Mary Ellen Raiford February 20, 1934 - February 19, 2024

Mary Ellen Tepe Raiford went to her heavenly home on Monday, February 19, 2024, in Yukon, Oklahoma. Mary was born February 20, 1934, in Canadian, Texas to Frederick John Tepe and Pearl Louise Doughty Tepe. Mary graduated from Canadian High School in 1952 and went on to attend Dallas Christian College where she met Donald Lee Raiford whom she married on April 23, 1954. She is a member of West Side Christian Church in Yukon.

Mary was a loyal wife and a loving mother. She enjoyed being a preacher’s wife and gained many friends in Christ during many years of ministry in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. She loved working with children and was known to encourage them to use their talents for the Lord.

Mary retired from Sears in 1999 after 23 years of service. She spent the latter part of her earthly life in El Reno, OK in the senior living community of Ashton on the Green. She eventually moved to Heritage Assisted Living where the staff there loved and spoiled her.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Donal Lee Raiford; her parents, Fred and Pearl Tepe; siblings, Virginia Lee Gaylor, Edward Tepe, Maxine Strickland, Carl Tepe, Norma Jean Tepe, and Rose Marie (Corky) Tepe. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Scott Lowe of Yukon, OK, and Joleen and Billy Quigg of Alvarado, TX; son Gary Raiford of The Colony, TX; grandson, Kole Raiford of The Colony, TX; brother, Frank Tepe of Yukon, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Buchanan Funeral Service, 8712 N Council Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73132. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 23, 2024. Mary will be laid to rest next to her husband in Yukon Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Heritage Assisted Living for the love and care you gave Mary during her final years.