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Oklahoman Archives 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
June 19, 1989, pg 21

ATKINSON Rubye Beauchamp, born September 13, 1907, in Beckville, Texas, died June 17, 1989 after an extended illness as a result of a serious stroke more than four years ago.

Her husband W.P. Bill Atkinson is often referred to as the father of Midwest City and in this context those who have known each of them since the early days of Midwest City would agree that Mrs. Atkinson played a prominent role as the mother of Midwest City.

If Mrs. Atkinson had known this would have been said about her, she would have insisted on adding "as were hundreds of other wives of men who were prominent leaders in the early days in the founding of Midwest City."

One of her friends said the following: "She was one of the most charming and most gracious persons I have ever known."

Another of her friends, who was worked with her a number of years in various clubs and organizations, paid her what could be the ultimate compliment, "she was truly a ladies' lady."

Mrs. Atkinson attended high school in Carthage, Texas, the county seat of Panola County, where she met the young man who later was to become her husband, W.P. Bill Atkinson.

They were married July 9, 1928, celebrating their 60th anniversary in 1988. She came to Oklahoma City with her husband in 1928. Mrs. Atkinson was elected Beauty Queen in her senior year in High School and also was elected Beauty Queen in her last year in College. zzzzz

One of her college friends said "how can she do so well in school and win all those beauty contests and yet be so humble." Her husband predicted that Mrs. Atkinson's Beauty Queen experience would be a surprise to almost all of her friends because in truth "she was a very humble person."

One of her happiest days, according to her family, was on September 9, 1984 when she presented the key to the President for the Midwest City Council of Garden Clubs' new Center that now houses many constructive activities and programs for the benefit of all the people of Midwest City and surrounding areas.

Mrs. Atkinson probably will be remembered best by many people for their leadership in many beautification programs primarily for the benefit of Midwest City homes. One of the fellow club members said, "There are hundreds of homes in Midwest City that are now growing various plants, trees and flowers given to them from the yard of Mrs. Atkinson."

One of the Oklahoma County's leading nurserymen admired Mrs. Atkinson's "green thumb" in beautification programs and in appreciation and in her honor developed a new variety of Red Bud tree, which was a beautiful pink in color and until this day it is sold and known as the "Rubye Atkinson Red Bud" tree.

Mrs. Atkinson was recognized in many circles as being very artistic and creative in egg artistry, flower arranging, hooking rugs, all types of needlepoint work and other items of interest for beautification of homes.

She was president of the Midwest City Council of Garden Clubs 1960 through 1962, a member of the first Study Club organized in Midwest City and one of the prime sponsors of the Midwest City Junior Service League. She was an active member in the Wickline Methodist Church for many years.

Some of the happiest hours of her life were spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

One program that proved to be very successful in Midwest City for more than 20 years was nationally known as the Midwest City Shetland Pony Club which Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson sponsored for the enjoyment of the children of Midwest City. Every Saturday and Sunday hundreds of boys and girls were entertained at their Pony Country Club which always included many and various types of contests for the riders of ponies, various dog and cat shows and, sometimes, other pets. On such occasions, the women would bring covered dishes and these were the "good ole days" for Rubye in Midwest City when people really got to know each other.

There were only a few weekends that passed after the Pony Club closed that some couple did not drive up to our home to introduce their spouse and/or children.

She is survived by her husband, W.P. Bill Atkinson; her two daughters, Eugenia Davis and Janette Yantis, and Gretta Atkinson, widow of their son, W.J. Atkinson. She is survived by 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Atkinson is also survived by a brother, John Beauchamp, of Dallas, Texas, and a sister, Jo Pruit Johnson, of Houston, Texas.

Funeral services will be 2:00pm Tuesday at the Wickline United Methodist Church with interment in Resthaven Memory Gardens. Under the direction of Paylor Funeral Home.

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