Margaret Ruth Croy spent her 84 years collecting an eclectic assembly of careers, a vast menagerie of animals, and a fiercely loyal circle of friends who rarely had to guess where she stood on any given issue. Born in Durant, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1942, to Jack and Dessie Stone, Croy built an expansive life that stretched across radio studios, dental offices, real estate brokerages, and election precincts throughout Oklahoma County.
According to an obituary published on Legacy.com by the Barnes-Friederich & Pope Funeral Home in Del City, Croy passed away on October 5, 2026. Her life was defined by both professional versatility and deep personal commitments that spanned decades.
A Career Defined by Versatility and Public Service
Croy’s working years reflected an extraordinary breadth of interests. She worked jobs ranging from radio studio work to dental assistance before moving into real estate management and earning her broker's license. She also spent more than 25 years working as an event planner and decorator, operated as an expert seamstress, and managed operations for a company providing photography services in Walmart stores, a role that included coordinating the placement of greeters at entrances across Oklahoma.
Beyond her commercial pursuits, Croy maintained a dedicated commitment to civic life. She served as an election precinct official in Oklahoma County, working local elections well into her 80s.
Margaret Marries Twice and Builds a Massive Animal Menagerie
In 1959, Margaret married Michael Phelps, with whom she had five children: David, Darryl, Stephen, Danella, and Rai. She experienced the profound grief of losing Stephen and Danella shortly after their births. On May 1, 1998, she married Jim Croy in Oklahoma City, sharing 28 years with him building a life centered on family, community, and an extraordinary number of animals.
Beginning with Apollo, her first Doberman Pinscher, Croy and her husband shared their home with at least 40 dogs, approximately 10 cats, 50 guinea hens, more than 30 chickens, numerous ducks, and a few turkeys. Alongside Jim and her daughter Rai, she devoted considerable time to fostering and caring for dogs in need of homes.
Her circle extended far beyond formal relations. Croy possessed an open approach to friendship and adopted people into her life just as readily as animals. Misti Flowers and Sarah Kelley spent a combined total of nearly six decades treating Croy as their mother.
Services Scheduled in Midwest City
Jim, her husband, along with her children David, Darryl, and Rai, her stepson Zac, her granddaughters Sierra, Morgan, and Brianna, her step-grandchildren Izzy and Elliott, her sister Lou, and her nephews Mark and Phil, are the survivors of Croy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dessie, and her children, Stephen and Danella.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma, will host a celebration of her life beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Eschewing traditional somber attire, the family has invited attendees to gather for a remembrance focused on shared stories, laughter, and a genuine celebration of her distinct personality.
