Obituary for Mary Tapp

Mary H. Atkins Tapp

August 16, 1927 – January 11, 2019

Mary Helen Atkins Tapp was born to James Edward and Mary Pudden Atkins on August 16, 1927 in Arkansas City, Kansas. She attended a one room school and rode a horse 3.5 miles. She attended Arkansas City Schools. Mary worked for Rodeo Meats and John Marrell in Arkansas City for 38 year in the accounting department. She also worked for her local election precinct for 15 years. On July 7, 1966, Mary married Orval Cliff “Tuffy” Tapp at Sacred Heart Church in Arkansas City. He passed away on Feb. 21, 2005. Mary enjoyed watching sports. She loved football, basketball and golf and was an OU, OSU and Thunder fan. She belonged to Westerners St. Francis Guild, Braden Community Card Clubs, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed being with her family, cooking, sending cards, and visiting the sick.

Survivors include her step daughter Renee Dershem and husband Jack of Ponca City, step grandsons: Evan Fleishacker of Tulsa, OK, Colin Fleishacker and wife Megan of Tulsa, OK, Mykel Dershem and wife Whittney of Broken Arrow, OK as well as several beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers: Robert “Bob” Atkins, Martin Atkins, sister Hannah Clark, and nephew Mike Atkins.

There will be no public viewing of Mary, but friends and loved ones are welcome to come by the funeral home to sign her guest book. A funeral Mass for Mary will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City with Father Deva Undralla officiating. Following the Mass, Mary will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery next to her dear husband Tuffy. Casket Bearers will be Evan Fleishacker, Colin Fleishacker, Mykel Dershem, Jack Dershem, Jimmy Mauk, and Alan Lock.

Mary has requested flowers not be sent. Please remember Mary with a donation to St. Mary’s School, 415 S. 7th St., Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home