Payne Co OK - Obit Index for October 2001 for the Stillwater News Press, http://www.stwnewspress.com/ ****************************************************** Thanks to http://www.stwnewspress.com/ for permission to upload their obits to the USGenWeb Archives. Copyright, http://www.stwnewspress.com/ http://files.usgwarchives.net/ok/payne/obits/newspress/oct01.txt ****************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ ****************************************************** Stillwater News Press: http://www.stwnewspress.com/ ****************************************************** October 1, 2001 ****************************************************** I guess there are none it says "page can't be found" ****************************************************** October 2, 2001 ****************************************************** Elizabeth 'Liz' Shindell Elizabeth A. "Liz" Shindell, 63, Bloomington, Ind., died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2001, at her home. The family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Shindell was born March 4, 1938, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Walter Charles Tegeler and Lottie Ellen (Williams) Tegeler. In 1960, she received her bachelor of science degree in home economics from Oklahoma State University. During her 15 years in Stillwater, she served as a rush advisor to the Tau Beta Chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity, member and president of the Chi Omega Alumni club; member and president of Chapter BU PEO; chair of the state meeting of PEO; member and president of Stillwater Board of Education; and many leadership positions within the First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater. She also served as a Den Mother, Brownie Mother, Girl Scout Leader, PTA supporter and Home Room Mother. For the past 19 years, she has lived in Bloomington, Ind., where she has been an active member and leader in the First United Methodist Church; a member and president of Chapter AE of PEO; member and president of Chi Omega Alumni Club; a member of the Theater Circle; member and president of the Local Council of Women; a member of the Board of Directors of the Bloomington Hospital; and a member of the initial Festival of Trees Coordination Committee. She was an exemplary wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She always served her community as a tireless volunteer and a host to everyone. Her hobbies included stained glass work, gardening, sewing, knitting, traveling and gourmet cooking. She excelled in all of them. Shindell is preceded in death by one daughter, Christi Beth, and her parents. She is survived by her husband Winston Shindell, Bloomington, Ind.; daughter, Traci Jovanovic and husband Vladan, Morris Plains, N.J.; son, Winston Charles "Trey" and wife Angie Shindell, Bowling Green, Ky.; brother, W. Charles Tegeler, Tulsa; and three grandsons, Dane, Spencer and Marko. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that gifts be directed in her memory to the First United Methodist Church Columbarium Fund, Hospice of Bloomington, or the ALS Association of Indiana, 1980 E. 116 Street, Suite 105, Carmel, IN 46052. ****************************************************** Darin R. Brunson Darin R. Brunson, 34, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2001, after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel of the Garden at Rice Funeral Service in Claremore. Brunson was born July 22, 1967, in Claremore to Mike R. and Marilyn Striplin Brunson. He was reared and educated in Claremore. He graduated from Claremore High School in 1985. He continued his education by attending classes at Rogers State University and Oklahoma State University. Then he entered the military, serving in the U.S. Army. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to OSU where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. During his master's work, he taught classes in the area of philosophy at the university. Always a leader, he served as president of the Graduate Student Association. He also belonged to the TKE fraternity. This opened doors to opportunity for volunteer work such as the Special Olympics. After his master's program, he was accepted to Johns Hopkins for a fellowship; however, after a year away, he returned home. He began working for Stillwater Design and Audio Inc. as their network administrator. Being very musically gifted, showing signs of this talent even in his childhood, his love for music was deeply routed. Not only did he play the keyboard and guitar he also wrote music, having several songs copyrighted. He was dedicated to the end, composing even through the most difficult days of his illness. He had other interests too - golfing, mountain climbing and repelling were among his favorites. He was an avid baseball fan; the Cubs were his team. When he was most relaxed, he enjoyed simply visiting with his family or closest friends or cradling one of his nieces. Brunson is survived by his wife, Tryeone Brunson, Stillwater; parents, Marilyn and John P. Lewis, Claremore; Mike and Sharon Brunson, Claremore; sisters, Anita Williams and husband Greg, Claremore; Dana Homer and husband John, Austin, Texas; three nieces, Tara and Emily Williams, Claremore; Raina Homer, Austin; maternal grandmothers, Marie Striplin, Claremore; Artie Lee Lewis, Claremore; best friend Steve Holt, Stillwater; and numerous other extended family. ****************************************************** Nellie 'June' Beck Nellie "June" Beck, 75, died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2001. Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the John Knox Presbyterian Church, Tulsa. Interment will be 3 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, Enid, under the direction of Moore's Rosewood Chapel, Tulsa. She was born June 20, 1926, in Ponca City to Louis Robert and Clara Malissa Stallard Manning. She lived in Stillwater until 1948. She graduated from Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College with a degree in home economics, majoring in interior design. She worked for Olive Brisbin in Enid. She married George H. Beck of Kremlin at the First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater. She served as a "Gilly" for over 26 years at the Gilcrease Museum. She enjoyed traveling in Europe, and appreciated the art, museums and cultures. She was also an accomplished artist. She was a member of the John Knox Presbyterian Church since 1960 and was active in the Women's Presbyterian Circle. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, Larry and Deane. Survivors include her husband of the home; one daughter, Johanna Lynn Beck-Williams of Stillwater; one son, Robert Christopher Beck of San Francisco, Calif.; one sister, Marjorie Manning of Belton, Texas and four grandchildren, Malissa Gail Williams, Jacque Beck, Christina Beck and Ryan Beck. Memorials may be made to the Gilcrease Museum Library Fund or the John Knox Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund. ****************************************************** Wanda Knapp Wanda Weathers Knapp died Saturday, Sept. 22, 2001, in Cancun, Mexico. A memorial service was held Saturday at the Gerber Chapel in Fenway, Mo. Knapp was born Oct. 15, 1923, west of Stillwater, to Cecil and Winifred Weathers. She attended Cottonwood school and Stillwater High School. She received her bachelor's degree from Oklahoma A&M in home economics. She married William G. Knapp after graduation. They moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he received his PhD in chemistry. They moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he worked for Mon Santo as a chemist. She was very active in her church, Home Economics Extension group and various other activities. Her main interests were her family and friends. Knapp is survived by her two daughters, Elaine Knapp Sayed-Abbassi and husband, Jacksonville, Fla.; Cindy Knapp Martin and husband, St. Charles, Mo.; two sons, Allan Knapp and wife, Lansing, Mich.; Scott Knapp and wife, Bloomington, Ind.; 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren; two sisters, Evelyn Weathers Johnson and husband, Grove; Lila Weathers Milligan, and husband of Ft. Worth, Texas; and brother, Dale Weathers and wife Vena, Stillwater. ****************************************************** Carl Burger Carl Lee Burger, 72, Sand Springs, died Monday, Oct. 1, 2001, in Tulsa. Services were held at 2 p.m. today at Glenwood Baptist Church. Rev. Lee Herring officiated. Interment followed at the Lawson Cemetery in Yale. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mobley-Dodson Funeral Service. Burger was born Jan. 25, 1929, in Yale to Elmer and Dale (Massey) Burger. He was a veteran of the United States Army and married Helen Ross Feb. 26, 1954, in Yale. He retired from Fibercast where he was a lead man and was a member of the Glenwood Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Helen Burger, of the home; two daughters, Teresa Brimmer and husband Bill, Cleveland; Jill Burger, Sand Springs; two sons and daughter-in-laws, Paul Burger and wife Janet, Sand Springs; Tim Burger and wife Carol, Tulsa; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret Nance and husband Melvin, Stillwater; brother and sister-in-law, Leon and Anna Harris, Sand Springs; 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. ****************************************************** Oct. 4, 2001 ****************************************************** Nicole 'Nikki' Bellinger Nicole "Nikki" Louise Bellinger, 21, died Friday, Sept. 28, 2001, in Prescott, Wash. