Betty Gene McGee

Memorial trees planted for:

Betty Gene McGee

<p><p>Betty Gene McGee, the daughter of Gene J. and Bessie Mae (Cross) Toney, was born November 3, 1941, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and departed this life on October 25, 2024, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, at the age of 82 years, 11 months and 25 days. With golden eyes and a heart to match, Betty passed peacefully into Heaven after telling her children that she loved them.</p><p><br></p><p>She graduated from Dewey High School and earned her bachelor’s and master's degrees from Northeastern Oklahoma State University. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.</p><p><br></p><p>For 40 years, she combined her strengths of learning and teaching to inspire generations of Adair County students – preschool to adult learners. From her first day as a young teacher at the one room Chalk Bluff School, she embraced what would become her signature style of teaching all subjects and all ages. She often reminisced about gathering the students around the wood stove to get warm and listen to a story read by her or an older student. She taught reading, writing, and arithmetic along with a weekly rotation of music, art, and athletics. Betty went on to teach at Zion school before transferring to Stilwell Public Schools as the Arts, Humanities, and for many years, homebound instructor. Her homebound students may have thought that she was a genius, but she was really just one chapter ahead of each student’s individualized curriculum that ranged from biology and calculus to horticulture and diesel mechanics. She encouraged every student to embrace their individual talents and transform them into a meaningful life journey. In retirement, Betty caused traffic jams in Walmart, catching up with her former students and meeting their growing families.</p><p><br></p><p>Betty enjoyed working especially if she could meet new people and learn their stories. She believed that poll workers are the backbone of democracy and proudly served the Chalk Bluff polling site for years. She was also tapped by the late Reverend Scott Bread to teach adult education at the Stilwell Indian Mission United Methodist Church. She loved spending two nights a week nurturing an adult learning environment of discovery, growth, and opportunity. She celebrated the many who earned their GED diploma and cheered them on as they sought better jobs, higher wages, and promotions.</p><p><br></p><p>Betty was passionate about genealogy, art, bridge, and Jeopardy – watching nightly to stun her husband with rapid responses. Competitive by nature, she enjoyed playing bridge with her beloved friends and felt like a shark when she won. Long before the internet, she worked well into the night to trace her family lineage back multiple generations. She left behind bound pages of documented family history and beautifully handwritten charts.</p><p><br></p><p>She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Patricia LaVern Kaufman, and her niece, Heather Jo Kaufman.</p><p><br></p><p>Desperately missing her is an adoring family including her husband of over 64 years, Jim McGee; her children Toney Lynn McGee, Leigh Ann McGee and husband Clayton Faubion, Jamie Lou Geneva and husband Garret, and Bill McGee and wife Samantha, all of Stilwell; her brother Marcus A. Toney of Tahlequah; six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.</p><p><br></p><p>Betty’s legacy of laughter and learning will live on. It was her children’s fortune to have the most beautiful, fun, and courageous mother. She was magnificent and perfectly loved. “A mother is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks her words are wise and she gives instructions with kindness.” —Proverbs 31:25-26</p><p><br></p><p>A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Kester Family Funeral Home on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2 pm. Additionally, the family will host a viewing on Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm.</p></p>
November 3, 1941 - October 25, 202411/03/194110/25/2024
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Betty Gene McGee
Betty Gene McGee
3 Trees have been planted in memory of Betty McGee.

Memorial Trees

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Steve and Dannielle Emerson

October 31, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Betty Gene McGee has been arranged by Steve and Dannielle Emerson. Plant a tree
All of our love and condolences sent! She was an absolute Beautiful soul and human! Love and hugs sent to the entire family
L

Love, Jim Risinger, Mindy Crawford, JC James

October 31, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Betty Gene McGee has been arranged by Love, Jim Risinger, Mindy Crawford, JC James. Plant a tree
Like a Rainbow you were the light that shines through the rain. Thank you for the encouragement.
D

Dana Lillian Mitchell

October 30, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Betty Gene McGee has been arranged by Dana Lillian Mitchell. Plant a tree
Aunt Betty you have been an inspiration & source of love my whole life. I will always remember your kindness, artistic flare & especially your humor.