Stephen Craig Vanatta's Obituary
Stephen Craig Vanatta, 59, of rural Welch, Okla., passed away early Tuesday morning November 2, 2021, at Integris Miami Hospital.
He was born January 24, 1962 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Roy Junior Vanatta and Reta Arleen (Youngblood) Vanatta. He was a graduate of Welch High School, Class of 1980. After high school, he attended Vo-Tech and earned his certified mechanic certificate. He worked many years in the Welch area as a ranch hand to several different ranchers.
He was very knowledgeable of farming and ranching. He loved cattle, yard work, art, dancing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved to sit around the pond and watch the grandchildren fish.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sherri Vanatta, who passed away October 13, 2021; his parents; and his previous wife, Juanita Vanatta.
He is survived by five children, Daniel Vanatta and Amanda, and Travis Murphy, both of Miami; Kristy Gilman and husband Donovan of Welch, Tia Kebert and husband Jacob of Mound Vally, KS, and Traci Reed and husband Jake of Indiana; three step children, Dexter Farmer and wife Natalie of Vinita, Crystal Farmer of Welch, and Kalli Farmer of Miami; five siblings, Joie Smith, Sherry Pease, Roy Gene Vanatta, Larry Vanatta, and Sandra Vanatta; 25 grandchildren; one great grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 9, in the Fellowship Hall of the First Christian Church in Miami.
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