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the First Assembly of the God Church in Carney. Rev. Bo Gibbs will officiate. Burial will follow at the Carney Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Parks Brothers Funeral Service, Chandler. Bellinger was born June 26, 1980, in Walla Walla, Wash., to James A. Bellinger and Gail Trowbridge. She graduated from Carney High School in Carney. She worked as a waitress and was a Mary Kay Consultant. She was a member of the Carney First Assembly of God Church. She is preceded in death by three grandparents and one uncle. Bellinger is survived by her daughter, Audrey Nicole, Carney; father, Jim Bellinger, Prescott, Wash.; mother and stepfather, Gail Trowbridge and husband Neal, Carney; sister, Nancy Townsend and husband Jason, Carney; four brothers, Curt Bellinger and wife Misty, Carney; Chris Bellinger, Seattle, Wash.; W.A. John Trowbridge and wife Kari, Cherry Point, N.C.; Thomas Trowbridge, Carney; grandparents, Myrn Lindsey, Walla Walla, Wash.; Mac and Atha Trowbridge, Carney; four nephews, one niece and other relatives and many friends. ****************************************************** Oct. 6, 2001 ****************************************************** Carl Hubbard Carl R. Hubbard, 86, died Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2001, in Smithville, Mo. Services, with Rev. Fred Alford presiding, will be at 1 p.m. today at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas. Interment will follow at the Restland Memorial Park in Livingston. Military honors will be provided by V.F.W. Post 8568. Cochran Funeral Home is directing the arrangements. He was born on Aug. 27, 1915 in Coyle to John and Elsie Sheehan Hubbard. He married Opal Shipman on April 11, 1936 in Guthrie. He served in the Army during World War II. He was predeceased by his parents. In addition to his wife of Gladstone, Mo., he is survived by two sons, Jeff Hubbard of Gladstone and Barry Hubbard of Sugarland, Texas; one brother Elwood Hubbard of Edmond; and two grandchildren Kathryn Hubbard of Gladstone and Tyler Hubbard of Sugarland. ****************************************************** Oct. 7, 2001 ****************************************************** Charles Miller Charles A. "Chuck" Miller, 59, Stillwater, died Friday, Oct. 5, 2001, at Grace Living Center. Services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Rick Anthony, his nephew, will officiate and Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is directing the services. He was born in Stillwater Jan. 27, 1942, to Glen and Alice N. (LeMaster) Miller. He married Pamela Hously in Eureka Springs, Ark., Aug. 9, 1993. Miller attended and graduated from Stillwater High School in 1959. He received his bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University. After his education, he started working for John Deere Co. as territory manager and worked there until his retirement in 1995. Among his many interests, he was an auctioneer with Magill-Miller Auction Service of Weatherford, a wheat and alfalfa farmer and a rancher. He was a member of the OSU Alumni Association. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, James Miller. He is survived by his wife, of the home; three sons, Robert Miller, Eakly, Ryan Miller and his wife, Marci, Alva, Nathan Miller, Edmond; two sisters, Jerry Ann Fisher and her husband, James, Stillwater, Kay Anthony and husband, Bob, Norman; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Miller, Kansas City, Mo.; five step-children, Kim Barnes, Dawn Barnes, Terry Beckham, Jon and Becky Beckham, Debra Young; nine step grandchildren; one step great- grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. ****************************************************** Addie Rasmussen Addie Alice Rasmussen, 93, Stillwater, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2001, at Stillwater Medical Center. Services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. in Strode Chapel. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Strode Funeral Home is directing the services. She was born Nov. 22, 1907, in Glencoe to Frank and Maud Ann (Hadley) Lane. She married Louis A. Rasmussen Sept. 27, 1927, in Chandler. He preceded her in death Sept. 23, 1994. She grew up in Stillwater and was a graduate of Stillwater High School. After her marriage, the couple lived on a farm between Coyle and Perkins. They resided in Purcell before moving to Stillwater in the early 1970s. She enjoyed quilting and bowling and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Herman Lane and Kenneth (Pete) Lane; and one grandson, Stephen Vaughn Holsinger. She is survived by one brother, Lynn Lane, Morganfield, Ky.; one sister, Thelma Young, Stillwater; two daughters, Jo Anne Holsinger, Oklahoma City, Norma Kraft, Tulsa; three sons, John David Rasmussen, Jacksonville, Fla., Louis Michael Rasmussen, Stillwater, and Norval Rasmussen, Saratoga, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at . ****************************************************** Jack Warren Jack Donald Warren, 73, Pawnee, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2001, in Pawnee. Services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at the Poteet Funeral Chapel with interment following at Highland Cemetery. Rev. Scott Keneda will officiate and Poteet Funeral Home is directing the services. Warren was born Feb. 20, 1928, in Billings to Albert Warren and Oletha Jividen Warren. He married Bonnie Brown in January 1951. He was the ninth of 10 children and moved to Pawnee from Kansas in 1951 and lived in the Skedee area most of his life. He worked as a driller and tool pusher for 30 years while farming and ranching. He enjoyed shooting pool and playing shuffleboard with his friends and family. He was affiliated with the Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jackie Warren; two brothers, Albert Lee Warren and Dell Warren; and two sisters, Bessie Martin and Rena Cook. He is survived by his wife, of the home; three daughters, Kathy Cole, Enid, Jolene Warren, Skedee, and Paula Harris and her husband, Travis, Skedee; five grandchildren, Jack Hopper, Skedee, Christy Moorman and her husband, Chris, Stillwater, Jason Hopper and his wife, Heather, Stillwater, Penny Spurgeon, Pawnee, and Lisa Robbins, Enid; one sister, Helen Gates, Pawnee; four brothers, Dee Warren, Ralston, Gene Warren, Oklahoma City, Rock Warren , Derby, Kan., and Marvin Warren, Pawnee; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. ****************************************************** Luke Hamilton Luke Hamilton, 80, Yale, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2001, at Yale Nursing Home. Services will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the N. Jardot Church of Christ in Stillwater with interment following at Lawson Cemetery in Yale. Randall Smith will officiate and Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is directing the services. He was born in Henryetta March 13, 1921, to Enis Miles and Maggie Martha (Storie) Hamilton. He married Anna Woods Hamilton in Elko, Nev., Sept. 1, 1973. He began his schooling in Ft. Smith, Ark., and completed it when his family moved to Oklahoma. After his education, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served during WWII. At the war's conclusion, he received an honorable discharge and moved to Texas where he worked for Texas Power and Light and Mayflower Van Lines. In 1953, he began working for OG&E. In 1960, he moved to New Mexico where he worked on power lines throughout the United States. In 1965, he moved to Preston, Idaho, where he began employment with Utah Power and Light prior to being transferred to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, where he was a lineman until his retirement March 1, 1985. The couple remained in Idaho where he was active in the community as a volunteer until they moved to Stillwater in 1994. Throughout his lifetime, he was a great admirer of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and gardening. He was a member of the North Jardot Church of Christ, the Lava Hot Springs Lions Club and the Lava Hot Springs American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Stella; four brothers; and one grandson, Claude Wade. He is survived by four sons, Luke Hamilton Jr. and his wife, Cheryl, Salt Lake City, Utah, Roger Long and his wife, Salt Lake City, Utah, Marvin Hamilton and his wife, Anita, Yale, and Robert Hamilton and his wife, Cynthia, Stillwater; seven daughters, Geraldine Coke and her husband, Tay, of Tyler, Texas, Sina Hill, Plano, Texas, Geneta Frandsen, Colorado Springs, Colo., Anita Martinez, Colorado Springs, Colo., Lois Stephens and her husband, Dennis, Colorado Springs, Colo., Mary Leigh and her husband Danny, Cushing, and Belva Sewell and her husband, Terry, Yale; three sisters, Lucy Fullerton and her husband, Tom, Irving, Texas, Bertha Thomas, Irving, Texas, and Deila Hill, Missouri; 22 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren. ****************************************************** Newman Kelly Newman Kelly, 63, Stillwater, died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2001, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. Services will be Sunday at 3 p.m. in Strode Chapel. Strode Funeral Home is directing the services. He was born June 21, 1938, to Marvin and Soma (Lee) Kelly in Sapulpa. He married Jan Parker, who preceded him in death. He then married Juanita Beaver and they later divorced. He was retired. He is survived by one son, Andrew Kelly and his wife, Bambi, Stillwater; one daughter, Kona Kelly, Stillwater; and four grandchildren, Darci, Candis, Laura and Andy Kelly, Stillwater. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at . ****************************************************** Oct. 8, 2001 ****************************************************** Gladys Young Gladys Lolete (Robinson) Young, 81, died Friday, Oct. 5, 2001, in Pawnee. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Morrison. Interment will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Summer. Rev. Joe Robinson will officiate. Young was born Nov. 13, 1919, in Llano, Texas. She moved from Llano to Ponca City in 1927 to Tyro, Kan., from Ponca City in 1938 from Tyro to Burbank. She lived in Burbank for one year then moved to Watchorn. Sept. 14, 1943, she moved to Morrison. She married Eldon (Jack) Verl Young Sept. 14, 1943, in Perry. He died Feb. 20, 1988. She graduated from Tyro High School in 1939. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, Democratic Women's Club, Sumner Cemetery Board, Lions Club Ladies Auxiliary and city clerk of Morrison. Young loved jigsaw puzzles, making dolls, crocheting, her flowers and poetry. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Young is preceded in death by her husband; her parents, Samuel H. and Mary Ida (Ratliff) Robinson; and daughter, Joyce Gail. She is survived by her two daughters, Marilyn Frazier, Morrison; Rita Harrison, Stillwater; one son, Kenneth Young, Morrison; four granddaughters, Denise Lovely, Morrison; Courtney Harrison, Stillwater; Elizabeth Young, Morrison; Amy Young, Morrison; six grandsons, John Paul (J.P.) Harrison, Tulsa; Rholand Kling, Morrison; Larry Kling, Morrison; Max Kling, Los Molinos, Calif.; Kenneth Young, Morrison; Wade Young, Ponca City; 13 great-grandchildren, one brother, Hubert Robinson, Ponca City; plus a number of other relatives and many friends. ****************************************************** Charles Miller Charles A. "Chuck" Miller, 59, Stillwater, died Friday, Oct. 5, 2001, at Grace Living Center. Services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Rick Anthony, his nephew, will officiate and Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is directing the services. He was born in Stillwater Jan. 27, 1942, to Glen and Alice N. (LeMaster) Miller. He married Pamela Hously in Eureka Springs, Ark., Aug. 9, 1993. Miller attended and graduated from Stillwater High School in 1959. He received his bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University. After his education, he started working for John Deere Co. as territory manager and worked there until his retirement in 1995. Among his many interests, he was an auctioneer with Magill-Miller Auction Service of Weatherford, a wheat and alfalfa farmer and a rancher. He was a member of the OSU Alumni Association. