Elizabeth Starks McLain, 86, of Stillwater was born November 4, 1939, in Mount Carmel, Illinois and died Thursday, April 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma surrounded by family. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Perkins Cemetery. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Elizabeth was the daughter of W. D. (Bill) and Mildred (Phillips) Starks. She moved to Stillwater in 1948, where she attended Stillwater High School and graduated in 1958. She later became an Oklahoma State University alumna.

On May 11, 1963, she married Gene David McLain. In 1979 the couple moved to Perkins, Oklahoma where they built a new home and shared many happy years together.

Elizabeth began her career in the abstract business in 1960, continuing until 1985. She served as Vice President of Payne County Title Company for five years. She then worked at the Payne County courthouse for 18 years, retiring from the Payne County Clerk's Office in December, 2011. From 1964 to 1994 she also served as Registrar for Births and Deaths.

She was an active member of her community, including over 25 years with Altrusa International and service as President of the Stillwater Literacy Council. She served two terms as President of Payne County OHCE and was a charter member of the Lunch Bunch (OHCE group), contributing in every role except treasurer.

Elizabeth was Superintendent of Arts and Crafts at the Payne County Fair for the past 17 years. She also volunteered for the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days and delivered Mobile Meals twice a month for many years.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by both parents, her husband, her sisters, and a brother Gene Dyke as well as her brothers-in-law Wendell Harms and Don Lynch.

She is survived by her son Barry D. McLain and his wife Sheri; grandchildren Josh Burrell, Samantha, Vanessa, Tully and Adam Burrell. She also has enjoyed great-grandchildren Leah Burrell, Raelin Burrell, Shay Tully, Xaiden Burrell, Dalilah Burrell, Ophelia Burrell, Adeline Burrell, Killian Burrell, Nora Burrell and Caden Burrell; brothers, Bill Dyke and his wife Nettie; Bob Dyke and his wife Pa; as well as many nieces and nephews and great friends. She will be greatly missed!