copied with permission from
The Shawnee News-Star
215 N. Bell
Shawnee, OK 74801

submitted by Kay Sugg Best

published Aug. 01, 2006

Archie B. Hill Jr. 

Lifelong resident of Shawnee Archie B. Hill Jr. died Friday, July 28, in a local hospital at the age of 77.
Archie was born April 24, 1929, in Shawnee to Archie B. and Geneva Hill.

Archie was a avid sports fan. He played on championship teams for Dunbar High School where he graduated in 1950. He attended Langston University. He coached the Mighty Mite football team and won championships. Archie was inducted into the Shawnee Football Hall of Fame.

He served his country in the U.S. Army, where he also played in the band.

Archie worked 27 years at Tinker Air Force Base before retiring in 1987. He opened his own business, Kathy's Kitchen, with his wife. He was a member of the Diamond K Kiwanis Club and worked with Big Brother/Big Sister of Shawnee. He volunteered countless hours at the Shawnee Community Center before his health began to fail. Archie was a minister of love until the end, giving the children of God their Holy Names which is I AM THAT I AM.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Lerlene Hill of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Matthew Abass; daughter-in-law, Anna Hill; five grandchildren, Chris and wife Angela, Alan and wife Mardy, Joana, Deja and Mister; five great-grandchildren, Forrest, Austin, Karis, Braydon and Jaron.

Everyone was special to Archie and had their place in his heart. He adopted many people into his family. These included Leonard Haley and family, Stan and Lesley Joy Holts, Jim Taheri, Frankie and Darlene Johnson and a host of relatives and friends who loved him. He will be greatly missed.

Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Kenny Cook

Lifelong Tecumseh resident Kenny Cook died Sunday, July 30, in Arpelar, Okla. He was 27.
He was born in Shawnee to Bobby and Judy (Holsapple) Cook on October 27, 1978.

Kenny graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1999 and was currently working for Tinker Air Force Base. He had also worked with the JTPA Summer Program at the Shawnee Fire Station#1, as well as Mazzio's, Wal-Mart, Atwoods, Van's Pig Stand, and the OHP Radio Shop. He had also volunteered at the Shawnee Expo Center.

Kenny was a member of the Tecumseh FFA and a Friend of AOK Train Company.

He was an amateur photographer who loved nature and the Tecumseh and Shawnee Fire Stations.

Preceding him in death were his sister, Bobbi Jo Cook; cousins, Rodney Cooper and Phil Barnes; and his grandparents, Earl and Lois Cook, and Hubert and Emmy Holsapple.

Survivors include his parents, Bob Cook and wife, Judy, of the home; two aunts, Geri Goodnight of Tecumseh and Janice Cooper of Shawnee; three cousins, Cindy Dellinger of Shawnee, Tammy Reece, and Shawn Cooper, both of Tecumseh; and numerous, numerous friends and relatives.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Tecumseh Alumni Center with the Rev. Chad Brodrick and the Rev. Robert Rider officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.


Frank Appl

Frank Appl was born on March 13, 1924, in Belmont, Okla., and departed this life on Sunday, July 30, in Edmond at the age of 82.
Frank, the son of Paul and Mary (Pliva) Appl, was a resident of Edmond. Frank married the former Helen (Sykora) Scott on March 14, 1999, in Shawnee.

He was a lifetime member of Telephone Pioneers of America and was employed by Southwestern Bell for 30 years. He was a veteran of World War II, having served overseas in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the ZCBJ Lodge for 50 years.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Helen Ann Appl; four brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Appl of the home; stepsons and daughters-in-law, Steven D. Letha Scott of Edmond, Roger A. and Candee Scott of Oklahoma City; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Anne E, and Dennis Fine of Ada; sister, Irene Coomer of Prague; sister-in-law, Ophia Appl of Prague; special nephew and his wife, John David and Glena Marsh of Hennessey; special niece and her husband, Pam and Steve Pratka of Prague.

Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Wenceslau Catholic Church in Prague with Fr. Tim Luschen officiating. Burial will follow at Prague Cemetery in Prague under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.


Kenneth Ray Egan

Stroud resident Kenneth Ray Egan died Sunday, July 30, in Stillwater at the age of 21.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Stroud High School Auditorium.

Visition will be today 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Stroud.


David DeArmond

Chandler resident David DeArmond died Saturday, July 29, at the age of 74.
Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Chandler.


Harold Yott

Shawnee resident Harold Yott, 80, died Friday, July 28, at the Shawnee Care Center.
A private family memorial service will take place under the direction of Gaskill Funeral Chapel.


Georgia Anita Foster Brown

Georgia Anita Foster Brown died Monday, July 31, at the age of 88.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Oak Ridge Baptist Church.

Burial will follow at Bower Cemetery under the direction of Hunn, Black & Merritt Funeral Home, Eufaula, Okla.


O. C. Lippert Jr.

Stroud resident O. C. Lippert Jr. died Saturday, July 29, in Stroud at the age of 75.
Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Stroud with Pastor Wayne Gemmill officiating. Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

published Aug. 02, 2006

Hazel Johnston

Shawnee resident Hazel Johnston died Sunday, July 30, at her residence. She was 77.
She was born Oct. 20, 1928, in Archie, Mo., to James Sloan and Louise (Weddington) Sloan.

