Mary Lee Marical

Mary L. Blakesley Marical, 87, passed peacefully into the presence of our Lord Jesus on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Mom was born July 26, 1935 to Charlie & Hazel Blakesley in Indiahoma, OK. She was a graduate of Capitol Hill High School, class of 1954. She attended business school and would later go to cosmetology night school in the early 1970s.
Mom married our dad, Phil Russell in September 1954 where they had two daughters, Pamela Kay and Phyllis Lynn. Later on, she would marry Derrell Marical in the 1960s.
Mom had many employment opportunities during her lifetime. She began in several movie theatres in the Capitol Hill area as a ticket taker. She would also work for Western Electric and Continental Baking Co., where they made Wonder Bread and Hostess cupcakes. She always claimed she did the twist all night long because she made the Cinnamon Twist Danish every night! She also worked at First Nation Center on the 26th floor. It was at this time that she attended cosmetology school. After graduation, she worked for her friend, Val McDonald, who was ready to retire shortly after mom started building her clientele there.
She then went to work with Lynnette Cox. There, she developed her business and friendship with Lyn, who led her to the Lord Jesus. Mom then shared the gospel with us, Pam & Phyllis, leading us to follow Christ as well (This story is worth hearing from Pam or Phyllis! Just ask!).
Mom's favorite and most rewarding job was with Vermeer Sales & Service, where she was the office manager/bookkeeper for over 40 years. Ron McVey, owner and boss, became not only a boss, but a close friend and a part of our family!
Mom also had a heart for volunteering, where she was a leader for Blue Birds and then Campfire Girls for 10 years. She was also an Ombudsman for residents in nursing home facilities for 10 years. She had a Mission Friends group on Wednesday nights at Southpark Baptist Church, where she was a charter member. Additionally, Mom served her community as a Moore City Councilwoman for one term.
Mary is survived by her two devoted daughters, Pamela McSwain and Phyllis Middleton; her dearest friend, Tracy Spurgeon, who became like a third daughter; grandchildren, Kresha Meek and her husband, Kerr, John Lyles and Lori, and Brandon McSwain and his wife, Randi; great-grandchildren, Jordan Pryor, Kaylee Pryor-Lyles, Haley Drake, Mackenzie Drake, Brylea McSwain, and Brydon McSwain; her friend, Diana Posey; and many other family & friends.
She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Charlie & Hazel Blakesley; two brothers, Hugh and Charles Blakesley; two step-sons, Gene and David Marical; and her two loving sons-in law, Keith McSwain and Scott Middleton.
Mom wore a lot of hats during her lifetime, most importantly, being our mother. She was always loving, caring, encouraging, and treated us fairly. We were her world. Everything she did was for her girls!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Golden Age Home Health Care and Oklahoma Palliative & Hospice Care, Deanna, Latrell, Angie, Carrie, Dewayne, Page, and Chaplain Cameron for all the love and care you provided for our mother. We would also like to thank everyone at Integris Hospice House, especially Jacque, Kayla, and Kathy.
Thank you all for joining us here today!
God bless you all!
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