Obituary for Rachel Tidrow

Rachel Kirby Tidrow

February 27, 1922 – March 15, 2023

Rachel Kirby Tidrow, long time Ponca City resident, passed away Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 at the home of her daughter Kristin Mahathey of Edmond OK. She was 101 years old.The memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, March 20th, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Robb Shull, officiating. The burial will be a private family service. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Rachel was born on February 27th, 1922, to Loyd and Wava Kirby in Waynesville, IL. She graduated Valedictorian from Waynesville High School in 1940. After completion of high school, Rachel moved to Chicago, IL where she successfully completed business school. After business school she was employed by the United States Navy as a purchasing agent where she met Robert “Bob” Tidrow. They were married on January 17th, 1943 in Evanston, IL. Bob and Rachel moved to Ponca City, OK in 1950. Where she gave birth to two daughters Karen and Kristin. She loved to play bridge with her friends, attend OU football games with her husband, Bob, and their friends. She loved her family and going on vacations with her family to places such as Branson and Disney World. She could work any crossword puzzle provided and she worked them daily for many years. She began working for the First United Methodist Church in Ponca City, OK in 1970 as a financial secretary until retirement in 1994 at age 72. Rachel’s caregiver, Sundra, was with her during the day and provided excellent, loving care for her for 8 years.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Lacey Thomas and son-in-law Samuel Dean Thomas of Stillwater, OK and daughter Kristin Macey Mahathey of Edmond, OK; Four grandchildren, Sarah Lacey Shull and her husband Robert Douglas Shull of Stillwater, OK Rachel Abigail Nash and her husband Billy Joe “BJ” Nash II of Stillwater, OK Hannah Marie Wolfe of Houston, TX and Chloe Rose Mahathey Active Duty Oklahoma Army National Guard. Eight great-grandchildren Makynzie Paige, Savannah Lacey, Grant Robert Samuel, Emily Rae, and Reid Harrison Shull; Moriah Mae, Layla Rae, and Judah Samuel Nash; and one great-great-grandchild Everleigh Dean Dorwart-Shull; and nephew Loyd Roe Kirby of Lincoln, IL.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years Robert “Bob” Tidrow, her parents Loyd Raymond and Wava Laura Kirby of Waynesville, IL two brothers Edwin Lacey Kirby and Raymond Burnell Kirby.

Flowers may be sent to Trout Funeral Home and Crematory in Ponca City, OK. In honor of Rachel memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 S. 6th, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home