Yvonne McCarty 

Funeral service for Yvonne McCarty will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Southern Oaks Church of Christ in Chickasha, OK at 1:00pm. Interment will be at Elmore City Cemetery in Elmore City, OK under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Floyce Yvonne (Helvey) McCarty was born on May 3, 1933 in Foster, Oklahoma to Vernon and Ruby (Terrell) Helvey and passed away on July 11, 2026 in Chickasha, OK. Yvonne spent her childhood in Garvin County where she attended Pernell School, graduating top of her class in 1951. She then continued her education at East Central University in Ada. In three years, she earned a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in business, completed certification in Library Science and worked as a switchboard clerk for the University.

Yvonne and Jerrell McCarty met at church in Pernell in their early teens and the two were married in 1954 in the home of Yvonne's parents. The newlyweds began their life together in Velma, Oklahoma where she had her first elementary teaching job. In 1956 they welcomed their daughter, Karen and soon afterward moved to Sedan, KS due to Jerrell's job transfer with what is now Koch Oil. Their family was made complete with the arrival of their second daughter, Mary Ann in 1959.

In 1962 Yvonne began teaching in Chautauqua, KS where she instructed 1  ^st  through 4  ^th  grade in one classroom for four years. When the school districts unified, she continued her career with U.S.D. #286 in Sedan, KS. Over the course of 36 years, she devoted herself to teaching kindergarten and was the elementary librarian. Yvonne often said that while she was teaching her students, they were teaching her. She treasured every child who came through her classroom and was honored to be nominated for Kansas Teacher of the year in 1996. One of the most meaningful moments of her career was being invited to speak at the graduation of the last kindergarten class she taught. Twelve years earlier, she had welcomed those same students into their very first classroom, and it was a true honor to celebrate how far they had come as they reached this important milestone.

Yvonne and Jerrell were married for 53 years until his passing in 2007. They made their home in Sedan, Kansas until 2002 when they relocated to Chickasha, Oklahoma.

Yvonne was a talented seamstress who lovingly made clothing for her girls while growing up. She was always quick to help any child who needed alterations or something tailored. A gifted artist, who had a passion for decorative painting, she spent hours perfecting her creations and her work still brightens the homes of family and friends today. Along with her painting and sewing, the family always knew you could count on her for the best cookies around. Yvonne and Jerrell enjoyed camping, reading, attending arts & crafts shows, and taking bus tours. Above all, they cherished spending time with friends and family.

Known to many simply as "Grandma Y" she had an open-door home where family and friends were always welcome. Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighbors knew they could stop by anytime for a visit, a warm smile, and a loving heart. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Throughout her life, Yvonne faced more than her share of challenges, but she never allowed them to define her. Despite every hardship, Yvonne remained kind, compassionate, and generous, loving others with her whole heart and living a life marked by grace and gratitude. She loved Jesus with all her heart and often reminded those around her, "Never forget that God is always good, no matter our circumstances." Her unwavering faith, quiet strength, and steadfast character touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of love, integrity, and hope that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Jerrell McCarty; grandson, Kyle Davis; and brother-in-law Raymond Rust.

Survivors include Karen (Randy) Davis, Caney KS; Mary Ann (Jerry) McLemore, Chickasha OK; sister Merlene Rust of Rush Springs, OK; brother Terry (June) Helvey of Foster, OK; grandchildren Kelly Davis, Kristin Davis, Ashley (Sam) Rayburn; Chance McLemore; Chad (Stephanie) McLemore; great grandchildren: Ty, Cade, Lane, Ali, Holt, Tanner, Seth, Jesslyn, Pearl, McCray, Rylan, Carter, Case, Remi, and Kylo and numerous nieces and nephews.