Graveside services for Billye Jean Kniffin will be 12:30 p.m., Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Freedom Cemetery in Freedom, Oklahoma, with Rev. Ron Pingelton officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home in Alva.
Billye Jean Kniffin, daughter of Thomas Isaac "Ike" and Bertha Rae (Powers) Lake, was born April 28, 1928, at Stillwater, Oklahoma, and passed away April 24, 2023, at Alva, Oklahoma, at the age of 94 years, 11 months and 27 days.
Billye graduated from Darrouzett High School in Texas where she made All State in basketball. Billye was a long time member of the First Christian Church in Freedom where she played the piano for many years. She was also a member of the Women's Auxiliary at Freedom. After moving to Oklahoma City, she became a member of several bands that played at nursing homes. She was an avid bowler and participated on several bowling teams. She enjoyed watching all the grandchildren participate in sports activities. She was very involved in church and after moving to The Homestead in Alva, Oklahoma, she transferred her membership to the First Christian Church in Alva. Billye loved playing the piano and mainly played by ear. While living at The Homestead she gave many piano concerts and provided entertainment for the residents.
Besides her parents and her husbands, Basil Wardrop and Joe Kniffin, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Arlo Lake and Donald Lake; an infant sister, Barbara Jo Lake; and an infant granddaughter, Cher Wardrop.
Billye is survived by her son, James D. Wardrop and wife Janice of Alva, and her daughter, Donna Jean Hurt of Edmond; five grandchildren: Tina Mieser and husband Richard of Alva, Bonner Wardrop and wife Kari of Alva, Justin Wardrop and wife Lori of Piedmont, Chad Novak and wife Kendall of Edmond, and Cari Novak of Edmond. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Chance Davis, Blake Mieser, Elliana Utterback, Kelsey Wardrop, Eli Wardrop, Laney Wardrop, Landon Wardrop, Payton Novak, Dyson Novak, Riley Pebley, and Cassie Pebley; and many other family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to the First Christian Church of Alva.
Remembrances may be shared with the family at http://www.marshallfuneralhomes.com.
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