Hazel attended school in Harrisonville, Mo. She married to Jack Johnston in Durant on Dec. 5, 1959.

She did contract work for Tinker Air Force Base. She enjoyed sewing, cooking and gardening her flower beds.

Preceding her in death were her parents, one son, two brothers and one sister.

Survivors include her husband, Jack Johnston, of the home; grandson, Michael Johnston, of the home; her children and spouses, Sandy and Terry Benson of Blanchard, Carol and Terry Bryan of Tampa, Fla., and Karen andBrad Mills of Stillwater; grandchildren, Michael Johnston, Alecia Crain, Corina Doshier, Jeromy Mills, Justin Skelly, Shanna Brown, Eric Mills, Eric Bryan and Nikki Skelly; two sisters, Pauline Hooter of St. Louis, Mo., and Golldie Rook of Pleasant Hill, Mo.

Visitation will be all day today at Resthaven Funeral Home, Shawnee.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel, Shawnee, with the Rev. Mike McCauley officiating.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.


Velma Jean Huff

Oklahoma City resident Velma Jean Huff died Monday, July 31, at the age of 70.
She was born in Maud on October 2, 1935, to John and Velma (Clark) Patton.

On Oct. 2, 1952, she married Charlie Henry Huff Jr. in Carlsbad Cavern, N.M. They moved around Oklahoma with his railroad job, finally settling in Oklahoma City for the past 50 years.

Velma was a homemaker and took care of her grandchildren. She also was active with the Girl Scouts for 20 years and involved in the PTA.

She loved geneology and sewing.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Velma and Guy Rushton; sisters, Opal Bailey and John "Johnnie" Dell Murray.

Survivors include her husband, Charlie H. Huff Jr. of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Marcus Jahnel; son and daughter-in-law, Ronald Guy and Mary Huff, all of Oklahoma City; sisters, Pat Woodall, Bonnie Garner, and Dorthea "Dot" Glass; 4 grandchildren, Corey Huff, Jennifer Jahnel, Matthew Huff, and Jared Jahnel; 1 great-grandson, Bradley Jahnel; and special aunt, Claudia Harvey.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Cooper Funeral Chapel, Tecumseh, with Donnie Knight, chaplain of Heartland Hospice, officiating. Burial will follow at Cummins Cemetery, Maud.


Dennis Joseph Nagy

Harrah resident Dennis Joseph Nagy, 63, died Sunday, July 30, at his home.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Teresa's Catholic Cemetery in Harrah under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service, Harrah.


Debera Jean Franklin

Paden resident Debera Jean Franklin died Sunday, July 30, at the age of 45.
Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Paden under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Prague.


J.C. Riggs

Shawnee resident J.C. Riggs died Sunday, July 30, at his home of natural causes. He was 78.
He was born Aug. 10, 1927, to Frank Earl Riggs and Hessie G. (Deal) Riggs in Cushing.

J.C. attended college at Oklahoma A&M.

He married Carell Kay Heisig.

J.C. served with the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946 and with the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1952.

He worked as a geologist with the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Army Air Corps of Engineers, Aeronautical Chart of Information Center and U.S. Post Office.

His parents and one son, Jefrey Curtis Riggs, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Carell Riggs of the home; brother, Billy G. Riggs of Oklahoma; sister, Gwen M. Speers of Oklahoma.

Visitation was held 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Resthaven Memorial Park with the Rev. Larry Sparks officiating.


John Lloyd Dilbeck

Wellston resident John Lloyd Dilbeck died Sunday, July 30, in Midwest City. He was 76.
Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Hillside Baptist Church in McLoud with Jim Carver officiating.

Burial will follow at Arlington Memory Gardens, Midwest City, under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service Center, Harrah.


Jarrett W. White

Chandler resident Jarrett W. "Jack" White died Monday, July 31, at the age of 69.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at New Zion Cemetery in Chandler under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler.


Cleve Chandler

Lifelong Seminole resident Cleve Chandler, 84, died Monday, July 31, at a Seminole Medical Center.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Steve Cline and Doe McRay officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery, Seminole County, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home.


Edith Kathryn Reynolds

Edith Kathryn Reynolds died Saturday, July 29, at Edinburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
She will be buried at Little Cemetery, Little, under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole and Kreidler Funeral Home of McAllen, Texas.
 

published Aug. 03, 2006

Kathleen Rose Kiker

Shawnee resident Kathleen Rose (Peltier) Kiker left this earth on Monday, July 31, to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Kathleen was born March 29, 1917, in Shawnee to Oliver Albert and Ozetta Izori (Bourassa) Peltier. She attended Shawnee area schools.

On May 29, 1946, she married James Virgil Kiker. They lived many places as they followed the oil fields.

Kathleen loved her Lord, her family and her country, She served her country during World War II enlisting in the Women's Army Auxillary Corp (later the WAC's) in October of 1942. She was assigned to New York City, Fort Polk, La., and then Orlando, Fla. After a stint in San Francisco she received orders to go to New Guinea and the Philippines, where she served in the Far East Air Service Command. The decorations she received were the WAAC Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon and the Bronze Star to denote participation in the New Guinea Campaign. She was a Tech Sargeant when she was discharged Nov. 26, 1945.