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, James Miller. He is survived by his wife, of the home; three sons, Robert Miller, Eakly, Ryan Miller and his wife, Marci, Alva, Nathan Miller, Edmond; his mother, Alice N. Miller, Stillwater; two sisters, Jerry Ann Fisher and her husband, James, Stillwater, Kay Anthony and husband, Bob, Norman; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Miller, Kansas City, Mo.; five step-children, Kim Barnes, Dawn Barnes, Terry Beckham, Jon and Becky Beckham, Debra Young; nine step grandchildren; one step great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. ****************************************************** Gene 'Chief' Bamberger Eugene Ralph Bamberger was born in Perry, Aug. 20, 1930. A memorial service was held today at 11 a.m. at Pacific Coast Church (2651 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, Calif.). The service was followed by a small celebration of his life. Growing up on a farm with his family helped shape the man he would ultimately become; hard working, loyal and strong. He studied chemistry at Oklahoma State University, obtaining a master's degree that would ultimately take him to work for Texaco in New York. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mabeth "Dolly" Cox. He knew after their first date that she was the one and only for him. Together they had 47 glorious years and five well-loved children. They both witnessed their love and family flourish to include 10 grandchildren (with one on the way) and one great-granddaughter (and another on the way). He diligently worked for Texaco for over 33 years where he was affectionately nicknamed "Chief" by his fellow employees, a term of endearment that he proudly used throughout his adult life. Chief was a great man, blessed with an enormous heart and unwavering faith. God had used him to perform many kind and generous acts and he will be truly missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that contributions be made to the "Laguna Niguel Fire Explorers" for the New York City Fire Department relief fund; please contact his daughter, Debbie at d.haag@home.com. ****************************************************** Oct. 09, 2001 ****************************************************** Thomas Moore Thomas Edwin Moore, 83, died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001, in Stillwater. Services, with Richard Poe presiding, will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Stillwater Church of Christ. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Strode Funeral Home is directing the arrangements. He was born Jan. 15, 1918, in Amarillo, Texas, and graduated from Amarillo High in 1935. With a keen interest in science, he enrolled in college in Arlington, Texas, with plans to become a chemist. He continued his studies at the University of Texas in Austin and graduated Magna Cum Laude, with highest honors with a double degree in chemistry and mathematics. He also earned a minor in physics. In 1942 he finished his masters degree in chemistry and married his wife of nearly 60 years, Naomi Sue Robbins. During World War II he was assigned to a top-secret national defense initiative to develop radar counter- measures at Harvard University. Following the war he returned to the University of Texas to complete his PhD in chemistry. The family then moved to the Chicago area where he was a post-doctorate fellow at Northwestern University. In 1947 he moved the family to Stillwater to begin his 35 year career as a chemistry professor at Oklahoma State University. He never regretted his decision to move to Stillwater. After he retired in 1982 he continued to teach and more than 19 years donated his time to tutor many OSU students in chemistry, mathematics and physics. He enjoyed traveling reading watercolor painting and playing golf. He served as a deacon in the Church of Christ and with the church's local food bank; and was a charter member and first president of the Golden K Kiwanis. He also was a driver for the "Meals on Wheels." He is survived by his wife and their four children, David Moore of Ponca City, Martha Brickell of Norman, James Moore of Bristow and Paul Moore of Broken Arrow; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Stillwater Church of Christ Food Bank, 821 N. Duck, Stillwater, OK 74075 ****************************************************** Oct. 10, 2001 ****************************************************** Donald 'Don' McNeil Donald Duane "Don" McNeil, 53, Rogers, Ark., died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001 at his home. Funeral services are scheduled 3 p.m. Thursday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers. Monsignor Richard Oswald and Rev. John Marconi will officiate. Interment will be at St. Vincent Cemetery. There will be a visitation Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 at the family home. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Callison-Loug Funeral Service. McNeil was born Nov. 22, 1947, in Enid, to Duane Thomas and Olivia Marie O'Grady McNeil. He married Betsy Ann Foulds Sept. 22, 1972, in Stillwater. He earned his BS degree in Agriculture Economics from Oklahoma State University. He was a member of Life Teen, Secretariat for the Cursillo, Diocese of Little Rock, past president of Rogers Board of Realtors and was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his father and daughter, Summer Don McNeil. McNeil is survived by his wife, Betsy, of the home; two sons, Luke Duane McNeil, Kansas City, Mo.; and Sayre Joseph McNeil, of the home; daughter, Dionne Ann McNeil of the home; mother, Olivia Marie McNeil, Perry; three brothers, Brian McNeil, Cushing; Martin McNeil, Enid; Travis McNeil, Perry; and sister, Evelyn Durst, Jackson, Miss. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Youth Education Fund, 1305 W. Cypress, Rogers, Ark. 72758. ****************************************************** William 'Bill' Ramsey William Ernest "Bill" Ramsey, 51, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2001, at Hillcrest Medical Center. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Ripley Church of God. Ramsey was born Jan. 4, 1950, to William S. and Erma Ramsey. He traveled a lot as a child as his father was in the military. He went to school in Bartlesville and worked at numerous Phillip 66 stations. He married Mary Jane Wilkerson May 27, 1977, in Cushing. They moved to Bartlesville where he was a lance salesman. They moved to Ripley later that year where he worked at T.G.&Y. From 1981-88 he worked at the G&M Body Shop where he drove a wrecker truck. In 1988, he worked at Auto Zone until the time of his death. He was a junior youth leader and the church's congregational song leader. He is preceded in death by his father. Ramsey is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; sons, Timothy Ramsey, Ripley; Kris Ramsey and fiancee Ashley, Stillwater; Ryan Ramsey of the home; Cory Ramsey of the home; daughter, Kimberly Ramsey, Oklahoma City; grandson, Andrew Mitchell, Stillwater; four brothers, Jack Ramsey, Bartlesville; Pat Ramsey and wife Jessie, Bartlesville; Mark Ramsey and wife Pam, Bartlesville; Mike Ramsey and wife Gina, Stillwater; and sister, Cindy Striver, Langley. ****************************************************** Oct. 11, 2001 ****************************************************** Afaaf Habiby Afaaf Habiby, 75, Stillwater, died Monday, Oct. 8, 2001. Services will be Monday at 1 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Burial will immediately follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is directing the services. Habiby was born in Haifa, in what was then Palestine, June 25, 1926, to Adib and Salma (Yacoub) Habiby. Habiby was a Christian Palestinian refugee who became one of Lebanon's first prominent career women before immigrating to the United States and raising a family while earning a doctorate as a "returning student." She died after a six-year battle with breast cancer. She graduated from the English High School in Haifa in 1944, attaining the Oxford and Cambridge matriculation. She then took a secretarial course and went to work for the Iraq Petroleum Corp., which operated pipelines from Iraqi oilfields to Haifa. In the spring of 1948, she fled Haifa after Haganah troops took control of the city. Israel was declared a state a few days later. She went to Damascus, Syria, where her family of nine lived in a small home with another refugee family. Habiby was the first of the group to find a job and became one of the breadwinners of the extended group. She spent seven years working in Syria for the American Near East Foundation, which promoted ties between the U.S. and the Arab World. While there, she met former Oklahoma State University President Henry G. Bennett on a leg of his fatal final journey. Habiby moved with her family to Lebanon in 1955 and soon landed a job as the executive assistant to the chairman of the board of Middle East Airlines. During her 15 years at MEA in the 1950s and 1960s, Habiby traveled extensively on her own, to England, Iran, Egypt, Japan and points throughout the Middle East and Europe. In 1969, while on her second trip to the United States, a cousin suggested she call Raymond Habiby, a distant relative she had known in Haifa who had become an OSU professor and moved to Stillwater four years earlier. She decided to visit him, and, a week later, returned to Lebanon with an engagement ring. Two months later, on Dec. 20, 1969, they were married at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Stillwater. Less than a month after getting married, at age 43, she began coursework at Oklahoma State University. She had previously taken a few classes at Haigazian College in Beirut. Habiby received her bachelor's degree in political science in 1972, followed by a master's in family relations and child development in 1981 and a doctorate in home economics education in 1987. At the same time, she raised a baby niece, Suha E. Barsoum, for three years, and a daughter, Margot, who was born in November 1972. She taught English as a second language part-time for two years at Skyline and Will Rogers elementary schools. She was active in an assortment of volunteer organizations and clubs, including Stillwater Women's Club, Church Women United, Lahoma and Antiquers, as well as at St. Andrew's Church and the St. Andrew's Thrift Shop. Habiby loved to entertain. For three decades, she and her husband acted as advisers and surrogate parents for many of OSU's international students, particularly those from the Middle East. These included eight of her nieces and nephews who studied in Oklahoma. For many years, she cooked Sunday dinner for 20 to 30 students every week, holding an open house for those who needed a home-cooked meal. She also loved to travel and frequently spent summers in the Middle East or Europe, showing her family many of the exotic locales she had visited alone while working for the airline. The Habibys spent the 1975-76 academic year on sabbatical in Benghazi, Libya, and the 1984-85 school year in Amman, Jordan, where she did the research for her doctoral dissertation. She is predeceased by her parents and two brothers. Survivors include her husband, Raymond, of the home; daughter, Margot, of Dallas, Texas; two brothers, Sami Habiby of Amman, Jordan, and Anis Habiby of Chevy Chase, Md.; two sisters, Aniseh Masri of Damascus, Syria, and Salwa Audeh of Boulder, Colo.; and 20 nieces and nephews. