Published: October 29, 2009 10:32 am      

Winna Jeanne Bates Loftin

Winna Jeanne Bates Loftin, 82, known throughout her life as Jeanne, died early Tuesday morning, October 27, 2009 at Grace Living Center, Bethany, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mrs. Loftin was born in Stigler, Okla., on September 10, 1927. She was one of four children born to Elzie J. Bates and Mae Bates.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother Leon Bates, a sister Louise Bates Willins and her husband, Don W. Loftin.

She is survived by her sister, Mildred and husband Robert Shultz; brother, Gene Clifton Bates; her daughters, Loti Coffey and Leslie and husband Steve Phillips; her sons, Jim Loftin and Don and wife Kay Loftin; grandchildren: Allison Lowe and Nick and Kristin Lowe, Shawn Coffey, Trey and David Loftin, and Michael, Joshua and Andrew Phillips.

Mrs. Loftin graduated from Oklahoma A&M University with a degree in teaching in 1949. She went on to teach only a short time before she married Mr. Loftin.

Early in their marriage, the couple lived in Pauls Valley. Her husband Don was descended from both the Bond and Loftin families of Pauls Valley.

Through the years, she was a substitute teacher and devoted wife and mother of four children. She loved reading, music, her pets and spending time with her family. Most of all, Jeanne will be remembered by family and friends for her loving, gentle spirit and boundless patience.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Grace Living Center and Crossroads Hospice for their attentive and devoted care to Mrs. Loftin especially during her final days.

Services will be held at the Stufflebean Chapel of Remembrance at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2009, officiated by Pastor John DeVere. Burial will follow at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Professional services are under the direction of the Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home in Pauls Valley.

Friends may visit with family prior to the service at 1 p.m. at Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home or at a reception following at the Comfort Inn.

Memorials may be made to one of the following charities: Alzheimer’s Association http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp; the National Autism Association at www.nationalautismassociation.org; or The Children’s Center in Bethany, www.thechildrens-center.org.

Notes of Remembrance and/or Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stufflebeanfuneralhome.com.