Margaret Bebb Kyger

Margaret Bebb Kyger 1923-2016 Margaret Bebb Kyger, a native of St. Joseph, Missouri, was born on February 24, 1923 and died on February 22, 2016. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick M. Holcomb of St. Joseph. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. in the St. Paul United Methodist Church of Muskogee sanctuary. Reverend David Burris will officiate. A reception will follow the service. Margaret was known for her musical talent as a flutist and for her ability to share that talent with her students and the community. In April 1938, Margaret played in the Music Educators National Conference National.High School Orchestra. Two other participants went on to play principal flute positions in the Boston Symphony and Philadelphia Orchestra. After high school, Margaret attended the University of Kansas and the University of Illinois where she studied child development. In 1942, Margaret chose to bring her talent to Muskogee when she married Robert (Bob) VanArsdale Bebb (1921-2003) of Muskogee. The Muskogee community enjoyed over 40 years of her musical contribution as a teacher, performer, and arts supporter. She was a member of the Accredited Music Teachers and taught flute lessons to area residents and at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. St. Paul United Methodist Church honored Margaret with the Mother-of-the-Year Award in 1966-67. She was a member of the choir, Commission on Education, Wedding Ring Class visitation committee, and taught several classes in the nursery and children divisions. A quote in the St. Paul Messenger stated, "Her most outstanding attribute is the enthusiasm with which she tackles any job she undertakes. She feels that everyone should do one job in the church, and tries to hold up her part." Margaret and Bob were devoted to each other and to their children. After teaching flute lessons every afternoon, Margaret had dinner on the table at 6 o'clock, made the children's clothes, supported their education and extracurricular activities, and loved them unconditionally. She also embraced family cultural experiences by hosting two American Field Service students, Christine from Switzerland, and MaryAnn from Norway. After Bob's death, Margaret fell in love and married Marvin Kyger in January of 2006. The couple lived happily until Marvin's death in August of 2008. Margaret, affectionately known as Big Mama, is survived by her children including Marilyn and her husband Ron, Martin and his wife Ineta, Gretchen, and Janet; by grandchildren Melissa, Bob and his wife Kristy, Stephanie and her husband Kenny, Michael and his wife Amy, Eitan, and Gil; by step-children David and his wife Susan, and Jeanne and her husband Billy; by great-grandchildren Tori, Tate, Josh, Matt, Andrew, and Katie; and by Kappa who is a grandmother to all. Cornerstone is managing the service arrangements. Feel free to contact them for information at 918-682-1500. Please send memorial donations to the Muskogee Alumni Band Association at P.O. Box 2278, Muskogee, Oklahoma, 74402. List the Margaret Bebb Memorial Fund in the memo line. This is a tax-deductible contribution, and all proceeds will go to support musical opportunities for students in the Muskogee Public Schools band program.

Margaret Bebb Kyger

February 24, 1923 - February 22, 2016