Arvalaine (Arvie) D. Gatewood, 73, died Monday, August 16, 2021, while being treated for multiple conditions at Select Specialty Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born in Richmond, Virginia to Arvin Prentice Stiles and Rose Madeline Stiles and was the younger of two children.

Arvie excelled in all her endeavors and challenged convention from an early age. She was outspoken, fearless, and compassionate. Upon graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, she chose to focus on her career. After a brief stint working, she earned a Master of Social Work degree in an accelerated one-year program from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX.

During her career as a social worker, Arvie was employed in both private and public institutions in several cities, including her hometown of Vinita, Oklahoma. She worked with people from all ages and walks of life with a special focus on the mentally ill. Most notable was her time as a social worker during the deinstitutionalization of the Hissom Memorial Center. She recalled fondly the adopted children she placed with local families and maintained the confidentiality of her work until her dying breath.

Although Arvie’s career was cut short due to a heart condition, she continued to find ways to express her boundless energy through volunteer work, including service as an adult leader of Craig County 4-H clubs, and through part-time work.

Arvie was a loving mother, doting aunt, and devoted daughter. She raised her son as a single parent and cared for and supported her mother during the last years of her mother’s life.

During her well-deserved retirement, Arvie developed a passion for painting and clothing. She loved art and was a fashionista in her own way with a stylish outfit for any occasion. She was full of life, known for her wit and was never far from a good book or delicious food.

She was remembered by friends and family at a Rosary ceremony at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel in Vinita on Thursday, August 19th, at 7pm, as well as a graveside mass at Fairview Cemetery in Vinita on Friday, August 20th at 2pm, Rev. M. E. Cashen officiated. A virtual memorial ceremony will be scheduled for a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to Citizens Caring for Children (https://www.cccokc.org/donate/). Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are under the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita.