Obituary for Carmelita LaBlue

Carmelita Bridges (Buckmaster) LaBlue

January 17, 1933 ~ April 15, 2023 (age 90)

Carmelita Bridges LaBlue, 90, beloved Mother, Sister, and Grandmother, was called to her eternal resting place on April 15, 2023. She entered this world on January 17, 1933, born to Troy and Gladys Cobb Buckmaster.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Second Baptist Church with pastor Kenneth Newport officiating. Interment will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the care of Grace Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Grace Memorial Chapel.

Carmelita moved often growing up since her father followed where the oilfield work was to be done. She attended Blackwell high School, and she met the love of her life Charles D. Bridges and they were married August 31, 1950 in Newkirk, OK and they made their home in Blackwell., OK before moving to California for a time until moving back to Blackwell, OK. This union produced three daughters. Charles preceded her in death on December 30, 1990, after 40 years of marriage. Carmelita was blessed to have found true love again and she married Norvel LaBlue and gained Three sons. Carmelita and Charles came to Ponca City in the late 1950’s from Blackwell. Carmelita worked for over 29 years for JC Penny’s retiring on February 5, 1993. Carmelita enjoyed spending time with her family and bonus family, working crossword puzzles, travelling, crocheting, and attending senior citizen dances. She was also a longtime member of Second Baptist Church.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters Sharon Kotarski, of Dallas, TX and Saundra and husband Joe Hayes of Arkansas City, KS., Son in laws; Joe Brown of Newkirk, OK and Bob Kotarski of El Paso, TX, Brother; Troy Buckmaster of Coweta, OK, Sister Juanita and husband George Lykins of Cashion, OK, Brother in law; Clayton Harkema of Muskogee, OK, sister in law, Sue Buckmaster of Wagoner, OK Bonus Sons: Jim and wife Darlene LaBlue of Ponca City, OK , Dannie and wife Kathy LaBlue of Blackwell, OK and Norvel Gene and wife Sheila LaBlue of Ponca City, OK. Grandchildren: Diana and David Huntington of Arkansas City, KS, Tracie and Daniel Moya of Luxemburg, Wisconsin, Jon and Leigh Anne Kotarski of Fort Worth , TX, Justin and Jennifer Kotarski of Lubbock, TX, Trey Kotarski of Carrolton, TX, Tessia and Russell Smith of Wylie, TX, Melissa and Doyle Williams of Little Elm, TX, Michael Hayes and Bethany Dow of Arkansas City, KS, and Jacob Hayes of Winfield, KS also surviving are twenty one great grandchildren, fourteen great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carmelita was preceded in death by her Parents, Husbands; Charles D. Bridges in 1990 and Norvell LaBlue in 2006.daughter; Sharla Brown, sisters; Irene and Jim Harlow, Patsy and Lee Russell, and Rita Harkema, Brother; Wendell and Sister In Law Cordiella Buckmaster.

Online guest registry is available at www.gracememorialchapel.net