Mary Louise Drumm passed from this earthly body on Monday, April 8, 2024. Mary was the kindest, most thoughtful, and compassionate daughter, mother, nurse, friend, and woman you could meet and be a
part of her light.
Mary Louise was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, to John G. Ryan and Rita M. Heflin on January 30, 1951. Mary enjoyed a wonderful childhood as an only child with doting parents. Mary's dad was in the United States Army, while her mother was in the Marine Corp. Her aunt Dorothy was in the Navy and gave Mary insight into all the world had to offer. Mary's parents moved to Banning, California, after Mary was diagnosed with rheumatoid fever in early childhood. Her parents wanted.
to give her all the advantages that they could offer. Mary grew stronger in the warm climate, leaving behind the cold winters of Massachusetts. Mary enjoyed many trips with her parents, camping out as they traveled to the East Coast yearly to visit friends and family. Mary attended many Lions Club functions with her mother over the years. She grew up in the
Catholic church and remained true to the faith until the day of her passing. Mary held onto her faith, God, and her mother’s cherished rosary. Mary's father passed away from a massive heart attack when she was just twenty-three, only a few months after Mary graduated with honors from San Bernardino Valley College with her degree in respiratory therapy. Her faith carried her through and gave her much comfort as she grieved her beloved dad. As Mary worked as a Respiratory Therapist, she continued her educational path, earning her title of Registered Nurse. Mary met Richard Carl Drumm while working at a movie theater ticket counter. Mary was a shy young woman. Carl came in and swept her off her feet in his love for her. They enjoyed many wonderful years of going to beaches, camping, and exploring.
When Mary's mom was diagnosed with dementia, Mary became her full- time caregiver while raising, nurturing, and caring for her own family, all while working her heart’s calling as a nurse to so many. She loved her career in this field, becoming a head charge nurse in the intensive care unit. Her momma was her best friend, and she was honored to care for her in her last years. Mary’s family always came first, no matter what was going on in her life. She instilled this love of family into her son as
well. On February 9, 1981, Mary's pride, joy, and truest love was welcomed into this world. Her son, Byron Ryan Drumm, completed her little family. They have always remained close throughout his life, living near
each other, and sharing life as a family. Mary was known for her compassion with her family, friends, and
patients. She enjoyed nursing and worked in hospitals in Oklahoma City, California, and Great Plains Regional Hospital in Elk City, where she retired in 2016 after a successful thirty-five years. Even after retirement, Mary kept up with all the new and ever-changing scientific changes in the medical field, as her love and interest in her life’s chosen path never went away. After retiring, Mary moved to Granite, Oklahoma, to be closer to Byron and Carletta. Mary and Carletta became partners in mischievous ways. They became the sisters to each other neither one had growing up, both being only children themselves. Pedicures, manicures, coffee dates, girls’ weekend trips, lunches, and just being together was enough. Mary loved her family.
Being an only child as she was, she embraced all of Carletta's family as her own with an open heart and arms. Mary loved gardening and the feel of the earth as she created flower beds and beauty. She would go to Byron's house to help in tending the garden, harvesting vegetables, and anything that needed to be done. She would then be at Carletta’s side in the kitchen as a faithful help in the countless hours of canning, processing, and putting up all of the goodness of the summer garden.
bounty. Mary embraced the role of chicken wrangler with Byron. She loved coming over to feed and water the chickens. She would come in and tell Byron there were eggs, but the chickens wouldn't let her have them. He would tell her to just take them. She would then say she couldn't take them because the chickens had worked too hard for them. There was always a good laugh about it. Mary loved Byron's cooking, especially when he grilled. She spent many. hours helping him and Carletta in the kitchen, doing what she loved, caring for her family. Mary would always be there to help her son put up Halloween decorations. She truly loved handing out candy to all the spooks and goblins. Her favorite costume was being dressed like a witch. The laughter and joy she felt seeing all of the children’s costumes and their happiness made her smile the biggest smile. Christmas and all of the delight that came from it made it one of her favorite holidays. She loved to make homemade fudge with Carletta and get it packaged for all the family to enjoy. Her favorite part of that process was that she got to sample each lovingly crafted batch. For her, there was nothing quite like freshly made, warm fudge. All birthdays were celebrations, no matter how young or old the person was. No one in her circle ever went without a cake, card, candles, and ribbons. Mary had a servant's heart and would be there no matter what. She lived for her family, friends, and Jesus.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rita, her aunt Dorothy, and her husband, Richard Carl Drumm. Mary is survived by her son, Byron R. Drumm, her granddaughter, Cindy Louise Drumm, and her chosen sister, Carletta Thrasher. Mary is further survived by her adopted family, J.C. Gifford, Richard Gifford (Beckie), and Christina Hopkins (Brent), along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Of special note, her very good friend, John Goss and Peggy Webb. Last but certainly not least, her two fur babies, Honey and Baby. She is now our guardian angel in Heaven, with our God above, watching over us all. She will live on forever within our hearts. We will fondly remember our Mary for the beautiful woman, momma, friend, sister, caregiver, daughter, grandma, and child of God that she was. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
The Drumm family will receive friends and read the Rosary from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Greer Funeral Home Mangum, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Granite, Oklahoma with interment to follow at Granite City Cemetery, Granite, Oklahoma.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Greer Funeral Home, Mangum and Granite, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Mary Louise Drumm, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
17
Apr
235 South Penn
Mangum, OK 73554
Funeral
18
Apr
509 N Main St
Granite, OK 73547
Cemetery Details
Location
South of Granite 73547
Granite, OK 73547
