Sophie Burgess

Sophie Cruzita Panana Burgess died on Sept. 24, 2025, in Oklahoma City. She was born Feb, 25, 1941, in Jemez Pueblo, N.M.

Sophie attended Jemez Springs High School where she graduated May 28, 1963. She lived in California and New Mexico before moving to Kingfisher in 1975.

She started working at Concho Head Start with little children and, in 1991, Sophie became a houseparent at the Youth Shelter in Concho.

Thirty-two years later she witnessed the opening of the new youth shelter, where she continued to care for children until her death. She is survived by a sister, Cresencia Gachupin; adopted brother, Gerald Panana; children, Joan Scott and Matthew Allen Panana; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Her funeral was held on Sept. 29 at the Concho Emergency Response Center with Revs. Gerald Panana and Waylan Upchego officiating.

Sophie was buried in the Concho Cemetery under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home.