Mary Lou Guthrie was born on September 2, 1928, in Canute, Oklahoma, to Ira Douglas and Susie Lee (Arney) Hudgens. She passed away on June 26, 2026, in Elk City, Oklahoma, at the age of 97.

Mary grew up in the Canute and Elk City area alongside her four brothers, Fount, I.D., Leroy, and Jack, and her two sisters, Jerry and Winona.

In 1945, she married Gene Perkey, and together they welcomed their son, Timothy. The couple briefly lived in Canute before making their home in Dill City, where Mary worked beside Gene on the family farm until he sold the operation and began a career in welding.

Mary later worked as a telephone operator and served as postmaster at Clinton- Sherman Air Force Base until its closure in 1969. She continued working in several positions over the years.

Following Gene’s passing, Mary found love again and married Jessie Earl “Buddy” Guthrie on August 19, 1977.

After their marriage, she worked as Buddy’s secretary at the Burns Flat Gin, where they remained until retiring together.

Family was the center of Mary’s life. She loved traveling with her family, especially to Branson, Missouri, and she enjoyed cooking and fishing. A faithful member of the Second and Adams Church of Christ, she attended as long as her health allowed. She was the matriarch of her family-the steady presence who held everyone together.

Her home, her love, and her quiet strength touched generations, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mary was preceded in death by her husbands, Gene Perkey and Buddy Guthrie; her parents, Ira and Susie Hudgens; her son, Timothy; her brothers, Leroy, Jack, Fount, and I.D.; and her sisters, Jerry and Winona.

Mary’s love extended far beyond herself. She became a mother and grandmother figure to generations of nieces and nephews, who cherished her wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering love.

She is survived by her nephew Doug Hutton and wife Sharon of Elk City, Oklahoma; Shawn Hutton and wife Melynda of Elk City; Cody Crow and wife Jennifer of Elk City; Kyle Hutton and wife Kayla of Foss, Oklahoma; Cade Crow and wife Danielle of Elk City; Kaleb Hutton; Kole Hutton and wife Emma of Elk City; Kash Hutton of Elk City; nieces Wendy Ross and husband Johnny of Elk City and Cori Lowry of Elk City; extended nieces and nephews Caitlyn, Callen, Dax, Mila, and Nora; along with Mila and Nora; along with many other extended family members and cherished friends.