Barbara Buckley McPheeters

Barbara grew up in her cherished hometown of Springhill, Kansas where she forged lifelong friendships with her high school friends at Springhill High school. She married Arthur McPheeters and lived in Arvada, Colorado and finally moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She worked as an Assistant Manager of the Elko Camera Store at Shephard Mall but spent most of her working career as the Manager of Sir Knight Formal Wear and finally following her dream of being an educator receiving her Associates in Early Childhood Education at age 66 and was a Pre-K teacher until retirement. As a child she was in the 4H club, where she won the Betty Crocker award at her high school. As a mother, she was a PTA leader, Girl Scout Leader, and Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed her role as a host family for the Rotary Exchange Student Program. Barbara loved her family and friends and loved music and children. Her house was the place in the neighborhood that all the kids gathered to play. Barbara was proud of paying for college for her three daughters and insisted they receive their college education. Barbara was part of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where she volunteered her time taking care of the atrium plants and helped in planning the annual Trunk or Treat each year. Barbara loved Halloween and practical jokes. She was the life of the party and loved throwing parties, organizing events, and surrounding herself with fun and laughter. She was a conversationalist and gave of herself with time and kindness to everyone she met. She embraced her Irish heritage and thrived being around people and in her words, “I lived my life the RIGHT WAY because I had FUN”. She said, “My friends and family were my ‘fortune’, my source of happiness, and ‘a little nutty’”.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 60 years, Arthur William McPheeters; her three daughters Heather Robinson, Hillary White and husband Tobin; Hayley Thompson and husband Michael. Barbara was a loving and fun grandmother to her grandchildren; Benton Koenig, Emma White, Jace Robinson, Xin Ai Robinson, Mitchell Thompson, and Madelynn Thompson. Her family looked to her as the matriarch and was the big sister of 4 siblings and their families: Chuck Buckley (wife Becky), John Buckley (wife Reba), Mary Beth Farmer (husband Ron), Pat Buckley, and Jean Buckley, and sister-in-law Donna Luther. She is also survived by her numerous nieces and nephews and cousin. She loved her extended family Carol Remerowski and Don Graham and her best friend fur baby, Penny.

The family would like to thank The Lodge at Brookline and all the healthcare workers for their incredible care and love for Barbara, especially Patricia Ndanu.

Visitation will be Friday, July 21 from 5 to 7 PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul’s at 12:30 PM on Saturday, July 22nd. Please wear colors to honor Barbara’s celebration wishes. You may join Barbara's celebration of life via the church's facebook page: https://bit.ly/SPLCOKC

Flowers may be sent to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. In Lieu of flowers, Barbara has asked that people contribute to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church’s Prayer Garden Project.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-okc.com for the McPheeters family.