Kathleen then opened a beauty shop in Sulpher with her brother, Gerald Peltier. When she and Virgil moved back to Shawnee, he became a barber and she opened Kathleen's Beauty Shop behind their house on Market Street. She was a beautician for 30 years.

She was a proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and was one of the founders of the Potawatomi Inter-Tribal Pow Wow Club, which sponsored and held annual Pow Wow's for more than 25 years. Her Indian name was "Kmoen Kwe." She was also a member of the American Legion and DAV.

Kathleen was a committed Christian and attended Sharon Baptist Church for many years. For the last several years she attended Mission Hill Indian Church (pastored by her son Norman) and Circle of Friends Sunday School. She will be greatly missed by Gene Parker, Norma Jones, Georgia Cooper, and Tommy and Joy Wright.

Preceding her death were her parents; husband; three brothers, Raymond, Buddy and Gerald Peltier; and four sisters, Ruby, Annetta, Mildred and Willa Lou.

Survivors include son and his wife, Norman Wesley and Claudia Kiker; grandsons, Noel Wesley Kiker and Chad Douglas Kiker; four great-grandchildren, Justin Levi, Samantha Rose and Nathanael Wesley Kiker, children of Noel Kiker and Michelle Rucker, and James Hampton Kiker, son of Chad Douglas and Tonya Kiker; one brother and his wife, Kenneth E. and Lillian Peltier; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Service will be 9 a.m. today at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Pastor Ellis Rolette officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Oklahoma Medical Research, or American Cancer Society.


Lois Lorene McElfresh

Shawnee resident Lois Lorene (Byrd) McElfresh, 77, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, July 31, at Unity Health Center in Shawnee.
She was born July 5, 1929, in Altus, Okla., to Fred Theodore and Della (Teague) Byrd. She lived in Shawnee most of her life and married Dalton Claude McElfresh July 17, 1967, in Purcell.

In her early years, Lois was a lifeguard at the Washington grade school wading pool and worked in food service at Horace Mann Elementary. She was also a homemaker. She loved to cook for family and friends and enjoyed going to bingo with her sister-in-law, Imogene French.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Dalton; brothers, Floyd Byrd and Ernie Byrd; and her sister, Jewel Wren.

Lois leaves many loving memories with her family, three daughters and sons-in-law, Betty and Earl Little, Rosa and Bill Groth, and Leia and Kevin Campbell; two sons and daughters-in-law, Roy and Cynthia McElfresh and Dirk and Effie McElfresh, all of Shawnee; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Miles Merritt of Meeker; as well as many other loving relatives and friends.

Viewing will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Gaskill Funeral Chapel in Shawnee.

Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Gaskill Funeral Chapel.

Burial will follow at Blackburn Cemetery.


Sadie Teas

Shawnee resident Sadie Teas died Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the age of 91.
She was born March 2, 1915, in Tecumseh to Herbie and Beatrice (Williams) Bates. She was a lifelong Tecumseh resident until moving to Shawnee in 2003.

She attended school at Liberty Hill. On Dec. 29, 1934, she married Kessler Teas in Tecumseh. He preceded her in death on June 6, 2004.

She and her husband operated the family dairy farm east of Tecumseh from 1942-1973; and the Kessler Teas Filling Station- a filling station, garage, and grocery store.

Sadie was a member of the American Milk Producer's Association and First Baptist Church.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Reg Bates and Burnice Bates; and one sister, Colleen Marsh.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Cleta and Orville Johnson; grandson and spouse, Dane and Sandy Johnson; granddaughter and husband, Terri and Todd, all of Shawnee; six great-grandchildren, Brad, Amber, and Chelle Johnson, and Taryn, Taylor, and Tacey Tate.

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Cooper Funeral Chapel in Tecumseh with the Rev. Tony Peak of Lovelady Baptist Church, Ada, officiating.

Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery.


Mary Annette Trotter Brown Jackson

Shawnee resident Mary Annette Trotter Brown Jackson died Tuesday, Aug. 1, in Shawnee. She was 59.
Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Central Church of Christ in Shawnee with Brother Willie Lynch and Brother Wingo officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.


Veronica Mary (Jorski) Kupczynski

Veronica Mary (Jorski) Kupczynski, 93, died Monday, July 31, in Oklahoma City.
A Rosary service will be 6:40 p.m. with a wake service at 7:00 p.m. today at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Harrah. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Harrah, with Father Alan Loth officiating. Burial will follow at St. Teresa's Catholic Cemetery, Harrah, under the direction of Smith-Parks Funeral Service, Harrah.


Eva Lila McGuffee

Shawnee resident Eva Lila McGuffee, 89, died Saturday, July 29, in Edmond.
She was born Dec. 10, 1916, in Arkansas to Henry William and Letha Farris Billings.

She was married Mar. 4, 1936, to Pat McGuffee.

Eva was a "Rosie the Riveter" during World War II. She worked at a naval shipyard in San Dieago, Calif. She was an active member of Eastern Star and worked with CampFire girls. She enjoyed gardening.

She was preceded in death by her husband and one daughter, Barbara McGuffee.

