Alveria Sowers McBee

Alveria Sowers McBee, 94, passed away on Christmas night at the hospital. She was born to Lambert “L.W.” and Nora Sowers on January 17, 1926. She grew up on a farm southwest of Watonga. She attended Prairie View Country school to the 7th grade; then, they paid a fee or tuition to attend Watonga Public Schools where she graduated in 1944. She worked on the farm driving tractors and sewing her own beautiful clothes. She and her sister drove a heard of cattle from south of Canton to a pasture southwest of Watonga in one long day. Alveria acquired a commercial license and drove the family semitrailer, hauling a wide variety of cargo all over the state while her brother was injured.

Alveria met and married Albert McBee of Calumet. They enjoyed square dancing. They resided in Watonga where the had a son, Randal Ray McBee and a daughter, Connie Lea McBee. She was involved and supportive of all their activities as they grew up. Alveria worked in the Blaine County Clerk office for 40 years, starting in 1944 as a deputy clerk and then as county clerk for many years. During this time, she served one term as President of the Northwestern District County Officers Association. She was instrumental in getting the retirement program started for the Blaine County employees; she always wanted to help others. When the large boiler in the basement malfunctioned and started to fill the hallways with steam, she didn’t hesitate one bit to make her way down stairs to shut the system down.

In 1980 Alveria and Albert opened the McBee Steak House, located on HWY 33 and Harmon, one block east of the four corners on the northside in Watonga, OK. They built an entirely new building in the same locations and continued to run and operate the business. Their intentions were to make the food as close to homemade as possible. She enjoyed decorating for the holidays. They both enjoyed visiting friends and making new ones. After Albert passed away in 1993, Alveria continued to operate the business. IN 2001, she sold the business, after 21 years. During those years they received several acknowledgments; Watonga All Sports Association and Outstanding Community Service Award in recognition of generous contribution to the India Temple Shrine Circus and Hospital Program. Alveria sent many cards to friends and customers over the years and helped with various fundraisers. They both cared about helping children and their families. When asked, Mother would same the thing I miss most are the good friends and people. She cared about people, was hardworking, and loved her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband Albert McBee, her son Randal McBee, her parents Lam bert “L.W.” and Nora Sowers, a sister Elva Mae, and two brothers, Jesse and Earl.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie McBee of Watonga.

Visitation for Alveria was Sunday,January 3rd from 1pm to 6pm. A private graveside service was held on Monday, January 4, 2021 at the I.O.O.F. Cemetary in Watonga. Wilkinson Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Rev. Adam Lovitt officiated.

Rev. Adam Lovitt officiated.

(Paid Obituary)