Mary Elizabeth Mckenzie

Mary Elizabeth McKenzie was born on August 7, 1925 in Olney, Illinois and died peacefully on August 13, 2016 at the age of 91 in the company of her family. She was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. F. L. Barthelme and raised in Effingham, Illinois where her father practiced internal medicine and pursued advanced medical research. Mary attended Fontbonne College in St. Louis, Missouri where she studied nursing. She married Clovis (Buck) McKenzie and the newlyweds eventually moved to Oklahoma City where Buck practiced oil and gas law for many years. During their 72 years of marriage, Mary and Buck were blessed with four sons: Steve, Greg, Jeff and Pat. Mary was a devout Catholic, devotee of the rosary, and honored to have served as sacristan of Christ the King Catholic Church where she also became President of Christ the King Parent Teachers Association. She was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Eugene Catholic Church. Mary was a skilled bridge player, avid golfer and served as President of the Ladies' Golf Association at the Greens Golf and Country Club. She was also an accomplished business woman. For many years she co-owned and operated the Yarn Garden, a popular knitting, needlepoint, quilting and craft shop in Oklahoma City. She also helped launch the innovative retailer Discoveries, Inc. Faith and family anchored Mary's life. She was an irreplaceable friend and counselor; an ambassador of joy and laughter. Feisty. Graceful. Compassionate. Loyal. Mary celebrated life. An animated storyteller, Mary delighted in recounting the sometimes outrageous antics of her Irish ancestors. She was born with the gifts of humor, artistry, intellect and creativity and showered these gifts upon her family and friends. Mary is survived by her husband Buck, three sons and daughters-in-law Mickey McKenzie and Reeny McKenzie. She was predeceased by her son Pat. Mary is also survived by nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family is deeply grateful for the loving care extended to Mary by the wonderful staff at Concordia Life Care Community and Mercy Hospice. The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 2400 W. Hefner Road, Oklahoma City, OK at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 18, 2016. Interment will take place at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. In the last years of her life, Mary was overcome by an insidious disease. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that commemorations be made to Mercy Hospice, St. Eugene Catholic Church or Catholic Charities.