1941-2026
Our most inspiring, energetic and beloved mother and grandmother, Marilyn Kay Buckner, was born February 5, 1941 to Clyde and Virginia (Nusz) Waters. She peacefully passed away in her home on May 9, 2026 at the age of 85 with her two children holding each hand.
Marilyn was born in Oklahoma City and, along with her mom, lived at her grandparents’ home west of Loyal, Oklahoma until her dad returned from World War II. They moved to a home not far from her grandparents where she loved wading in the creek and playing with her animals. During summers, her whole family traveled to Wyoming, Colorado and other states to custom harvest. Her dad made sure she always had a job at every stop, most often as a café waitress.
Marilyn attended Loyal Public Schools and graduated as salutatorian of her senior class in 1959. English was her favorite subject, and she was the pitcher on the 1959 state winning softball team. She was very proud of her school years and treasured the lifelong friendships she made there. After graduation, Marilyn moved to Kingfisher where she worked at People’s National Bank. The next year she began work at Farmer’s & Merchants Bank in Hennessey,
In December 1959, Marilyn married Lloyd “Pete” Buckner in Loyal. They built their home in 1960 and, during their 65 years together, they spent a wonderful life farming, gardening, raising their kids and having the absolute best life. She was an expert wheat hauler, chore doer, piglet puller, gardener, cook and most importantly, mother & grandmother.
While being a farmer’s wife, Marilyn began what was probably the most impactful part of her life when she accepted employment as the Hennessey High School Secretary in 1974. Over those 41 years there, she loved being an inspiration, friend, confidante and second mom to thousands of teenagers. She adored the students and missed it so very much after retiring in 2015. She was inducted into the Hennessey High School Hall of Fame and received the Lifetime Eagle Award.
Always wanting to have fun, Marilyn had some of her best times dancing with Pete, at card parties, at school athletic events and giving her time to the community that she loved so much. She was a long-term and valued member of Hennessey Child Study Club, First United Methodist Church & American Legion Auxiliary Girls State.
Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by her son Steve (Diann), daughter Melanie, grandchildren Olivia (Kaden), Brok (Kim), Staci (Dustin), Cody (Chelsea), Colby (Kenna), Ryan, Sailor, Casen & Kross, brother Charlie & sister-in-law Kristy Waters of Loyal and a host of extended family and friends.
Greeting her in Heaven are her parents, her husband Pete, an unborn child, extended family and many friends who were like family to her.
Memorial services are planned for 10:00 am Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Hennessey High School Auditorium with Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home handling the cremation arrangements.
The family has chosen to create a scholarship for a Hennessey High School Senior who exemplifies Eagle Spirit in the way she did. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marilyn Buckner Eagle Spirit Scholarship Fund with the funeral home serving as custodian.
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