Mary Ellen "Granny" Henson

Mary Ellen Henson, affectionately known to all as “Granny”, was born July 8th, 1948, in Tahlequah OK to Rufus Edward Yeager and Ruby Irene Bailey Yeager. She died January 14th, 2022, at the age of 73 years, 6 months, and 6 days.

Mary grew up and attended Bethel school and graduated from Hulbert High School in 1966. Growing up everyone knew her as Sis or Sissy. She grew up playing outside with her brother and numerous cousins until the sun set. She learned to play the piano at the age of 9 and by 10, was playing by ear. She went on to play at church, gospel singings, weddings, funerals and gave piano lessons for many years. Her pride and joy was getting the opportunity to record her own CD of piano music.

Mary met the love of her life, Roy Ray Henson, in 1965 and was married at Peggs Methodist Church in 1966. Together they raised 3 wonderful daughters – the bossy one, the wild one, and the spoiled one. After being a homemaker and stay-at-home mom, Mary went to college and graduated from NSU in 1994 with her teaching degree. She enjoyed teaching at Greenwood Elementary for several years before an injury sidetracked her career.

She was an excellent cook, seamstress, musician, teacher, Christian, and mother, and in 1985 took great pride in becoming Granny. She loved her grandchildren, and great grandchildren with all her heart. She was a fighter, fighting and winning a battle with breast cancer. She developed chronic pain due to her injury and lived with that for more than 30 years. She was a tough, stubborn woman that would crack a joke as quick as a whip. Everyone who met her loved her and called her Granny.

Granny was a member of Blue Springs Church in Gideon and enjoyed her Tuesday morning bible study group. She was also an avid crafter and collector of many things.

Granny is survived by her three daughters, Cathy Bartlett of Hulbert, Debbie and Jesse Grimes of Claremore, and Tammie and Jamy Walker of Louisburg, KS. Her grandchildren: Nichole, Jonathan, Darren, Daniel, Jeff, Chris, Nathan, Baby Lee, Brandon, Faith, Rachel, Brittany, and Meagan. 22 great grandchildren. Son-in-law Paul Bartlett of Locust Grove, her brothers-in-law Ed and Margaret Henson of Coweta, and Don Henson of Hulbert. Her sisters in law Leda Whitekiller, and Hudy and Larry Jones all of Hulbert. Numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and her special caregiver, Lavada.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 50 years, Roy Henson, her two brothers, Raymond and Kelly Yeager, three brothers-in law Watie and Luther Henson and Steve Whitekiller, and two sisters-in-law Lucille and Phyllis Henson, as well as her nephews Randy and Henry Yeager, and Tommy Henson.

The family wishes to thank the members of New Century Hospice and Angel Home Health for the wonderful care they provided over the last few years.

Though her battle was long, comfort can be found in the amount of love of a life well lived. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Funeral services for Mary Ellen "Granny" Henson will be held on Friday, January 21st, 2022 at 2:00pm at Peggs Community Church with Pastor Rex Hendrickson officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Keener Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mary include Jonathan Henson, Darren Henson, Daniel Bartlett, Jeff Bartlett, Christopher Smith, Nathan Smith, Austin Acheson, Dane O'Keefe and Trex Bujarski. Her honorary pallbearers are Paul Bartlett, Jess Grimes, Jamy Walker, her brothers-in-law and the Blue Springs Women's Bible Study Group. A visitation for the family will be held on Thursday, January 20th, 2022 from 2:00pm until 7:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.reedculver.com.