Margaret Lorraine Mcdermitt

Margaret Lorraine McDermitt, aged 94, passed into eternal rest on Monday, January 1, 2024, in Coweta, Oklahoma. She was born on February 19, 1929, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to loving parents Ruth (Lewis) and George Welker. They along with her birthfather Kenneth Phnis Cox, and her devoted husband, Ross Richard McDermitt, preceded her in death. Margaret's legacy is a tapestry of love, service, and enduring family ties, etched in the hearts of all who knew her.

Margaret graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1947. It was in that same vibrant city of Tulsa where she encountered Ross on a blind date in 1949, a meeting that would blossom into a beautiful marriage lasting 58 years until Ross's passing in 2008. Their union was a testament to love at first sight and to the endurance of shared affection over decades.

First and foremost, Margaret was a cherished wife, a stay-at-home mom, and Mamaw whose life revolved around her family. She is survived by her five adoring daughters, Karen Thompson (Myke), Nita Donnelly (Dennis), Terri McDermitt (Don Shackelford), Jan Laub (and grand dog Sophie), and Jill Van Tuyl (Steve), who each carry forward the spark of her maternal grace. Margaret's joy multiplied with her seven grandchildren, Patti Plunk (Eddie), Dr. Kayse Shrum (Darren), Angela Bacon (Bobby), Jason McDermitt (Britt), Natalie Clyma (Donnie), Kellie Green (Michael), and Rodney Van Tuyl (Sami), and her twenty-three great-grandchildren; Alyssa Bacon, August Bacon, Nathan Plunk, Nik Plunk, Jaidyn Plunk, Colton Shrum, Kyndall Meyer (Guthrie), Joe Shrum, Kilientn Shrum, Kason Shrum, Karsyn Shrum, Elle McDermitt, Jack McDermitt, Sydney Clyma, Lukas Clyma, Madison Clyma, Grayson Van Tuyl, Bear Van Tuyl, Baylor Van Tuyl, Presley Green, Wyatt Green, Warren Green, and Evelyn Green who brought boundless happiness into her life. Her family extended further to include a great-great-granddaughter, Allyn Kate Plunk, her honorary granddaughters; Semhar Asfha, Paula Underwood, and Kara Replogle, in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom found warmth in her nurturing presence. Margaret's world was dimmed with the loss of her son, Kenneth Richard McDermitt, her sister, Charlotte Hall, and two grandsons, Kenneth Thompson, and Silas Van Tuyl, who passed before her.

Margaret's heart for service found expression through her active involvement in the Women’s Society of Christian Service at Memorial Drive, Methodist Church in Tulsa. Her efforts in global ministries were recognized in 1996, highlighting her dedication to making a difference far beyond her local community. Additionally, her talents in ceramics filled the homes of friends and family with beauty, while her role as the coordinator of her husband’s company picnics earned her the affectionate title of "bingo queen." She was a member of La Sertoma and served as the president. She was published in many cookbooks. However, no role was as important as the one she filled at home being a Momma.

Her skills were as varied as they were impressive, playing the piano, sewing dance costumes for her daughters, and taking pride in being an excellent seamstress.  Margaret and Ross shared a passion for square dancing as charter members of the Memorial Drive Square dance group, bringing rhythm and joy to the community center every Saturday night.

Margaret's devotion to her faith was unwavering, as evidenced by her service as a youth director for UMYF, instilling strong values in her children. Her voice was heard in the choirs of both the Memorial Dr. Methodist Church and the First United Methodist Church in Coweta. Her leadership extended into her role as a Girl Scout troop leader, pushing boundaries for the empowerment of young women, which was commemorated with an honorary certificate in 1970.

Her presidency of the PTA at John Ross Elementary and Robert Fulton exemplified her commitment to the educational growth of her daughters and the children of her community. Margaret’s home was an archive of treasured memories, safeguarding every memento gifted by her loved ones.

Margaret Lorraine McDermitt was the embodiment of love. The words "I love you, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck" best encapsulated her affection. She had that special "Mamaw Eyes" look that ensured everyone around her stayed on the right path. The cherished memories of her best fried chicken on Sunday afternoons, her famed sugar cookies, and the perfection she brought to every Christmas will live on through those who adored her. Her passing leaves a void that can only be filled by the love and memories she bestowed to those she left behind.

Visitation services for the family will be held privately. Services to honor Margaret will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Coweta, officiated by Rev. Janelle Roberts. Margaret will be laid to rest at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, Broken Arrow at 1:00 PM following the service.

Family and friends are invited to share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Margaret McDermitt entrusted her care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK, 74429, 918-486-5515.