Connie Grimes

Connie Grimes, 87, of Dewey, died Wednesday in Bartlesville. Conita Mae Higginbotham - or Connie as she was known - was born the daughter of Con and Vina (Conwell) Higginbotham on Sept. 20, 1931, in Iola, KS. She was raised in Iola and participated in cheerleading, choir, 4-H and drama, graduating from Iola High School In 1949. Connie attended one year at Iola Junior College before moving to Bartlesville to work at Phillips Petroleum Co. Connie loved to sing and was on the Phillips Water Ballet team. On Sept. 13, 1951, Connie had just finished singing jazz at a local club before heading over to a dance at the YMCA where she met Bill who was stationed in Bartlesville with the Air Force. They quickly fell in love and married on Jan. 6, 1952, and made their home in Bartlesville. Once the kids were older Connie started work with the Bartlesville Public Schools in the cafeteria, retiring after 10 plus years of service. Once retired Bill and Connie moved over to Grand Lake where they enjoyed entertaining the grandchildren and wintered in Port Isabel, TX. In 2009 they moved back to Dewey. Connie loved animals and always had dogs which she loved to train and show. One special golden retriever, April, won Grand Champion in obedience and confirmation. Connie loved her family, supporting her children and grandchildren in their many activities over the years, and they loved her dearly. Connie is survived by her two children Cynthia Lynn Blake and Brent of Lenexa, KS, and Mike Grimes and Robi of Wann; one brother Steven Higginbotham of Bartlesville; two sisters, Billie Frame of Bartlesville, and Linda Guenther and Melvin of Iola; six grandchildren Stacy Miller and Aaron, Tiffany Arnold and Rusty, Abbey Grimes, Carter Grimes, McKinley Grimes and Laura Davito; six great grandchildren Olivia, Kennedy, Blake, Avery Grace, Beck and Vera; and nieces Debbie, Chris, Cathy, Kelley and Sherri. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 63 years, Bill. Connie’s family will receive friends at the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey, on Sunday, Oct. 7, from 3-5. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Washington County SPCA, 16620 Hwy 123, Bartlesville, OK 74003. Funeral services will take place Monday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. at the Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel, with Chaplin Jsue Wagner officiating. Interment will follow in the Dewey Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Connie Grimes

September 20, 1931 - October 3, 2018