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, c/o The Rt. Rev. Claude E. Payne, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 3203 W. Alabama, Houston, TX 77098; The Jerusalem 2000 Campaign, The Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101-5043; or the Raymond and Afaaf Habiby scholarship fund through the OSU Foundation. ****************************************************** Sue Carol Coonts Ripley resident Sue Carol (Elliott) Coonts, 67, died Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2001, at Hillcrest Specialty Hospital in Tulsa. Services, with Pastor Larry Eslinger presiding, will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Mehan Union Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Strode Funeral Home is directing the arrangements. She was born in Drumright Nov. 9, 1933, to Finley H. and Lydia (Warner) Elliott. She married Roy Coonts in Drumright Dec. 23, 1956. He died Aug. 25, 1997. She was very active in her church including Bible study, food drives and the quilting group. She worked for the Payne County Election Board and was a past member of the Jenks Home Extension group. She also had worked for Tulsa SWB Telephone and was a homemaker. She loved to travel. She was a member of Mehan Union Church and Rainbows. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by one sister, Betty James. Survivors include two sons, Michael Coonts and his wife, Tricia and Donald Coonts, all of Tampa, Fla.; four grandchildren, Sarah Mae Coonts of Stillwater and Kristen, Stacey and Daniel Coonts, all of Tampa; one brother, Dr. James Elliott of Tulsa; two sisters-in-law, Rosella Dorsey and Betty Mitchell and her husband, Bob, all of Ripley; one brother-in-law, Donald Coonts also of Ripley; and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Mehan Union Church Building Fund, Rt. 4 Box 405, Ripley, OK 74062. Condolences may be e-mailed the family at . ****************************************************** Oct.12, 2001 ****************************************************** Sue Carol Coonts Ripley resident Sue Carol (Elliott) Coonts, 67, died Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2001, at Hillcrest Specialty Hospital in Tulsa. Services, with Pastor Larry Eslinger presiding, will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Mehan Union Church. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Strode Funeral Home is directing the arrangements. She was born in Drumright Nov. 9, 1933, to Finley H. and Lydia (Warner) Elliott. She married Roy Coonts in Drumright Dec. 23, 1956. He died Aug. 25, 1997. She was very active in her church including Bible study, food drives and the quilting group. She worked for the Payne County Election Board and was a past member of the Jenks Home Extension group. She also had worked for Tulsa SWB Telephone and was a homemaker. She loved to travel. She was a member of Mehan Union Church and Rainbows. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by one sister, Betty James. Survivors include two sons, Michael Coonts and his wife, Tricia and Donald Coonts, all of Tampa, Fla.; four grandchildren, Sarah Mae Coonts of Stillwater and Kristen, Stacey and Daniel Coonts, all of Tampa; one brother, Dr. James Elliott of Tulsa; two sisters-in-law, Rosella Dorsey and Betty Mitchell and her husband, Bob, all of Ripley; one brother-in-law, Donald Coonts also of Ripley; and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Mehan Union Church Building Fund, 8300 E. 68th, Stillwater, OK 74074. Condolences may be e-mailed the family at . ************************************************ Oct. 13, 2001 ************************************************ W. Earl Bridenstine W. Earl "Curly" Bridenstine, 79, Perkins, died on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2001 at Stillwater Medical Center. Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Friends Chapel Church. The Rev. Merl Kinser will officiate. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will greet friends at Strode Funeral Home from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Strode Funeral Home. Bridenstine was born on June 9, 1922 in Coyle to Walter and Metta (Stewart) Bridenstine. He married Donna Lucille Field on May 16, 1941 in Anadarko. She died on March 3, 1999. He attended Progress Grade School and Coyle High School, graduating in 1941. Bridenstine and his wife moved to Richmond, Calif., where he worked as a welder in the Kaiser Shipyards. He joined the Army in 1944, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and he returned to his family farm near Perkins, where he raised cattle, hogs, watermelons and children. He owned a country general store to his family farm for 12 years, did some carpentry work and retired to pursue his painting. He is well-known for his portraits and western art. He was a member of the Friends Chapel Church. Bridenstine was also a member of the Coyle Round-Up Club, the Oak Grove Cemetery Association and the Stillwater Art Guild. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Larry Monroe, and three brothers, Olaf, Hiram and Val. Bridenstine is survived by three sons, Waco Bridenstine and wife Chris, Perkins; Clayton Bridenstine and wife Janet, Katy, Texas; Pecos Bridenstine and wife Diane, Stillwater; four daughters Sharon Lambdin and husband Jerry, Stillwater; Linda Shingleton and husband Skip, Perkins; Laveta Mayfield and husband Gerald, Stillwater; Connie Holbird and husband Greg, Broken Arrow; 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; three sisters, Thora Cundiff, Perkins; Neva Berry and husband Lester, Norman; Dea Miller and husband Vernon, Mesa, Ariz.; and sister-in-law Mary Bridenstine, Eugene, Ore. Memorials may sent to the Oak Grove Cemetery Association, Rt. 1, Box 88, Coyle, OK 73027 or the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 18878, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. ************************************************ Marceline Lott Marceline Crystella Loft, 67, of Perkins died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2001, at Stiliwater Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Graveside services will be held Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the Perkins Cemetery. The service will be officiated by the Reverend Susan Ross. Interment is directed by Strode Funeral Home. She was born in Harlingen, Texas on Oct. 15, 1933. "Marcy" was the daughter of H.C. "Chris" and Rosella Carey. She attended McAllen High School in McAllen, Texas and Pan American College in Edinburg, Texas. She married Bill Loft of Hargill, Texas on April 2, 1955 in a ceremony held in Mission, Texas. In 1973, they moved from the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas to Perkins, where Bill served as Chief of Police for the City of Perkins for 22 years. She was a mother of three, grandmother of six, wife, homemaker, and a friend to all she met. She was active in the PTA and involved in her children's school events as well as serving as a Den Mother for her two son's Cub Scout Packs. She also served as Vice- President of her Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in McAllen, Texas prior to moving to Oklahoma. She is predeceased by her parents, who resided in their later years in Perkins. She is survived by her husband Bill Lott of the home; two sons, David C. Lott, of Medicine Park and Danny Lott and wife, Karen of Stillwater; and one daughter, Debbie Shimanek, of Perkins. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Chelsea Lott , Austin Lott, Bo Thompson and Tyler Thompson of Stillwater; and Cameron Shimanek and Jordan Shimanek, of Perkins. ********************************************** Oct. 14, 2001 ********************************************** W. Earl Bridenstine W. Earl "Curly" Bridenstine, 79, Perkins, died on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2001 at Stillwater Medical Center. Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Friends Chapel Church. The Rev. Merl Kinser will officiate. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will greet friends at Strode Funeral Home from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Strode Funeral Home. Bridenstine was born on June 9, 1922 in Coyle to Walter and Metta (Stewart) Bridenstine. He married Donna Lucille Field on May 16, 1941 in Anadarko. She died on March 3, 1999. He attended Progress Grade School and Coyle High School, graduating in 1941. Bridenstine and his wife moved to Richmond, Calif., where he worked as a welder in the Kaiser Shipyards. He joined the Army in 1944, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and he returned to his family farm near Perkins, where he raised cattle, hogs, watermelons and children. He owned a country general store to his family farm for 12 years, did some carpentry work and retired to pursue his painting. He is well-known for his portraits and western art. He was a member of the Friends Chapel Church. Bridenstine was also a member of the Coyle Round-Up Club, the Oak Grove Cemetery Association and the Stillwater Art Guild. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Larry Monroe, and three brothers, Olaf, Hiram and Val. Bridenstine is survived by three sons, Waco Bridenstine and wife Chris, Perkins; Clayton Bridenstine and wife Janet, Katy, Texas; Pecos Bridenstine and wife Diane, Stillwater; four daughters Sharon Lambdin and husband Jerry, Stillwater; Linda Shingleton and husband Skip, Perkins; Laveta Mayfield and husband Gerald, Stillwater; Connie Holbird and husband Greg, Broken Arrow; 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; three sisters, Thora Cundiff, Perkins; Neva Berry and husband Lester, Norman; Dea Miller and husband Vernon, Mesa, Ariz.; and sister-in-law Mary Bridenstine, Eugene, Ore. Memorials may sent to the Oak Grove Cemetery Association, Rt. 1, Box 88, Coyle, OK 73027 or the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 18878, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. ********************************************** Marceline Lott Marceline Crystella Loft, 67, of Perkins died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2001, at Stiliwater Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Graveside services will be held Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the Perkins Cemetery. The service will be officiated by the Reverend Susan Ross. Interment is directed by Strode Funeral Home. She was born in Harlingen, Texas on Oct. 15, 1933. "Marcy" was the daughter of H.C. "Chris" and Rosella Carey. She attended McAllen High School in McAllen, Texas and Pan American College in Edinburg, Texas. She married Bill Loft of Hargill, Texas on April 2, 1955 in a ceremony held in Mission, Texas. In 1973, they moved from the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas to Perkins, where Bill served as Chief of Police for the City of Perkins for 22 years. She was a mother of three, grandmother of six, wife, homemaker, and a friend to all she met. She was active in the PTA and involved in her children's school events as well as serving as a Den Mother for her two son's Cub Scout Packs. She also served as Vice- President of her Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in McAllen, Texas prior to moving to Oklahoma. She is predeceased by her parents, who resided in their later years in Perkins. She is survived by her husband Bill Lott of the home; two sons, David C. Lott, of Medicine Park and Danny Lott and wife, Karen of Stillwater; and one daughter, Debbie Shimanek, of Perkins. