Flora Ruth Sweeten, born November 22, 1943, passed away at the  age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of faith, dedication, and deep love for her family.

Flo was born in Durant, Ok, and was raised in Gene Autry, Oklahoma, a place she always proudly called home.  A lifelong member of the Gene Autry Methodist Church, she served faithfully for many years, giving her time, talents, and heart to the church she loved.  She deeply cherished her church family, who brought her joy and companionship throughout her life.

A woman of intelligence and determination, Flo earned a master's degree in education and devoted her professional life to teaching as a high school math teacher.  While she taught, her husband Elvin served as a girls basketball coach and together they moved to various schools throughout her teaching career building lasting friendships in every community they called home.

Flo completed her student teaching at Tishomingo High School.  Her teaching career began at Moore High School, then on to Atoka Public Schools and Dickson schools before moving to Zuni, New Mexico to teach on the Zuni Indian Reservation where she and Elvin spent two years teaching - an experience that she valued deeply.  They later moved to Wagoner, OK before settling in Healdton where Flo retired after 30 years of dedicated service in education.

In addition to teaching, Flo was a successful businesswoman.  She owned and operated "The Video Corner" in Healdton and later ran "The Blue Rooster" gift shop in the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum, where she delighted in sharing her love of unique treasures with the community.

On July 31, 1964, Flo married Elvin Ray Sweeten, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.  She was a devoted mother to her son, Gregg Ray Sweeten, who she was extremely proud of and loved with all her being.  She often bragged about his academic and  athletic abilities.  She was a proud grandmother to Payton and Chance and great grandson, Captain, who brought her immense joy!  She loved following the boys sporting events and livestock shows.  If she saw them at the barn working with the calves she would always come to watch and visit.

Flo was known for her warm smile, constant happiness, and attention to detail. She kept a meticulous house, a reflection of her discipline, pride, and care for her family.  She collected American Fostoria glassware, loved the color red, enjoyed decorating with roosters and hearts, and took great delight in growing Iris' in every color.  Christmas at her home was always special, as she loved to set a beautiful table and was an amazing cook, creating memories and traditions that her family will cherish forever - simple joys that reflected her vibrant personality and the love she shared so freely.

Flo was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Alton Nelson and Elvia Lorenda Heard Nelson, and her sister, Mary Ethelyn Naylor.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Elvin Ray Sweeten;  her Son, Gregg Ray Sweeten and Daughter-in-Law,  Carrie, her grandson Payton Sweeten and girlfriend Jordyn, grandson Chance Sweeten and wife Payton Leigh and Great grandson, Captain Sweeten.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, JW Naylor and wife Thelma, Nephew Grant Naylor and wife Brandy, great nephew Ian Naylor and wife Kasee and their sons Emerson and Everett and Great nephew Dru Naylor as well as numerous cousins, friends, and extended family.

Flo will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her kindness, her strength, and her joyful spirit.   Her life was a blessing to all who knew her, and her memory will continue to live on through the family she adored, the church family she cherished, the students she inspired, and the communities she served through her businesses and her generous heart.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, January 19th at 2:00 p.m. at the Craddock Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Craddock Funeral Home.