Rose Hill Cemetery, Grady County, Oklahoma

© The Chickasha Express-Star
18 & 19 March 2009

Bernetta Bernice [Petree] DeKinder

Memorial service for Bernetta [Petree] DeKinder, age 94, of Chickasha will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the First Christian Church. Rev. Michael Oberlender will officiate.

Mrs. DeKinder was born on September 20, 1914, in Cement, Oklahoma. She died on March 15, 2009, at her home in Chickasha.

Mrs. DeKinder graduated from Cement High School, then attended OCW where she was active in the music department. She was an accomplished pianist and singer.

While at OCW, she met William E. "Bill" DeKinder, whom she married in 1935. Mr. DeKinder's family owned the Peerless Press Company, which she helped her husband operate for many years.

Bernetta was a charter member of the 1938 Study Club, and actively involved in the church circles at the First Christian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. DeKinder; son, Ben E. DeKinder; grandson, Benny DeKinder; grandson, Kent Cavel; two sisters and four brothers.

Survivors include: Daughter Billie Marie Hayes of Chickasha, Granddaughter: Jeannie M. Smith of Chichasha, Daughter-in-law: JoAnn DeKinder of Chickasha.Granddaughter: Mary E. Hampton of Chickasha, Granddaughter: JoLyn Clifton and husband Rex of Chickasha, Great-grandsons: Kenton Smith and Tim DeKinder, Great-granddaughters: Keri DeKinder Trammell, Sarah MG Poynor and Erica Heath, One great-great-grandchild: Hudson Trammell.

Viewing will be Tuesday from 8 am to 8 pm and Wednesday morning until 9 am at the McRay Funeral Home.

Private family burial will take place in Rose Hill Cemetery prior to the memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church. Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.