Bette Ann McRee

November 10, 1932 - August 15, 2019

Bette Ann McRee, age 86 passed away Thursday, August 15, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. Bette Ann Watkins was born November 10, 1932 to Edward and Helen Watkins in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Raised in Mena, she was a 1950 graduate of Mena High School and attended Stephens College and the University of Arkansas. She was a talented musician and composer, playing both the organ and piano and was the organist for the First Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years. She composed and published two contatas based on scriptures: The Beatitudes and Savior of Love, both of which were performed in Mena and throughout the country. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Ben Edward Redman and step-son Jim McRee. She is survived by: Husband: Kenneth McRee of the home Daughters: Jennie Kuhnke and husband Tom of Centerton, Arkansas Tracie Bissell and husband Teddy of Mena, Arkansas Suzanne Harris and husband Randy of Norman, Oklahoma Step-son: Robert Wilson of Bella Vista, Arkansas Step-daughter: Cathy Hancock and husband Mark of Bella Vista, Arkansas Grandchildren: Ashlee and Jason Lance of Springdale, Arkansas Edward Redman of Tulsa, Oklahoma Jessica Carter of Iron Ridge, Wisconsin Jacob Harris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Lily and Trevor Richardson of Norman, Oklahoma Laura Harris of Norman, Oklahoma Taylor Kuhnke and Matthew Kuhnke of Centerton, Arkansas Faith and Ben Hundley and Travis Hancock of Fayetteville Great Grandchildren: Nathan Chilson, Savannah Crass and Madeleine Hancock Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2019 at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.