Margie Wardrop

Margie Carol Gebhart Wardrop was born in Checotah, Oklahoma on January 26, 1943 to Earl William and Olivia Selma (Altus) Gebhart. She passed away in the early hours on February 14, 2025 in Houston, Texas at the age of 82 years and 19 days. Growing up, she lived in Arizona for several years and then moved back to Oklahoma. In her youth, she accepted Jesus as her savior and was baptized. In 1961, she graduated from Crawford High School, then attended St. Anthony School of Nursing in Oklahoma City. She and Billy Dee Wardrop, a draftsman for a steel company, met through a mutual friend and were engaged in two weeks. Five months later, they were married on February 2, 1963 in Gainesville, Texas. For more than 56 years, their commitment and affection for one another never diminished. They were long-time residents of Oklahoma City, but moved to Houston to be closer to their son Mark and his family after Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia in 2013. Since she was six years old, Margie wanted to become a nurse when she grew up. With unwavering determination and her mother’s support, she fulfilled her dream by becoming a registered nurse in 1964. She started her career at St. Anthony Hospital, and then worked at “Bone and Joint” hospital. After a few years, she joined Presbyterian Hospital (which eventually became OU Medical Center), where she became the head nurse on one of the floors. While working full time and with the support of her family, she earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Nursing at the University of Oklahoma. In the last years of her career, she was a Certified Diabetes Educator. Her hobbies and interests included spending time with family, listening to country music, and reading historical and romantic novels. She, Bill, and Mark traveled to various car conventions across the country showing either their Volkswagen or Audi, winning several awards. Over the years, Margie acquired an extensive collection of about 200 owl figurines, including some as far away as Germany, Nigeria, and Russia. Throughout her life, Margie was always decisive and knew what she wanted. She had a fighting spirit, not letting any obstacles get in the way of achieving her goals. In her later years while being afflicted with numerous health issues, she still managed a smile and kept her sense of humor. She leaves behind her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Charlene Wardrop of Houston, TX; her granddaughter, Sarah Wardrop of Houston, TX; brother and sister-in-law, James and Janice Gebhart of Burns Flat, OK; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Marge Gebhart of Felton, DE; and many dear relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister Loretta Hutton. Memorial donations may be made to causes that were close to Margie’s heart, such as any animal welfare or veteran’s organization.

Margie Wardrop

January 26, 1943 - February 14, 2025