Phyllis Ann Belt, formerly of Stratford, Oklahoma, was born on April 10, 1934, in Lightning Ridge, Okla., to Earl and Alma (Dunn) Stewart. She passed away on September 1, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 91 years, 4 months, and 21 days.
Phyllis grew up in the Lightning Ridge area and began her education there before graduating from high school in Fitzhugh. She continued her studies at East Central College.
On February 7, 1953, she married Doug Belt, the love of her life, and together they raised two daughters in Stratford, Oklahoma.
Phyllis and Doug were devoted members of the First Baptist Church, where she played the organ for many years and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was a remarkable woman, cherished by her two daughters, six grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Known for her independence, intelligence, and determination, Phyllis was a former businesswoman and CFO, pursuing several different jobs before settling into her main career at Home Federal Savings and Loan in Ada, Okla., in 1967. After dedicating 28 years to the business and overseeing its merger with Commercial Federal Bank, she retired as Chief Financial Officer in 1995. Phyllis made the most of her retirement years, traveling, camping and fishing her way across the country with Doug.
In 2011 the duo relocated from Stratford to Westbrook Gardens Senior Living Community in Purcell, Okla., where Phyllis made numerous friends and was cared for dearly by nurses and staff. She had a passion for books, puzzles, birds, and plaid shirts, and was a talented pianist and organist. An avid sports enthusiast, she loved watching college basketball, OU Women’s Softball, and professional tennis; we know she’s currently enjoying a front row seat to the U.S. Open from above.
A devout Christian, she lived 91 fulfilling years and is now reunited with her beloved Doug (Nandad). Rest in peace, dear MeMa. We look forward to seeing you again and are eternally grateful for your wisdom and love.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Alma Stewart, and her husband, Doug.
She is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Savage and husband, Mike, of Purcell, Okla., and Donna Rhynes and husband, Kenny, of Ada, Okla.; her grandchildren, Leah Perkins and husband, Steve, of Newcastle, Okla., Adam Savage and wife, Suni, of Ardmore, Okla., Trey Rhynes and wife, Ashley, of Midwest City, Okla., Amanda Serna and husband, Travis, of Tuttle, Okla., Stephanie Coulson and husband, Steven, of Hideout, Utah, and Elizabeth Townley and husband, Darren, of Washington, Okla. She is also survived by her brother, Earl Stewart Jr., and wife, Carol, of Fitzhugh, Okla., as well as 13 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Luke, Harper, Kallen, Gabbi, Phoenix, Aspen, Devlyn, Grayson, Evie, Maddix, Tate and Olive.
Graveside services were held Friday, September 5, 2025, at Lightning Ridge Cemetery in Roff, Okla., officiated by Mike Savage.