Willa Jean Kortright

B: August 30, 1945
D: February 19, 2020

Willa Jean Kortright was born on August 30, 1945 to Alton and Ernestine Howe in the small town of Guthrie, Oklahoma. She was born and bred country and lived on the outskirts of town. This is where she learned the value of a hard days work, a lesson that would carry on for the rest of her life, including her 30 year tenure at Wal-Mart as a department manager and invoice clerk.

She was defined by her family as a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother and GiGi. When she was introduced to John Kortright, he asked her out several times before she finally gave in to his charm. Then he stood her up.

Fortunately, she forgave him and gave him another shot. They married January 11, 1963 and were together for 44 years until John's death in 2007. They had four children: Dianna Kortright of Guthrie; Anthony Kortright of Guthrie; Andrew Kortright and wife Michelle of Yukon, OK; and Shana Kortright and partner Dorian Creta of Yukon.

Willa is survived by her four children and four grandchildren: Skoshi Kortright and fiancẽ Kyle Witcher of Guthrie; Austin Kortright of Guthrie; Audra Driskill of Edmond, OK and Blaine Driskill of Edmond. Her three great-granddaughters were the bright beacon of light in her final months - Ariana, Blakeleigh and Lorelei. She is also survived by her sister Shirley Newman and husband Cye of Choctaw, OK; sister-in-laws Carolyn Howe of Guthrie; Catherine Warner and husband David of Norman, OK; Elaine Cunningham and husband Gary of Mulhall, OK; Ruth Chappell and husband Randy of Guthrie; and Nancy Rolf and husband Mark of Rothbury, MI. She leaves behind a multitude of nieces, nephews and friends - many also called her Mom.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John; parents Alton & Ernestine; and brothers Jerry Howe and Stanley Howe.

Willa was generous to a fault with a huge heart that was open to strays be it dogs, cats, or humans. She loved to travel - particularly to Las Vegas or anywhere with a beach. When Las Vegas wasn't an option, she would take road trips with Sissie to in-state casinos. Of all the beaches she visited, she preferred the shores of Lake Eufaula where she could be with her kids and grandkids.

Willa entered heaven February 19, 2020 where she was reunited with John, the love of her life and the pain in her backside.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, February 24, 2020 at First Christian Church with Chaplain Gene Owen officiating. Interment will follow at Summit View Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held Monday, 10:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. at the funeral home and the casket will be open at the Church.