Robbie J Gaither, age 87, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Mercy Hospice in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Robbie was born on April 20, 1935 to Levi and Mary Couch in the Tarby area of Poteau, Oklahoma. Robbie was “the baby” of 4 children: Irene Couch Percifield, Ruth Couch Jenkins, and Othel Couch. She lived her childhood in the Witteville area of Poteau.
Robbie is survived by one daughter, Karen Gaither Robbins and Jared Switzner of Poteau; one grandson, Zaven Isa and Corbin Harris of Edmond, Oklahoma, one granddaughter, Gabrielle Robbins of Poteau. Three great grandchildren: Zalie Isa of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; Zander Isa and Zarrah Isa of Edmond, Oklahoma; several nieces and nephews and many, many friends and loved ones. Also, the true love of her life, Lucy, her little dog!
Robbie is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, two sons, Glenn Gaither and infant son Baby Joe Gaither; as well as her parents, sister Irene and brother Othel.
Robbie was a homemaker and lifelong Potonian. She married Kenneth Ray Gaither on August 11, 1953. She attended and graduated Poteau Community College, attending evening classes so she could attend to her homemaking duties during the day. Upon her husbands’ death, Robbie became a very savvy business woman revered by all professionals with whom she had to conduct business.
Robbie was an avid reader. She would often times say if she had nothing else to read she would read the phone book or dictionary!! She loved her family and friends fiercely. She enjoyed the horse races in Hot Springs with Kenneth and her girlfriends, gardening, and watching and learning from all living creatures. She was never bored and could not comprehend that anyone could ever be bored with so much life to live!!
The Family will visit with friends and loved ones on Wednesday evening, 4:30pm – 7:30 pm at Grace Funeral Service in Poteau. Graveside service will be Thursday, April 28 at 2 pm at the Oakland Cemetery in Poteau with Phil McGehee officiating.
Pall bearers will be Jared Switzner, Nick Wade, Jason Avaritt, Brian Hooper, Jim Luman, Jeff Luman, and Barbara Luman Snyder. Honorary pall bearers will be Zaven Isa and Dewey Gaither.