Barbara Elizabeth Keating

Barbara Murray Keating, 98, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, died peacefully at her home on November 10, 2021. Born May 8, 1923 in Chicago, IL to Grace A (Murray) Murray and William MacKay Murray. Educated in the Chicago Public Schools, Lindenwood College, earned B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University, M.S. from the University of Illinois.

Barbara married Thomas R Wheeler, a WWII injured veteran, son Thomas Murray Wheeler (deceased 1964). Barbra then married John Francis Keating (deceased 2014).

Beloved children William Joseph Keating (Kelly), Carolyn Keating Jenkins (Dennis), Gordon Murray Keating (Stacy), beloved step children Jane Ann Keating Cole (Don), John Robert Keating (Sharon), James Laughlin Keating (Rosemary), eighteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and sister Jean Ann Murray Blodgett (deceased 2021).

Barbara taught at the University of Illinois, Chicago Teachers College, and Central State University, Edmond, OK.,

She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and First Presbyterian Church where she taught 4th grade Sunday school for many years. She was also active in Women’s Circles. Barbara was active with Kappa Alpha Theta, The Art League, Philomathea Study Club and served many years on her local Election Board. She enjoyed doing hand work, clothing construction, bicycling around Nichols Hills, cooking, entertaining, reading, traveling and dancing with John.

Barbara was blessed by spending more than sixty summer vacations at The Murray Mansion “cabin” at Deer Valley Ranch, Colorado where she loved to hike in the beautiful high elevations, including summiting six 14,000 ft peaks. She loved being at the top silently singing “How Great Thou Art”!

There will be a family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Salvation Army, OKC Metropolitan Library, or charity of your choice.