Mary Jane Maddux

Mary Jane Wadlow was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 18, 1946 to James Sterling and Lois Mae (Whiting) Wadlow. Mary lost her father at the age of 18 months old. She and her mother lived with James’s parents and while living there, Lois met Urshal Beets. On November 8, 1948, he became her daddy.

The family moved to California and Iowa before settling in Wanette, Oklahoma. Mary attended Wanette schools where she graduated in 1964 in a class of 18 students.

Mary found she was good at jobs not typically provided to women. She started working the night shift at General Motors on the assembly line.

She met the love of her life by chance when her friend invited her to out to a nightclub. On August 22, 1981 she married Trueman Maddux, Jr. Together they blended their families of 6 children.

Mary went to work for Tinker AFB where she rebuilt the afterburners for F-111 engines. In 1991, she went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as an aircraft mechanic. With the help of her husband and friends, she and her co-worker, Gail, were able to obtain their Airframe and Powerplant licensure, paving the way for future female mechanics. She retired from FAA in 2018.

Mary loved spending time with friends and family. She always had a positive attitude. She loved to awaken her children by singing “Good Morning to You” as she turned on the bedroom lights. She decorated the family home for every holiday. Mary was an avid shopper and loved all the pretty things, especially with bling! She loved her dogs. Mary enjoyed gardening and always had beautiful flowers in her gardens.

Mary was surrounded by her family and friends when she left us on June 15, 2024, and entered into the kingdom of Heaven.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Trueman Maddux, Jr., her parents, Lois and Urshal Beets and father, James Wadlow.

Mary is survived by her sister, Allison Chipman, children: Donna Maddux- Dowdle and husband, Sandy; John Maddux and wife, Amy; Vicki Bodine; John Scott Bodine and wife, Amanda; Amanda Henry and husband, Chris. Her grandchildren Caitlin, Ivory, Johnathon-Trueman, Autumn, Seth, Caden, Zyler and Paislee. Nephew Jeff Gibson. Best friends of many decades, Rita and Ronnie Baker and Gail Rikard, and many more.

The family wishes to thank Allison Chipman, Rita and Ronnie Baker, Gail Rikard, Karen Perkins, and Mike and Jo Richardson for loving our mother and helping us to care for her.

We would also like to thank Dr. Tahirkheli, the staff of Grace Living Center Skilled Nursing in Norman, Dr. Whalen and the staff of Norman Regional CVICU for their kindness, compassion and dedicated care.

A graveside service for Mary will be held at 10am Monday, June 24, 2024 at Sunny Lane Cemetery, 4000 SE 29th Street, Del City, OK 73115.