Graveside Memorial:

Friday, August 7th
10:00 am at Gage Cemetery

Reta Ann (Holt) Fessler, formerly of Gage Oklahoma, passed from this life July 27, 2015 in her home in Lewisville, Texas. Reta was born August 1, 1940 in Woodward to Sam and Sara Holt. She attended Gage schools all her life and graduated from Gage High School in 1958. Later in life, Reta attended Oklahoma State Technical College in Okmulgee where she received an Associates degree in 1986. Reta continued her education at the North Texas University in Denton, Texas were she earned her Bachelor's of Fine Arts.

Reta carried many occupations which included telephone operator, homemaker, nurse, bookkeeper, factory worker, and commercial artist. Her wit, sense of irony, and strong work ethic made her a valued coworker to all. The professional friendships she made lasted for years after she or her friends changed companies. She made friends for keeps.

Reta enjoyed many hobbies. She coached the Shattuck girls' softball team, and as an adult played basketball and softball in Shattuck Oklahoma. Reta enjoyed painting, solving challenging jigsaw puzzles, and drawing residential floor plans and after she raised her kids she went back to school and made art her career. Reta's commercial art portfolio was awarded a bronze metal by the Tulsa Art Directors Association at Graphix 18.

Reta cared very deeply for her immediate and extended family. Her father, Sam, mother, Sara and older sister, RaeDean, played significant roles throughout her life. She always made sure to keep in contact, speak with them, and keep them in her life even after she moved hours away to Texas. Reta also loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and their children whom called her by her nickname "Big Sissy".

Reta was preceded in death by her parents Sam and Sara Holt; brother Jack Holt and wife Betty; sister ReaDean Hamaker and husband Harold; and nephew Clyde Holt.

Left to carry on Reta's legacy are her two sons Ray Blakley of Carrollton, TX, Ralph Blakley and wife Vicki of Plano, TX; daughter Deana Fessler of Gage, OK; brother Bud Holt and wife Evelyn of Gage, OK; two grandsons Nick Blakley and wife Maddie, Logan Lalicker; granddaughter Jessie Lalicker, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.