Mary Lou (Vassaur) Volturo, 97, passed away on October 27, 2025, in Edmond. Mary was born November 26, 1927, in Delaware, Ark. to Edgar and Florence Vassaur. The Vassaur family moved to Oklahoma in 1932, settling in Henryetta, and eventually moved to Okmulgee. Mary attended Checotah School, and graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1946. Upon graduation, she moved to Hollywood, Calif. and went to work at Young and Rubicam Advertising Agency.
Upon returning to Okmulgee, Mary met George Volturo. They married in 1950 and were married for 33 years until his death in 1983. Two children were born from their union: Tony and Gina. In 2014, Mary left the home she had lived in for 64 years, relocating to Edmond, where she resided until her death.
Mary was a member of Okmulgee Women’s Service League, Catholic Daughters of America, St. Anthony’s Church and a board member of the Creek Council House Museum. Mary was also a local celebrity, co-hosting a morning radio show with Paul Brown for a number of years. In 2020 at the age of 92, Mary was awarded the James Weaver Award in the Fiberworks Art Competition held in Oklahoma City.
Mary is preceded in death by her spouse, November 26, 1927 – October 27, 2025
George; parents Edgar and Florence Vassaur; sisters Reba Reese and Alene Vassaur; brothers Ed Vassaur, Jr., Bugs Vassaur and Bing Vassaur. She is survived by her son Tony (wife Renee); her daughter Gina Volturo- Ellis; granddaughter Natalie Dominguez (husband Devon); grandson Giorgio Johnson (wife Brenda) and great-grandchildren Lincoln, Charlie and Grace Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews including Charles, Tom, Judy (Saxton) and Rita Volturo, Donna Volturo- Fiorelli, Gloria Ayers, Noel Reese, Bonny Reese, John Vassaur, Kristy Vassaur and so many loved ones too numerous to mention.
The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Mary’s caregivers and those who helped her maintain her independence over the past several months: Diana, Valerie, Shannon, Jackie, Valencia, Mayra, Lali, Pam and Dora.
Those wishing to make a donation, please consider St. Anthony’s Maintenance Fund c/o St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 515 S. Morton Street, Okmulgee, OK 74447.
A rosary will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 7 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025. Services will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Okmulgee on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 12 p.m. Interment will take place at Okmulgee Cemetery. Guests are invited to attend a reception immediately following the service at McClendon- Winters Life Celebration Center, 310 E. 6th Street in Okmulgee.