Survivors include her daughter, Patsy Hollingsworth of Edmond; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Phoebe McGuffee of Loveland, Colo.; grandchildren, Elliot Faulk of Edmond, Jordan, Nicholas, and Madeline McGuffee of Loveland, Colo.; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 11 a.m. today.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Fairview Cemetery


Candy Lee Ann Campbell

Shawnee resident Candy Lee Ann Campbell died August 1, at the age of 18.
Visition will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Hibbs Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Choctaw.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Resthaven Memorial Park


William Leon Freeman

Seminole resident William Leon Freeman died Tuesday, August 1, at Seminole Medical Center. He was 90.
Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Swearingen Funeral Chapel in Seminole with the Rev. Louis Allen Perry officiating.

Burial will follow at McGee Cemetery in Stratford under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


Raymond James Bray

Shawnee resident Raymond James Bray died Wednesday, July 26, in a Norman hospital. He was 83.
He was born May 27, 1923, in Detroit, Mich., to Henry Kenneth & Lillian Maude (Newton) Bray.

Raymond attended Southwestern High School in Detroit. He married Barba J. Parish on April 22, 1949.

He served in the U.S. Navy in Guam during World War II as a Radioman Third Class.

He worked for 37 years as a supervisor and a millwright for Wolverine Tube and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, the Shawnee Elks Club, and the Masons and Moose Lodge.

Preceding him death was his brother, Gerald F. Bray.

Survivors include his wife, Barba, of the home; four children, Gary R. Bray, Michael J. Bray, Richard D. and wife Patty Bray, all of Michigan, Patricia L. and husband Art Gollob of Indiana; five grandchildren, Matthew Gollob, Michelle Gollob, Jason M., Justin R., and Jessica I. Bray; one great-grandchild, Mariah Bray.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Karen-Fowler Lindemulder officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service. Memorials may be made to the funeral fund at St. John Lutheran Church.


Rita Marie Simmons

Former Shawnee resident Rita Marie Simmons, 8,6 passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 29, in Littleton, Colorado.
She was born to Thomas and Vurtie Powers in Delhi, Oklahoma, on September 26, 1919.

She lived her early life on a farm. She remembered lively stories of musical evenings and taking baths in a tin bathtub on Saturday nights.

After several moves to Lousiana and California, the Guffeys settled down in Shawnee where Rita lived most of her life.

Rita married Virgil O. Guffey when she was 18. She had four sons. Her firstborn, Dewayne, died as a toddler.

Rita was bereft when Virgil died in 1978. In time, she found new happiness in her marriage to Bill Simmons. They enjoyed life square dancing and "snowbirding" in Texas during the cold winters until Parkinson's disease finally took Bill in 2002. Bill's daughters Diana McElroy, Linnell Montgomery, and Cheryl Ann Littleton mourn her passing.

Rita was a sweet, lively Christian woman who cared for her family with her whole heart. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her son Richard and his wife, Pat, and their children, Tiffany and Ryan; son Don and his son, Tommy; son James and his wife, Jan, and their sons, Mason and Thomas; stepdaughter, Marie Thornell; and Marie's children, Kathy, Ed, Anita and David; brother, TJ Powers, his wife, Mattie; and sister, Frances

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bill Matthews and the Rev. Phil Thompson officiating. Burial will be at Little Cemetery north of Seminole.


Albert Charles Peterson

Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Freewill Baptist Church in Stroud with Pastor Derek Bolin officiating.
Burial will follow at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service.

published Aug. 04, 2006

Phyllis Marie Mayfield

Oklahoma City resident Phyllis Marie (Gutkowski) Mayfield, 43, died Thursday, Aug. 3, at an Oklahoma City hospital.
She was born April 20, 1963, to Gordon Stanley and Christine Ann (Miller) Gutkowski in Milwaukee, Wis.

Phyllis graduated from Bethel High School in 1981.

On April 14, 1990, she married Dale Wayne Mayfield in Oklahoma City.

She worked as a secretary for Norton Chevrolet and as a security specialist for Tinker Air Force Base for 17 years.

Phyllis was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church and attended Ephianay of the Lord Church.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Mayfield of the home; son, Andrew Wayne Mayfield of the home; parents, Gordon and Christine Gutkowski of Shawnee; one brother and sister-in-law, Christopher and Lori Gutkowski of Oklahoma City; two sisters and brother-in-law, Marcia and Tom Curto of Orange Park, Fla., Jodie Gutkowski of Oklahoma City; nieces and nephews, Bridget Masterson, Jessica Davis, Curtis Masteron, Nathan Gutkowski and Christopher Davis.

Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Service. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Benedict Catholic Church with Father Maurus Jaeb, O.S.B., officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Association


Mary Annette Trotter Brown Jackson

Shawnee resident Mary Annette Trotter Brown Jackson, 59, died Tuesday, August 1, in Shawnee.
She was born Nov. 2, 1946, in Atlanta, Texas, to General Mitchell and Goldie Trotter.

Although she was born in Atlanta, she went to school and was raised in Idabel, Okla. She moved to Dallas, and then back to Atlanta before becoming a resident of Shawnee.

She was married Oct. 26, 1987, to Herbert H. Jackson in Texarkana, Texas.

Mary worked at TDK for seven years before becoming a teacher at a tribal school. She loved children, teaching, and travelling.

