Rudena Mae McPherson

Rudena McPherson, a cherished and longtime resident of Muskogee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on March 17, 1941, she lived a full life filled with love, dedication, and an open heart that welcomed everyone she met. On June 3, 1960, Rudena married the love of her life, Jim McPherson, beginning a partnership that spanned decades and became the cornerstone of her world. Rudena poured her soul into her many years as an elementary teacher in the Muskogee area. She had a gift for seeing the potential in every child, patiently guiding them, sparking their curiosity, and filling her classrooms with warmth, laughter, and encouragement. To her students, she wasn’t just a teacher—she was a mentor, a cheerleader, and often a second mother whose kindness they carried with them long after leaving her classroom. A member of Boulevard Christian Church, Rudena’s faith was the quiet, steady foundation of her life. She found joy in the fellowship, worship, and service there, living out her beliefs through acts of love and generosity every day. What truly made Rudena shine was her generosity and the way she made people feel seen and loved. Her home was a haven—especially in the summer, when neighborhood kids knew they were always welcome to splash and play in her pool. Those carefree afternoons filled with giggles, cannonballs, and shared popsicles created memories that still warm hearts today. For many years, she also shared her home and heart with her beloved Yorkies, whose energy and loyal companionship brought her endless joy. She delighted in opening her door and her heart to family, friends, furry companions, and anyone who needed a kind word or a listening ear. Above all, Rudena’s greatest treasure was her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim McPherson; her parents, Rudolf and Edna Krausse; and her brother, Edwin. She is survived by her three daughters, Kim and her husband Mark, Terri and her husband Daryl, and Shari McPherson and John Clark; her sister, Martha; her five grandchildren, Kali Anderson and her husband Jacob, Seth Brownell, Cade Brownell and his wife Leah, Meredith Bentley and her husband Tommy, and Elizabeth Davis and her husband Wade; her eight great-grandchildren; and many other family members, friends, and former students whose lives she touched so deeply. In lieu of flowers, Rudena’s family request memorial contributions to Muskogee Community Band, P.O. Box 2278, Muskogee, OK 74402. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 12PM-7PM with the family receiving friends from 5PM-7PM at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Muskogee, OK. A celebration of Rudena’s life will be 2PM, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Greenhill Cemetery Pavilion in Muskogee, OK with Pastor Steve Moss officiating and Jay Huffer eulogizing. Casket bearers are Shaun Axton, Silas Johnson, Asher Johnson, Seth Brownell, Jacob Anderson and Cade Brownell. Honorary casket bearers are Jerry Huffer and John Clark. The family of Rudena Mae McPherson has entrusted her care, service and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Muskogee, OK. 918-910-8883. Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com.

Rudena Mae McPherson

March 17, 1941 - February 7, 2026