Mary Anne Watts

Mary Anne Watts, born Mary Anne Harbison on October 3, 1945, in Oklahoma City, peacefully departed this world on Sunday morning, July 28, 2024, at the age of 78. She was the cherished only child of Dr. Edgar Frank Harbison and Margaret Lee Monroney, and granddaughter of Dr. James Edgar Harbison, co-founder of Oklahoma General Hospital which is now Mercy Hospital.

A proud graduate of Bishop McGuinness High School in 1963, she went on to study at Oklahoma University, where she honed her skills as a ballerina under the guidance of the esteemed Yvonne Chouteau. It was her time in Norman that sparked her unwavering enthusiasm for Oklahoma University football. An avid Sooners fan and longtime season ticket holder, Mary Anne could outpace anyone at OU football trivia, often delighting friends and family with her sharp, humorous insights into the game, the team’s history, and major players.

Mary Anne began her career in public service as an assistant to her uncle, United States Senator Mike Monroney in Washington, D.C. Known as "Mr. Aviation" in the Senate, Monroney wrote and sponsored the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 that created the Federal Aviation Agency and is the namesake of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. Back in Oklahoma, Mary Anne devoted 35 years to the Secretary of State’s office, processing applications for notary public commissions, making lifelong friends, and leaving a lasting impact at the capitol. She held a second part-time job at J.C. Penney for over a decade, demonstrating her resilience and strong work ethic.

Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents and son, Herb Bullis. She is survived in loving memory by her daughter, Katie, her beloved granddog Bodhi, and her dearest friends since grade school and fellow McGuinness grads: Jacqui Bradshaw, Evelyn Saxton, and Mary Diane Steltenkamp. Her playful spirit and legacy of loyalty and friendship will continue to inspire those who knew her. 

A very special thank you from the family to the amazing staff and care team at The Lakes Care Center and CompleteOK Hospice. Together they made the last years and moments of her life full of love, comfort, and kindness.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary Anne's life will be held at noon on Saturday, August 3, at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 1401 NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City.