Mary Katherine Fleske

Mary Katherine Fleske, Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 3, 2022. She was born October 19, 1920, in Bennington, Kansas and lived a remarkable and vibrant life to the age of 101. She was raised by two strong women in her mother Zenobia Kissinger, a schoolteacher and local postmaster and her Grandmother Katie. After spending her early years in Bennington and Salina, Kansas she met her lifelong love, Robert (Bob) Fleske, in 1941 and they were married on November 14, 1942. It was a loving, enduring and adventure-filled marriage that lasted 67 years until Bob’s passing.

Mary and Bob loved to travel the world together. Their numerous journeys would take them to six continents, making several visits to Europe, an early visit to China in 1985 and capping it off with one of their most extraordinary trips to Antarctica. Mary and Bob enjoyed camping trips to Colorado before settling into their second home in Crested Butte, where they would spend their summers entertaining a constant flow of friends and family.

Mary enjoyed entertaining and was a wonderful cook, often preparing and delivering a meal to comfort a friend who was ill or a family going through a difficult time. Her letters were works of art with thoughtful messages, on pretty stationery, and written in the most beautiful penmanship. She was an avid bridge player throughout her entire life in various clubs and groups where she often “won high”, as well as a sought-after partner in competition late into her nineties. Mary loved music and at 101, could still play the piano by ear for her great-grandchildren. She was an active member of All Souls’ church for over 50 years, serving on the Altar Guild and as its Directress. She enjoyed volunteer work in the community, in particular serving on the Lyric Theater board and as an active member of her PEO chapter.

There was a sparkle about Mary with her beautiful white hair, ever-present smile, and a twinkle in her eyes. She circulated warmth with a positive attitude that could easily draw anyone into a captivating conversation. She had a remarkable memory of her 101-year life that she could recall, at any time, the details from historical events to her worldwide travels. Mary authored a book on her life that was published as a gift to her family on the occasion of her 100th birthday. She loved sports and had a quick understanding of current events, whether from the local newspaper, national news, or the Wall Street Journal. She stayed current with emails and posts from friends and family on social media and was a voracious reader of books of all types.

Most of all, “Momo” cherished her family and was proud of every one of them, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even a great-great-grandchild. They were each one perfect in her eyes and she was the epitome of a kind, gentle and loving grandmother. She loved to hear about all of their activities and accomplishments, see their pictures and videos and stay connected through regular phone conversations and visits, when they were able, which were a special joy in her later life.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob, her sister Audrey Riley, and brother Jim Kissinger. She is survived by her brother Eldon Kissinger of Stansberry, MO; daughter Barbie Moon and husband Jon of Ada, son Steve Fleske and wife Diana of Oklahoma City, daughter Tina Beal and husband Elby of Oklahoma City; grandchildren Christi Moon of Edmond, Todd Moon and wife Kim of Ada, Eric Fleske and wife Nova of Oklahoma City, Emily Kalina of Frisco, TX, Kylie Gutzman and husband David of Dallas, TX and Chris Beal and wife Taylor of Oklahoma City; great-grandchildren Carter Crabtree and partner Rumor and their daughter Cher, Cole Crabtree, Billy and Quaid McDown, Owen, Ava and Andrew Moon, Grace and Sadie Kalina, Lily and Max Fleske, Avery and Hunter Gutzman, and Benjamin Beal. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 7, at All Souls' Episcopal Church, 6400 N. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to All Souls' Episcopal Church or Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.