May Belle McNutt of Beggs, OK, passed away on November 12th, 2024 at the age of 89, after a brief hospitalization. Her daughter and son-in-law were by her side, holding her hands, as she went home to be with God.

May was born in Tahlequah, OK, to Homer Hayes "Pete" and Hazel Etta [n�e Tannehill] McNutt on December 28, 1934. She was the younger sister of Vernie Ralph McNutt, who preceded her in death.
During her years at Beggs High School, she twirled baton and was an Oklahoma and National Honor Student, and she received a Certificate of Achievement from The Owl and Triangle Chapter of Mortar Board (a national senior honor society for women) of The University of Oklahoma. After graduating high school in 1953, she attended one year of business school and started working for the City of Tulsa. May entered a brief marriage in 1959 and moved to Tulsa, OK; after divorce, she returned to the family ranch in Beggs, OK, where she resided until death.

At nineteen years old, May became an aunt for the first time. She would later become an aunt four more times through her brother's growing family, and this role would multiply through generations and beyond blood. She loved traveling and experiencing milestone moments and holidays with her family and was a pillar of support for many. At the age of fifty, May's great-niece, Jaime Marie McNutt, was born and joined the family in Beggs, and very quickly Aunt May became Mom. Her daughter, Jaime, was her greatest joy.

May retired as Accounts Payable Supervisor for the City of Tulsa after thirty-nine plus years of service, giving her more time to support Jaime at school and in her activities, as well as care for her aging mother. She also became a nanny for two of Jaime's high school teachers who were having their first baby in the early 2000s, a serendipitous decision. The Shropshires' five children all refer to her as Aunt May, as she took care of each and every one as infants and young children.

May became active at the Boston Avenue Church of Tulsa around 1987. Over the years, she faithfully attended Sunday School and service, and she pursued courses of learning such as Disciple Bible Study. She could often be found whenever Jaime was present, such as during choir rehearsals, at youth group activities, and more. She worked the Information Desk during 11 AM services for many years. The Cookson Hills Mission was close to May's heart, and she volunteered often in its name

Though May was often known to be quiet, she was also known for her sense of humor, her kindness, her patience, and her grace. She was a wonderful listener and could be counted on for support in any issue. May loved horses and books and lemon meringue pie. There was never a bad time for a chocolate bar, her affinity for very hot, black coffee was only matched by her father's, and she finagled many back scratches from her nieces over the years. She was always dressed to the nines in the fashion of the day, with her hair coiffed to match. She didn't like to cook and preferred taking the beloved kids in her life to McDonald's. She was delighted when Jaime and her husband, Sean, moved to New York City, as she loved to visit and experience all the city had to offer.

May was preceded in death by her parents and brother. She is survived by her daughter, Jaime McNutt Bode and husband Sean, and her nieces and nephew: Veronica Daggs, Laura Casey, Kathleen Husband, Vernie Ralph McNutt Jr, and Sherie Kaskie. Aunt May is also survived by many great-nieces and a great-nephew and even great-great nieces and great-great nephews. All love her dearly and will miss her immensely.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 22, 2024 at 1 PM at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, 1301 S. Boston Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cookson Hills Indigenous Center via a fund at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. 100% of donations will go to this ministry, which aids the under-served counties of Adair, Cherokee, and Sequoyah Counties. These counties are three of the four poorest counties in Oklahoma. One-third of the population is Native American. May often voiced her passion for this mission, and she would be glad to send them additional aid at this time of year. Give at the following link and select "Cookson Hills" as the fund, and please note In memory of May McNutt in the Notes field: Here is the link:
< https://bit.ly/GiveNowBAUMC >
**In the event you should choose to send flowers for the service, please have them sent directly to Boston Avenue United Methodist Church between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5 PM.

Cremains will be interred at the Beggs Cemetery.