Thelma Christine Graybill Broadbent

Thelma Christine Broadbent was born September 3, 1929, to John Boone Graybill and Grace Elmina Vernon Graybill at the family home south of Leedey. She was the youngest of nine children and was affectionately called "Kitten" by her family. She departed this life on November 27, 2012, at the age of 83 years, two months, and twenty-four days.

Christine grew up in the Leedey community and graduated from Leedey High School in 1947. She attended Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) at Stillwater and Southwestern State College at Weatherford.

On November 4, 1948, Christine and Arthur Howard Broadbent were united in marriage at Cheyenne, Oklahoma. Three children were born to this union.

Christine and Howard lived on their land in Roger Mills county all their married lives, building a successful farming and ranching operation. Christine was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. From a young age, she cared for her mother who was blind. Christine lovingly supported her family and friends in their endeavors, always lending a helping hand. She was noted for her hospitality and talents as a seamstress and cook. She established a catering and baking business, catering weddings and making specially designed and beautifully decorated birthday cakes. For several weddings, she made the cake, decorated the church and serving tables, and made the bride's and bridesmaids' dresses. Her family has been gratified by the stories shared about the times that Christine made a special day extra-special. Christine wrote thoughtful, beautiful letters, keeping her family and friends connected. When her children were away from home at college or in the military, they received a letter nearly every day. She thoughtfully gave "The Cheyenne Star" as Christmas and birthday gifts to family and friends who had moved away. Several have related to Christine's children that they still have the beautiful cards and letters she wrote. Her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor are remembered by many.

Christine was preceded in death by her husband Howard on May 7, 1997, after he suffered an extended illness during which Christine lovingly cared for him in the home they had shared for 48 years. Christine was also preceded in death by her parents and all of her eight brothers and sisters, four sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law: Alvin and Maurine Graybill, Otha and Rita Graybill, Nolan and Evelyn Graybill, Willie Graybill, LeDon and Doris Graybill, Dale Graybill, Bonnie Graybill, and Imogene and Cecil Rounds. She is survived by her daughter Suzanne Elmina Broadbent of Oklahoma City; her son and daughter-in-law, Russell Vivan and Karen Broadbent of Calumet; her son and daughter-in-law, Richard Louis and Vickie Broadbent of Leedey; four grandchildren, Derek Broadbent, Kandra Little, Sabrina Bergdall, and Shane Broadbent; five great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law, Naomi Graybill, Ruthe Broadbent Kendall, Ruby Broadbent Martin, and Lola Broadbent ; her brother-in-law and sister-in- law, Billy and Leah Broadbent; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jay and Pat Broadbent; a host of nephews and nieces; and many friends.