Bessie Louise (Hathcoat) Searles was born on January 15, 1938, in Howe, Oklahoma to James Roy and Dessie Mae (Parker) Hathcoat. She departed this life on April 15, 2026, in Poteau, Oklahoma at the age of 88.
Bessie Louise attended Howe Public Schools, Graduating with the class of 1956. She obtained her Associates of Arts Degree from CAJC in 1972. Louise was one of the original waitresses at the Black Angus Restaurant, Secretary for the Kibois Community Action Foundation, ASCS Clerk and Secretary for Soil Conservation Service. She worked several jobs before moving to Kentucky in 1984 where she retired as secretary from St. Elizabeth Hospital, Edgewood, Kentucky.
She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Libby) Schmitz of Poteau, Oklahoma, her daughter in law, Aracely Davis of Tulsa, Oklahoma, her granddaughters, Abigail Schmitz of Poteau, Oklahoma, Sharolyn Bravo of Tulsa Oklahoma and Aracely Ortiz of
Tulsa, Oklahoma; great granddaughter, Azariah Bravo of Tulsa, Oklahoma, great-grandsons, Anthony Edwin Vancepreghy of Poteau, Oklahoma and Tony Bravo of Tulsa, Oklahoma along with many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Richard (Dick) Searles, son, Doyle Wayne Davis, daughter, Debra Louise Davis and her sister, Anna DeLois Harris.
The Celebration of Life Services for Louise Searles will be held 11am – Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at The First Baptist Church in Poteau, Oklahoma with Brother Keith Ingram officiating. Burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, Oklahoma. The Family of Louise will greet friends from 5pm – 7pm on Monday, April 20, 2026, at The Cedars on Dewey 520 Dewey Avenue, Poteau, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be Bill Thomas, Thomas Pate, Johnny Harris, Frank Harris, Larry Harris, and Honorary Pallbearers, Art Drury and Steve Schmitz
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com
“Through Love, Serve One Another”
The Family of Louise Searles has entrusted her arrangements to Holt Funeral and Cremation, 522 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953, (918) 721-0026. Poteau’s Only 100% Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home – Our Family, Loving Your Family Through
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