Mary Elizabeth (Freeman) Arkeketa (Hokte) was born on October 30, 1931, in Pawhuska, OK and journeyed on to her heavenly home on January 30, 2026, in Sand Springs, OK at the age of 94 years old. Mary was the daughter of Jess and Margaret (Alexander) Freeman and the eldest of eight children. She was a proud citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and brought her children up around her family and culture.
Growing up Mary attended Indian boarding school at Wheelock Academy in Oklahoma and Haskell Institute in Kansas. Mary graduated from Haskell Institute in 1949 and went on to attend nursing school at St. John’s School of Nursing graduating December 1952 as a Registered Nurse (RN). While working at St. John’s, she met her husband Benjamin Arkeketa an Otoe-Missouria tribal member, and they married in June of 1954.
Mary worked with the Indian Health Service and the State of Oklahoma as an RN. She retired from the State and became an active community member and volunteer with her church and organizations. Mary was an active member of Tulsa Creek Indian Community Center and the Center was considered her second home by her family, the kitchen is named in her honor; she was a member of the Otoe War Mothers Organization and the oldest member; she was a member of St. Patrick’s Church which she attended for over fifty years until she was not able to attend regularly.
During her lifetime, Mary was bestowed many honors from different organizations such as Tulsa Indian Affairs Commission, Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women, Catholic Church, and an AARP honored Indian Elder. Her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren and being the loving companion to her husband Ben of forty-seven years together.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Arkeketa; parents Jess and Margaret Freeman; her brothers Richard Freeman (Betty), Patrick Freeman (Vera), Ted Freeman (Susan), sister, Donna Faye Martin (Rusty). Her daughters Ginger Arkeketa and Jenise Arkeketa and grandson Beau David Walker. She is survived by her daughters: Susan Arkeketa, Annette Arkeketa-Rendon, Kim Arkeketa; brothers John Freeman (Betty), Jess Freeman Jr. (Ruth), William Freeman (SueAnn): grandchildren; John Arkeketa (Sarah), Jennifer Farris (Dusty), Benjamin Levi West (Bianca), Jacob Arkeketa, Cody Harjo, Kyle Hubbarth, and Jessica Arkeketa. She had 9 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are: Jason Freeman, Mitchell (Kvcv) Freeman, Everett Farris, Brandon Peak, Mike Kihega, and Benjamin Levi West. Honorary Pallbearers are: Patrick Freeman, Eric Freeman, Scott Freeman, Michael Freeman, Don Tiger, Jim Grant, Ted Grant, Lester Harragara, Gary (Chink) Whitecloud.
