Myrna Joy Heffington Monkres

1936 - 2021

Myrna Joy Heffington Monkres

Myrna passed away peacefully January 6, 2021 at the age of 84 with family at her bedside. She was born August 22, 1936 to Howard and Martha Heffington in Drumright, OK. Myrna attended Drumright Public Schools, graduating in 1954 as President of her Senior Class. As a Music Major at OU, Myrna was a member of Chi Omega sorority. After meeting on a blind date, Myrna married Terry Gwynn Monkres on April 16, 1956. They were blessed with three children: Cynthia Gwynn, Mark Lynn and Timothy Von. Myrna and Terry celebrated over 64 years of marriage, a true testament of their love for each other.

Music was air for Myrna. She began piano lessons at an early age, playing a piano gifted to her by her grandfather, "Dad Dad Huffman". As a gifted pianist, she could sight-read and transpose music from one key to another the very first time. She was Organist at First Christian Church, Cushing, OK, as a young woman and continued as an accompanist for various events over the years in Tulsa. Even after her children left elementary and junior high school, she was often called to help out.

Myrna was involved in many music organizations during her life, always as a Soprano in the choir of any church she attended. She sang with First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir; Coventry Chorale, an "invitation only" chorus directed by David Rollo; and Hyechka Women's Chorus.

Myrna was a natural born leader and held the office of President in several organizations: Desk & Derrick Club, Cushing, OK; Ladies of Southwood, Southwood Country Club, Tulsa; and Hyechka Music Club, Tulsa; not to mention Homeroom Mother for her children.

An avid sports fan, "Coach Myrna" was always very vocal about her Sooners, whether it be football or basketball. Most times she could anticipate plays or penalties sooner than they were called on the field or by announcers.

Myrna and Terry enjoyed spending time at their lake home on Grand Lake, soaking up the fabulous view from their deck or on the boat or personal watercraft. At one time she had the fastest jet ski on the lake.

Myrna worked as a Senior Records Analyst at Cities Service Oil Company, Tulsa, until she and Terry co-founded The Terry Company. As co-owner, she was involved in all transactions of the company.

She adored her grandsons and enjoyed playing all types of games with them when they were younger and attending their various events as they got older.

Myrna always expected the best of us and she leaves us with many wonderful, fun memories that we will always hold close in our hearts. She had a great sense of humor and was just one incredibly smart lady.

The family wishes to thank the incredible staff at Brookdale Midtown for their compassionate, loving care of Myrna the past 2½ years. We know she could be a handful.

Myrna lived a full life and made friends wherever she went. She is survived by Terry of the home; Cynthia Davis (LaVere), Tulsa; Tim Monkres (Carolyn), Tulsa; grandsons, Blake Brownlee, St Louis, MO, Mark Brownlee, Phuket, Thailand, Matthew Brownlee, Washington, DC; granddaughter, Marissa Monkres, Springfield, MO; brother, Don Heffington, (Barbara) Tulsa; several cousins and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Mark Monkres.

The family suggests donations be made in her honor to the First Presbyterian Music Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, 709 South Boston Ave., Tulsa, OK 71119. Ninde Brookside, 918-742-5556, www.ninde.com