Leota Meyers

Leota Max Meyers of Kingfisher passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Sept. 20, 2025.

She was born on Aug. 8, 1933, in Marland to Dell Lee and Tillie Reetta Freeman Sanders.

Leota’s life was a testament to hard work, dedication and a deep love for her family and community.

Leota grew up on the farm in Marland and attended Marland Public Schools, where she graduated as valedictorian in 1951.

She was an exceptional athlete and played a key role in her high school’s state basketball championship win in 1951.

Her talent did not go unnoticed and she was invited to join the pioneering All-American Red Heads, a professional women’s basketball team. However, her strong family ties, particularly her mother’s wishes, led her to forgo this opportunity.

In 1952, Leota began a long and successful career at Southwestern Bell, starting out as an operator and working her way up to engineer.

After 48 years of service, she concluded her career with a perfect attendance record. She retired with pride and dedication, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and commitment.

Her professional life was marked not only by her loyalty and work ethic, but also by her pursuit of further education. She earned an associate of science degree from Tulsa Junior College in 1984, a bachelor of business administration from Langston University in 1987 and a master of business administration from California Coast University in 1991.

Leota’s life was not just about work and achievements — she found lasting love when she married Calvin Frank Meyers on Dec. 22, 1976. Together, they enjoyed many years of happiness.

Leota was deeply devoted to her family and friends and cherished the relationships she built throughout her life.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Kingfisher and the Kingfisher Elks Lodge.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Calvin, her brothers Bob Willingham and Dell “Rusty” Sanders Jr., her brothers-in-law Alan Jefferson and Charles Bamberg and her niece Cynthia Jefferson.

She is survived by her sisters Bonnie Bamberg of Kingfisher and Shirley Jefferson of Lowell, Ark.; nieces Lori Jech of Wichita Falls, Texas, Nicole Copeland and husband Stephen of Mustang, Stephanie Cline of Lowell, Ark.; nephews Chad Sanders and wife Shelley of Kingfisher, Mike Sanders and wife Nellie of Kingfisher, Chris Sanders and partner Mike Millsap, of Tulsa, Tom Jefferson of Lowell, Ark., Robert Willingham and wife Sheryl of Edmond, Richard Willingham and wife Sandy of Oklahoma City; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews as well as many others who loved her dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at Sanders Funeral Service Chapel with burial to follow at Kingfisher Cemetery.