Jane Durham
March 18, 2018
Jane H. Stovall Durham, 87, was born on May 10, 1930, in Frederick, OK, to Alfred and Jessie Stovall. She passed away in Tulsa, OK, on March 18, 2018. She graduated from Frederick High School and received a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Texas, Austin, in 1952. Jane and Norman Durham were married on July 26, 1952, in Muleshoe, TX, and subsequently moved to Stillwater when Norman accepted a position at Oklahoma State University. In 1980, Jane earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University. The knowledge she gained from the animal science degree was used extensively in the operation of the cattle ranch she and Norman established. She was actively involved in pursuing information related to the Hereford breed, enabling the Durhams to continually improve their herd. Jane was active in numerous organizations related to the cattle industry, and she was extensively involved in leadership positions in many of these organizations. Because of Jane’s efforts, she earned the Master Breeder Award from the OSU Department of Animal Science, the Breeder of the Year Award from the Oklahoma Hereford Association, and received the National Hereford Woman of the Year Award. She was also active in several civic organizations, including P.E.O., Chapter BU, for which she served as president several times. Jane is survived by her husband Norman, daughters Susan Durham (Richard Mueller), Janet Gaskins (Bradley), Diane Durham, and Linda Bender (David). She is also survived by five grandchildren, one great-grandson, her sister Helen Stovall Alexander, and her niece Jessica Alexander Koenen.