Dolly Loretta Buckner, 76, of Apache, Oklahoma, was born on July 27, 1949, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Arthur Comanche and Garnett (Mithlo) Tate. She passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Robert Buckner; her son, Steven Buckner; her sister, Margie Simmons Tooahnipah; and her brother, Gary “Sonny” Mithlo.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Crews Funeral Home in Apache. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. at the Fort Sill Apache Tribal Gym, north of Apache. Interment will follow at the Fort Sill Apache POW Cemetery near Fort Sill.

Serving as pallbearers are Champ Buckner, Jimmy Maguire, Thurman Garrett, Joshua Garrett, Sean Vala, and Troy Simmons. Honorary pallbearers include Brent Buckner, Jordan Kaulaity, and Blake Whiteshield.

Dolly dedicated over 20 years of service as a youth coordinator for the Fort Sill Apache Emergency Youth Shelter, where she made a lasting impact on many young lives. She also served for many years as a member of the Fort Sill Apache Business Committee, contributing to the strength and growth of her community. A proud member of the Fort Sill-Chiricahua-Warm Springs Apache Tribe, Dolly carried her heritage with deep pride.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—spending time at the casino, dancing, bowling, and listening to Motown music. She was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and rarely missed a game. Above all, Dolly cherished her family, who were the center of her world. She was a faithful attendee of the Apache Reformed Church.

On October 1, 1972, Dolly married the love of her life, Robert Buckner, in Apache, Oklahoma, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and family.

She is survived by her children, James Buckner, Hilary Buckner, and Latisha Sullivan; her daughter-in-law, Shannon Buckner; and her stepchildren, Robert (Lori) Buckner, Larry (Karen) Buckner, Max (Linda) Buckner, Jack Buckner, and Lucille Olivates. She also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren who will carry on her legacy. She is further survived by her brother, Raymond Mithlo, and her sisters, Glenda Shaw and Cecilia Keahbone, along with many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss her.

Dolly will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, her unwavering love for her family, and her lifelong dedication to her people. Her legacy will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Online condolences can be made at www.crewsfh.com.