Anna Ruth Lancaster, 94, of Purcell, formerly of Ada, OK passed away February 4, 2025 in the Norman Healthplex. Services will be at the chapel of Criswell Funeral Home in Ada, OK at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025. Pastor Chris Whisenant will conduct the service. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. The service will be streamed live on the Criswell Funeral Home Facebook page. The family will welcome friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday at Criswell Funeral Home.
Anna was born in Monterey, Tennessee on August 25, 1930. Her mother, Beulah Selma Miller, moved her from Tennessee to Oklahoma and Glenn Austin Henry was a wonderful dad. On September 2, 1947, Anna married B.F. Lancaster. They moved to Stockton, California and their son, Jimmy, was born there. It wasn’t long before B.F. was convinced to come back to Ada and become partners in Lancaster Plumbing with his brother Kenneth. Anna was happy to be back in Oklahoma closer to more family. Over six years later, B.F. and Ann had a daughter, Jannie. Until her children were grown, Anna was a homemaker. Once they were grown, she went to work at Latta Public Schools cafeteria. She and B.F. were major supporters of Latta athletics and at her retirement, many stories were told about them waiting for athletes after games and handing them silver dollars. They were also involved in church activities. Anna went to Falls Creek with Morris Memorial Baptist Church for many years as a cook. She loves kids, all kids. Many basketball players would come to her house on gameday so she could French braid their hair. She retired but continued to work two hours per day as long as her health allowed.
Her son, Jimmy, passed away at 28 years old but thankfully had two children, Gayla and Brad, giving her the name Nanny to add to Aunt Ann. Gayla then made her a great grandmother with 3 children, Bethany, Savanna and Jas. She now has 5 great, great grandchildren, Mason, Ava, Anna (her namesake), Cohen and Hayzen. They brought her joy and as she was awaiting surgery, her daughter showed her pictures of the great greats to make her smile rather than focus on pain.
She is survived by daughter, Jannie (J.D) of Purcell, granddaughter and grandson Gayla Hunter and Brad Lancaster both of Latta, greats and great greats, Bethany Parker (Hunter) of Tupelo, along with Mason, Ava, Anna and Cohen, Savanna Hunter of Tupelo, and Jas Hunter (Madison) of Tupelo, along with son Hayzen. She is also survived by one of her 4 siblings, David Henry (Kathy) of Bethel Acres, and several nieces, nephews and other family.
She was preceded in death by son, Jimmy, husband, B.F., her parents Beulah and Austin and siblings, June Armstrong, James Henry and Brenda Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donating to your favorite charity. Pall bearers will be Jas Hunter, Brad Lancaster, Hunter Parker, Steve Henry, JD Porter and Jay Johnson.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
