Betsy Marilyn Steen was born July 24, 1933 in Ada, Oklahoma to Sherman and Ora McGuinn Shockley. All her education years, except one in elementary, through high school graduation was spent at Horace Mann School on the campus of East Central University, Ada. The impact of those years brought about her charter membership of the Horace Mann Centennial Endowed Scholarship in 2009. She attended East Central University and Oklahoma College for Women. Marilyn’s saintly mother guided her to love and accept Christ as her Savior. Her profession of faith and baptism was in February 1949 at First Baptist Church, Ada. In later years, she was blessed to serve with dear friends in the five-year Sunday school department.
A lifelong partnership of marriage and devotion to each other began August 22, 1952 with Ben D. Steen. The Rev. Paul M. Stevens united this couple in his study at First Baptist Church, Ada. To this union were born six children. She remained steadfast in her faith of God and in her love and devotion to her precious family. She loved her role of wife, mother and keeper of the home.
Early years of marriage were spent in Norman at the University of Oklahoma, Army locations for Ben and pharmacy businesses in Ada and Dallas, TX, which was home for ten years. In 1975, the family moved back to Ada for a thirty-two year stay so the children could enjoy life in a special little town.
In 2006, Ben and Marilyn moved to Oklahoma City to be near daughter Becky and so enjoyed those years until Ben’s unexpected passing January 21, 2015. Marilyn remained in Oklahoma City until July of 2021 when she moved to Tulsa to be near daughters Laura and Nancy, and she was so thankful for the loving care they provided during her last three years. She enjoyed a sweet community of friends at Town Village living center.
Marilyn’s sweet spirit, deep faith and joyful servant heart were a blessing to all. She was a gracious, kindhearted and beautiful lady, inside and out. She had the gift of hospitality; often sharing baked goods she’d lovingly prepared for family and friends. Always thinking of others, she never missed an opportunity to send a card or reach out in the most heartfelt ways.
Marilyn’s faith in Christ was her strength and guide for life. She was a wonderful mother, devoted wife and good and faithful servant of the Lord. She was so beloved by her family and friends and she will be deeply missed. Her legacy of selfless giving and faithful love will live on in her family for generations.
She was predeceased in death by her beloved husband of sixty-two years Ben D. Steen (2015); their two sons, Brad Fenton Steen (1959) and Jeff Braxton Steen (1993); also her parents and an infant sister.
Survivors include four precious daughters and their mates: Stephanie & Mason Holden of Dallas, TX; Becky Steen & Alan Willoughby of Oklahoma City, OK; Laura & Todd Hofmann of Tulsa, OK; Nancy & David Hale of Bixby, OK. Six beloved grandchildren: Braden Barnes (wife Brooke); Brennan Barnes Burnett (husband Rob); Corbin Carter (husband Michael); Caroline Hofmann; Ryan Hofmann, and Railey Richards. Four great-grandsons: Eben & Raef Barnes; Ren Braxton & Logan Burnett. A dear brother, James G. Shockley & wife Jennie; nephew Myles Shockley (wife Donna) and niece Donna Shockley Hunnell (husband Tom).
Graveside services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Ada, Oklahoma on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11:00am. In honor of Marilyn’s memory, her family requests that memorial donations be made in her name to The Horace Mann Society Scholarship Fund (Acct 0810), East Central University Foundation (580) 559-5514, www.ecok.edu/donate, as she requested, or a remembrance of your choice.
“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 3:5.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada.
