Mary Kathryn Baber, 84, of Madill, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Born on May 17, 1940, in Ardmore, Oklahoma to the late Ben Tom Gill Sr. and Helen Louise West Gill.

Mary was raised in Ardmore, where she graduated from Ardmore High School in 1958. Her passion for education led her to Murray State College and later Oklahoma State University (OSU), where she proudly earned her bachelor's degree in education. Mary married Walter Ottis Baber on December 14, 1962, in Ardmore. The couple initially resided in Oklahoma City before making Madill their forever home in 1964.

A devout and active member of the First Methodist Church in Madill, Mary found joy in her involvement with the Methodist Women and crafting beautiful creations for the Zelma Bazaar. Her hands were never idle, as she delighted in sewing, quilting, and immersing herself in the pages of a good book. Her talents and passions brought joy and comfort to many throughout her community.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Walter Ottis Baber; her children, Karen Armstrong, Mustang, Oklahoma, Sharon Bankhead and her husband Philip of Dallas, Texas, and Gil Baber and his wife Amy of Kaufman, Texas. She was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren, Lindsey Cratin, Allison Armstrong, Zachary Bankhead, Lauren Quarrington, and Peyton Pickett, and seven precious great-grandchildren, Kallie Leach, Kaydance Cratin, Cache Cratin, Hagen Quarrington, Skylar Quarrington, Noah Pickett, and Salem Pickett. Mary is also survived by her siblings, Glenda Gill Walker, Anne Gill Getchell, John Gill, Jeff Gill, and James Gill, along with a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Steve Armstrong; her siblings, Ben Tom Gill Jr., Helen Louise O'Donnell, Charles Gill, Theodore Gill, and George Gill; and her nephews, Roger Gill and Brandon Gill. 

Mary's life was a testament to the power of kindness, dedication, and family. Her gentle soul and generous heart left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be dearly missed but her memory will forever be a guiding light for her family and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Zelma Bazaar 301 W. Taliaferro St., Madill, Oklahoma 73446. 

Casket Bearers:  Mike Matlack, Neil Stuckey, Zachary Bankhead, Justin Pickett, Matthew Quarrington and Kevin GillHonorary Bearers:     Jeremy Gill