Rose Edith

Kaudle Kaule

Rose Edith "Edie" Primeaux was born on April 24, 1958, at Pawnee Indian Hospital to Rachel (Makes Cry) and Press L. Primeaux. She grew up at her family’s country home, "Outwest." Through the Government Relocation Program, the family also lived in Cleveland, Ohio, and Chicago, Illinois, before returning home to Oklahoma. As the youngest daughter of eight children, she was lovingly pampered. Her fondest childhood memories were learning to sew by hand, quilt, crochet, and bead from her Grandma Beatrice Makes Cry and her mother, Rachel. She attended Union 98, Ponca City, and Tonkawa schools.

In 1977, she married Nate Johnson, and from this union, they welcomed three children into the world: Michael, Bruce, and Jennifer. Motherhood was her first and most important calling, and she excelled at it. Once her children reached school age, she entered the workforce. While she made balancing work and home life look effortless, her children deeply respected her ambition and strong work ethic.

Edie later began a dedicated career with the Ponca Tribe, serving her people faithfully in every role she held until her retirement. She started at the Women's Rehabilitation facility as an attendant, work she loved with a passion. She became widely known for her service as an Enrollment Clerk and later as Enrollment Director, before stepping into the role of Receptionist for the Main Building. Whenever you called the Ponca Tribe, her warm voice was the first you would hear, and whenever you walked through the doors, she was the first to greet you with a bright smile and kind words.

A radiant woman who took great pride in her appearance, Edie never left the house without being completely ready for the day. She was well-spoken, always offering words of encouragement alongside valuable knowledge of tribal genealogy. She also had a lifelong passion for thrifting—to her, it wasn't just a hobby, it was a way of life, and she was an unmatched negotiator, gifts undoubtedly inherited from her parents.

On August 18, 2007, she married her greatest love, Stephen "Candyman" Kaudle Kaule, making their home in Ponca City. Their deep love for one another was unmistakable; they walked hand-in-hand everywhere they went. Together, they loved to travel and attend family gatherings and traditional dances across Oklahoma, priding themselves on always being the first ones to arrive. They shared a wonderful life, especially when it came to being active in their grandchildren's lives—rarely going anywhere without one or two of them in tow. When Steve fell ill, Rose never left his side at the hospital. His passing on January 4, 2025, left her heartbroken. 675 days after losing him, she was reunited in his arms in heaven.

Edie had an unconditional love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Active on Facebook, she stayed closely connected to everyone she knew, never missing a chance to share sincere encouragement on birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. To know her and call her your own was a true privilege. Throughout the years, her heart and doors were always open, and her house was always full. As she often said, "I feel the best when everyone is here under my roof." Her home remained the heart of countless family gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Press and Rachel Primeaux; her brothers, Chester Primeaux and Thomas Primeaux; her son, Michael Johnson; her beloved husband, Steve "Candyman" Kaudle Kaule; and her sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Rev. Ron Favell.

She is survived by her children: Bruce and Kristy Johnson, Jennifer and Ben Silva, Stevie Kaudle Kaule Jr., Leiani Kaudle Kaule, and Brandon Kaudle Kaule; her grandchildren: Samuel and Violet Johnson, Nora, Emma, Lucille, and Frances Feathers, Kristopher Myatt, Andrew and Janssen Johnson, Steven Allen, Nadia, Lexia, and Alec Kent; and her great-grandson, Owen Cozad.

PallbearersKristopher Myatt, Andrew Johnson, Jay Johnson, Tim Primeaux, Albert Primeaux, Steven Simpson, Derrick Whitehorn, and Earl "Trey" Howe III.

Honorary PallbearersFloyd Billy Primeaux, Clint Primeaux, Jack Helsley, Loy Ray Nickens, Galvis White Eagle, Kurt Pollak, Carl Pollak, and Robert Johnson.