Leotha Rean McKinney (aka Mom,Grandma, Nanny, Aunt Ophie) was born September 4,1933 in Mayes County. To the late Walter Clinton Holt and Vesta Viola McMillan of Adair. Leotha was the 6th oldest of 11 siblings. Having 6 sisters and 4 brothers. Lela, Melburn, Elvin, Lena, Letha, Leona, Elmer, Lenora, Roxi, and Delmar.

June 14,1951 in Fayetteville, AR, she married the love of her life the late Jack McKinney. They would have been married 69 years. Having 3 children, Helen Ruth, Lonnie Carroll, and Ronnie Darrell. That she adored making clothing for, watching them grow, and prospect into their adult lives. She then became a grandmother to Elizabeth Ann (Buffy), Justin, Alex, Valerie, Nicole, L.J., and Amy. Where she enjoyed their sporting events, dance recitals, rodeos, shows, and any other activity they were in. As time went by, she becomes a Great Grandmother to Tyler Lane, Rowdy James, Emma, Josephine, Margot. All who she adored and loved.

Leotha loved being a housewife. Always cooking a 7-course meal 3 times a day for her family. Baking bread, candies, spaghetti (if you know, you know) for special occasions. She enjoyed hosting gatherings in her dining room and formal living room. She also enjoyed a good square dance! Her most valued time was sewing quilts, pillows, and hangings for her family, friends, anyone in need, a raffle, or just a simple gift. You would always find a quilt in progress in the formal living room, that she would be working on. Summertime you would find her deep in her garden, shucking corn, breaking beans, picking apples, squash, tomatoes., watermelon, cantaloup, peas and canning them. Leotha was very proud of her garden and rose bushes.

She’s proceeded in death by her late husband Jack McKinney, maternal parents Walter and Vesta Holt, 2 brothers Melburn and Elvin, 5 sisters Roxi, Lenora, Leona, Letha, and Lela.

Leotha is survived by her 2 brothers Delmar Holt and Linda of Adair, Gene Holt and Margret of Gore, 1 sister Lena of California, 1 Daughter Helen Marshall and Jim of Adair, 2 sons, Lonnie McKinney and Jackie of Chelsea, Darrell McKinney of Adair, Grandchildren Buffy Evans and Lance of Chelsea, Justin Marshall and Amanda of Adair, Nicole Gibson and Joe of Alabama, L.J. McKinney and Tracy of Claremore, Amy McKinney of Chelsea, Alex Herandez and Justin of OKC, Valerie McKinney of Claremore Great Grandchildren Tyler Lane, Rowdy James, Emma, Josephine, Margot and family and friends.

The family would like to give a sincere thank you to Nora and Dara for your dedicated care to Leotha. Shipman’s Funeral Home, Carl, Lana and the Church.

Although our hearts ache because we will miss her gentle presence, we can find comfort in knowing that love does not end with death. The memories she created, the traditions she established, and the values she passed down will remain with us for generations to come. Today we honor a woman whose life was measured not by worldly achievements but by the countless lives she touched. Her hands may now be at rest but the work they accomplished will continue through the family she loved so dearly. As we say our final goodbye, let us remember Leotha not with sadness alone but with gratitude. We are grateful for her life, her example, her laughter, her wonderful cooking and baking, her beautiful gardens and her handmade creations and the unconditional love she shared so freely.