Obituary for Karolyn Hron

Karolyn Cuzalina Hron

December 5, 1921 – January 29, 2018

Mary Karolyn Cuzalina Hron, age 96, longtime Ponca City resident passed away Monday, January 29, 2018 peacefully at her home.

Karolyn was born in Hartshorne, Oklahoma to T.J. and Geneva Cuzalina on December 5, 1921. While still in her infancy, she moved to Ponca City with her parents as they were establishing the first Cuzalina Drugstore. Karolyn went to Roosevelt Elementary when it was located on Grand Avenue, East Junior High and Ponca City High School. She graduated from Po-Hi in 1939. During her formative years, she loved to dance and was a member of several dance troupes.

After high school, Karolyn attended Gulf Park College in Gulf Port Mississippi, graduating after two years. That summer, she met her future husband, John William Hron III at the movies. That fall, they began to attend Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University. They both graduated in spring of 1943 and John and Karolyn were married on September 19, 1943. The same date as her maternal grandparents’ wedding anniversary. They were stationed in Brownsville, TX during World War II.

Following the war, they returned to Ponca City where John returned to run the family farm with his father. Karolyn began her life as a farmer’s wife. During this time, they started a couple’s bridge club which developed into a couple’s poker group. The women continued as a bridge club for the next 60 years. In 1947, Karolyn and John became proud parents of their first child, John William Hron IV. Four years later, their daughter Susan Hron was born and they became a family of four. When Karolyn was in her 50’s, her one and only grandson was born, John William Hron V.

Karolyn was always busy. First helping her father in the drugstore becoming the “Straw Boss” of the store. She was active in the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and served as president of that organization. She was also active in her church, the First United Methodist being baptized as an infant in that church. She served as president of the women’s church group.

During this time, Karolyn developed her life-long passion for Golf. She loved the game and played with her husband, father, and eventually her son. One of her greatest joys was taking her son and grandson to golf tournaments around the state. Karolyn served as president of the Ponca City Country Club women’s golf association. During the 1960’s, Karolyn was instrumental in helping her father with the beginning of the Cherokee Strip Golf Tournament.

As the years went on, Karolyn lost her father, mother, and husband. She maintained her old friendships and developed new ones.Karolyn developed a passion for bridge. She played in many clubs and foursomes. She enjoyed the competitiveness of all types of games.

Remember Karolyn in your prayers with laughter, honesty, and a sense of life’s enjoyment.
Karolyn is survived by her daughter Susan Hron; grandson John William Hron V and wife Jill; niece Toni Gibson; nephew Bobby Gibson and wife Dayna; great-nephew Adam Gibson; daughter-in-law Debbie Hron.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, sister Marian Cuzalina Gibson and brother in law Dr. Bob Gibson.

A private family funeral will precede interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ponca City.

Source: Trout Funeral Home