Myra Marie Hunt Kemp, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, friend and long-time Bristow resident passed away in her home at the young age of 100 on July 1, 2025. She was born on the family farm in Perry. The family later moved to Kingfisher. Myra attended Oklahoma College for Women where she received a BA in Home Economics. After graduation, she moved to Washington D.C., where she worked at the Bureau of Nutrition and Home Economics. She then moved to Bristow, in 1948 and taught Home Economics at Bristow High School for three years. It was during this time that she met and fell in love with Max Kemp, the love of her life. They married in 1951 and had celebrated 54 years of marriage at the time of his death in 2005. Through this union they had 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
Grandma Max, as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren, was the iconic grandma.
Referred to as …” over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house we go!” She always loved to have her family with her and welcomed them into her home with hugs, words of encouragement and
June 17, 1925- July 1, 2025
always something delicious to eat. Myra never stopped learning. She was always volunteering and had some new project on her list and the list was always long!
Over the years she created a gift basket ordering business of Oklahoma-made food baskets called Woodland Queen, taught cooking classes through the family-owned business at Kemp’s Drug called Cooks Corner and collected and sold antiques. She was also a longtime active member and past president of P.E.O., an organization that was dear to her heart.
As a devoted member of the Bristow Presbyterian Church, her faith was exhibited by grace and humility in her care for others. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and “running the kitchen” for church dinners, events and celebrations. In her later and final years, she exhibited a quiet sweet faith of devotion. Myra’s priceless gift to her family has been her enduring love and support.
Proceeded in death by husband Max Kemp, infant daughter Constance Kemp, brothers Virgil Jr., and David Hunt and sister Elizabeth (Betty) Struck.
Survived by one brother Jim Hunt, her children and their spouses: Nanette (Bob) Wampler, Susan (Dale) Washa, Ben (Sandy) Kemp and Jennifer (K.C.) Lupp along with 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and care givers Sam Miller, Dianna Ralston, Janice Dervin and Kerie Roebuck.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 1:30 at the Bristow Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ‘Harry’s Blessings in a Backpack’, a mission program through the Bristow Presbyterian Church, to provide food for underprivileged children.
Services are under the direction of Hutchins Maples Matherly Funeral Home.