Esther Bray and Granddaughters

Approximately 1965

Left to Right:  Beth Baldwin, Julie Neal, Cyndi Baldwin, Kathy Neal and Esther Bray

Mother's Day 1960

Sapulpa Herald Article

Mother's Day  (May 1960) featuring Kathy Neal and Julie Neal

The Patty Family

Taken from unknown book on Creek County, Oklahoma families

One 80-year old Sapulpa old-timer relived a thrill when a package come for him shortly before Christmas in 1968. A colorful saltfish was soon mounted on the wall of his bedroom (the only space they found big enough for it) proof of his prowess as a fisherman.

It all began when Harry, Jr. took his family on a weekend fishing vacation at Acapulco and caught a saltfish himself. He decided that his father should experience this thrill of a lifetime and soon after flew him to Acapulco, Mexico for a weekend of fishing. Father's catch proved to be bigger than his.

Patty landed his catch all by himself, although it tired him a little. He said it probably took about twenty minutes, although his mind wasn't on the time.

The Patty family came to Oklahoma Territory in 1900 when Harry was 12 years old. His father farmed near Oklahoma City and south of here at Twin Mounds owned a cotton gin at Bristow, made money when the Slick oil field came in, and lived in Bristow until his death.

Harry was a sophisticated 14-year old teenager when Grace Frye came to visit her sister in Twin Mounds. Grace was four years younger and spent her time playing with Harry's younger brother, but when Harry was almost twenty they both saw things a little differently, and he married 15 year-old Grace Frye.

Cynthia Esther Bray - Obituary

The Sapulpa Herald - May 16, 2007

Esther Bray and Kathy Neal, 1958

Cynthia Esther Bray, 91, died Monday, May 14, 2007. She was a much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. 

Esther believed in God’s plan for her. He gave her a healthy, long life. Physically, she looked and acted like a person 20 years younger. She was a wise and wonderful woman, well-known in the Sapulpa community. She will be missed by all. 

Esther was born Aug. 9, 1915, in Bristow, to Harry and Grace Patty. She graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1935 and married Howard Bray on January 24, 1936. Their first daughter, Patty Jeanne, was born in May of 1937, followed four years later by daughter Betty Joanne. 

Esther was always hard at work. She worked for her brother Harry in the Machine and Tool business. She worked with her sister Betty at a dress boutique in Sapulpa. For over 20 years Esther was an award-winning Avon representative. She retired from selling Avon at the young age of 87. 

Esther was huge part of the life of the Sapulpa First Church of God. She directed the choir for nearly 50 years. She was so proud and honored when a scholarship was established in her honor for a Music Student at Mid-America Christian College in Oklahoma City. 

1940 U.S. Census - Bray Entry - Kellyville, Oklahoma

1940 U.S. Census - Bray Entry - Kellyville, Oklahoma