Lesta Nell Bartlett

Graveside services for Lesta Bartlett will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Hogan Cemetery South in Locust Grove, OK. Lesta passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by the love of her family.

Lesta was born on October 4, 1938, in Dyer, AR, to Lester and Genelle (Murphy) Belt. As a child, she moved to Tulsa, where she later graduated from Will Rogers High School. In 1960, she married the love of her life, Donald Bartlett, in an intimate ceremony at her mother’s home. Together, they built a beautiful life, sharing 62 wonderful together. In 1979, they made Locust Grove their home, where they designed a beautiful home that they loved, overlooking Grand River. 

Lesta loved deeply, always putting family first with unwavering devotion. She took on responsibilities at a young age, helping to raise her younger siblings before working at her family’s business, Belt’s Famous Brand Shoes. She found joy in the simple things—working in her yard, caring for her pool, and spending time at the lake. But more than anything, she cherished her family. She remained close to her siblings throughout her life and took immense pride in her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love and presence will be deeply missed but forever felt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Donald; and her siblings, Lester Lee Belt Jr., Virgle "Dick" Belt, Michael Belt, and Patricia Cagle.

Lesta is survived by her daughters, Tami Bartlett-Wright (Steve Rodríguez) of Catoosa, OK, and Traci Strafuss (David) of Claremore, OK; grandchildren, Colby Strafuss, Cameron Strafuss, and Jacy Johnson (Heath Hendricks); and two great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored.

Her legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.