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Chelsea Lott , Austin Lott, Bo Thompson and Tyler Thompson of Stillwater; and Cameron Shimanek and Jordan Shimanek, of Perkins. ********************************************** William Parker William "Paul" Parker 43, died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2001, at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Memorial Chapel of Davis Funeral Home, Cushing, with Rev. Marvin Skinner officiating. Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home. He was born Dec. 10, 1957 in Fayetteville, N.C., to William Floyd and Margaret Luetta (Britt) Parker. He was reared and educated in Grays Creek, N.C. and lived all his life in the Fayetteville area until moving to Cushing four months ago. He had worked most of his life as a plumber and worked for Bud Smith Construction since living in Cushing. He enjoyed fishing and working on cars in his spare time. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by one sister, Bonnie McMillan. Survivors include three daughters, Samantha Marie Parker of Cushing, Tonya Elizabeth Parker-Home and her husband Timothy of Fayetteville, and Traci Lee Parker-Webb and her husband Douglas Dee of Cushing; two sisters, Brenda Gail Cook and her husband Ronald of St. Pauls, N.C., and Margaret Ann McDonald and her husband Herman of Fayetteville; one brother, Joseph Floyd of Greensboro, N.C.; four grandchildren, Justyn Dakota Parker, Bailee-Dawn Storm Webb, Tori DeeAnn Webb and Mikayla Danielle Webb; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. ********************************************** Oct. 16, 2001 ********************************************** Benjamin Ferchau Benjamin Gordon Ferchau, 15, Stillwater, died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, at 68th Street and Prairie Road. Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Bible Baptist Church. Pastor Wayne Hardy will officiate. Interment will be at Fairlawn Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Strode Funeral Home. Ferchau was born July 29, 1986, in Stillwater to Steven Paul and Evelyn Sue (Schmuhl) Ferchau. He worked as a carrier for the NewsPress for the past five years. He was in the 10th grade at Stillwater High School. He enjoyed playing baseball for the Junior High Raiders team as well as playing for Stillwater Parks and Recreation. He played the violin in the orchestra from the sixth to the eighth grade; and he played the trumpet in the Stillwater High School band. He played both instruments in the church orchestra at Bible Baptist Church where he was very active in the youth group as well. Ferchau had achieved the Life Rank in the Boy Scouts and served as historian for Troop 828. He also served as a representative for Troop 828 for the Order of the Arrow and was a Summer Day Camp Counselor for Webelos Scouts. He loved all kinds of music and laughing with his friends. His favorite TV show was "I Love Lucy." Ferchau was an A/B student and was in the gifted and talented program from the fifth to the ninth grade. His favorite subject in school was math. He was a member of the German Club and Key Club. He planned on working at the Bill Rice Youth Camp in Tennessee next summer. He enjoyed rollerblading and skiing and wanted to attend Pensacola Bible College in Florida or Michigan State University after graduating from high school. Ferchau is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather. He is survived by his parents of the home; sister, Julie Helen Ferchau, Stillwater; and paternal grandmother, Betty Ferchau, Gage. Condolences can be e-mailed to the family at . ********************************************** Earl Lee Clapp Earl Lee Clapp, 75, Glencoe, died Friday, Oct. 12, 2001, in Westhaven Nursing Home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Glencoe Church of Christ with Rev. Ken Mantle officiating. Burial will be in Glencoe IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Strode Funeral Home. Clapp was born Dec. 28, 1925, in Perkins to Lawrence Elmer and Bessie Irene (Ittner) Clapp. He graduated from Eureka High School in 1943 and worked on the family farm. He married Matilda Sappington Feb. 8, 1944, in Pawnee. They lived in the Glencoe area all their lives. He farmed and they also ran a bait shop for a while. He also did custom hay baling. In his spare time, Clapp liked to fish, hunt and do woodworking. He was a member of the Christian Church and the Payne County Sheriff Posse. He was predeceased by his parents. Survivors include his wife and one sister, Wilma Lorene Clapp of Glencoe. Pallbearers will be Dr. James Kuhn, Jeff Kuhn, Kelly Murphy, Mike Krout, Tommy Focht, Alfred Hite and Criss McGinty. Memorials may be made to Judith Karman Hospice, P.O. Box 818, Stillwater, Okla., 74076. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at . ********************************************** Zelma Patchin Zelma Florence Patchin, 91, died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, at Stillwater Medical Center. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. B. Gordon Edwards officiating. Interment will be at Hobart Cemetery under the direction of Strode Funeral Home. She was born Dec. 30, 1909, in Hobart to Henry E. and Mary I. (Brown) Patchin. She was Dean of Women at Oklahoma State University and belonged to Altrusa International, P.E.O. Alpha Xi Delta Alumni and Mortar Board Alumni. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by three brothers, Forest, Carl and Ralph. Survivors include two sisters, Marjorie (Patchin) Meggs and Helen Patchin. Memorials may be made to the OSU Foundation, Attn: Zelma Patchin Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at . ********************************************** Phyllis 'Phyl' Cass Phyllis "Phyl" Jean Cass, 80, died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, in Stillwater. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Strode Chapel, Carol Fincher officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens under the direction of Strode Funeral Home. She was born Dec. 18, 1920, in Houston, Texas, to Neff Smith and Audrey (Dayger) Cass and grew up mostly in the southwestern region of the country. She graduated from high school while the family lived in Dallas, Texas, and in 1942 graduated from the University of Tulsa with a bachelor's degree in English. The summer following her college graduation she worked as a draftsman in Houston and in the fall became employed with the Army Ordinance Department's Dickson Gun plant near Houston, remaining there through the end of World War II, rising to the position of chief inspector in the Ordinance Department program. After the war, Cass returned to her family in St. Louis and for the next three years worked first in a book store then went to Tulsa for a job in her uncle's laboratory and following a change in the company management took a job in the book department of a large department store. Returning to St. Louis, she found employment as a laboratory technician with the Midwest Rubber Reclaiming Company of East St. Louis in December 1948. Doing well in her position, she was sent in 1954 by the company to their new plant in Paramount, Calif., as head of the laboratory, and remained in that line of work until her retirement. Cass had her home in the Bakersfield, Calif., area and after her father's death provided support for her mother and aunt who had moved to the area to be near her. In the mid 1990s she began experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and moved to Stillwater to the home of her niece Rebecca Salter and Dr. Robert Lauvetz who became her primary caregivers. She was deceased by her parents, one sister, Audrey Joan Heath and one brother-in-law, Harry Heath Jr. Survivors include a niece, Becky Salter of Stillwater; a nephew, Harry "Hank" Heath III of Tuscaloosa Ala., four great-nieces and one great-nephew. Donations may be made to Judith Karman Hospice, P.O. Box 818, Stillwater 74076. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at . ********************************************** Oct. 17, 2001 ********************************************** Col. Glenn Lyon Col. Glenn I. Lyon, 90, died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, in Pawnee. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church. Rev. Scott Keneda will officiate. Burial will follow at the Pawnee's Highland Cemetery under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home. Lyon was born July 5, 1911, to Ray O. and Mildred Currie Lyon in Gordon, Neb. He graduated from the ROTC program at the University of Nebraska and received a commission in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He came to Pawnee in 1934 and joined his father in operation of the Pawnee Bill Trading Post which was located two miles west of Pawnee and was known as "Old Town." His father bought the interest in the business from Maj. Gordon Lillie, "Pawnee Bill," in 1937. He joined the National Guard in 1940 when the 45th Division was mobilized for active duty and subsequently served in Africa, Sicily and Italy where he was commander of Pawnee's Co. B 179th Infantry. He was severely wounded in Salermo, which he was awarded the Purple Heart, and was hospitalized in North Africa for surgery and recuperation for six months and then resumed duty with the General Staff of the Allied Force Headquarters in North Africa and later moved back to Italy with the same assignment in the Mediterranean Theater. He attended the Army Command and General Staff school and reached the rank of full Colonel and left the service with 32 years of combined active and reserve duty. He had a mobilization designation assignment in the War Room of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. where he served until retirement. On returning to Pawnee in late 1947, he resumed active interest in the Pawnee Bill Indian Trading Post with his father. He attended CCNY in New York where he studied international trade specializing in import and export. The original "Old Town" burned in 1944 and the business was moved to town. It is now recognized as the leading wholesale source for the Indian-made items and curios in the nation, selling to all 50 states and several foreign countries. Lyon spent all of his adult life with that business after returning from the military and was owner and manager at the time of his death. Lyon is the past president of the Nebraska Alumni Society at Stillwater, member of the Lions Club, was the past president of the Pawnee Community Chamber of Commerce and served on the City Council. He was Pawnee's Man of the Year in 1972, Pawnee Bill Rodeo honoree in 1994 and received the Living Legend award in the gift show business at Gatlinburg, Tenn. He was a charter member of the Foundation of Academic Excellence, Friends of Pawnee Bill Ranch and Steam and Gas Engine Association. He completed 31 years of service, much as a chairman to the Pawnee Municipal Hospital Board. A short time later he was asked to serve on the board and served for an additional five years or more. