Kay Calton

Mary “Kay” Archer Calton, 78, beloved mom, nana, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on April 17, 2025. She was born to Ervin and Rosie Archer on December 15, 1946, in Checotah, Oklahoma, Kay spent her life as a proud Oklahoma native and member of the Muscogee Creek tribe. She married Gary Calton in 1966 and raised three children. Kay was the heart of the Calton/Archer family and her house was often the gathering place for Sunday dinners, holiday celebrations, and impromptu sport gatherings. One of Kay’s greatest joys was her large, close-knit family.

Kay’s career started in the Oklahoma City Park Department, where she spent her days teaching arts and crafts at the Lion’s Center, Woodson and Sellers. She then moved into the accounting department at the Office of Land Management and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. She retired in 2005.

Kay loved gardening, traveling, cooking, camping at the lake, fishing, OU sporting events, arts and crafts, and time with her friends and family. Her artistry was apparent in her multitude of crafts that she has made for many of us, as well as the doodles we have found since she left us. Her shopping skills were legendary, and she delighted in teaching her deal finding skills to each new generation. She was a loving wife and parent who often showed her love by gift-giving, especially if she found it on sale. Her culinary skills were unmatched and we have all benefited from her delicious recipes, homemade jelly, and baked goods.

She was nurturing, kind and the absolute best grandparent, rarely missing any event in the lives of her grandchildren. She loved all living things, plants and animals alike. Her little dog, Sassy, loved and protected her fiercely, which made visiting and caring for her a somewhat dangerous task. She was a soft-spoken woman by nature, but her “Kay Eyes” would definitely let you know if she was displeased.

She was a dedicated member of the Shartel Church of God. She was a frequent participant of the Joyaire meetings and loved the fellowship of Sunday services. She had a strong faith in God and was always interested in helping people.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Gary and her son, Gary Jr. as well as her parents and six siblings. She is survived by her daughters, Stacey and Kim and her wife Jenny, daughter in law Kathi, grandchildren Kayla, Asa, Jesse, and Andrea, her husband Hunter and two children, Mason and Sophia Frankie, her sister, Barbara Catland and her husband Jay, her beloved brother Charles Archer and his wife Barbara, and niece Vickie Pine and her husband Bob, as well as a multitude of other nieces, nephews and extended family too numerous to count.

Her memorial service will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:00 am at Shartel Church of God, followed by lunch in the fellowship hall. The family will be ensuring that her legacy of love, family, and togetherness continues for generations to come.