Mary Harjo

Mary Elizabeth Harjo, age 78, of Glenpool, Oklahoma, died Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Hochatown, Oklahoma. She was born on Thursday, May 22, 1947, to Bennie and Ella Joan Colbert Bender in Okemah, Oklahoma. In her younger years Mary was a faithful member of Greenleaf Indian Baptist Church in Okemah, Oklahoma, where her faith and community were very important parts of her life.

Mary was a woman of deep pride, generous love, and a giving heart. She was very proud of her Muscogee (Creek) Nation heritage, which was woven into who she was and how she lived. Her family meant everything to her, especially her three sons and their families. She found her greatest joy in being surrounded by those she loved most.

Mary adored her grandchildren and showed her love through care, time, and food. She had a special gift in the kitchen and loved cooking not only for her family but also for anyone in need of a good, hot meal. Her fry bread was especially loved and became a treasured family favorite that brought everyone together.

For 20 years, Mary worked in retail management in the North Texas area, where she served as a manager for several companies. She was respected for her strong work ethic, leadership, and dedication.

In her quieter moments, Mary enjoyed listening to R & B songs, country music, and Creek Hymns that brought her comfort, joy, and peace. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her love of family, and the warmth she shared so freely with everyone she met.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bennie Duke Harjo; her three brothers, Nelson Harjo, John Bender and Joe Bender; and her one sister, Leah Labrada.

Mary is survived by her three perfect sons and daughters-in-law, Bennie Jr. "Duke" and Kristy Harjo of Anna, Texas; Bryan and Teresa Harjo of Gun Barrell City, Texas and Randall and Melissa Harjo of Allen, Texas; two brothers, Sam Bender of Cromwell, Oklahoma and George Bender of Sherman, Texas; four sisters, Betty Jones of Mt. Vernon, Texas, Debbie Ridge of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Benella Bender of Cromwell, Oklahoma and Alice Harjo of Arcadia, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, L.D. Harjo, Brittnie Martin, Dakota Harjo, Ashley Harjo, Lindsay Pollard and Joshua Harjo; fourteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and many other beloved family and friends.

Mary's favorite sayings were "I have three perfect sons!" and "Harjo business, is Harjo business!"

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at the Tulsa Creek Indian Community Center with Rev. Wayne Harjo and Minister Grover Wind officiating. Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

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