Mary Jo (McKay) Kauk

Mary Jo (McKay) Kauk, 75-year-old resident of Leedey, Oklahoma, passed from this life on October 15, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary Jo was born on February 1, 1951, in Elk City, Oklahoma, to Ernest Erron and Ollie Mae (Meadows) McKay. She grew up on the family farm north of Liberty Center, Oklahoma. Following the passing of her father when she was just three years old, Mary Jo was raised by her grandfather, Walter McKay. Growing up on the farm, she spent much of her childhood around the quarter horses her granddaddy raised, sparking a lifelong love for horses and rodeo. Mary Jo became quite an accomplished horsewoman herself and was especially skilled at breaking and training horses. Her love for horses remained an important part of her life.

At a young age, Mary Jo was baptized into the local Baptist Church. She attended Leedey Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1969. Following high school, she attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University for a couple of years before pursuing her education at beauty school.

On January 29, 1971, Mary Jo married the love of her life, Robert Edward "Bobby" Kauk, in Clinton, Oklahoma. The couple was blessed with two children, Erron Travis and Bobbi Jo. During the early years of their marriage, Mary Jo and Bobby lived in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, while Bobby completed his education at Oklahoma State University. Those first few years brought several moves for the young couple, but wherever life took them, they made a home together. They later lived in Norman, Oklahoma, before settling in Woodward, Oklahoma, where they remained until 1981. That year, the family returned to Leedey, a community that Mary Jo dearly loved and would call home for the remainder of her life.

After returning to Leedey, Mary Jo went to work for Leedey Public Schools, where she quickly became involved in a variety of responsibilities, including serving as a teacher's aide and school bus driver. She was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed. Mary Jo took great pride in her community and especially enjoyed following Leedey school athletics. Whether it was cheering from the stands or keeping up with the latest games, she loved supporting the Leedey kids and watching them compete. Her enthusiasm for her hometown and its young people was a reflection of the deep affection she held for the community.

Mary Jo was a woman of many talents. She was an exceptional cook, and her family will fondly remember the wonderful meals she prepared, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. When Mary Jo was cooking, there was never any danger of someone leaving hungry, as she was known for preparing enough food to feed an army. Those holiday gatherings, filled with good food, laughter, and family, became treasured traditions. She was also gifted in arts and crafts, enjoying a variety of creative pursuits, particularly painting. Her artistic talents, like her cooking, were simply another way she shared a little of herself with those she loved.

Although Mary Jo had many interests and talents, nothing brought her greater joy than her family, especially her grandchildren. Affectionately known as "Mimi" and "Mema," she treasured every moment spent with them. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she delighted in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and being a part of their lives. To Mary Jo, family was one of life's greatest blessings, and the love she poured into those closest to her will remain a cherished part of her memory.

In recent years, Mary Jo had been attending The Edge Church in Clinton, Oklahoma. Throughout her life, she was known for her strong devotion to her family, her willingness to help others, and her love for the community she called home. She leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories, from the horse pastures of her childhood to the school activities, holiday gatherings, and family celebrations that filled her later years.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Erron and Ollie Mae McKay; and her beloved grandfather, Walter McKay, who raised her.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 55 years, Bobby Kauk, of the home in Leedey, Oklahoma; her son, Erron Kauk and wife Tara of Red Rock, Oklahoma, and their children, Kyler and Kenly; her daughter, Bobbi Jo Strahorn and husband Cory of Clinton, Oklahoma, and their children, Camden and Kolter; her brother, Buck McKay and wife Betty of Clinton, Oklahoma; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family members, and a host of loved ones and friends.

Mary Jo's love for her family, her generous spirit, and her unwavering support for her community will not soon be forgotten. Though she will be dearly missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the New Hermon Cemetery near Leedey, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Leedey Athletics, Leedey EMS, or the Leedey Education Foundation, c/o Shaw Funeral Home, P.O. Box 276, Vici, OK 73859.