"Rea" Estella Marie Maltsberger

“Rea” Estella Marie Crocker Maltsberger, 85, of Pawnee, Oklahoma, moved on to be with her Lord on December 19^th, 2023 after living a joyful life of love and service. 

Rea was born on December 11, 1938, to Jack and Birdie Crocker in Pawnee, OK. After Rea graduated from Pawnee High School in 1957, she went on to study religious education & English at Phillips University. She graduated from Tulsa School of Business & Accounting.

Rea married Olin Rogers in 1958 and worked and lived in Pawnee. In 1961, she gave birth to her first daughter, Debra and her second daughter, Jackie, in 1962. Her daughters were her world and her best friends.

In 1975, Rea married Morgan Rex Maltsberger. Together they had lots of fun and many adventures. They loved spending time with and supporting all their children and grandchildren. They lived in Pawnee, OK, Enid, Ok, and Los Angeles, CA. Rea was very proud of her work at OSU School of Engineering as a Senior Advisor and did this for over 25 years. 

Her faith and church were also important to her. She spent many hours working and teaching Sunday School at the First Christian Church in Pawnee. She served as Senior Warden, Vestry Clerk, Treasurer and Organist at the Church of Ascension Episcopal Church in Pawnee. Rea was an avid reader and generous soul. She read thousands of books and served on the Pawnee Library Board for years. She was active on the Pawnee Housing Authority Council and supported the Pawnee branch of Project Heart. After retirement, she volunteered delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, and drove other seniors to appointments, lunch, and services. She was always willing to lend a hand, and a listening ear. Rea loved watching Hallmark movies, her TV was always on and her couch open.  She also enjoyed watching the birds at the birdfeeder outside her window, she loved God’s creatures in action.

Rea was predeceased by parents, Jack and Birdie Crocker, brother Robert, spouse Rex, son-in-law Frank, brother-in-law Jarlon, her beautiful daughter Jackie and most recently her beloved grandson Jeremy.

She is survived by Daughter, Debra Hey, husband Randy, grandsons,  Derrick Hey, wife Brooke, and Matthew Hey and partner Manuel. Grandson, David Nungester, wife Samantha, and great grandchildren Ezekiel and Isabella. Granddaughter Leslie Rollins, husband Cory, and children. Granddaughter Christine Purdy and great granddaughter, Andeara Purdy-Hohn. Sister, Joanie Magee, nephew Justin Magee, and niece Jaclyn Oberle and families. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Melba.

Rea’s grandchildren used these words to describe her and her impactful life: beacon of light, always positive in any situation, gracious, funky, faithful, forgiving, loving, always willing to go on an adventure, determined, supportive, caring, thoughtful, calming, strong, and a role model for living a happy life.

A Celebration of Rea’s Life be held at Poteet’s Funeral Home on Saturday, January 13^th 2024 at 2:00pm.  In support of her love for reading, donations may be made to the Pawnee Public Library in her remembrance.