Monta Lou Gifford

On July 20, 2018, Monta Lou Kelley Gifford is at peace in her Heavenly home. Monta Lou was born in Ringling, Oklahoma on September 11, 1930 to Edythe Helm Kelley and Lloyd W Kelley. She attended school in Healdton and graduated from Dundee High School as Outstanding Senior Girl. She attended Oklahoma State University in the School of Intensive Business and was a member of the Presidents Honor Roll. She was employed by Standard Oil Company of Indiana in its Stanolind Pipe Line Company Division in Healdton and Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. She met and married Walter N. Gifford while employed there. After marriage, she made her home in Ada, Oklahoma. She was a store manager for Mr. J's and TAS, both ladies clothing boutiques. She also worked as fashion coordinator for The Clothes Corner with her good friends LelaBelle O'Neal and Pat Younger. She later owned "Monta Lou's," another ladies clothing boutique. After living near her daughter and grandchildren in Gainesville, Georgia, she moved to Ardmore and owned Beads Plus, a fashion jewelry boutique. Fashion and jewelry were her passion and continued to be until her death. She loved being a responsible wife, mother, daughter, and grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her work was also her hobby and she truly loved what she did. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ada, Oklahoma. She had one daughter, Missy Lou Gifford Kaiser, who she said was "perfect and was her greatest accomplishment. Missy lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Monta Lou was preceded in death by her wonderful mother and two precious grandchildren who were her cherished gifts, Kelli Lou, her namesake, and Corey Edward. Survivors are her daughter, her son in law, Ed Kaiser, Oklahoma City, and beloved grandson Matthew Chase, Chicago. Her brothers, Kenneth W. Barbour and wife Linda, Waurika, Oklahoma, Don W (Butch) Barbour and wife Karen, Healdton, Oklahoma, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. She retired and moved to Oklahoma City in 2009 to be near her daughter and family and lived there until her death. A private burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery near her grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at the nursing home. The gift of peace given to us by your loving care can never be repaid.