Marye Skidmore, 91, of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away Monday evening, April 16, 2012 at Integris Blackwell Regional Hospital.

Born November 23, 1920 in Neotasha, Kansas, she was the daughter of Paul Appleby and Minnie May (Riggs) McKnight. She was raised and received her education in Drumright graduating from Drumright High School in 1938.

Marye was united in marriage to Frank Otis Skidmore in Eureka Springs, Arkansas in the fall of 1947. The couple visited California for a short time before moving to a farm southwest of Mulvane, Kansas in 1949. During this time Marye stayed at home to raise the family's four children. In 1964 the couple moved to Belle Plaine, Kansas. Marye attended Wichita Beauty College. She worked for Oxwell in Wellington making parts for aircrafts. The couple later moved to a farm in Newkirk, Oklahoma and Marye went to work for Cessna Aircraft at Strotherfield. In 1971, they moved to Blackwell, Oklahoma where Marye owned and operated a taxi company "Blackwell Cab". Mr. Skidmore preceded Marye in death in 1983.

When she was young, Marye made chalk artwork. She took art appreciation classes in the late 70's and later continued in art classes at NOC. She enjoyed making art, painting, fishing, racing cars in the late 60's, and attending Senior Citizens Functions.

Her family includes:
Her sons: Paul Franklin "Butch" Skidmore and wife, Cathy of Blackwell, OK; George Bryan Skidmore and wife, Vicki of Omaha, NE;
Her daughter: Rebecca Suzanne "Becky" Shaver and husband, Jeff of Ponca City, OK;
Her brother: Paul Appleby McKnight and wife, Sue of Owasso, OK;
Her 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren;
Numerous nieces and nephews; and
Her fishing buddy: Leon Norlin.

In addition to her parents and husband Marye was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Anne Towne.

The family will hold memorial services on Monday afternoon, April 23, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at The First Presbyterian Church at 204 South A Street in Blackwell, Oklahoma.