Eural "LaRue" Bevel

Eural LaRue Bevel, age 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Oologah, Oklahoma on January 15th, 2026. LaRue was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on August 5th, 1937, to Suttle and Ussa Wheeler. She married Sam Garroutte, and they welcomed two baby boys into the world, Ricky and Larry. Samuel passed after a long battle with MS. LaRue enrolled at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and asked if she could take some college classes…even though she had not completed high school! LaRue, not only made good grades, but she also ended up getting a bachelor’s and master's degree in education, and certifications as a reading specialist, counselor, and administrator. LaRue was offered a teaching position in Tulsa, and she decided to leave her hometown for the opportunity. This turned out to be one the best decisions she ever made because it led her to meeting her life-long love, Glen Bevel. She and Glen were married on December 27th, 1967. She had various teaching positions throughout her life, but the greatest joy of her teaching career came from being the high school counselor at Oologah High School. LaRue loved the 10 years she served as counselor and loved the “antics of her students”. She claimed that those times in her life “were the best years”. Later in life, dementia took a lot of her memory, but she never forgot the countless pranks and shenanigans brought on by her students. LaRue's granddaughters, Courtney and Kelsey, were also her pride and joy. She never missed a ball game, birthday, or milestone. LaRue took up painting in her 50’s and painted masterfully with oils and pastels for nearly 25 years. Many of her paintings won at the Rogers County, Tulsa State, and Oklahoma State Fairs. She and Glen had 58 wonderful years together, playing cards with friends, square dancing, traveling, woodworking, and loving on grand-kids. They spent many winters in Harlingen, Texas and enjoyed the wonderful friends they made in the warmer weather. If you were lucky enough to know LaRue, you knew her quick wit and fierce resilience. She always had a comeback and always had the answer. If you were ever in need or in trouble, she was one you wanted by your side. Though dementia changed many things, it never erased who LaRue truly was—a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. LaRue is survived by her husband, Glen; her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Sherri Garroutte; and her granddaughters, Courtney Schupbach and her husband, Matt, and Kelsey McMains and her husband, Chad. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Emma and Hudson Schupbach and Cross McMains. LaRue was preceded in death by her parents, Ussa and Suttle Wheeler; her son, Ricky Marion Garroutte; and her brother, Stuart Wheeler.

Eural "LaRue" Bevel

August 5, 1937 - January 15, 2026