Obituary for Wanda Stone

Wanda Bernice (Kekahbah) Stone

April 1, 1931 ~ February 27, 2022 (age 90)

The matriarch of our family, Wanda B. Stone, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2022 at the age of 90. She was meet in heaven by our creator and her husband of 56 years, along with many relatives which had gone before.

Wanda Stone was born on April 1, 1931 in Washunga Oklahoma to William H. Kekahbah and Vera J. Pappan Kekahbah. Wanda attended schools in Kaw City and eventually graduated from Newkirk High School with the class of 1949.

After graduation Wanda work at the tag agency and also work over 30 years in the Insurance business for Albrights, Gary McWilliams Insurance and several others. After what she thought would be her retirement, she and her husband opened Tuxedo Junction in Ponca City. Not having enough to keep her busy she let an aunt talk her in to getting involved in Tribal Government. Wanda served her tribe and was the Kaw Nation Chair for 16 years. She spent four years previously on the Kaw Nation Tribal Council. During her time as Chair, she focused her efforts to assure the sovereignty of the Kaw Nation and has led the Kaw tribe to a status of being the first and only tribe in the area to be recognized as a self-governance tribe by both BIA and IHS. In addition to her duties while Chair Wanda was appointed by Governor Frank Keating as a commissioner of the Oklahoma Indians Affairs commission (1996-2002). She also served on Oklahoma Institute for Indian Heritage , which she served as a board member and Chairman. She also served on the IHS Tribal Self Governance committee for four years. Along with all these committees, she also served National Congress of America Indians, National Indian Gaming Commission (Delegate) Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma Advisory Board, and many more.

Although she was very down to earth, everyone knew she was all about business, integrity and following the rules. She worked diligently to get the Kaw Nation land at Braman in Trust and lived to see it happen. She was loving called “Mimi” by everyone who loved her. Mimi has left a huge hole in our hearts.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Calvin, sister Delores, brothers, Robert (Bob) and William (Bill). Wanda is survived by a daughter Patti Kramer (Bob Kramer) and a son Tim Craft (Sharon Craft). Survivors also include grandchildren, Whitney Kills Crow (Brad Kills Crow), Alissa Kramer (Justin Roland) and Calin Kramer (Brenda Kramer). Great Grandchildren (the joys of her life) included Kyler, Kobe, Devon, Gabe, Kooper, Riley, Blair, Avre, Autumn, and Wade.

On Tuesday, March 1st and evening service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the McCauley Gymnasium located at 3251 Est River Road in Newkirk, OK.

Services will be held Wednesday, March, 2nd at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Tony Kills Crow, at the McCauley Gymnasium. Burial to follow services at the Washunga Cemetery in Newkirk, OK. Pallbearers will be Brad Kills Crow, Kyler Johnson, Kobe Kills Crow, Devon, Kills Crow, Justin Roland, and Joe Le Clair. Honorary Pallbearers will be Gabe Roaland, Kooper Roland, Bob Kekahbah, Ken Bellmard, Ray Ball, Roy Ball, and Jason Murray.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wanda B. Stone Scholarship Fund, at First National Bank, 1501 E. Prospect, Ponca City, OK, 74604, Attention Bryanna Lewis.