Edna Lorine Grindle Fox

Edna Lorine Grindle Fox, age 95, longtime Bartlesville resident, passed away Thursday July 6th, 2023 at her daughters home in Broken Arrow.  Edna was born on December 20, 1927, in Elm Springs, Arkansas to Owen and Bessie Allen Stephens.  She was the first born of eight children.

Edna grew up part of a large extended family in Delaware County.  She graduated from Jay High School in 1946.  Edna can best be described as a dedicated caregiver who displayed compassion and generosity. During early life and mid-life Edna’s caregiving centered on children while growing up as the oldest child, teaching in a one-room schoolhouse, raising her own three children, being available for her nieces and nephews, keeping the church nursery, operating a home daycare, or being part of her grandchildren’s lives.

Later in life, Edna faced the unique challenge of caring for and outliving three husbands.  In 1949 she married Alva Grindle Jr., her husband of 34 years and father of her three children. Junior passed in 1983. In 1989 Edna married Alfred Burrows who passed in 1999.  In 2008 she married Eugene Fox who passed in 2018.  With each life changing loss, Edna demonstrated courage and resilience by rebuilding her life with the support of faith, family, and friends, always focusing on others.  Edna was a longtime member of Highland Park Baptist Church. She and Eugene were members of Bluestem Baptist Church.

Edna is survived by her children Ginger Shield of Broken Arrow, Scott (Marsha) Grindle of Tulsa and Donna (Sam) Limbocker of Norman; by grandchildren Jennifer (David) Wilson-Burns of Norman, Jessica (Josh) May of Lewisville, Indiana, Anna (Matt) Hartung of Tulsa, Steven (Becca) Shield of Cleveland, Allison Grindle (Melissa Peck) of Dallas and Scott (Katie) Wilson of Batavia, Ohio; by siblings Ellis (Lois) Stephens of Bartlesville, Maxine Mattox of Broken Arrow and Imogean Schmidt of Tulsa; by sister-in-law Judy Grindle of Langley along with 11 great grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Edna was predeceased by her parents, her three husbands and siblings Freda Stephens, Elzie Stephens, Eveline Bernard and Normia Loftus. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.  There will be a Private Family Memorial Service with Pastor David Emery officiating.