Kay Tatum

Kay Tatum, 67, of Copan, died Tuesday in Bartlesville. Kay was born the daughter of Elmer and Martha (Coffey) Miller on May 14, 1947, in Coffeyville, KS. The family moved to Lenapah, OK, before settling in Delaware where Kay graduated from Delaware High School in 1965. She then attended beauty college in Collinsville. During this time she met Leon Tatum and, in Leon’s words, he finally convinced her to marry him on Dec. 1, 1970, in Drumright, OK. The couple made their home in Nowata. Leon worked construction and Kay would travel with him wherever he was working. In 1973 they moved to Bartlesville where they lived for 18 years, then Ochelata for seven years, and finally settling in Copan for the past 18 years. Once their youngest child Sheila went to school, Kay started her 15 year career with Wal-Mart in Bartlesville. Kay was accomplished in the homemaking arts and for many years, Leon and the boys only wore homemade shirts. Her hobbies included cake decorating, crossword puzzles and baking treats for family and friends. Kay and Leon liked to ride motorcycles and take weekend trips. She loved her grandkids and spending time with them. In Leon’s words Kay was “a good homemaker, a loving wife and mother, the best he could hope for.” Kay is survived by her husband Leon Tatum of the home; children Gary Tatum and Julie of Collinsville, Sheila Danitz and Michael of Menasha, WI; one brother Jack Miller of Delaware; two sisters Penny King and Sewell, and Shirley King and Gene, all of Wann; 11 grandchildren Brad Tatum, C.J. Bolin, Wyatt Bolin, Brittany Tatum, Kelly Reagan, Kelsie Tatum, Whitney Brannan, Courtney Tatum, Trestin Tatum, Garrett Tatum and Darian Danitz; several great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kay is preceded in death by her parents, one daughter Rhonda Kay Tatum, one son Scott Tatum, one brother Dick Miller and three sisters Joy Proctor, Marie King and Connie King. Kay’s family will receive friends at the Davis Family Funeral Home, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey, on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 6-8 p.m. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, February 6, at the Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery, with Pastor Jimmy Harrington of Ridin' for the Brand Cowboy Church in Wann, Oklahoma officiating. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home.

Kay Tatum

May 14, 1947 - February 3, 2015