The family of Bonita Denise Mckee of Katie, OK announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
The chapters of her life were many; these are some of them.
Bonita spent her working life as ['telemarketer before moving into her role with the Department of Defense in Italy'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Love, when given fully, leaves its mark on every life it touches.
Bonita Denise (Gilbert) McKee, 69, was born on June 3, 1956, in Loveland, Texas, to W.A. Gilbert and Della Waunice (Primrose) Gilbert. She passed from this life on April 28, 2026, in Katie, Oklahoma.
Denise graduated from Elmore City High School in 1974 and went on to attend college in South Carolina. She married the love of her life, Derrel McKee, on September 10, 1982, in Satterwhite, Oklahoma. Together they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and shared experiences, including time spent in Italy while Derrel served in the military.
She began her career as a telemarketer before moving into her role with the Department of Defense in Italy. Denise found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved watching westerns, listening to the radio, and reading novels by her favorite authors, James Patterson, and Janet Evanovich. She had a deep appreciation for flowers and especially enjoyed watching hummingbirds, often calling her father to share her excitement when she spotted one.
Denise had a special place in her heart for animals, including her beloved dogs, Smoky, Pepee, and Charger, and her cat, Tigger. She was also known for her cooking, especially her delicious Mexican casserole and banana pudding, which will be fondly remembered by those who knew her. She lived by the value of keeping your word and passed that lesson on to others throughout her life.
Denise is survived by her son, Brian Hayes and wife Georgia of Elmore City, Oklahoma; Daughter, Kari Wilson and husband Ron of Elmore City, Oklahoma; Brothers, Brent Gilbert of Atoka, Oklahoma, Shannon Gilbert and wife Molly of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, Joe Gilbert of Elmore City, Oklahoma, Sterling Gilbert of Elmore City, Oklahoma; Granddaughter, Sarah Lambert and husband Jeffrey of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; Great-grandchildren, Elisabeth and Samuel Lambert; and a host of other family and friends.
Denise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Derrell McKee; Parents, W.A. Gilbert and Della Waunice (Primrose) Gilbert; Daughter, Lisa Jackson and husband Billy Jackson; and grandson, Jordan Jackson.
Graveside services for Denise will be on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at Katie Cemetery in Katie, Oklahoma with Pastor Richard Newton officiating. Visitation for Denise will be on Monday, May 4, 2026 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
