Lena Ruck Dupy passed from this life on February 4, 2009. A gracious and loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend, she made a lasting impact on the lives of all who knew her.

Lena was born July 21, 1926, near Orlando, Oklahoma, to Fred and Gladys Brown Ruck, one of four daughters. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Mildred Klingaman, Mary Keyes, and Lorene Lowrie. Lena graduated as valedictorian of Mulhall High School in 1944, and because of World War II and the need for teachers, she began her teaching career at age 18 at Star School in Logan County. Not only did she teach all eight grades, but she was also the janitor, cook, and counselor. Lena taught three years at Star School, going to summer school each summer, before attending two full terms at Central State College. In 1949, she received her B.S. degree and started teaching at Lamont, Oklahoma.

Lena met her husband, Cleo, when both were teaching at Lamont, and they married on February 14, 1952. Into this loving marriage, they had three daughters: Jane, Jean, and Joan, who have all become teachers. She stayed home with her three young daughters, returning to teaching in Okeene, when her youngest started school. She continued her teaching career in Ardmore, where she retired after teaching a total of 30 years. As a teacher, she was gentle but firm, and she was able to draw the best out of her students.

Proverbs 31 speaks of the Godly woman who “looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Lena was the perfect example of that woman. Her daughters remember Lena as an amazing mother who always made sure there was a delicious, home-cooked meal each night; she welcomed her children’s friends into the home; and she transported her girls to a myriad of school, church, and extracurricular activities. Lena and Cleo never missed a single school performance and were their daughters’ biggest supporters in whatever they did.

After retirement, Lena was able to travel with Cleo around the United States and in Europe. She was a loving and attentive grandmother who cherished her granddaughters. Lena had a servant heart, and she spent many hours in hospitals and nursing homes, helping to care for sick and elderly relatives and friends. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Ardmore for over forty years.

Farming was important to both Lena and Cleo, and they were actively engaged in farming throughout their lives. They enjoyed visiting their wheat fields and were good stewards of the land.

Lena is survived by her husband of 56 years, Cleo, whose devotion and commitment to his wife have demonstrated the true meaning of love and faithfulness. She is also survived by daughter Jane Dupy of Ada, daughter Jean Dupy of Edmond, daughter Joan Dupy Stone and husband Scott of Edmond. In addition, she is survived by granddaughter Amanda Stone Bowen and husband Cole, of Edmond, granddaughter Megan Stone of Edmond, and granddaughter Jazzmine Dupy of Ada. She also is survived by many nieces and nephews who were very dear to her. The family expresses its deepest thanks to all who have helped to care for Lena during her final illness, especially the staff of the Susanna Wesley Nursing Center at Epworth Villa, Interim Hospice, and Senior Care Services.

Family visitation will be Saturday, February 7, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 N. First Street, Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Graveside services will follow at 2:00 pm at Union Cemetery in Billings, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.