In Loving Memory of Harmeda Ruby (Nordine) Taunton November 6, 1932 – December 13, 2024

Harmeda Ruby (Nordine) Taunton was born on November 6, 1932, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Pearl Susie (Brown) and Jeff Hassan Nordine. On December 13, 2024, at the age of 92, she peacefully passed away in her hometown of Oklahoma City.

Harmeda graduated from Centralvue High School and later married Ralph Augusta Downey. Together, they made their home in Tuttle, Oklahoma, where they raised two sons, Jeff and Fred. After Ralph’s passing in 1974, Harmeda found love again with Fred Taunton, whom she married in August 1975. They shared 45 wonderful years of marriage until Fred’s passing.

Harmeda was a devoted member of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. She also gave her time generously, volunteering at the local food bank, the Salvation Army, and the Oklahoma State Fair. Her compassion and selflessness touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on her community.

Harmeda is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Ralph Downey and Fred Taunton; her son, Fred Downey; her brothers, Ollie, Elbert, Burl, and Carl Nordine; and her sisters, Freda Weaver, Doris Nordine, and Margie Nordine.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and family, survived by her brother Don Nordine, and his wife Nancy; her son, Jeff Downey, and his wife, Lori; her grandchildren, Jonathan and Emily Downey; her daughter, Glenda Taunton Jarnagin; and her son, James Taunton. Harmeda was also a proud grandmother to Jason Jarnagin (wife Jamie) and Ginger Liles (husband James), as well as a cherished great-grandmother to Austin Jarnagin (wife Sierra), Colby Jarnagin, Cooper Jarnagin, Raigan, Jett, Cayson, and Blaze Liles. Her family grew to five generations with the birth of her great-great-grandson, Hunter Jarnagin.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Funeral services will follow on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with Pastor Dr. Douglas Melter officiating. Harmeda will be laid to rest at Tuttle Fairview Cemetery in Tuttle, Oklahoma.

Harmeda’s life was a testament to her faith, kindness, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.