Survivors include her husband, Herbert, of the home; daughter, Cheryl Clay of Dallas; two sons and one daughter-in-law, George and Angela Clayborn Brown of Wake Village, Texas and Clayborn Pickens Jr. of Dallas; mother, Goldie Mae Trotter of Atlanta; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Eddie Lee and Queen Lafayette of Greenville, Ohio and Henry Lee and Marcella Trotter of Austin; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Rosie and Ricky Johnson of Fort Worth, Jenice and Squire Jones, and Joyce and James Larry, all of Atlanta; 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.

She also leaves to mourn her passing, Clemmie and Daisy Jackson of Okla. City; Ralland and Kay Jackson of Hercules, Calif.; Lena Bell Lawson of McLoud; a very, very special friend, Arvella Walker of Idabel; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Central Church of Christ, 10th and Bell, in Shawnee with Bro. Willie Lynch and Bro. Wingo officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee.


Jerretta Dean Finney

Shawnee resident Jerretta Dean Finney died Wednesday, August 2, in Broken Arrow at the age of 61.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Fairview Cemetery, Shawnee, with the Rev. Larry Delay officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Schumacher Funeral Home, Okemah.

published Aug. 05, 2006

Barbara Ann Iverson

Barbara Ann Iverson died Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the age of 68.
Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 5, at the Swearingen Funeral Chapel in Seminole with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating.

Burial will follow at Little Cemetery under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

published Aug. 06, 2006

Helen Louise (Harmon) Hofmann

Former Shawnee resident Helen Louise (Harmon) Hofmann, currently a resident of San Luis Obispo, Calif., passed into the waiting arms of her Lord Sunday morning, July 16, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She was 94.
Born Feb. 1, 1912, she was the only child of Charles and Lucy (Harris) Harmon of Shawnee. Helen's parents divorced and when her father remarried, she gained three brothers. She was raised by her grandparents in Shawnee and graduated from Shawnee High School in 1930.

In 1933, she moved to the Long Beach area, where she worked in the clothing district and Van de Kamps, among other jobs.

On a city bus she met her husband, Navy sailor William Jacob Hofmann. After a short courtship William and Helen were married in 1936.

In 1938, the couple, now living in William's childhood hometown of Elyria, Ohio, welcomed their only child, Carol Louise.

William's position as a welder with the military kept them on the move for many years. The two made their final home in Quail Valley, Calif.

Helen was a hostess in the early 1960s for the Sun City development nearby. After William passed away in 1999, Helen moved to San Luis Obispo to be closer to her family.

Helen had as good of a life as anyone could wish for, without any major ongoing concerns. She had a resounding triumph over breast cancer 14 years ago and took daily walks. She continued to enjoy her many hobbies until a fall this past January curtailed her activities.

She had a positive and loving soul which she shared with all her friends and family.

Preceding her in death were her husband and her brother, Charles.

Survivors include her son-in-law and daughter, Bill and Carol Greene of Oceano, Calif.; her only grandchild, Bill Greene, and his wife, Hily; and one great-granddaughter, Sarah Greene, all of Paso Robles, Calif.; brothers, Clyde Harmon of Santa Maria, Calif., and James Harmon of Utah; and her brother-in-law, John Hofmann, and his wife, Margaret, of Eureka, Calif.

In accordance with Helen's wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Helen's name to your local hospice care providers.

Arrangements are under the direction of Reis Family Chapel, San Luis Obispo, Calif.


Rebecca Chambers-Rushing

Shawnee resident Rebecca Chambers-Rushing, 79, died Friday, Aug. 4, at her home.

She was born Sept. 6, 1926, in Scrubgrass, Ky., to L.S. Chambers and Ruby Crain Chambers Dodds.

She graduated from Shawnee High School.

She married Victor H. Rushing on Aug. 30, 1943. He preceded her in death Sept. 18, 2005.

She worked for Shell Oil Company in Texas and for the Oklahoma Department of Tourism.

Rushing was Volunteer of the Year at the Seminole Chamber of Commerce in 1999 and was a member of the Association of American Railroad workers for many years with her husband.

She enjoyed her volunteer duties with the Seminole and Shawnee chambers of commerce and assisted with the National High School Rodeo in Shawnee.

She was a long-time treasurer for the Shawnee Garden Council and was a member of the Shawnee Redbud Garden Club.

She created theme quilts and donated lap quilts to Golden Rule Home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two sisters, Mildred Kathryn Chambers and Virginia Lee Chambers.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, James E. and Karen Rushing of El Reno; a daughter, Vicki Rushing Trent of Shawnee; a son-in-law, John Trent of New Orleans, La.; a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Gene Norton of Shawnee; two brothers-in-law, Ernest Rushing of Florida and Richard Rushing of California; five grandchildren: Jason Trent and his wife Teri of Kansas City, Mo.; Daron Trent and his wife Traci of Lawrence, Kan.; Dori Trent and partner, Frank Kelly of Dublin, Ireland; Tara Rushing of Oklahoma City; and Lance Rushing of El Reno; two great-grandchildren: Carson Trent of Kansas City, Mo.; and Julien Kelly of Dublin, Ireland; and three nephews: Tim Norton of Shawnee; Ted Norton of Folsom, Calif.; and Terry Norton of Houston, Texas.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee with John Trent officiating. Visitation will be held all day Monday.

Gaskill Funeral Chapel of Shawnee is directing arrangements


Jerretta Finney

Jerretta Dean (LeGate) Finney of Shawnee went to be with her Lord on Wednesday evening, Aug. 3, at the age of 61.

