Westville Cemetery
Adair County, Oklahoma

Mary Bethanna Whelchel Cabe

© Stilwell (OK) Democrat Journal
June 2007
Submitted by: Martha Real

On June 28, 2007, Mary Bethanna Cabe, a long time resident of Westville, Oklahoma, passed away at the age of 103.

Although her friends and family mourn her loss, they also celebrate her life, which was long, rich and productive.

Mary was born in 1903 a few miles outside of Westville on a pioneer farm in what was then Indian Territory, to James O. Whelchel and Mary Witt Whelchel.

She was the sixth of eight children, having five sisters and two brothers, all of whom preceded her in death.

Mary grew up in a close family, where every one pitched in to share the responsibility of the many chores required by life on a farm. This early work ethic served her well throughout her life.

Mary was of Cherokee ancestry, her great-grandmother having come to Oklahoma as a young girl on what came to be known as the Trail of Tears. Mary was among the final group of new-born children to be listed on the Cherokee head roll. She was always proud of her Cherokee heritage, and in the last several years of her life, faithfully attended the annual Cherokee National Holiday celebration in Tahlequah. At the time of her death, she was one of the few remaining original Cherokee enrollees.

Mary attended Westville High School, where she participated in girl's basketball and track.

In 1922 she was married to Farris C. Cabe and remained his life long companion until his death in 1985. They initally co-owned and managed a furniture and hardware store in Westville, during which Farris also served as manager of a local canning factory. In the 1930s they began farming, initally on Mary's original Cherokee land allotment, located south of Westville, later purchasing additional land to add to their farming operation. Following Farris' death, Mary continued to live on the farm up until almost the age of 100.

She was always self suffieient and scoffed at the idea that she was old. Mary was generous and kind hearted and was always volunteering to do things for others; even in her 80s and 90s, she spoke of helping the "old folks". Mary attended the first Baptist Church in Westville, where she frequently sang in the choir, and never missed the opportunity to invite others to attend a service.

In 1941 Mary was blessed with the birth of a daugher, Mary Jane. Mary Jane was the light of Mary's life and she instilled in her daughter the same Christian values which she, herself, possessed. Mary and her daughter were extremely close and Mary never missed the opportunity to visit at her daughter and son-in-law's home. Mary was a hard worker and saw that her daugher never lacked help with cooking, cleaning and yard work. Mary also has two grandsons and five great grandchildren, all of who she adored. Mary was a "people person" and also had a sense of adventure.

Mary, at the age of 74, sit out on a two week tour of six European countries, knowing no one else on the tour, and returned with a plane full of new friends.

At the time of her death, Mary was among those Oklahoma Centenarians featured in the book, "Salt of the Red Earth, a Century of Wit and Wisdom from Oklahoma Elders", by M.J. Alexander.

Mary died peacefully, following a short illness. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jane Fielden and husband, Arlen, Edmond, Oklahoma; two grandsons, Craig Fieldon and wife, Jen, Seattle, Washington and Brian Fieldon and wife, Paige, Atlanta, Georgia; and five great grandchildren, Heidi, Maddie and Zoe Fielden, Seattle, Washington and Christopher and Blake Fielden, Atlanta, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Westville Building Fund.
Under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home of Westville.

Note; The obituary does not state her final resting place.