Delma Mace

Our angel on earth, Delma, went home to heaven at the age of 93 on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Carnegie, Oklahoma, surrounded by her family who adored her more than words can say. 
Born on June 14, 1932, Delma Lorene Liles graduated from Cooperton High School with the class of 1950. After graduation, she worked as a nurse—a role that fit her perfectly, as caring for others was always at the center of who she was. On January 24, 1953, she married her soulmate, Ruel Anton Mace, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was the love of her life, and together they celebrated 67 wonderful years of marriage. Delma became a devoted homemaker to her hardworking farmer husband, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, faith, and family. 
Delma never missed a birthday, ballgame, or milestone. She called her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren faithfully—whether to sing “Happy Birthday,” check in when someone was sick, or simply to say she loved them. She was the most caring person you could ever meet—someone who made everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. Delma was famous for her biscuits with Dutch honey, waffles with homemade sugar syrup, and her insistence on cutting them for the grandkids, even when arthritis made it difficult. She made sure everyone was fed and cozy, warning us often to “get your socks on before you catch a cold.” At bedtime, she would softly recite “Now I lay me down to sleep” with her children and later her grandchildren—a gentle prayer that wrapped us in comfort and reminded us how deeply we were loved. 
She cherished her shopping trips with her kids and grandkids, often outlasting everyone with her “one more store” energy. Always dressed to impress, she was perfectly coordinated from her shirt and pants to her jewelry and eye shadow—our fancy lady through and through. Her favorite saying was, “Pretty is as pretty does,” and she truly lived that out every day—with her kindness, humility, and heart of gold. 
When she wasn’t cooking or shopping, you could find her cheering on her favorite teams—she loved her OU football and the Oklahoma City Thunder and never missed a game. Each visit ended the same way—with her walking us out and giving her signature pinky wave. We didn’t know the last pinky wave would be the last, but we’ll carry that image in our hearts forever. 
Delma is survived by her loving children: Dennis Mace and wife Patty of Carnegie, OK, Reta Skinner and husband Ronnie of Weatherford, OK; her cherished nine grandchildren who adored their Grandma Mace: Justin Mace and Shandell of Carnegie, OK , Mica Harris and husband Kelly of Carnegie, OK; Jana Kelly and husband Tanner of Carnegie, OK; Maranda Montoya of Carnegie, OK; Lauran Pound and husband Nick of Carnegie, OK, Blake Mace and wife Julie of Carnegie, OK, Nicole Barger and husband Jessy of Weatherford, OK, Shaun Skinner and wife Aaron of Weatherford, OK, Tori Kerlick and husband Clayton of Oklahoma City, OK; her precious 19 great-grandchildren who loved their MeMe dearly: Mckena and her husband Dace, Jetta, Gentry, Londyn, Julia, Roklyn, Macey, Bella, Slade, Huxton, Pyper, Nash, Hadley, Arrow, Avery, Luxe, Keagan, Camden, and Adalyn; and four great-great-grandchildren: Rookie, Dansby, Lincoln and Liam.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Ruel Anton Mace; her son, Gary; her parents, Hannah and Albert; and her siblings, Virgil, Lenora, Velma, Alfred (Ollie), Leonard, and Vernon 
Delma’s love, warmth, and unmatched kindness will live on in every meal shared, every “I love you” phone call, every OU touchdown celebration, and every pinky wave given in her honor. She made the world a little kinder, a little warmer, and a lot more beautiful. Until we meet again in Heaven.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, Carnegie, OK.
Visitation was from 3- 8 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Ray & Martha’s Funeral Home, Carnegie, OK.
Interment was in the Green Valley Cemetery, Cooperton, OK.
Services were under the direction of Ray & Martha’s Funeral Home, Carnegie, OK.