She was born Jan. 26, 1945, in Broken Bow.

She was a loving, devoted wife and mother and lived in Shawnee most of her life. She worked for 24 years serving and caring for patients at Shawnee's Parkview Nursing Home.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Olga Stevenson; sisters, Pat LeGate, Mattie Rickner and Millie Strouse; brother, John LeGate; and daughter, Jacque Finney-Gomez.

She is survived by her husband, David, of the home; son and daughter-in-law, David and Elizabeth Finney of Shawnee; daughter and son-in-law Tammy and Jimmy Heffley of Shawnee; daughter Debbie Pyburn of Seminole; daughter and son-in-law Tracy and Jerrod Smith of Broken Arrow; and 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee.


Jack Jones

Former and long-time Seminole resident Jack Jones, 75, died Thursday, Aug. 3, at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas.
Services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, with the Rev. Fred Morrison and the Rev. Darrell Brown officiating.

Burial will follow at Little Cemetery in Seminole.

Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole is directing arrangements.


Richard "Dick" McFarland

Shawnee resident Richard "Dick" McFarland, 67, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, in Shawnee.
He was born Aug. 20, 1938, in Chandler to J.B. McFarland and Annebelle Bailey.

He graduated from Chandler High School in 1956.

He is survived by a son, Berri McFarland and a brother, Larry McFarland.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler with Fred Washington officiating.

published Aug. 08, 2006

Kenneth Wayne Gatlin

Lifelong Meeker resident Kenneth Wayne Gatlin departed this life Sunday, Aug. 6, in Meeker at the age of 63.
He was born in Meeker on Sept. 22, 1942, to Kenneth V. and Opal G. (Lane) Gatlin. His parents preceded him in death.

He was raised in the Meeker Assembly of God church. Kenneth married Ruby Kathryn Hall on May 19, 1962. He worked as a truck driver and mechanic.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby; two daughters and one son-in-law, Vicky Mitchell of Noble and Dana and Gerald Hacker or Paden; grandchildren, Wesley Davis, LaChelle and David Ellis, all of Meeker, Christopher W. Mitchell, Derric Mitchell, and Amanda Mitchell, all of Meeker; great-grandson, Nicholas "The Boss" Ellis; brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Gatlin of Meeker; sister and brother-in-law, Dorma and Rick Tison of Dale.

Visitation will be at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Prague.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at New Hope Cemetery, Meeker, with the Rev. Donnie Gatlin and Brother Charles Terry officiating.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.


Billie (Goode) White

Prague resident Billie (Goode) White departed this life on Monday, Aug. 7, in Prague at the age of 77.
She was born Dec. 2, 1928, in Paden to Harvey and Gertrude Lee (Haggard) Good.

On April 6, 1957, she married Richard White in Prague. He preceded her in death on Jan. 28, 1998.

Billie was a member of the First Baptist Church in Prague.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Naomi Young and Arleta Rogers; and brothers, Si Goode and Orville Goode.

Survivors include sons and daughter-in-law, Dean White of Council Hill and Mark and Mary White of St. Charles, Ill.; daughters, Deborah Terrell of Oklahoma City and Duana Mitchell of Prague; grandchildren, Eric and Michelle Mitchell of Shawnee, Jennifer Smith of Oklahoma City, Michael and Christina Ferrell of Oklahoma City, Alexis and Nathan White of St. Charles, Ill.; six great-grandchildren; aunt, Ruth Taylor of Okemah; sister-in-law, Edith Foust of Prague.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Prague with Brother Tim Emmons officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery in Seminole County under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.


Ethel Mae Darnell

Former Shawnee resident Ethel Mae Darnell died Sunday, Aug. 6, at Rainbow Nursing Home in Bristow, Okla. She was 93.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Rossville Cemetery in Lincoln County with the Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating.

Swearingen Funeral Home is directing arrangements.


Lola Irene McCain

Longtime Seminole resident Lola Irene McCain died Saturday, Aug. 5, at her home. She was 97.
Service will be 2 p.m. today at Swearingen Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gary Wilburn officiating.

Burial will follow at Little Cemetery in Seminole County under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

published Aug. 09, 2006

Jerry Wilson

Shawnee resident Jerry Austin Wilson, 61, passed away Aug. 6, in Owasso after struggling with numerous illnesses for several years.
He was born Oct. 26, 1944, in Richmond, Calif., to Earl Loyd Wilson and Mamie Caroline Buckmaster (Wilson) Green.

Jerry graduated from Tribbey High School in 1962. After graduating he worked as a short-order cook at the Town Talk Cafe in Shawnee. In April of 1966, he joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. After completing his tour of duty, Jerry was discharged as a staff sergeant in April 1970.

After his discharge, he remained in California after being stationed at Treasure Island.

Jerry remained in the San Francisco area for many years, where he was a partner in a marine electronics business. Upon selling the business, Jerry relocated to Eureka Springs, Ark., where he owned and operated Kings Highway Inn, a local motel.

In January 2006, he sold the hotel and moved back home to Shawnee to be near family and friends.

One of Jerry's greatest pastimes was researching his family geneology, because family and family history was very important to him.

Preceding him death were his parents; two sisters, Geneva Ann (Wilson) Nuckols and Evelyn Louise (Wilson) Coley; one brother, Mark Lynn Bell.

