Laura Sue (Paxson) McCormick, age 70, of Weatherford, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, in Weatherford. She was born on July 1, 1954, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Sylvan Frederic “Sib” and Frances Luna (Leonard) Paxson.
Laura’s childhood took her from Ada to Hennessey, Oklahoma, where she completed her education, graduating in 1972. After high school, she attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University. After college she moved to Clinton and began her career as a bookkeeper at the Clinton Cotton Oil Mill. Soon after, she embarked on a long and accomplished career with the United States Postal Service.
While working at the Clinton Post Office, Laura pursued her education at Rose State College, earning a degree in Postal Service Management. In 1985, she became the postmaster at the Custer City Post Office and in 2001 she served as postmaster in Hinton, where she retired from her distinguished career.
In 2005, Laura married the love of her life, Michael Mc-Cormick. Together, they built a beautiful life in Weatherford, where she embraced her passions and cherished her family.
Known for her love of genealogy, Laura became a treasured local historian, often sought out for her deep knowledge of the past. She was an avid quilter and seamstress, a devoted volunteer at the Western Plains Weatherford Genealogical Society, and an enthusiastic traveler. Above all, Laura delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, creating joyful memories that will be cherished forever.
A proud member of the Custer Avenue Church of Christ in Clinton, Laura was deeply involved in her faith community. She also participated in the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (N.A.R.F.E.).
Her sense of humor shone brightly, especially in her favorite quip about singing: “I don’t sing soprano; I sing ‘Surprizo.’” Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvan “Sib” Frederic and Frances Luna Paxson; her sister, Peggy Ann Paxson Bacon; and her beloved nanny, Granny Opal Moore, who helped raise her after her mother passed away when Laura was only three years old.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael McCormick, of the home; her sons, Beau Ratke and his wife Adrian of Collinsville, Oklahoma, and Clint Ratke and his wife Shannon of Skiatook, Oklahoma. Laura also leaves behind six beloved grandchildren: Madeline, Kingston, Madison, and Kensley Ratke, as well as Emmalyn and Holden Ratke.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Custer Avenue Church of Christ, officiated by Ryan Driskill and Pat Peters. Interment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Ada, under the direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.
Laura’s family invites all who knew and loved her to join them in celebrating her extraordinary life and legacy.
Anyone wishing to donate to a charity in Laura’s name, please do so to the Western Plains Genealogy Society, at P.O. Box 853, Weatherford, OK 73096.