Ozell Klepper Dugan

Ozell Klepper Dugan of Canyon, 87, lived a blessed life and moved to her heavenly home on June 13, 2021. Graveside services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Dreamland Cemetery with David Lough, minister of University Church of Christ, officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon.

Ozie was born on April 6, 1934, to B.C. and Etha Klepper in Kress, Texas. She attended Kress High School where she was elected Homecoming Queen, Class Favorite, Miss KHS and Most Beautiful her Senior year.
She married Bill Dugan on July 28, 1961, and they built a loving family that consisted of six children. They were married 53 years and were huge supporters of Randall County 4-H. She was the ultimate mother and spent most of her time in the kitchen or caring for her family. A fabulous cook, she enjoyed having her family together and making enough food for a small army.

She made holidays and birthdays very special and created many memorable moments for her children and grandchildren. She loved being MeMaw to her grandchildren. A family tradition she started with her grandchildren was a "MeMaw-style Tea Party." She used the good china and served pickles, carrots, cucumbers, cheese, and crackers. The tradition centered on communication, enjoying each other's company, and making healthy choices. She loved asking her grandchildren about their day, current events and teaching them to be knowledgeable about the world around them.

Ozie went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1952. She was a switchboard operator, and her family called her the "Original Siri". Her days not only included connecting calls, but she also assisted with emergency calls, the 911 of her time. The hours after school were one of her favorite times as she had kids call and ask her how to spell things, to ask what time it was, various math problems and just to say "Hi" while they were waiting for their parents to come home. Ozie worked for Southwestern Bell/A.T&T for 28 years and served in multiple roles, but her days at the switchboard were her favorite. She is a lifetime member of the Communication Workers of America and the Telephone Pioneers.

She attended the University Church of Christ and loved her Lord and her Church family dearly. She will be missed for her chocolate chip cookies, her love of staying in touch with friends and loved ones, being an avid reader, and her intelligence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill Dugan, a son Billy Dugan, two grandchildren, Billy Shawn and Stephanie Dugan and her sister, Bernice Vineyard.

Ozie is survived by her sons Randy Dugan of Canyon and Ricky Dugan and wife Lanette of Chickasha, Okla.; her daughter, Cindy Jeter and husband Brent of Springdale, Arkansas; two step-daughters, Faye Vest and husband, Jerry of Olton and Donna Lancaster of Duncanville; 10 grandchildren, Salana, Kellie, Jamie, Joli, Jace, Jennifer, Jannaka, Jannessa, Jeff and Nikki; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and another great-great grandchild due in July. She is also survived by her beloved big brother, Troy Klepper, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to High Plains Children's Home, PO Box 7448, Amarillo, Texas 79114 or a favorite charity.

The family would like to thank the Hudson House of Canyon for their loving care and friendship to Ozie in her final years.