Retha Rae Spoon, 88 of Borger, Texas, slipped into the arms of Jesus in the early hours of November 20, 2024. Since that day, Retha has not had a bad day or a fall. She’s in perfect health every day and is finally home! As she would tell you if she were here though, she is “forever 16!” Retha was born on August 22, 1936, to Mavis Jones and Les (M.L.) Crain, in the mountains of southeast Oklahoma near Poteau. Her husband of 39 years, Robert Spoon, along with her parents, three brothers, Wilmer, Clide, and Bill, and daughter-in-law, Vickie Spoon, preceded her in death.
Retha is survived by three children: Deborah Newlon and husband Paul of Yukon, Oklahoma; Gerald Spoon and wife Kaylan of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Darrell Spoon and wife Betty of Borger, Texas; ten grandchildren: Steve Newlon and wife Jessica; Jason Newlon and wife Becki; Jeana Lovelace and husband Nick; Misty White and husband Scott; Christi Smith and husband Gary; Robert Spoon and wife Lucy; Bridgette Gaddis and husband Blake; Samantha Spoon; Demetria Meyer, and April Rodgers and husband Robert. She is also survived by 23 great grandchildren, six great, great grandchildren, two sisters-in law, Lillian Crain and Ruth Spoon, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends, and her constant companion these past few years, her poodle, Dottie.
Retha’s early years were spent in the small town of Bokchita, Oklahoma, where she attended school and met the love of her life, Robert (Bobby) Bruce Spoon. As with many Oklahomans, they migrated to Borger, Texas, to work at Phillips Refinery. Retha and Bobby were married on September 25, 1952, in Borger, Texas. Bobby was drafted into the Army and was sent to Chicago for culinary training and then stationed in Colorado Springs where their first child (a daughter) was born. After his term of service, they returned to Borger where their two sons completed the Spoon family. They lived there until 1984 when they were transferred to Kenniwick, Washington, after the Borger plant closed. They lived there until Bobby’s untimely death on October 31, 1991. Retha moved back to Borger where she lived until her battle with dementia and failing health set in.
Few people ever realized that Retha only had an eight-grade education. While it bothered her, it also motivated her to strive for excellence in everything she did down through the years. Her daughter-in-law, Kaylan, described her as “classy and sassy” which is a very fitting description of who Retha became. She mastered skill after skill and did it all with excellence and a high level of energy. She sewed and upholstered furniture, she painted portraits and landscapes, she baked and decorated cakes. She graced the bridal tables for many couples with her beautifully decorated wedding cakes. She enrolled in art classes to develop her skills and won several ribbons for her paintings and sold many of those.
Retha’s children (and several of her grandchildren) were always in style with her ability to sew and were usually clothed in her creations instead of store-bought clothing. Debbie remembers seeing her dream dress for prom in a store window. Her mother studied it and then went home and made it herself. The boys recall her making their shirts and pants as well!
The family loved the outdoors, and camping and boating was a big part of their vacations and travels. The started camping in a tent, then graduated to a camper on the truck, then a trailer, and finally to an RV. Those experiences bonded the family and created some special memories. Retha and Bobby even took up snow skiing in their 50s! They never backed down from a challenge.
Retha’s love for God shaped her entire life. Church and music were a key part of her life. She loved to sing and used that talent in trios, quartets, and on the praise and worship team at church. Her favorite music was Southern Gospel. No matter where they lived, their home was always a central gathering place for Retha’s famous cooking and hospitality. She loved to cook for family gatherings and company and became renowned for her scalloped potatoes and homemade cakes.
Hospitality was one of Retha’s strongest gifts and it led her to serve as the Hospitality Coordinator for her church in Borger, Texas. As part of that position, she decorated for events, conferences, and special occasions. Her thirst for the knowledge of God and a deeper relationship with Him motivated her to attend countless retreats, conferences, and Bible studies, especially after Bobby’s passing. It also led her to travel to the Holy Land on a dream trip with her sister-in-law.
The family would like to thank Debbie and Paul Newlon for taking such good care of Retha over the past few years in their home when it became impossible for her to live alone. Thanks to Darrel and Gerald for watching over Retha while Debbie and Paul needed to be away, and for maintaining her home in Borger, Texas, while she was in Oklahoma City. They would also like to acknowledge the excellent services of Cura Hospice for their assistance over the last few weeks. Debbie and Paul want to express their gratitude to their home church, Compassion OKC, for their kindness and support during this journey.
The family will receive friends from the Oklahoma City area on Tuesday evening, December 3, from 5-8 pm at Buchanan Funeral Home, 8712 N Council Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73132. (Viewing will be open from 1-8 pm.). Interment will be held the next day, December 4, at 2 pm at the Bokchito Cemetery in Bokchito, Oklahoma. A celebration of life will be held for Retha on Saturday, December 7th at 2pm at Word of Life Church, located at 415 Gardner St. Borger, TX 79007 (please note, the name on the outside of the building is Faith Christian Fellowhsip).
