Betty (Couch) McMurry

Betty McMurry, 96, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the Arbors Facility, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Betty Aline Couch was born in Guymon, Oklahoma on October 25, 1922 to Goldie Garnet (Seaman) and Alfred Couch.  Betty was raised in Kansas City, Missouri and attended Lindenwood College.  She was united in marriage to Dr. William Dwight (W.D.) McMurry on October 31, 1942 in Kansas City.  The young doctor and his bride made their home in Guymon, where they raised their family, invested in the community and Dr. Mac cared for many of its people.  Together they had seven children, seventeen grandchildren and twenty-eight, with another on the way, great grandchildren.  Betty, affectionately known as Mackey, was the proud matriarch of this family.

As a committed Christian example, Mackey was a prayer warrior for her family and others.  As a Bible student, she taught Sunday school and hosted Bible studies for many years.  She not only shared her love of God’s Word, but it was her integrity and gracious love, she was a beautiful example of a Christ follower.   Betty was a devoted member of Victory Memorial United Methodist Church and above all, she was a believer in Jesus Christ. 

Over her long and well lived years, Betty had many interests, including bridge, Rose Garden Club, and P. E.O., Chapter AM.  She was honored in the community as Lambda Psi Woman of the Year and 2007 Pioneer Queen.   Dr. McMurry passed away in 1989.   Whether it be being a widow or moving from her lifetime home in Guymon to Tulsa in 2016, Betty was a strong example of making the best of things, always sharing her motto, “Keep calm and carry on.”

The McMurry family is so grateful to the Arbors’ staff and loving environment that welcomed Betty’s big and boisterous family.  They truly made her feel it was home.

Betty is survived by seven children,  Mike McMurry and Mary Ann of Ankeny, IA Marcia and John Fears of Fountain Hills, AZ, Kelly McMurry and Michelle of Guymon, Jill  and Doug Fears of Tulsa, Janet and Dale Hanna of Cleburne, TX, Holly McMurry of Tulsa, and Tere and Johnny Curtis of Guymon.  She was beloved “Mackey” to her sixteen grandchildren, Scott (Marielle) Fears, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Fears, Robbyn Fears (Billy Bailey), Jonathan Fears, Shauna McMurry (Jeff) Maddox, Kelsey McMurry, Dylan (Jessie) McMurry, Coulton (Julia) McMurry, Braxton (Haley) Fears, Luke (Kristy) Fears, Dax (Rachel) Fears, Audrey Collins (Adam) Dake, Shelly Collins (Michael) Brabner, Rachel Collins (Stephen) Downing, Alyssa Curtis (Seth) Womack, Brydan (Vanessa) Curtis and twenty-eight great-grandchildren with one on the way.  She is also survived by her special bonus family, Selma and Ben Belts and Samson and Vero Balachander. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, brother, Dr. Morris Couch, and grandson, Patrick McMurry. The family is comforted by the assurance that their beloved Mother and Mackey is reunited with her husband, grandson, and others in the land where joys will never end, and look forward to seeing her again. 

Viewing and visitation will be Friday, May 17th, 1:00-7:00 PM at Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, 501 NW Fifth St, Guymon.  The McMurry family will be at visitation from 5:00-7:00 PM. 

Memorial services will be Sunday afternoon, May 19th, 2:00 PM at Victory Memorial United Methodist Church, 523 N Roosevelt, Guymon, with Pastor David Player, officiating.  Interment will be in Elmhurst Cemetery, Guymon.

The family has requested that memorials be given to Victory Memorial United Methodist Church, Loaves and Fishes Food Cupboard, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK  73942 or End Bible Poverty Organization  https://www.endbiblepovertynow.com/give.

Friends may sign the online guestbook and send condolences at www.hensonnovak.com.

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