Mrs. Rose Mary McKee

Rose Mary Hammer McKee, 87, passed away of natural causes on Tuesday evening, November 4, 2025, at home in Johnston County. Born in Brownwood, TX, on August 29,1938, to E.W. and Leona Hammer of Honobia, OK, she was the seventh of eleven children and no stranger to the rigors of rural life in the Kiamichi Mountains.

She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at age 10 and faithfully served Him throughout her life. Upon her graduation from Nashoba High School in 1956, she took her first paying job at the Carnation Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Dallas. While home on Christmas break in 1957, she exchanged glances with honorably discharged Army Aircraft Mechanic Donald McKee during a church service at Christ's 40 Acres. After only three dates, he proposed and the two were married the following August.

The couple eventually settled in Mesquite, TX, where they raised their two children and were active in their church. Mrs. McKee was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker; worked outside the home as a full-time secretary; and was the starting pitcher on her church's championship softball team coached by her husband.

In 1997 Mrs. McKee and her husband retired and moved back to Honobia where they worked alongside other faithful Christians to construct the Honobia First Baptist Church building. There she served as the church pianist; worked diligently in Vacation Bible School programs; and donated tasty pies, cakes, and casseroles for countless community events. Always willing to be of service, she and her husband frequently hosted guest pastors, evangelists, and members of missionary groups passing through town.

Mrs. McKee enjoyed the simpler pleasures of life. She preferred the peacefulness of country living over the busyness of city life and yard work over housework. She had a soft heart for stray animals and derived more joy from stumbling upon a garage sale treasure than owning a pricy piece of jewelry. A whiz in the kitchen, she could turn the humblest of ingredients into a comforting, satisfying meal for her family.

Mrs. McKee is survived by her son, Mike McKee and wife Cindy of Pontotoc, OK; her daughter, Donna Carlton and husband, William Carlton, Jr., of Riverside County, CA; her sister, Juanita Stretcher of Mt. Vernon, TX; her dear friend and sister in Christ, Matilda Lovasz; six grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren.

Mrs. McKee was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years; her parents; and her siblings: Baby Hammer, Odis Hammer, Kenneth Hammer, Jerlene Bishop, Mary Joyce Kinsey, Linnie Davis, Eldon Hammer Jr., Ronny Hammer, and Leona Jane Alberts.

Rev. Tony Folger will officiate a memorial graveside service for Mrs. McKee at 3 p.m., Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Highland Cemetery in Stonewall. A visitation will be held before the service at Criswell Funeral Home in Ada from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. At the request of the family, those who wish may, at any time, send a memorial donation to the Honobia First Baptist Church, 170715 Indian Hwy, Honobia, OK 74549.