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Pawnee, active member of the United Methodist Church where he served as chairman of the board for several years, was a Sunday school teacher, served on the Board of Trustees and finance committee. He served as chairman of the Pawnee County Republican Central Committee and as Republican State Committeeman. He was a member of the Oklahoma Heritage Association. While a majority of his business was done outside of Pawnee, Lyon devoted much time to betterment of his home community. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Clare J. Lyon. Lyon is survived by his brother, Frank Lyon and wife Dorothy, Tulsa; sister, Helen Ferguson and husband D. Jo, Pawnee; sister-in-law, Stella (Mrs. C.J.) Lyon, Pawnee; nine nephews and nieces, 24 great nephews and nieces, 18 great great nephews and nieces and Andy Bowen and her family. Memorials may be made to the Caring Hands Hospice at 1212 Fourth Street, Pawnee, 74058, or the United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 248, Pawnee, 74058. ********************************************** Harold Laird Harold Page Laird, 89, died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, in Pawnee. Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Pawnee with Rev. Bob Copeland officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home. He was born June 23, 1912, in the Watchhorn Community, north of Morrison, to Dewitt and Ella (Botts) Laird. He attended the Laird school for eight years, then graduated from Pawnee High School. In 1935, he received a degree in agriculture from Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. from the ROTC program. He married Alwilda Trussell Sept. 12, 1937, in Watchhorn. Laird farmed and ranched until 1940, then was called to active military duty. He served in the 701st tank destroyer battalion and took part in the invasion of North Africa and landings in Anzio, Italy. His unit had the distinction of spending the most consecutive days in battle field conditions of any U.S. Army unit. He spent 35 months overseas before returning home. He was awarded numerous medals including the Bronze Star. He retired with the rank of major after 23 years of service. He was an instructor for the Veteran Agriculture program for the Pawnee schools and was an original member of the Rural Electric Associate Board. He worked 15 years as a right-of-way agent for several pipeline companies. Laird served as Pawnee County Assessor until his retirement and on the County Excise Board for 17 years. He was the first president of the Pawnee Cattleman's Association and maintained a herd of registered Hereford cattle for many years. Laird was a 32 degree Mason, serving as the secretary of the local lodge for several years. He was a member of the 701st Tank Destroyer Battalion Associates. In retirement, he enjoyed high school sporting events and activities involving his children and grandchildren. Laird maintained an active interest in his farm and cattle operation. He is survived by his wife of Pawnee; two daughters, Yvonne Robbins and her husband Wayne of Winner, S.D. and Linda LeForce of Pawnee; one son, Dr. Gordon Laird and his wife Sherri of Pawnee; 12 grandchildren; 20 grandchildren and a number of other relatives and friends. Memorials may be made to Camp Lela Fund, c/o First Baptist Church, 720 Sixth Street Pawnee, OK 74058 or Camp Lela Fund, c/o Cimarron Baptist Association, 1244 E. Main Street, Cushing, OK 74023 ********************************************** Oct. 18, 2001 ********************************************** Woodrow Lowery Woodrow Lowery, 88, Guthrie, died Monday, Oct. 15, 2001, at the Edmond Medical Center. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Guthrie. A prayer vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Davis Funeral Home. Burial will be at later date at the IOOF Cemetery in Meridian. Visitation will be today from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Davis Funeral Chapel. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Guthrie. Lowery was born March 17, 1913, in Waurika, to Otis and Mattie (Ross) Lowery. He lived in the Guthrie area for the past 35 years, moving there from Bethany. He was a retired carpenter and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He married Zula Mathews Oct. 30, 1934. She died July 31, 1977. He then married Leah Sherow Nov. 3, 1984, in Guthrie. He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife, two children, Howard Lowery and Ruth Ann Ramsey; two brothers and two sisters. Lowery is survived by his wife, Leah Lowery, Guthrie; son, William H. Lowery and wife Darlene, Stillwater; daughter, Lora Johnston and husband Jack, Tahlequah; two step sons, George Hankinson, Guthrie; Stanton Sherow, Long Island, N.Y.; three step daughters, Charlotte Reed and husband Richard, Oklahoma City; Joanna Cosetti and husband Mike, Guthrie; Diane Pross and husband John, Guthrie; nine grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and one sister, Jewel Boggess, Madill. ********************************************** Oct. 19, 2001 ********************************************** Sam Durham Jr. Sam B. Durham Jr., 81, longtime resident of Stillwater, died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. Services will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel, 610 S. Duncan. Durham was born in New Albany, Miss., Jan. 1,1920. When he was 11 the family moved to Stillwater where his father was in the Agricultural Extension Division at Oklahoma State University. In 1940, he joined the Army Air Corps. He served in various capacities during World War II and at the end of the war was stationed on Guam where he flew B-29 airplanes over Japan. In the mid-50's he was recalled to active duty and served in the European theatre. He retired as a Lt.-Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. After World War II, he returned to OSU where he earned a BA degree in economics. He was working on his master's in economics when he was offered a job in the Social Security Administration. He retired as district manager of the Ardmore office in 1977 and moved home to Stillwater. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his son, David; his daughter, Susan; two granddaughters, Allison and Meredith Croley; one brother, Edwin and various nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Park Hill Presbyterian Church, Park Hill, Oklahoma 74451 or Population- Environment Balance, 2000 P Street, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20036. ********************************************** Derek Taylor Reed A memorial service was held Oct. 13 at Colonial Chapel in Stillwater for Derek Taylor Reed, 32. Rev. Carol Fincher conducted the service. Reed's cousin, Maria Couch, New York City and his uncle, Ellis Couch, San Antonio, Texas, sang with Thora duBois as accompanist. Longtime friends, Nick Berry of Colorado, Ginger Lovelace, Shawnee and Art Phelps, Austin, Texas, along with his cousin, David McWater, New York City, and uncle Howard Inman, Dallas, Texas, related special memories at the service. Family and friends were invited to the Reed family home after the service. He was born Feb. 3, 1969, to Dr. Troy and Cassie Taylor Reed in Arlington, Texas, and later moved to Stillwater with his parents at age 10 and began the fourth grade. He played football for two years in high school and then began Tae-Kwon-Do, which he avidly pursued for several years. His favorite vacations with the family were snow skiing in Colorado. Trips to New York City and Washington D.C. were not appreciated at the time, because he loved the outdoors. He graduated from Stillwater High School in 1987 with honors. He loved to travel and after graduating saw much of the country with his brother, Craig Forrest. At various times he lived in Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma. He was a free thinker and a free spirit who loved life. During his years in Colorado he enjoyed the great outdoors and the awesome beauty of the mountains. While working at Beaver Creek Resort he became an avid expert snow skier and enjoyed camping, fishing and hiking as well. Reed combined his creativity and his innate business skills with his many other talents to start his own company, "Taylor Renovations" in Boulder, Colo. Later he founded a successful commercial and residential glass business in Austin with his brother, Craig. The company, "Austin Glass Masters" was a fast growing and successful enterprise. He never hesitated to pursue his dreams. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Louie Taylor, his paternal grandmother, Gladys Goad and cousin, Bradley Taylor Couch. Survivors include a twin brother, Craig Forrest; older brother, Shon Roark; Grandmother Mildred Taylor of Atoka; and Grandfather Dewey Goad of Durant. Memorials may be made to the Habitat for Humanity. ********************************************** Peggy Stanislaus Peggy Joan Stanislaus, 54, of Goddard, Kan., died Thursday, Oct. 18, 2001. Services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Resthaven Mortuary Chapel in Wichita, Kan. She was born Feb. 16, 1947, in Lawton to Russell W. and Dorma L. (Stevenson) White. Stanislaus was a homemaker and cashier. She was predeceased by her father. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth, of the home; one daughter, Patty M. of Wichita, Kan.; her mother, Dorma White of Wichita, Kan.; one brother, Gary White of Anaheim, Calif. and one sister, Linda Bartell of Burrton, Kan. ********************************************** Andrea Louise Lear Andrea Louise Lear, 60, Perkins, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2001. A service of remembrance will be held in La Mesa, Calif., at a later date when members of her family and friends can gather. Cremation and other arrangements are under the direction of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home. Lear was born May 1, 1941, in Calexico, Calif., to Jean and Elizabeth Lavigne. She attended Helix High School in La Mesa, graduating in 1959. She married Frederick Lear April 18, 1964. They were later divorced. Lear lived most of her life in La Mesa, until moving to Perkins in 1996. Her family and friends were very important to her. She was predeceased by her father. Survivors include her mother of La Mesa; one son and daughter-in-law, Randall and Nicole Lear of Temecula, Calif.; one sister and brother-in-law, Jan and Bill Womack of Stillwater; one brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Anna Lavigne of Alpine, Calif.; two granddaughters, Alissa and Brittany of Rockingham, N.C.; one niece; and three nephews. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. ********************************************** Oct. 20, 2001 ********************************************** Emma Lou Hyde Funeral services for Emma Lou Hyde, 85, will be at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Garber on Sunday, Oct. 21. Burial will follow in the Garber Cemetery under the direction of Anderson Funeral Home- Tonkawa. Hyde was born March 5, 1916 in Glencoe to Samuel and Ida Kennemer and died Oct. 17 in Enid. She graduated from Eureka High School in 1934 and later attended Oklahoma A&M at Stillwater. On Sept. 1, 1940 she married Clayton "Buck" Hyde in Chandler. They moved to Mulhall, Wellington, Kan., Clarksville, Tenn., and Grayville, Ill., before making their home in Garber in 1949. She loved cooking, baking and was very active in her church and community. Surviving are her husband; one daughter, Rhonda McKillop of Finksburg, Md.; four grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Her parents, three brothers and four sisters preceded her in death. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Garber. ********************************************** Oct. 21, 2001 ********************************************** Elton Henderson Pawnee resident Elton Clinton Henderson, 86, died Friday, Oct. 19, 2001, in Pawnee. Graveside services will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Highland Cemetery in Pawnee. Poteet Funeral Home is directing the arrangements. He was born in Yanush Jan. 17, 1915, to Henry Oliver and Myrtle Ruth (Logan) Henderson. He married Millie Estelle Dougherty June 15, 1940, in Ponca City. She died Nov. 21, 1994. They moved to Pawnee from Ponca City in 1992. During World War II he served with the 34th infantry in Italy and was a member of the VFW where he held various offices. He was also a member of Independent Oil Workers of Oklahoma and Oil Chemical and Atomic Workers. He worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps at Bruger and Blackwell. In 1939 he went to work for Conoco as groundskeeper for the baseball field. He retired from Conoco in 1976. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his parents, three sisters, three brothers and one grandson. Survivors include seven children, Larry Joe Henderson and his wife Barbara of Versailles, Mo., Karen Sue Sallee and her husband Johnnie of Pawnee, Linda Kay Burgin and her husband Joe of Muskogee, Bennie Ray Henderson and his wife Sandy, Cindy Lou Clark and Patsy Ann Sherrill and her husband David, all of Ponca City and Joyce Marie Spoonemore of Jane, Mo., 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Memorials may be made to Caring Hands Hospice, 1212 Fourth Street, Pawnee, OK 74058. ********************************************** Martha Belle Harris Pawnee resident Martha Belle Harris, 85, died Thursday, Oct. 18, 2001, in Pawnee. Graveside services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Pawnee. Rev. Tom Scott will preside. Poteet Funeral Home is directing the arrangements. She was born in Pasadena, Calif., May 23, 1916, to Fred Grant and Ellen Josephine (Stagner) Thomas. She married Leslie Homer Harris Feb. 9, 1935, in Guthrie. He died June 19, 1982, She grew up in Crescent and after living in Guthrie she and her husband moved to Pawnee in 1941. While they lived in Guthrie they worked for the Daily Oklahoman. When they moved to Pawnee they took over the Tulsa World and Tribune newspaper agency for 25 years. They also had Harris Salvage. She loved to play bingo and visit with friends on the phone. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Pawnee. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, foster parents Martha Belle and Jim Allnut and two sisters. Survivors include six children, Betty Jean Ross of Blue Springs, Mo., Barbara Lee Highnote and Judith Kay Anderson, both of Pawnee, Leslie Harris, Jr. and Troy Harris, both of Springfield, Mo., and Martha Ellen Mullet, of Marina, Calif., 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and a number of other relatives and many friends. ********************************************** Oct. 22, 2001 ********************************************** Doris Ramsey Doris Lynel Ramsey, 89, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2001, in Bartlesville. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Mark D. DeMoss officiating. Committal prayers and interment will be under the direction of Arnold Moore Funeral Service. She was born Aug. 22, 1912, in Hamburg, Ark., to Martin and Emma Mae (White) Kelley. She was reared and educated in Hamburg, Ark. On March 3, 1939, she married Warren Marion Ramsey in Monroe, La., and followed his career in the oil and gas industry. She lived in Bartlesville since 1974. She was a member of the Eastern Heights Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband; two brothers and four sisters. Survivors include one son, Kit Ramsey and his wife Jenyle, Stillwater; one grandson, Jon Warren Ramsey and his wife Kimberly, Cushing; one granddaughter, Laura Bryant, Stillwater; four great-grandsons, Jerod Ramsey and Koy Ramsey of Cushing, Christopher Bryant and Andrew Bryant of Stillwater; one brother, Tillman Kelley of Hamburg, Ark. Visitation hours will be in the drawing rooms at the Arnold Moore Funeral Residence until the time of services. ********************************************** Harrison Myers Jr. Harrison Myers Jr., 71, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2001, at his home in Mulhall. Graveside services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Mulhall. Myers was born Jan. 13, 1930, to Harrison and Ida (Billips) Myers at Skiatook. He graduated from Avant School. He worked for Johns Drug Store for sometime in Skiatook. He married Ima Gene Adkins Feb. 14, 1950, in Bartlesville. They moved to Blackwell where he worked for Blackwell Zinc until his retirement in 1971. Following retirement, they moved to Mulhall where they were currently living at the time of his death. Myers loved to hunt, fish and garden. His parents; two half brothers, Jess and Ed Richardson, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Glenda Prince of Mulhall; one half brother, Jim Richardson, Skiatook; one sister, Lavona Johnson, Skiatook; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Additional viewing of the body will be from 1-2 p.m. at the Mulhall cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Funeral Home in Tonkawa. ********************************************** Leonard Cooper Leonard Clarence Cooper, 77, Pawnee, died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001. Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Eshelman Memorial Chapel in Pawnee. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery. Rev. Gordon Edwards will officiate. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Poteet Funeral Home. Cooper was born Sept. 22, 1924, in Glencoe to James Washington Cooper and Gessa Beecraft Cooper. He moved to Pawnee and lived there all his life. He was a longtime area rancher. He loved dancing and was an amateur musician. Cooper was active in local politics. Cooper is survived by his sister, Alpha DeWitt, Stillwater; niece, Alma Gates, Jacksonville, Ore.; three nephews, Charles Cooper, Jr., Stillwater; Wayne Cooper, Tucson, Ariz.; Gary DeWitt, Pawnee; plus other relatives and many friends. ********************************************** Betty Wilson Betty V. Wilson, 83, Perkins, died Friday, Oct. 19, 2001, at Grace Living Center. A memorial service will be at Diamond Valley Church Saturday at 1 p.m. Rev. Jeff Kuhn will officiate. Her ashes will be interred at Fairlawn Cemetery during a private family ceremony. Wilson was born Dec. 2, 1917, to Samuel Brewster and Neva Jane Miller. She married Frank McCarty, then she married Buddy Benjamin and then Mr. Wilson. She has lived in Alaska, Atoka, Heavener and Stillwater. She was a member of the Diamond Valley Church and the Stillwater Writers Group. She enjoyed painting, writing and also the study of American History. She enjoyed working as a volunteer in documenting and upkeep historical sites in southeastern Oklahoma, such as the Rune Stones and the Native American burial grounds. She lived a very full life. She was joy to be around. She was an abundance of information for whatever anyone ever needed. She was quick to lend a hand and assist in any way. Wilson is preceded in death by her first husband, Frank McCarty, Atoka; Mr. Wilson, Atoka; her mother, Neva Rogers, Olny, Texas; father Sam Brewster, El Dorado, Ark.; two brothers, Laurance Brewster, Ardmore; Jack Brewster, Shreveport, La.; and her dog, Kokomo. She is survived by her three sisters, Ann Hardy, Gainesville, Ga.; Faye Bear, Stillwater; Joann Shepherd, Jean, Texas; brother, Dale Brewster, Graham, Texas; former husband, Buddy Benjamin, Heavener; 17 nieces, nephews and numerous great and great great nieces and nephews. ********************************************** Oct. 24, 2001 ********************************************** Carmen Jane Ratliff Carmen Jane Ratliff, 47, a Yale resident died Friday, Oct. 19, 2001, in Plainville, Kan. Memorial services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Yale with John Curtis officiating. She was born March 2, 1954, in Cushing, to Thelma and Lloyd Stallings. William Savory of Yale was her special companion of several years. She spent a lot of time having fun, being with her mother Thelma, and also spending time with her children and three grandchildren. Survivors include her mother of Yale; her father of Cushing; William Savory of Yale; one son, Chris Ratliff of Yale; one daughter, Valerie Mitchell and her husband Thomas of Yale; one sister, Brenda Lann and husband Tony of Kingfisher; one brother, Ronnie Kerby of Oklahoma City; three grandchildren, Harley Mitchell of Yale, Quincy Davin and Sierra Ratliff of Prue; one niece and three nephews. ********************************************** Dan Anderson Dan Anderson, 84, Depew, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2001. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at First Assembly of God Church in Stroud. Rev. Don Wilburn will officiate. Burial will follow at the Stroud Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home. Anderson was born June 4, 1917, to Charles S. Anderson and Matilda (Reynolds) Anderson on Bear Creek near Harrison in Boone County, Ark. His family moved to Oklahoma in 1918. They eventually moved to Depew and Stroud area, where he was reared and educated. He lived there for 78 years. He was united in marriage May 23, 1950, to the love of his life, Selma Quinn. They had seven children: Charles, Don, Doris, Joyce, Martha, Cecil and Ted. