Mary Ann Desmukes was born April 6, 1929, at The Home of Redeeming Love in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Lela Bess Beck, and was raised by her two loving parents, Fred and Christine Hunter. She spent her final hours surrounded by her family and passed from this life on November 17, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 95 years, seven months, and eleven days.

Mary Ann grew up in Sapulpa, Oklahoma where she attended classes from kindergarten through high school and graduated in 1947. She was a very active student and was involved in numerous organizations including the Auditorium Board, Spanish Club, A Cappella Choir, Future Teachers of America, and Theatrical Thespians. In fall of 1947, she attended her freshman year at Oklahoma A&M College, presently known as Oklahoma State University. Longing to be closer to home, she transferred her sophomore year to Tulsa University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in business in 1951.

Just after graduating college, she moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and began working at Gulf Oil as a secretary. Two years later, on November 21, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Ray Laverne Desmukes, in their home town of Sapulpa. In 1962 and 1963 they welcomed two daughters, Marla Chrisanne Desmukes and Darla Ann McCarty, and she decided to be a homemaker. From 1966 to 1991, she worked at Kerr-McGee as a secretary for Paul Romano, the President of Kerr McGee's subsidiaries, Trans-World & Trans-Ocean Drilling. During 1975, Mary Ann moved to her home in Bethany, Oklahoma where she proudly raised her two girls before they set off to start lives and families of their own.

Mary Ann became a member of the Methodist Church at Saint Paul's Church in Sapulpa, Oklahoma on April 13, 1941. A woman after God's own heart, she attended St. Mark's Methodist Church in Bethany, Oklahoma where she served as a board member and an avid prayer warrior. She committed her time to delving into God's word through an in-depth study of the Bible. She was compassionate about sharing her love for the Lord and volunteered her time whenever there was a need.

Mary Ann had a joyous spirit and was always up for an adventure. Despite her fear of water, she loved going fishing (especially with her daddy). She also enjoyed antique shopping, watching God's beautiful creations of all the different birds, gardening, and loved cooking, singing, and painting. She never missed celebrating a holiday or birthday with her family. It's safe to say that her love languages were quality time and gift giving (and her favorite pastime was spoiling her only grandson, Kaleb Ray). And without fail, she'd always drop a card in the mail to wish her friends and loved ones well on their special day, even if she'd just visited with them the day before. Her love shined through her words and her actions, the epitome of a kind and generous soul.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband, Ray Laverne Desmukes; aunt, Viola Beck-Wright with husband, Tommy Wright; and half-sister, Kay Page. She is survived by her two daughters, Marla Desmukes of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Darla Ann McCarty and husband Jeff of Park Hill, Oklahoma; grandson, Kaleb Ray McCarty and wife Meagan of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; three nieces and nephews, and a host of friends and loved ones.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at South Heights Cemetery in Sapulpa, Oklahoma with Greg Stiner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.