Margaret Gwyen Rutland Driskill was born in the countryside of Bristow, OK on January 27, 1939 and died November 21, 2020 in Okmulgee, OK. She accepted Jesus as her Savior as a child and lived her life as a loving, Christian woman. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Noble and Karon Rutland of Okemah, OK and her brother Bill Rutland of Okemah. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Paul David Driskill, Jr., her sister Ellen Greenley and her husband Mike of Tulsa, OK. Margaret was a loving mother who is survived by her 4 children, Karena Driskill, Ronald Driskill, Michael Driskill, and Gwyenda Driskill-Dunn, as well as, 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.
Margaret grew up in the country near Okemah, OK. She graduated in 1957 from the Springhill High School in Pharaoh, OK. Margaret met David in college at East Central State University in Ada, OK through the ministry of the Baptist Student Union. They were married June 3, 1958 at the First Baptist Church, Okemah, OK. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in home economics and truly was an incredible maker of a home. Margaret taught school several years as she reared her children. She taught home economics at Mason, OK and the Sunrise School in rural Okfuskee County, OK. She did post graduate studies at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK as well.
Margaret served as the Secretary to the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell, OK for 16 years from 1976-1992 until she and David retired and moved to Okmulgee, OK. Margaret was a compassionate person who easily made friends and helped people. She was a fantastic cook and seamstress who shared her talents with others. She was a member of local Baptist churches wherever they lived and served through the Women’s Missionary Union, Sunday School, tithing and a variety of different ways.
Many remember how Margaret played hymns on the piano up to the last month of her life. Although she struggled with many health issues throughout her life, she always had a good attitude and cared for others. She lived by her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and that promise sustained her throughout her life. She was strong, loving and an extremely hard worker who often said “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” She truly was an inspiration to anyone who met her.
