Josie Caroline Stanley-Reiter
With her family by her side, Josie Caroline Stanley-Reiter, of Oklahoma City, Okla., passed from this world on Feb. 3, 2019, at the age of 44.
Born on Dec. 1, 1974, in Tahlequah, Okla., Josie’s life’s work was devoted to helping others. Not only did she love her own children deeply, she also was an advocate for the children whose welfare she fought for through the legal system.
In 2005, Josie married Putnam Reiter. The two had an instant connection. He was drawn to her intelligence, wit, strict attention to detail in every aspect of her life and the way they were able to work through anything with honest and open communication. Of course, because Josie was a lawyer, Putnam would tell you he never won an argument. He lovingly describes their relationship as never seeing a dull moment. She loved his kindness, the way he made her feel safe, that he allowed her to be herself, and she said they were two sides of the same coin.
As a mother, Josie was a fierce advocate for her children, whom she loved immensely. She was always building memories with them and sharing about their achievements and adventures. Though she had no prior knowledge of soccer, she learned the rule book and coached Alexander’s soccer team for several years. Some of her favorite memories included special birthday parties including one for Andrew at the Museum of Natural History and a firefighter birthday party for Alexander. Getting dressed up for Halloween was one of their family’s favorite times together.
Josie earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a paralegal option from Northeastern State University and then went on to receive her Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma. She worked for the Cherokee Nation and several law offices before becoming a staff attorney at the Oklahoma Indian Legal Services. Most recently she worked as a juvenile court case manager for the Oklahoma County District Court.
With a deep passion for her Cherokee culture and tribal history, Josie served as a resource on Native American law for many. She was instrumental with starting the Court Improvement Project’s ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) workgroup, which provided education to state court judges and partners on the Act, including the recently completed bench guide. Josie went beyond the requirements of her job and stayed in touch with the children she fought for as they grew up.
Josie is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents and maternal grandmother. She is survived by her husband Putnam Ervin Reiter of 13 years; daughter Allison (Destiny) Cheryl Dearman, of Bandera; sons Andrew Stanley Reiter and Alexander Putnam Reiter; granddaughter Riley McKenzie Stanley and grandson Parker Lane Stanley; sisters Jennifer (David) Joy Dillard, of Killeen, and Jamie Lynn Stanley, of Owasso, Okla.; brother Cortney (Sarah) Leon Stanley, of Bastrop; parents Delbert and Cheryl Stanley, of Pipe Creek; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life to honor Josie will be held on Feb. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Southern Hills Baptist Church, located at 8601 S. Pennsylvania in Oklahoma City. The family would love to hear your special memories of Josie online at okcremation.com/notices/ Josie-Stanley-Reiter. Donations are preferred to assist with expenses in lieu of flowers.
OK Cremation and Mortuary, 2415 N.Walnut Avenue, 405- 230-1310
