Marilou "Mardi" McKenzie

Marilou “Mardi” McKenzie passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on August 10, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on June 15, 1940, in Three Rivers, Michigan, Mardi spent her early years in Jones, Michigan, before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana. While working at Western Electric, she met the love of her life, Donald Wayne McKenzie. The two were married on February 2, 1974, and made their home in New Palestine, Indiana. In 1983, they moved to Oklahoma, where Mardi would spend the rest of her days.

Mardi was a woman of grace, creativity, and boundless energy. She loved cosmetology, gardening, traveling, spending time at the lake, and gathering with friends and family. A natural-born saleswoman, she achieved remarkable success with Mary Kay and Tupperware during the 1980s and ’90s, consistently surpassing expectations. Yet her greatest passion bloomed in her love for flowers.

She was a dedicated member of the National Garden Clubs and the Apogon Iris Club in Oklahoma City, serving as President and Chair of multiple committees. She also served on the South Central Region of Garden Clubs and the Oklahoma Garden Clubs Board of Directors as 2nd Vice President and Wildflower Chairman. Mardi traveled nationwide as an NGC Master Flower Show Judge, evaluating competitions and earning numerous National Garden Club awards. Her gardens were her sanctuary, and her joy in decorating—especially for special occasions—brought beauty and delight to all who knew her.

Mardi is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Donald Wayne McKenzie; her children Ronald (Linda) McKenzie and Clinton (Brooke) McKenzie; her grandchildren Amanda (Randy) LaVere, Nicole Morphew, Nate McKenzie, Jessica McKenzie, Anna McKenzie, Tyler McKenzie, Paxton McKenzie, and Grace McKenzie; her great-grandchildren Isaac (Morgaine) Wilkerson, Madison McKenzie, Mylee McKenzie, and Emma Taylor; her great-great-grandchildren Alaric and Eimhir Wilkerson; and her faithful companion, Fluffy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Zelda Sperry; her brother, Lewis Sperry; her uncle, Ross Young; and her daughters, Linda Needham and Luann Morphew.

Mardi’s life was a garden in full bloom—rooted in love, nurtured with kindness, and radiant with beauty. Her hands shaped flowers, but her heart shaped lives, leaving a legacy that will continue to blossom in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.