Alta Mae Holloway, a longtime resident of Preston, passed away Tuesday June 3, 2025, at her home. She Was 100 years old. Alta Mae was born May 12, 1925, in Okmulgee County to Everett and Mollie (Lane) Snelson. She was raised on the family farm just outside of Preston. Shortly after graduating school, she married Clarence Ray Gonseth. They had three children, Gail, Sue and Clarence.
After the death of her husband in 1951, Alta Mae purchased a house in Preston, where she resided at the time of her death. In 1954, she met and married Ray Jr. Holloway and was blessed with their daughter Vickie Lee.
Alta Mae was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, a daughter Alta Gail Jobe and a son-in law Robert Clay, May 12, 1925 – June 3, 2025
brothers Elmer Snelson and Robert Snelson and sisters Gladys Hudson and Ruth Endres. She is survived by one sister, Barbara McNabb; children, Suzy Lee, Vickie Clay and Clarence Ray Jr. and wife Sherryl; six grandchildren, Renee Bailey and husband Roy, Tina Dagley, Frank Jobe and wife Tammy, Jamie Lee, Carla Brown, Eric Gonseth and wife Beth; 14 great grandchildren and 16 greatgreat grandchildren.
Her greatest joy in life was her family and friends, camping, fishing, gardening and crocheting. She was always busy with something. In her later years, she would tell stories of her past that were just amazing.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 9, 2025. at Okmulgee Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mc-Clendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Alta Mae’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
