Norman, OK - Dee Ann Bartrug passed away peacefully on Dec 3rd, 2025 at age 84 while surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 24, 1941 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to Virgie Hale and adopted father, Jimmie Hale. She was a military child and grew up in many different places including Germany, France, and England, which gave her a unique perspective on life. At 19 years old, Dee met and married the love of her life, Clay Bartrug Jr., at Tinker Air Force Base where they both worked at the time. During their 35 years of marriage, they welcomed 2 sons, Clay Benton Bartrug III and Brenden Hale Bartrug.

Dee's greatest loves in life were God, her husband, her sons, her granddaughters, and her OU Sooners! She also thoroughly enjoyed various types of arts which included rug hooking, painting, and photography! She took college courses at Rose State to help hone her art skills and won several awards for her brilliant creations! Dee took much pride in her family, her Cherokee heritage, and her country! She was known and loved by friends for her sense of humor, intelligence, and kindness!

Dee is preceded in death by her parents, Jimmie and Virgie Hale, her sister Betty Gerber, as well as her husband Clay Bartrug, Jr. She is survived by her 2 sons, Clay Bartrug III, Brenden Bartrug and his wife, Lisa, along with her 3 smart and beautiful granddaughters, Lyndsey Leigh, Carly Deann, and Haleigh Dawn Bartrug, as well as her nephews Jimmy, Kevin, and David Gerber.