In the heart of Muldrow, there’s a holiday hero who may not be a celebrity, but if you’re a local, you undoubtedly know her as “The Christmas Lady.”

For several years now, Kay Ross has been the driving force behind the festive atmosphere in Muldrow, adorning benches and storefronts with holiday decorations. “This is something I enjoy doing,” Ross said. “I love all holidays, especially Christmas.” This year, she estimated decorating between 30 and 40 benches, utilizing garlands, bows, and whatever decorations she had to make Muldrow more festive.

Muldrow residents affectionately refer to Ross as “The Christmas Lady,” not just for her town-wide decorating spree but also for her front yard, transformed into a winter wonderland every Christmas season.

“For Christmas this year, I have put out 14 Christmas trees, with lights and ornaments,” she said. “I receive a lot of compliments, and people say they like it.”

“We drive by each year to see what “The Christmas Lady” has done with her yard,” said one Muldrow resident. “Our kids enjoy seeing what she does with her yard.” R oss also decorates her yard for other holidays, including Easter and Thanksgiving.

“The Christmas Lady” title was bestowed upon Ross about five years ago when Muldrow Mayor Catherine Jones (who happens to be Ross’ neighbor) asked her to decorate the benches and storefronts in Muldrow.

“It just grew from there,” she said. “And now I have done it for a few years. People seem to like it.”

For the past few years, Ross has also helped to decorate the tree at her church, Eastside Free Will Baptist, in Muldrow. She says that this year she decorated it more than in past years, and the people loved it.

A fellow congregant said, “Kay brings a lot of happiness to the town and the church; she is always happy and ensures we are happy in the process.”

Retired now, Ross leads an active life, hosting exercise classes, and dance classes in Muldrow. She recently entertained participants in the Muldrow Walk in the Park with her dance troupe.

“I am not sure how much entertaining we did, but we sure had fun,” Ross said.

Ross, a lifelong Muldrow resident, expresses her love for the town where she raised her two daughters, Andee and Amy. Through them, she has eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Describing Muldrow in three words, Ross calls it a “very friendly town.”

As Christmas approaches, “The Christmas Lady” plans to spend the holidays with her daughters, alternating between them, and cherishing moments with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Looking ahead to the New Year, Ross has resolutions focused on home improvement projects.