Norma Pitchford

Norma Scantling Pitchford was born in Heavener, Oklahoma on November 17, 1938, to Edgar and Corine Scantling and passed away on November 11, 2026, at the age of 87. She was a proud graduate of Heavener High School, Class of 1957, where she served as Senior Class President. Norma married her high school sweetheart, LK, on June 1, 1958, at the First Baptist Church in Heavener. They shared almost 65 years of a marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventures. She especially enjoyed trips to the beach with LK and her family, as well as exploring the beautiful landscapes of Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

Upon graduating from high school, Norma attended Draughon Business School in Oklahoma City and received Professional Secretary Certification. After marriage, she and LK made their home in the Oklahoma City/Moore area where she worked at Tinker Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration. After LK’s retirement in 2001, they moved to Poteau. In 2002, at age 64, she began a new career as a receptionist at her son-in-law’s medical practice, Dewey Medical Center. She had never worked with computers, but quickly learned. She remained in this position for almost 18 years, retiring at age 81. She loved the patients and her co-workers, building lasting relationships with many of them.

Norma was famous for making the BEST fudge! Her family, coworkers, and even her children's coworkers eagerly anticipated the holidays, knowing that Norma would share her homemade fudge with them. Norma's greatest legacy is the family she loved so dearly and the memories she created with them.

Norma was the best mom in the world to Sheri and Janie and became the best mother-in-law to Dennis and Scott, who she treated as her own. The pride and joy of her heart were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. LK and her family were everything to her.

Norma is survived by:

Two daughters: Sheri and Dennis Carter, Ft. Smith, Arkansas; Janie and Scott Hairrell, Heavener, Oklahoma

Four grandchildren: Amy and Brock Wilson, Jon and Halsey Hairrell, Sara Carter, and Wade Hairrell

Great-grandchildren: Carter, Tucker, Brady, and Grant Wilson; Lottie, Elisabeth, and Emilia Hairrell

One sister: Reba Chronister, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

One brother-in-law: Bill and Lynne Pitchford, Heavener, Oklahoma

Two sisters-in-law: Rachel Scantling, Heavener, Oklahoma and Pat Pitchford, Bossier City, Louisiana

Numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends

Norma is preceded in death by her husband LK; her parents; four brothers Glen, Leonard, Sokie, and Douglas Scantling; two sisters Fern Turner and Velma Benefield; and two sisters-in-law, Lavell Scantling and Tommye Scantling.

Pallbearers will be: Dennis Carter, Scott Hairrell, Jon Hairrell, Wade Hairrell, Brock Wilson, Len Scantling, and Michael Scantling.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home in Heavener, Oklahoma with Pastor Mark Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Heavener Memorial Park under the care and direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home in Heavener, Oklahoma.

Viewing will be 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the funeral home.