Coyle, OK - Mary Margaret Shellhammer

March 2, 1944 - May 18, 2026

Mary Margaret Shellhammer, age 82, passed away on May 18, 2026. She was born on March 2, 1944, and spent her early life fiercely devoted to her family, and her later years devoted to her animals and the land she loved.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Louis V. Tomlinson and Mary Elizabeth (Keeran) Tomlinson, and her sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Ronnie Curry.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Dick Todd; her brother, Tommy Jim Tomlinson; her son, Ronald Marion Shellhammer, Jr. ("Chip") and his wife Laura; and her daughter, Mary Joel Sturm, O.D., and her husband Mike. Childhood memories made with Grandma Mary will always be cherished by her grandkids. Mary was extremely proud of her six grandchildren's accomplishments in education. Tanner Christian Sturm who graduated from Arizona State University and lives in New York City; Mary Magdalene "Maggie" Sturm (graduate of University of Arkansas and Graduate School at UAMS) and her fiancé Kris Kerr of Dallas, Sidney Lee Bellah (graduate of Oklahoma State and Purdue Graduate School) and her husband Grant of Virginia; Charles Michael "Chip" Sturm (graduate of Oklahoma State) of Tulsa; Meredith Rae Sturm of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater; and Kyra Joelle Cowan (graduate of Oklahoma State and currently in Graduate School at the University of Missouri) and her husband Josh.

Mary dedicated her life to education and spent 40 years teaching with Guthrie Public Schools, followed by 5 years teaching in Sivells Bend, Texas. She was a middle school teacher who earned respect from students and colleagues. She was passionate about creating the environment for students to realize what they were capable of. Mary believed deeply in the value of hard work, learning, and perseverance, and she took great pride in the countless students whose lives she impacted over her long career.

Mary had a deep passion for her horses, dogs, and the land she called home. Anyone who knew Mary knew she loved to cook and found great happiness in feeding others. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and generosity, and she was always quick to provide a home-cooked meal to anyone in need. Whether family, friends, neighbors, or strangers, no one ever left her table hungry.

Dancing was Mary's favorite activity with friends. She took great pride in being able to 'out dance' people half her age while wearing the best outfit on the dance floor.

She lived life in her own unmistakable way — independent, strong-willed, outspoken, and unforgettable. Those who knew Mary understood that she stood firmly by her convictions, and never hesitated to speak her mind. Beneath her tough exterior was a giving heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Coyle FFA at 700 S. Cottingham Ave., Coyle, OK, 73027 in honor of Mary's lifelong love of animals, education, agriculture, and rural life.