Native Oklahoman Rue McClanahan Dies

Native Oklahoman Rue McClanahan is dead at 76. She died at 1 a.m. Thursday of a massive stroke, according to her manager.

Thursday, June 3rd 2010, 11:49 am

By: News On 6

NewsOn6.com

UNDATED -- Native Oklahoman Rue McClanahan is dead at 76. She died at 1 a.m. Thursday of a massive stroke at New York Presbyterian Hospital, according to her manager.

A Healdton native, McClanahan was one of two surviving members of the "Golden Girls" actresses, now leaving only Betty White.

McClanahan, an Emmy-winning actress, brought Southern Belle Blanche Devereaux to life in the 1980s series.

She also appeared in "All In The Family," "Maude," and "Mama's Family." Movies included "Starship Troopers" and "Out to Sea."

She was born Eddi-Rue McClanahan, the daughter of a beautician and a building contractor. She was raised mostly in Ardmore and graduated from Ardmore High School. She is of Irish and Choctaw descent.

McClanahan graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1956. She majored in German and theater and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

She had undergone treatment for breast cancer in 1997 and later lectured to cancer support groups on "aging gracefully."