Delores Utter

BENJAMIN FUNERAL SERVICE NOWATA, OKLAHOMA 918-273-2700....

Delores Ella Utter, 86, a longtime resident of Nowata, passed from life on May 28, 2021, with family members by her side.

Delores was born on February 23, 1935 in Stratton Nebraska, to Francis Marion Baumfalk and Ella Gladys (Foster) Baumfalk. She was born and raised on a Farm/Ranch north of Stratton.

Delores began school in a one room country school and stayed there through the eighth grade. She was taught music composition and took piano lessons from a country master. She became very adept at playing the piano, playing hymnals and popular music for her family and friends. She graduated with honors from both Stratton High School then McCook Nebraska Jr. College, where she studied shorthand, math and business ethics. With college behind her, she and her little sister Darlene moved to Denver Colorado where she worked as a secretary at GMAC.

While working at GMAC, she met and fell in love with the luckiest guy in the world. She and James “Ross” Utter were married in Stratton Nebraska on August 5, 1956. When her first daughter Julie Ann was born, she resigned from GMAC and became a full-time housewife and the ultimate mother. She continued this role as more children were added to the family, Kelly Rae, Gregory Clay and Steven Ross. Delores, Ross and the kids moved from Denver to Nowata Oklahoma in 1974. Ross was born and raised in Nowata, graduating from Nowata High School in 1950.

Shortly after moving to Nowata, with all the children in Nowata schools, Ross continued his daily work in the construction industry, and Delores took a job at the local Nowata Westco Home Furnishings and Jewelry store. She spent most of her time in the jewelry department. Over the years she sold many engagement rings to a great number of Brides and Grooms. After many years, she left Westco and went to work as a teller for Victory National Bank which later became Arvest Bank, she retired from Arvest Bank.

In all of her endeavors, Delores was a “people person,” making friends and acquaintances wherever she went, always lending an ear and friendly advice to their trials, tribulations and joys, never shying away from a quick hi, or a longer “hello, how are you doing.” She had a quick wit and a friendly smile that she shared with all she knew. She will be missed by all who had the great pleasure of knowing her.

Delores loved the game of golf, she played for many years after work with husband Ross and on the weekly women's league. Ross and Delores were long time members of the Nowata Country Club. She loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and just being with nature. She loved to sit with lantern light, catching crappie with Ross and the kids, as well, she was just as happy running a trot-line with Ross, catching catfish. She enjoyed weekend camping trips in the Colorado Rockies with the family, whether it was a tent, or a pop-up camper, she always made it feel like home.

As a mother and housewife, Delores became an accomplished seamstress, making dresses for her young daughters Julie and Kelly, as well she sewed many tiny outfits for the little dolls that were cherished by the girls. Of course, mending rips and tears in Greg and Steve’s clothes was a daily task that she relished.

To say that Delores had a passion for her family doesn’t fully convey her Love, compassion and caring nature for her children and husband Ross. Always, within the home there was the conviction and faith for the Love of God. She regularly attended Hillside Christian Church and the Living Word Church. In all, and without pause, no Child or Husband had a better wife and mother. As a Homemaker, she kept the wheels turning day in and day out. There was never a minute where a treat or a snack, or a delicious meal wasn’t ready. It was in Denver that she met and married her husband of over 60 years, James Ross Utter. Together, they had four children – Julie, Kelly, Greg and Steve.

Delores is preceded in death by her parents, Ella Baumfalk and Francis Baumfalk, her youngest son Steven Ross Utter.

She is survived by her husband James “Ross” Utter of Nowata Oklahoma, children; Julie Ann (Utter) Bumblis and husband Fred of Mustang Oklahoma, Kelly Rae (Utter) Crittenden of Tahlequah Oklahoma, Gregory Clay Utter and wife Cary of Irving Texas. Grandchildren; Michael Ross Dunn and partner Erin McConnell of Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Nicholas “Nick” Ryan Crittenden and wife Tailor of Tahlequah Oklahoma, Connor Ray Crittenden and partner JoEllen Spencer of Tahlequah Oklahoma, Bryce Campell Utter of Irving Texas and Avery Michelle Utter of Irving Texas. Great Grandchildren; Rigby, Hadleigh and Ryker of Tahlequah Oklahoma. Sisters; Darlene Frances (Baumfalk) Mathews and husband Willard “Willie” Frankie Mathews of Sun City West Arizona, Carol Elaine (Baumfalk) Neumann and husband (deceased) William “Billy” Richard Neumann of Vero Beach Florida. Brother; Dennis Lynn Baumfalk and wife Kathleen “Kathy” Mary of Arvada Colorado. There are also many surviving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 3, 2021, at the  Benjamin Funeral Chapel in  Nowata, OK, with Pastor Bobby Pringle officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Benjamin Funeral Service. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or Benjamin Funeral Service’s Facebook page.

In lieu of Flowers or Gifts, please make a donation to:

The Journey Home – Bartlesville, Oklahoma

900 NE Washington Blvd,

Bartlesville, OK 74006 -

(918) 876-4184

www.thejourneyhomeok.org