Leah Beth Taylor-Barkett

Leah Beth Taylor-Barkett of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at 6:25 p.m. on September 18, 2026, while in the care of Strafford Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.

She was born on November 22, 1940, in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, to Mattie Elizabeth (Harney) Taylor and J. Rodney Taylor. She attended Tonkawa High School, graduating with the Class of 1958, and later pursued a music degree at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Leah Beth participated in the 1960 Miss Oklahoma Pageant, where she met her future husband, George Barkett, who served as a judge for the event.

On September 29, 1961, Leah Beth married George Barkett in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Fairview, Oklahoma, where George's family resided. Together they raised three sons: George R. II, Broderick, and Terrell.

Leah Beth's love of music remained a defining part of her life. For many years, she served as Choir Director at Fairview Methodist Church, sharing her passion and talent with her congregation. She was also actively involved in the local chapter of the Oklahoma Mother's Club and was honored with a nomination for Mother of the Year. Leah Beth enjoyed bridge luncheons, card games, entertaining family and friends, volunteering whenever needed, and, of course, singing whenever asked.

Her dedication to music extended beyond church and community activities. She coached numerous pageant contestants, taught private voice students, and inspired many aspiring singers throughout the years. In the late 1970s, she returned to college to complete her Bachelor's degree in Music History and Vocal Studies, followed by a Master's degree in Music.

Leah Beth and George were passionate advocates for progressive politics in Oklahoma and on the national stage. Over the years, they supported and hosted many political fundraisers. In 1990, Leah Beth was asked to serve as campaign manager for her dear friend, Terry Neese, during her campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma. Neese became the first woman nominated by a major political party for that office.

Following the passing of her husband, George, in 2012, Leah Beth moved to Springfield, Missouri, to be closer to her sons. She was known and loved by many, never meeting a stranger. Her warm spirit, generosity, and enthusiasm for life left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered, and she will be deeply missed.

Leah Beth was preceded in death by her parents, J. Rodney and Mattie Taylor; her brother, James Taylor; her husband, George Barkett; and her eldest son, George R. Barkett II, who passed away in 2021 in Palm City, Florida.

She is survived by her sons, Broderick Barkett and Terrell Barkett of Springfield, Missouri; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Barkett of Palm City, Florida; and her step-grandson, Michael Yow.

In accordance with her wishes, Leah Beth will be laid to rest beside her parents at Tonkawa IOOF Cemetery in Tonkawa, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fairview Alumni "Endow to Live Forever" Scholarship for high school graduates: Fairview Alumni, P.O. Box 66, Fairview, OK 73737. This scholarship fund was established many decades ago by George Barkett.