Survivors include one brother, Tommy Earl Wilson and wife, Donna, of Walnut Shade, Mo.; three sisters, Velma Jean (Wilson) Leach and husband, Richard, of Owasso, Linda Kay (Wilson) Gale of Greeley, Colo., and Paula Marie (Green) Vance of Foyil, Okla.; stepbrother, Charles Hoppel; stepsister, Sharon Hoppel, both of Englewood, Colo.; one brother-in-law, Charles (Chuck) Nuckols of Fort Collins, Colo.; many nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Jerry was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be all day today.

Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Resthaven Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Clint Dawkins officiating.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, Shawnee, under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

published Aug. 10, 2006

Michael Lee Parker

Stroud resident Michael Lee Parker, 56, died Friday, Aug. 4, in Stroud.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Stroud Cemetery under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Services in Stroud.


Clifton Wayne Carpenter

Tecumseh resident Clifton Wayne Carpenter passed away Tuesday, Aug. 8, in Tecumseh. He was 76.
He was born Nov. 15, 1929, in Tecumseh to Clifton Jackson and Ruth (Thompson) Carpenter.

Clifton was raised and lived in Tecumseh most of his life. In 1948, he graduated from Tecumseh High School. He married Loma Jean Rader in Reno, Nev., on Dec. 7, 1948.

He retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 1983 with 33 years of service.

Clifton was active in scouting as his children grew up. He enjoyed square dancing, model airplanes and following his grandchildren's activities. He also was a past member of the Tecumseh School Board.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Patsy Johnson; and his mother- and father-in-law, George and Fannie Radar.

Survivors include his wife of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Lana Carpenter of Tecumseh; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Tony Pecore of Tecumseh; three grandchildren and one granddaughter-in-law, Stacey Pecore, Chad Pecore and Colby and Emily Carpenter.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Tecumseh Cemetery with Darrel Whitten officiating.

Donations may be made to Unity Cancer Center, or the charity of your choice.


Lenora Ring

Longtime Seminole resident Lenora Ring passed away Monday, Aug. 7, at the age of 86.
Born in Youngstown, Okla., on March 3, 1920, she was one of 12 born to Thomas and Edna (Phillips) Dotson.

On Oct. 8, 1936, she married Truman Ring in Seminole. He preceded her in death in 1992.

Lenora was a waitress at Pat's Cafe for many years and an Avon representative for more than 35 years. She was also a member of First Assembly of God in Seminole and a former Rebecca's member.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; son, Hershel Ring; grandson, Randy Smith; and two sons-in-law, J.P. Bennett and Bill Blair.

Survivors include four daughters and two sons-in-law, Phyllis Bennett of Oklahoma City, Carol Blair of Courtside, Ariz., Pat and John Smith of Bowlegs, Nora and Kagle Grandstaff of Seminole; sister, Florene Short of Casper, Wyo; 15 grandchildren, Renee Bennett, Darrel Bennett, Cheryl Rushing, Jeannia Angeles, Jimmy Blair, Teresa Hasbell, Starla Burns, Angel O'Brien, Hershel Ring Jr., Todd Ring, Travis Ring, Rick Smith, Johnny Grandstaff, Nathan Grandstaff and Steve Grandstaff; 29 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Lenora was a good Christian lady who looked forward to "going home."

Viewing will be today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Swearingen Funeral Chapel with Pastor Doyle Long officiating.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Johnny Grandstaff, Steve Grandstaff, Darrel Bennett, Rick Smith, Rick Smith Jr. and Jimmy Blair.

Burial will follow at Little Cemetery in Seminole county under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.

published Aug. 11, 2006

Loa Marie Greenfeather Beasley

Loa Marie Greenfeather Beasley, 93, died Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Meeker Nursing Center.
She was born Sept. 16, 1912, in Pottawatomie County to Oas Luther Greenfeather and Hattie (Washington) Rolette.
Loa attended school at Shawnee Mission.
She worked as a nurses aide at the old Tuberculosis Sanitarium. She also was a homemaker.
Loa was baptized at Shawnee Mission and attended Sallateeska Baptist Church.
She enjoyed flowers, gardening, cooking and quilting.
Loa was one of the oldest elders of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; son, George Cadue; two grandchildren, Steve Sloat and Brenda Sloat Sherman; three brothers, Arthur C. Rolette, Luther Rolette, Dave Rolette; one half-brother, Jim "Big Jim" Greenfeather; one half-sister, Sissy Greenfeather.
Survivors include two daughters, Ramona Cadue Sloat of Shawnee, JoRene Wilson Martinez of Aurora, Colo.; son, Dale Wilson of Wolf Point, Mont.; half-sister, Emma Donaldson of Rapid City, S.D.; eight grandsons, two granddaughters, seven great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.
Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Chapel with Ellis Rolette, Mike Wester and Wayne Wilson officiating. George Blanchard will conduct tribal rites. Wake service will be Friday evening at 47410 Garrett's Lake Road. Burial will be 9 a.m. Saturday at Tecumseh Cemetery.


