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    Making a mark
May 10, 2009

OHCE honors memory of 75-year member

McClennen left mark on her community

Jayne Boykin

DUNCAN — In observance of Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE) Week, groups around the county and state have planned activities. One of the more touching projects was a tribute compiled by members of Oak College OHCE, in memory of the late Murry McClennen, who was a member of the group for 75 years.

“We have chosen to dedicate our community service for the year 2009 to the memory of Murry McClennen and the contribution she made to this community through her 75 years as a member of Oak College. Murry was a member most organizations would love to have. She participated in almost every aspect of Extension work. Counting the ribbons won at both the Comanche and Stephens County fairs would be a daunting task. Murry’s exhibits were numerous, excelling in sewing, canning and gardening.

“She did more than fairs. If a house burned in the Oak College Community, she was ready at a moment’s notice with help. The 4-H Club knew they had a great supporter ever ready to answer or instruct them in any way to improve their project,” the group’s tribute said.

“Murry received many awards and certificates for various services but none any more prized than her 75-year membership award presented at the state OHCE convention in Oklahoma City. At the young age of 93 years, she and her identical twin sister, Murrel Brooks of Thorndale, Texas, made and entered many items from garments to quilts and, as usual, ribbons once again were earned.

“If you think that the only thing Murry did was ‘club,’ think again. This rare breed of super woman lived on a farm, raised four sons and one daughter (who is a third-generation OHCE member) and even found time to work outside of the home.

“We as a group of homemakers could have no better example of community work in action than Murry, and so we have put a few of her projects on display.”

Examples of McClennen’s handiwork ranging from the Raggedy Ann doll she made to quilts, canning and braided rugs, along with pictures and articles telling of her works are in a storefront in Comanche owned by Allen Wooten.

McClennen was born Aug. 20, 1914, in the Oak College Community west of Comanche, where she spent her life. On March 7, 1935, she married Earl Elton McClennen in Comanche in a double wedding ceremony along with her twin sister, Murrel. Earl preceded her in death in 1995.

At the time of Murry McClennen’s death on Aug. 23, 2008, she was survived by her four sons: Ronald McClennen and wife, Rosalie, of Comanche; Jack McClennen and wife, Joyce; and Mack McClennen and wife, Kathy, all of Duncan; and Dan McClennen of El Paso, Texas; a daughter, Julie Bacon and husband, James, of Comanche; her twin, Murrel; and 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren..

“Murry’s life and the things she did for her family and the community are an example of what we are about in OHCE,” the group’s tribute said.

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