Donnie Faye Hardy

Funeral Services for Donnie Faye (Fern) Hardy, age 72 of Gracemont, Oklahoma will be held on Friday, October 26 at the Assembly of God Church of Gracemont. Family visitation will be on Thursday evening, October 25 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Ray & Martha's Funeral Home Chapel.

Fern was born on October 20, 1946 in rural Gracemont, Oklahoma, the daughter of Burley M. and Goldie M. (Edmonds) Sage and passed away on October 22nd at the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

She attended school at Gracemont, graduating from her 8th and 12th grade classes as salutatorian. In addition to excelling academically, she participated in sports, particularly basketball and softball. After graduation she attended college at USAO in Chickasha earning a BA in Education and later a Masters Degree in Special Education from SWOSU, Weatherford.

She retired from teaching on May 30, 2008 after more than 34 years with positions at Fletcher Public Schools, Concho Boarding School, and Riverside Indian School. During her 30 year tenure at Riverside she was a teacher; mentor; supporter and advocate for hundreds of Native American students. She was a supporter of Special Olympics, coordinating and traveling with her students to participate in many competitions. After her retirement from the Federal Service, she accepted a teaching position at Gracemont Public Schools, retiring a second time in September 2017. She was a proud member of the Caddo Nation and Native American children always held a special place in her heart.

Fern loved sports and played on several independent Ladies Softball teams including the Anadarko Agency and Hog Creek. She was a talented catcher and loved to bat. her love for sports continued throughout her life. She loved watching the OU Girls Softball and Mens Football teams and could always tell you when the OKC Thunder was playing. She often recalled a time she took a trip to Memphis with Hog Creek to play in a tournament and had time to visit Elvis, who kissed her on the cheek at Graceland. She was a devoted Elvis fan.

Fern married Robert W. Hardy in Anadarko, Oklahoma on July 18, 1981. He preceded her in death on March 4, 1992. She was also preceded in death by her parents and brother, Alton.

Survivors include her sons: Jason K. Hardy and fiance Lisa of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jarrod M. Hardy and fiance Janetta of Anadarko, Oklahoma; Jaymelle R. Hardy and wife Tana of El Reno, Oklahoma. Step-son, Michael Hardy and wife Leida of Chicago, Illinois. Sisters: Marilyn McDonald of Gracemont, Oklahoma; Sharon (Gayle) Dyer and husband Mike of Anadarko, Oklahoma; Janice Burris and husband Cliff of Cedar Park, Texas. Brother: Ronald R. Sage and wife Cheryll of Anadarko, Oklahoma. Four grandchildren: Jeffrey Wayne Hardy,; Kylani Rose Hardy; Leilah Faye Hardy and Jayte Zane Hardy. Along with so many other relatives, nieces, nephews and friends.

Donnie Faye (Fern) was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She leaves us with wonderful memories to cherish. She will always be remembered with love.

Her services are under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home Anadarko, Oklahoma.