart, and a way of making people feel welcome. As her health began to fail, she passed from this life on September 22, 2026, at the age of 69 years old. Her laughter and unmistakable spirit will be deeply missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer George Drake and Ruth May Gritts, her uncle, Henry Lee Doublehead, her aunt, Wegi Holt, cousins, Martha Crittenden, Dude Holt, Rosie Thomas, and Bobby Shade.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Bill Sipes and son, William Garrett Clayton, both of the home, and two daughters, Shanesta Garcia and husband Matthias of Tahlequah, OK and Crystal Fentress and husband Eric of Sallisaw, OK, as well as one special sister, Patty Smith of Park Hill, OK. Her legacy lives on through her seven grandchildren, Taylor Turner and husband Brandon of Stilwell, OK, Justin Fentress of Tahlequah, OK, Hannah Fentress of Sallisaw, OK, Blain Fentress of Hackett, OK, Christain Brackett of Wagoner, OK, Jonathan Brix and fiancé Jasmine Wragg of Fort Smith, AR, and Ashley Brix of Tahlequah, OK, and two bonus grandchildren, Sheldon Cannon and wife Jackie of Tulsa, OK and Sky Blue Chambers of Florida. She also leaves four great-grandchildren, Draven Turner, Dean Turner, EJ Fentress-Artis, and Elias Fentress-Aris, five bonus great-grandchildren, Aris Reed, Teagan Cannon, Emmitt Cannon, Zoey Cannon, and Sophia Cannon, along with one more great-grandson on the way, numerous friends and loved ones.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. Funeral services for Barbara take place the following day, September 28, 2026, at 2:00pm at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor DJ McCarter officiating. She will be laid to rest at Tahlequah City Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Craig Brown, Bud Yochum, Jeremiah Brackett, Eric Fentress, Brandon Turner, and Steven Shade, with honorary pallbearers Matthias Garcia, Jonathan Brix, Ashley Brix, Jeff Johnson, Christain Brackett, Justin Fentress, Garrett Clayton, and Frankie Dreadfulwater.