Laura Labelle (Hutton) Berkey

On Sunday morning, November 15, 2015 Laura LaBelle (Hutton) Berkey was invited to Heaven.

Laura was born on June 21, 1921 to Dewey and Mary Pearl (Tedlock) Hutton in Rich Hill, MO. The family resided there until 1930 when they moved to the Schulter area. It was here that Laura learned to sew and cook—skills she excelled in and will always be remembered for. She attended Schulter school where she graduated in 1939.

Shortly after graduating, Laura went to a medicine show in Henryetta where a dark haired young man caught her eye and she swore she would marry him someday. On January 4, 1941, she did just that when she became Mrs. Gene Berkey. Laura and Gene made their home in the Dewar area and later moved to a home beside the North Canadian river in Wetumka. It was by that river that they raised their children and some of their best memories were made. Gene passed away in July 1985 and Laura remained living there alone for a couple of years after, but later sold the place and moved to Henryetta where she lived until her death. Although she will be missed tremendously, the family takes comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her “dark haired man” once again.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Gene, parents and a sister, Evelyn Barnett.

Laura is survived by three children: Donna McGuire and husband, LC of Hoffman
Linda Hammer and husband, Raymond of Henryetta
Terry Berkey and wife, Lorri of Sherman, TX.

She is also survived by seven grandchildren:
Brad McGuire of the Phillipines
Carrie Roberts of Henryetta
Rae Lynn Hammer of Henryetta
Trent Berkey of Mesquite, TX
Vasti Hannah of Broken Arrow, OK
Brandon Berkey of Sherman, TX
Brittni Berkey of Wichita Falls, TX

Also survived by seven great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandsons. In addition to her family, she is survived by “her girls” whom she loved and who so lovingly took care of her the last year and a half—Carmel Bernard, Reda Dunzy and Kathy Pope.

Viewing will be from 4-8pm, Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at Integrity Funeral Service.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Dewar, Oklahoma with Rev. Jack Vance, officiating. Interment will follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta. Services are under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service.