Mary A. Buxton Collins
Mary A. Buxton Collins, long-time resident of Ponca City, died Sunday, July 31, 2011, at Ponca City Medical Center. She was 96.
Mary A. Carmichael was born to Elmer Ellsworth Carmichael and Mary Arminta Stocking Carmichael on March 17, 1915, in Blackwell. The youngest of ten children, Mary attended Blackwell schools, graduating in 1933. On April 21, 1934, Mary and Charles Ora Buxton were married in Blackwell. They were married 64 years, until his death in 1999.
Her early employment career included working for Moreau Photography in Blackwell and playing the piano for Frances Smotone's School of Dance. After Charles (Buck) retired from Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) in Saudi Arabia, they returned to Ponca City and Mary worked for the Ponca City Credit Bureau from 1965 until her retirement in 1982. She worked as a volunteer for Hospice of North Central Oklahoma for 23 years.
Mary was married to W. L. George Collins on May 14, 2010, and they enjoyed a wonderful year together.
She loved playing bridge, crocheting, and participating in church and cultural activities. Mary was a member of Community Christian Church, where she served as treasurer of the Christian Women's Fellowship for many years.
Mary is survived by her husband, George; two children and their spouses, Jacquita (Jacque) and Charles Hollar of Ponca City and Gene and Pat Buxton of Hutchinson, Kansas; and four stepchildren, Mary Moore of Owasso, Oklahoma, Walter Collins of Tijeras, New Mexico, Alvin Collins of Highland, California, and Shirley Green of Magazine, Arkansas.
In addition, Mary is survived by three grandchildren and their spouses, Michael and Traci Reagan of Allen, Texas; Gena and Steve Gladow of Hutchinson, Kansas; and Corey and Krissy Buxton of Tulsa, and seven step grandchildren and their spouses, Sidney Hollar of San Francisco, California; John and Jennifer Hollar of Montpelier, Vermont; Todd and Monica Hollar of Denver, Colorado; Ann and Steve Orser of Seattle, Washington; Abby and Dan Hurst of Hutchinson, Kansas; Amy Donley of Fairbanks, Alaska; and Catrina Turley of Warrensburg, Missouri. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren: Aaron and Andrea Reagan; Ally, Ava and Jace Gladow; and Eli and Ryder Buxton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Sheridan, George, Fred, Irvin, and Marion Carmichael; and four sisters, Ezza Iman, Opal Blubaugh, Esther Hibbert, Amnia Carmichael; and her husband, Charles O. Buxton.
A graveside service is scheduled at Resthaven Memorial Park, 1901 East Hubbard Road on Tuesday, August 2, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at First Christian Church, 210 North Fifth, at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Larry B. Metzger, presiding. Her body will lie in state at Trout Funeral Home, 505 West Grand, Monday until 8:00 p.m. and prior to her graveside services on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.