Clifton Wayne Carpenter

Tecumseh resident Clifton Wayne Carpenter passed away Tuesday, Aug. 8, in Tecumseh. He was 76.
He was born Nov. 15, 1929, in Tecumseh to Clifton Jackson and Ruth (Thompson) Carpenter.
Clifton was raised and lived in Tecumseh most of his life. In 1948, he graduated from Tecumseh High School. He married Loma Jean Rader in Reno, Nev., on Dec. 7, 1948.
He retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 1983 with 33 years of service.
Clifton was active in scouting as his children grew up. He enjoyed square dancing, model airplanes and following his grandchildren's activities. He also was a past member of the Tecumseh School Board.
Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Patsy Johnson; and his mother- and father-in-law, George and Fannie Radar.
Survivors include his wife of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Lana Carpenter of Tecumseh; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Tony Pecore of Tecumseh; three grandchildren and one granddaughter-in-law, Stacey Pecore, Chad Pecore and Colby and Emily Carpenter; sister, Dolores Anson of Tecumseh; brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Arlene Carpenter of Oakdale, Calif.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Tecumseh Cemetery with Darrell Wittan officiating under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.
Donations may be made to Unity Cancer Center or the charity of your choice.


Shirley Donn Britt

Shawnee resident Shirley Donn Britt passed away Tuesday, Aug. 8, in an Oklahoma City hospital. She was 67.
She was born Nov. 20, 1938.
Preceding her in death were her mother, Lorene Coffey; brother, Jim Coffey; sister-in-law, Dorothy Coffey; and her first husband, Leon O'Dell.
Survivors include her husband, Donald R. Britt, of the home; daughters, Cheryl Walker and Lori O'Dell; stepdaughters and spouses, Angela and James Kinnamon and Robin and Brett Crabtree; grandchildren and spouses, Jeremy Walker and wife, Chrissy, Katie Walker, Cody Walker, Sierra O'Dell, Aaron O'Dell, Zachary O'Dell, Regan Crabtree, Seth Crabtree, Blayne Crabtree, Lacey Kinnamon and Katy Kinnamon; sister and brother-in-law, Eula Jean and Mac McManes; two special nieces and spouses, Joy and Gary Carter and Jan and Craig Wright; and mother-in-law, Hester Britt.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Tecumseh Cemetery with Donnie Knight officiating under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home, Tecumseh.


Margaret Bauman Bouska

Huntsville, Ala., resident Margaret Bauman Bouska, 70, died Wednesday, Aug. 9, after a two-year battle with cancer.
Mrs. Bouska received her registered nurse's degree from St. Anthony School of Nursing in 1958 and married David H. Bouska on Jan. 24, 1959. She and David moved to Huntsville in 1966 with the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Defense Command. She was a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Huntsville Hospital from 1967 to 1980.
Margaret was a member of Willowbrook Garden Club, where she served as second vice president. She also was an active parishioner at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Survivors include her husband; children and spouses, Thomas A. and Pam Bouska, Gregory W. and Linore Bouska, Roy P. Bouska, all of Huntsville, Serena K. and Derek Matthews of Bainbridge Island, Wash., Laura A. and Jay Sadler of Dothan, Ala.; grandchildren, Shanda Reid, Tabatha Davis, Miranda Bouska, Leah Bouska, Anna Bouska, Erin Bouska, Emma Bouska, Austen Bouska, Kathryn Matthews, Colin Bouska, Cameron Sadler, Ian Matthews and John Garrett Sadler; siblings and spouses, Nina Jean Austin of Shawnee, Mary Jo Stephens of Oklahoma City, George and Annie Bauman of Anaheim, Calif., Frank and Karen Bauman of Shawnee and Sylvia and Larry Coogle of Milton, Fla.
Visitation is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Huntsville. The Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Father Louis Giardino officiating.
Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery under the direction of Laughlin Service Funeral Home, Huntsville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Madison County Medical Society, 3330 L&N Dr., Huntsville, AL 35801.


Reba Pearlena Richardson

McLoud resident Reba Pearlena (Cummings) Richardson died Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the age of 83.
Service will be 10 a.m. today at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel, Harrah, with the Rev. Bill Derrick officiating.
Burial will follow at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Newalla under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service, Harrah.


Satema Westendorf

Maud resident Satema "Mickie" Westendorf died Thursday, Aug. 10, at Shawnee Care Center in Shawnee. She was 76.
Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Achena Presbyterian, Maud, with the Rev. Rick Harjo and Tony Chambliss officiating.Burial will follow at Little Cemetery in Seminole under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole.


Lucille L. Garner

Carlsbad, N.M., resident Lucille L. Garner died Monday, June 26.
Lucille Lula Garner was born Aug. 30, 1917, in Medill, Lamar County, Texas, to Jacob and Maggie Armstrong.
She married E.J. "Buddy" Garner in 1937 in Bogota, Texas. Buddy Garner was born in Dale. He preceded her in death in 1979.
They moved to Carlsbad in 1948 from Bisbey, Ariz. Lucille worked for the National Park Service at the Carlsbad Caverns for 12 years. She also helped run the family business, New Mexico Salt Co.
She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Lucille was a good Christian woman.
Survivors include her son, Michael J. Garner of Carlsbad; daughter, Patricia Allen Ruidoso, N.M.; sisters, Gloria Wilson and Betty Metzger, both of Scottsdale, Ariz.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous extended family members in Oklahoma.
She has been laid to rest in Dale Cemetery. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Dale Church of Christ.