Charlene McCullough

Carol "Charlene" (Putsche) McCullough, passed away February 12, 2026 at the age of 92. Charlene was born January 22, 1934 in Okmulgee, OK, the eldest daughter of Charles H. Putsche and Lorene (Brigance) Putsche. She graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1951 then went on to Tulsa University where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She left school to get married and start a family and later returned to earn her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She was an elementary school teacher for many years at several different schools in the Tulsa Public Schools system. While at TU, she met the love of her life and husband of 63 years, Ronald Eugene McCullough. They had three children, daughters Cheryl Heisten (husband Tom), Karen McCullough and son Mike McCullough (wife Jamie). Ron preceded her in death March 25, 2017. They had five grandchildren which they adored, Shannon Clark (husband Chris), Christen Merkov (husband Daniel), Kevin Sloan (wife Jenny), Sara McCullough and Aidan McCullough. They had eight great grandchildren, Karson Clark, Kamryn Clark, Elizabeth Merkov, Viktoria Merkov, A.J. Merkov, Noah Sloan, River Sloan and Piper Sloan. Over the years Charlene spent lots of time fishing at Lake Tenkiller where they had a cabin, working with Girl Scouts as a leader teaching them about various kinds of art and aviation. She loved sewing, needlework and oil painting. In the late 70s, Charlene and Ron's interest turned to aviation. She earned her private pilot's license and instrument rating. She became very active with the 99's, an international women's flying organization serving as President and other roles in the local chapter. Together they also were active in the Stearman Restorers Association and Experimental Aircraft Association Antique Classic Chapter 10. They owned and flew several aircraft over the years including a Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Mooney Ranger and Mooney Executive. They also owned and flew a J3 Piper Cub and two different Stearman bi-planes, one of which Ron restored. Many days Charlene would race to the airport after school to squeeze in a quick flight before dinner and dark. She was also an active member of Yale Avenue Presbyterian Church where she also volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald McCullough, her parents Charles Putsche and Lorene Putsche, brother, Philip Putsche and sister Marilyn Putsche. Memorial donations in Charlene McCullough's memory may be made to Meals on Wheels, the Tulsa Air & Space Museum or your favorite charity. A funeral service will be held 10:00AM, Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at the Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel.

Charlene McCullough

January 22, 1934 - February 12, 2026