Marquita Rae Orf

The glamorous and glorious Marquita Rae McFarland began her life on December 27, 1939. She was born to Ray and Fern McFarland. Marquita entered the gates of Glory so very peacefully and gracefully on Sept 28, 2023. She was raised along with little sister Melodie in the metropolis of Seminole, OK.

Soon after graduation both girls moved (along with Mel’s husband Glen) to Oklahoma City to enroll in Cosmetology School. The trio attended Paul’s Beauty College and were eager to use their creativity to style their customers in the most current trends of the day. She graduated with honors in 1960, the same year she opened her beloved salon. By that time, she was a young and determined mother of two feisty boys Jeffery and Nicholas.

Marquita being an ambitious single mother in the 60’s began to acquire a taste for travel and accompanied by her beloved and ever-present partner in crime sister Melodie discovered what was to be a life changing trip to the charming remote community of Taos, NM.

She learned to snow ski that very first trip and it was the beginning of countless family trips to Taos making memories every step of the way. A family tradition was born.

It was at this time Markie was to meet the love of her life in of all places a slightly jaded dance club in old downtown Oklahoma City call Kotches! He was a retired fire captain named Donald. After a short courtship of only 19 years the gushing couple tied the knot in 1997 and settled in South Oklahoma City. The newlyweds found their new home after a brief tour of some 75 residences.

Don and Markie traveled endlessly almost always with family in tow. They loved nothing more than hosting family and friends into their newly decorated home. Welcoming grandchildren on a regular basis the happy couple prospered and enjoyed life. When Don’s health began to falter Marquita was his devoted wife to the end never leaving his side.

Soon Markie followed her heart back to the mountains in Taos most often with Ken, Teresa, Sunnie, Brock, Dillon and Dena and all the kids for some life changing experiences. Some including not only the services of Taos Fire Dept but the local Police as well!! Needless to say, memories were made!!

Markie’s customers became her fast friends over some 55 years of hairstyling. Lifelong friendships and bonds were regularly established in both salons she presided over during her career.

Being a grandmother and then Great Grandmother was one of Marquita’s proudest accomplishments. From the moment baby Dena was to pick up a spoon she learned to carry on family traditions in the kitchen. That included learning how to make Iraqi brownies to send to her enlisted brother Dillon who proudly served our country in Iraq. Marquita enjoyed family travel for many years. She loved her home and her many many stray animals. From too many cats to mention to the other various creatures that she faithfully provided food and shelter. She was always a safe haven.

One of Markie’s proudest moments was to witness the love and unconditional devotion of her 2 sons Jeff and Nick as her health dwindled. Preceded in death by her parents Ray G. and Fern McFarland, her beloved brother-in-law Glen, and his son Greg. Markie leaves behind her sister Melodie, her 2 sons Jeffery and Nicholas, Nick’s children Dillon and Dena their mother Linda, and Dillon’s wife Kristi, their sons Landon and Lincoln, Dena’s twins Maddison and Livia.

Don’s children Ken and his wife Teresa who by the way enjoys the title of daughter from another mother and Don’s daughters Kathy and Kelly and their extended families. All currently residing in Oklahoma City and surrounding communities.

Those who were privileged enough to enjoy life with Marquita could undoubtedly consider themselves among the luckiest.

A memorial service for Marquita will be held Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 8601 S. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK 73159.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageSouth.com for the Orf family.