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church. He also served in the U.S. Army from May 1942 until December 1945. While in the Army, Anderson served with the 632 Tank Destroyer Battalion in the western Pacific. Anderson is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Bill Anderson, Ed Anderson and Baby Howard Anderson; and five sisters, Lizzie Hixon, Effie Anderson, Emma Robertson, Ella Underwood and Madge Lou Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Selma Anderson of the home; three daughters, Doris Halstead, Sicily, Italy; Joyce Flo and husband Kenneth, Dallas, Texas; Martha Fischer and husband Eric, Oklahoma City; four sons, Charles "Danny" Anderson, Milfay; Don Anderson, Milfay; Cecil Anderson, Milfay; Ted Anderson and wife Lisa, Oklahoma City; seven grandchildren, Celeste Dunigan, Chad Halstead, Sara Rife-Taylor, Joshua Fischer, Taylor Anderson, Brandon Anderson, Jordan Fischer; two great grandchildren, Aeron Rife-Taylor and Idashua Rife-Taylor; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Serving as casket bearers will be William Bickel, Ben Adams, Alva Underwood, Delmar Summers, Robert Pearman and Harold Sanders. Serving as honorary casket bearers will be Charles Hixon, Bill Anderson and Charles Anderson. Condolences to the Anderson family may be e-mailed to . ********************************************** Andrea Louise Lear Andrea Louise Lear, 60, of Perkins, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2001. A service of remembrance will be held Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Bethel Assembly of God Church in Alpine, Calif., with Pastor Walt Black officiating. There will be a reception immediately following the service at the church. Those wishing to sign a memorial book for the family may do so at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Stillwater today through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Lear was born in Calexico, Calif., May 1, 1941, to Jean and Elizabeth Lavigne. She attended Helix High School in La Mesa Calif., graduating in 1959. On April 18, 1964, she married Fredrick Lear and later divorced. She lived most of her life in La Mesa until moving to Perkins in 1996. She was predeceased by her father. Survivors include her mother of La Mesa; one son, Randall Lear and his wife Nicole of Temecula, Calif.; a sister, Jan Womack and her husband Bill of Stillwater; a brother, Gene Lavigne and his wife Anna of Alpine, Calif.; and granddaughters, Alissa and Brittany of Rockingham, N.C., a niece and three nephews. She was devoted to her family and was known for her unconditional love which she demonstrated to all who knew her. She was always there to mend a relationship, adopt a newcomer and embrace the present with her beautiful smile and quiet, sweet spirit. Her laughter and companionship will be missed by all who came to know her. Those of us left behind will miss her dearly. Our comfort comes in knowing that her struggles are over, and she has gone to be with her Lord in a better place, a place where sorrow and tears do not exist. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. Remember me with joy and laughter. That's how I'll remember you. ********************************************** Dorothy M. Tanksley Dorothy M. Tanksley, 81, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2001, in South Carolina. Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Grace Memorial Chapel with Rev. Toby Blackstar officiating. Interment will be at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery. She was born Jan. 3, 1920, in Ponca City to George Ellis and Bertha Faye (Vance) Garton. On Dec. 23, 1939, she married Samuel R. Tanksley in Newkirk. They lived in Red Rock, before moving to Ponca City in 1951. She moved to South Carolina in 1999. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband; two sons, John Dale Tanksley and Walter Ray Tanksley; one sister, Betty Ward and one granddaughter, Debora Sue Mullins. Survivors include one son, Sam E. Tanksley and his wife Louise of Moncks Corner, S. C.; one daughter, Shirley Mullins and her husband Jim of Cushing; one daughter-in-law, Connie Tanksley of Stillwater; two sisters, Marcella Horacek of Sapulpa and Merlene Myers and her husband Jack of Seattle, Wash.; one brother, George Garton and his wife Wanda of Ponca City; one sister-in-law, Zella Sullivan of Ponca City; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jeff Irons, Ben Way, Joe Tanksley, Sam Tanksley Jr. Brandon Romines and nephew, Van Garton. Honorary pallbearer will be Josh Tanksley. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4323 N.W. 63rd Street, Suite 110, Oklahoma City, OK 73116-1513 ********************************************** Oct. 25, 2001 ********************************************** Samuel Burch Former Perkins resident Samuel Marion Burch died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2001, at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the Burch home, 19390 E. Crane Avenue, Hilmar, Calif. He was born on Jan. 28, 1933. Private interment services will be at the North Hilmar Cemetery. Allen Mortuary is directing the arrangements. He grew up in the Perkins area and moved to Hilmar in 1962. He attended Oklahoma State University and was an honorary charter member of the FFA in Hilmar. He was transportation supervisor for Hilmer School District. In addition to his wife, Bernice, of Hilmar, he is survived by three sons, Larry of Turlock, Calif. and Ron and Mark, both of Hilmar; a daughter, Sandy Cantrell, also of Hilmar and a brother, Max of Redding, Calif.; and eight grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation in memory of Samuel Burch, 44 Montgomery Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94104. ********************************************** Verda Ruth Ledford Verda Ruth Ledford, 88, Midwest City, died Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001, at Pioneer Estates in Chandler. Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Norman. Services will be under the direction of the Palmer Funeral Home. Ledford was born Dec. 20, 1912, in Boswell to Francis and Minnie (Collins) Randell. She was married to Cecil Ledford July 23, 1932, in Mead. They lived in the Oklahoma City and Midwest City area prior to moving to Jennings in 1988. She was a member of the Midwest City Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband in 1991, and by three sons, William, Kenneth and Cecil Jr. Ledford is survived by one son, James Ledford, Diball, Texas; two daughters, Ruby Turner, Chandler; Ellen Zaker, Chandler; one brother, Burl Randell, Midwest City; 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. ********************************************** Oct. 26, 2001 ********************************************** ::Osage Gardens Cemetery--Skiatook OK Alice Marie Smyth Alice Marie (Howard) Smyth, 84, died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001, at Cushing Regional Hospital. Services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at Palmer Funeral Home Chapel in Cushing. Interment, with graveside services conducted by Brother Wayne Tibbitt, will be at Osage Gardens Cemetery in Skiatook. She was born in Avery March 17, 1917, to Perry C. and Ethel Mamie (Davis) Howard. She was married to Ed Widick who died in 1957. She married Charles (Chuck) Smyth Feb. 15, 1962. She grew up in the Parkland area and received her early education in Parkland School. She was a real estate broker in the Tulsa Skiatook area. She was a member of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn. In addition to her parents and both husbands, she was predeceased by four sisters, Hazel Porter, Irene Owlsley, Rosalyn Clayton and Charlotte McEntire and two brothers, Henry Farish Howard and Perry C. Howard. Survivors include two sisters, Bonnie Herrmann of Parkland and Doralee Porter of Guthrie; brothers, Elmo Howard of Parkland and Clyde Ernie Howard of Pleasant View, Colo., Jimmie Howard, Tryon and Fred Howard, Agra; and numerous nieces and nephews ********************************************** Oct. 29, 2001 ********************************************** Won't open ? ********************************************** Oct. 31, 2001 ********************************************** William 'Bill' Layes William "Bill" Layes, Sr. died Monday, Oct. 29, 2001, at his home in Perkins. Services, with Father Eugene Luke presiding, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Strode Chapel in Stillwater. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Strode Funeral Home is directing the arrangements. Layes was born in Scranton, Ark. Sept. 25, 1927, to Joe and Bertha (Besselman) Layes. He married Doris Bates Nov. 23, 1948, in Scranton. The couple lived in Fort Smith, Ark., where he worked at ESSO Service Station. In 1956 they moved to Stillwater where he worked as a mechanic for Ward Buick. In 1961 they moved to Perkins and in 1970 he went to work for the Quapaw Company as a mechanic. He later became a foreman at the rock quarry in Drumright. When he retired in 1991 the couple moved to Cove Lake where he volunteered for the Forest Service. He then worked for the Corps of Engineers out of the Arkansas office until June 12, 2001, when poor health forced him to resign. He enjoyed spending his time fishing, bowling and golfing. He was a Catholic and a member of Knights of Columbus and Lions Club. He was predeceased by his parents, three sisters and four brothers. In addition to his wife he is survived by four sons, Bill Layes Jr. of Ripley, George David Layes and his wife Marjie of Plainview, Texas, Mike Layes of Perkins and Roy Layes and his wife Jeannie of Stillwater; one daughter, Sandra Kay Stanton of Perkins; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Layes of Van Buren, Ark. and three sisters, Anna Marie Schmitz of St. Louis, Mo., Elizabeth Fritchie and Josephine Kastner both of Scranton. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Bill Fritchie, Ernie Mellon, Charles Downs, Lester Rose, J.W. Dugan and Clettus Gunter. Condolences may be e-mailed the family at . ********************************************** Ira Duckworth Ira L. Duckworth, 77, Cushing, died Monday, Oct. 29, 2001, at the Cushing Regional Hospital. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Cushing. Rev. Milo Steffen will officiate. Interment will follow at the Euchee Valley Memorial Park Cemetery. Duckworth was born in Cleveland to John F. and Isabel (Benson) Duckworth. He attended school in Cleveland and Pawnee. He was married to Nora Holleyman Oct. 19, 1945. They moved to Cushing shortly after. He managed the Warehouse Market until he went to work for Midland Refinery. He also worked and was retired from Escott Grocery. He was past owner of Family Q Spot Recreation Center. Duckworth owned L&N Liquor Store. He attended the First Christian Church in Cushing. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army and was stationed in Guam. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, carpentry and playing cards. Duckworth is survived by his wife of the home; two sons, Howard Duckworth and wife Mary, Houston, Texas, and Ken Duckworth and wife Shirley, Cushing; daughter, Sharon Duckworth Mellor, Cushing; brother, Abe Duckworth, Cleveland; sister, Lola Kerr, Douglas, Texas; grandchildren, April and Grant Duckworth, Houston, Texas, Ashley Mellor, Cushing; Seth Duckworth, Cushing; Kyle, Bobby, Wesley and Mitchell Greene, Cushing; and numerous nieces and nephews. Serving as pallbearers will be Harry Escott, Kyle Greene, Bobby Greene, Kirk Brown, Ronald Lamb and Randy Holden. ********************************************** Copied and formatted by Bill Cook, wcook14024@aol.com Payne County Archivist, 1/21/2001 **********************************************