Bobby Sue Hardisty

Bobby Sue Hardisty, born June 14, 1926, in Stratford, Oklahoma, to Robert Emanuel Hottel and Julia Dulworth Hottel, passed away on March 14, 2026. She grew up on the family farm northeast of Davis, Oklahoma, alongside her brothers and sisters, enjoying a carefree childhood. After graduating from Davis High School in 1944, she attended Durham’s Business College in Fort Worth, Texas, and began a long career with Southwestern Bell as a switchboard operator. Her dedication led to promotions in Arlington, Ardmore, Madill, and Durant, where she served as Chief Operator.

In 1953, Sue married the love of her life, Clyde Hardisty, an educator at Davis High School. Together they raised two children, Robert Mark Hardisty and Ruth Ann Wakefield. The couple moved to Norman, Oklahoma, in 1959, where Sue continued working for Southwestern Bell until her retirement in 1983. Deeply involved in their church community, Sue and Clyde were active members of the Westside Church of Christ. She served faithfully in women’s ministry, provided meals for funerals, visited the sick, taught the three-year-old Bible class for many years, and served as church secretary.

Sue had a quiet strength and many talents. She was an avid reader, especially of poetry, and faithfully read the Wall Street Journal each week. She loved children and cherished time with her grandchildren. A gifted homemaker, she created beautiful living spaces, prepared wonderful meals and desserts, and was known for her exceptional fried okra. For 65 years she lived in the same home, surrounding it each year with vibrant flowers.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Clyde; her parents; and siblings Rex, Charles, Peggy, Sally, and Doris; brother-in-law Bill; and sister-in-law Estella. She is survived by her brother Bruce; sister-in-law Carol; brothers-in-law Roy and Bob; her son Mark and his wife Jade; her daughter Ruth Ann and her husband Jerry; grandchildren Joshua and Ashley, Bobby and Yuji, Peter and Brittley, Whitney, Bryce and Sandra, and Kali and Austin; great-grandchildren Sanibel, Kai, Evelyn, and Emilia, and one expected in August; and many beloved nieces and nephews.