Mary Helen Atkins Tapp
Mary Helen Atkins Tapp was born to James Edward and Mary Pudden Atkins on Aug. 16, 1927 in Arkansas City, Kan.. She attended a one-room school and rode a horse 3.5 miles.
She attended Arkansas City Schools. Mary worked for Rodeo Meats and John Marrell in Arkansas City for 38 year in the accounting department.
She also worked for her local election precinct for 15 years.
On July 7, 1966, Mary married Orval Cliff “Tuffy” Tapp at Sacred Heart Church in Arkansas City.
He passed away on Feb. 21, 2005. Mary enjoyed watching sports. She loved football, basketball and golf and was an OU, OSU and Thunder fan. She belonged to Westerners St. Francis Guild, Braden Community Card Clubs, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed being with her family, cooking, sending cards, and visiting the sick.
Survivors include her step-daughter Renee Dershem and husband Jack, of Ponca City, Okla.; step-grandsons Evan Fleishacker of Tulsa, Okla.; Colin Fleishacker and wife Megan, of Tulsa; Mykel Dershem and wife Whittney, of Broken Arrow, Okla.; as well as several beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents James Edward and Mary Pudden Atkins; husband O.C. “Tuffy” Tapp; brother Robert “Bob” Atkins and wife Ruby; sister Hannah and husband Bernard; brother Martin Atkins; brother-in-law John H. Tapp and wife Velma; sister-in-law Nellie Shanks Marrs and husbands Eddie Shanks and Bill Marrs; sister-in-law Ann Mauk and husband Jim; nephew Mike Atkins; nephew Larry Tapp; nephew Merle Atkins and his wife Darlene; and niece Linda Mauk Muegge.
There will be no public viewing of Mary, but friends and loved ones are welcome to come by the funeral home to sign her guest book.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City with Father Deva Undralla officiating.
Following the Mass, Mary will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery next to her dear husband Tuffy.
Casket bearers will be Evan Fleishacker, Colin Fleishacker, Mykel Dershem, Jack Dershem, Jimmy Mauk, and Alan Lock. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.
The family would like to send their deepest heartfelt thanks to Humanity Hospice, especially Nurse Mitch, and to the staff of Via Christi.
Please remember Mary with a donation to St. Mary’s School, 415 S. 7th St., Ponca City, OK 74601.
paid obituary