'The Best Popcorn Balls': Marlow Woman Continues Halloween Tradition

With Halloween right around the corner, one small town in Southwest Oklahoma has it’s own tradition to look forward to.

As Halloween rolls around most kids look forward to trick-or-treating for Halloween candy. But here in Marlow, Oklahoma, Glenda Ousley’s house is the place to be, and it's all because of her famous popcorn balls. She’s a local preschool teacher and a beloved Marlow neighbor.

"Eighty-six years old and she's still grinding every day,” Heather Gage said. “I don't think there's a person in this town that doesn't know and love her."

Gage was taught by Mrs. Ousley in 1978 and now works with her at the elementary school. Gage says Mrs. Ousley is known for her big heart.

"She's like miss Marlow,” Gage said. “She's just a pillar in our community. Always has been."

Of course, she’s also known for her sweet Halloween tradition.

"The best popcorn balls,” Gage explained. “We all know it, we all love it and we all start showing up way too early to get the popcorn balls on Halloween."

"I can't even tell you how long I’ve been making them,” Mrs. Ousley said.

She’s been making them for decades and it’s been long enough for the popcorn balls to be a staple in Marlow.

"All year long 'I’m coming to your house on Halloween for popcorn balls,'” she said. "I have a lot of pride about it, I look forward to it. This year we started the first week in October making them."

Nearly 1,600 popcorn balls later, she’s almost ready for the trick-or-treaters.

"I shed a few tears sometimes when some of them come,” Mrs. Ousley said. "I love the community."

Marlow loves her right back.

"The whole entire community wants to come to Mrs. Ousley's house," Gage said.

Mrs. Ousley said she plans to continue her popcorn ball tradition for as long as she can.

"Until I can't stand up in there anymore and do it," she said.