Pontotoc Co., OK - Obits: The Ada Evening News ******************************************************* This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Rita Floyd USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ******************************************************* OBITUARIES PAID OBITS FOR 2004 -------------------------------------------------------- Friday, January 2, 2004 KERMIT TATE Kermit Tate, 77, of Norman, Oklahoma, died Wednesday, December 31, 2003, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Chapel Services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 3, 2004, at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Norman, Oklahoma with Reverend Keith Warren officiating. Pallbearers will be Greg Tate, Brandon Abla, Drew Williams, Donnie Gressett, Matt Williams, Todd Rankin. Services are under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman, Oklahoma. Mr. Tate was born May 31, 1926 in Allen, Oklahoma, to Elbert and Essie (Hazelwood) Tate. He graduated from Allen High School. He married Babara Bates on September 13, 1945 in Texas. They moved to Norman from Enid, Oklahoma in 1960. Mr. Tate was a retired Civil Engineer with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Allen, Oklahoma. He loved his family and church. Kermit was an avid golf player, enjoying golf equally from both sides of the ball. Mr. Tate was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Quentin Tate; infant grand-daughter, Angela Tate; and daughter-in-law, Karen Tate. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Barbara of the home; two sons, Ron E. Tate and wife, Linda, and Ken R. Tate and wife, Shannon, all of Oklahoma City, OK; six grandchildren, Kerri Williams and husband, Drew of Pittsburgh, PA; Greg Tate, Katie Tate, and Mandy Rankin and husband, Todd, all of Oklahoma City, OK; Matt Williams and wife, Lisa of Dallas, TX; and Annie Williams of Los Angeles, CA; four great-grandchildren, Jackson Williams, Rett Williams, both of Dallas, TX; A.J. Rankin and Ava Rankin, both of Oklahoma City, OK. Send condolences online at http://www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com/Obituaries.html. ============================================================================= Sunday, January 11, 2004 FRANCES ELIZABETH (CHAMBERS) RACKLEY Frances Elizabeth (Chambers) Rackley, 88, died on Thursday, January 8, 2004 at the Green Country Assisted Living Center in Bartlesville. Funeral services for Mrs. Rackley will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, January 12, 2004 in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church in Bartlesville, with Dr. Paul Bowles and Rev. Jennifer Long officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:30 P.M. Monday at the Prague City Cemetery where interment will be beside her husband, B.H. (Bill) Rackley Jr. Funeral services and interment will be under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville. Friends who wish may call for visitation at the Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville until 9 P.M. on Sunday as the casket will remain closed at the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Mutual Girls Club Building Expansion Fund, 321 SW Penn, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74003 or the church or charity of the donor's choice. A native of Ada, Oklahoma, Mrs. Rackley was born June 27, 1915 to Frank Wilson and Dollie Velma (Johnston) Chambers. She attended Willard Elementary School, Horace Mann High School and graduated from East Central (College) University, July 1937 with a degree in Home Economics and Music. Mrs. Rackley taught music in Rosedale Consolidated School for three years, and music at Hawthorne Elementary School in Purcell for four years. On January 6, 1942, she married B. H. Rackley, Jr. at St. Luke's Methodist Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1943 while her husband was overseas, she worked at Douglas Aircraft in Oklahoma City as an inspector in Final Assembly of C47's. When Mr. Rackley returned to the states in 1945, they moved to McCook, Nebraska. There she taught music in Kindergarten and had a Rhythm Band. After D-Day, Mr. Rackley received his Honorable Discharge from U.S.A.F., they then returned to Purcell, Oklahoma where Mrs. Rackley taught three years in Mrs. Brook's Foundation School for the Deaf. Later Frances and Bill lived in Chicago, Illinois where Mr. Rackley received his degree from Worsham's Mortuary College. In 1956 they moved to Wichita, Kansas. During this time Mrs. Rackley taught 22 years in Wineteer Elementary School, in Derby, Kansas retiring in 1980. In 1982, Bill and Frances moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma to be near her brother Richard and his wife, Imogene Chambers. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, 20th Century Sunday School Class and Lois Skavlin Circle, MU Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority. Mrs. Rackley was a member of The Order of the Eastern for over fifty years. She was past Worthy Matron of Order of Eastern Star, Purcell #77, Past Mother Advisor of Rainbow Girls, Purcell, Oklahoma at which time she was awarded the Grand Cross of Color. Past President of American Legion Auxiliary, Past President Derby Retired Teachers, Derby, Kansas and Past President N.C. Echo Bridge Club, Wichita, Kansas. She was an active member of the 55+ Activity Center, Bank of Oklahoma Senior Advantage Club, and the Dewey Adult Center. She was also an avid bridge and enjoyed working crossword puzzles up to the final days of her life. Mrs. Rackley has been a resident in the Green Country Village for the past 12 years, and they made a major contribution to her quality of life. She is survived by three sisters-in-law, Imogene K. Chambers of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Shirley Chambers of Richardson, Texas, and Fay Robson, Acworth, Georgia and a brother- in-law, Irving Gaither, Muskogee, Oklahoma; three nephews, Robert L. Chambers and wife Karen of Springdale, AR., Bruce L. Chambers and wife Eva Jo of Fayetteville, AR., and Frank W. Chambers, III and wife Kathy of Houston, Texas; four nieces Caroline Sue (Chambers) Sickel, Plano, Texas, Rachelle Vinson of Acworth, Georgia, Connie Camp, Moore, Oklahoma and Barbara Lenendecker of Ft. Collins, Colorado; two cousins, Richard Haynes and John Haynes of Dallas, Texas, several great nephews, and nieces, and also several great-great nephews and nieces, and great, great niece. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, a sister Rebecca E. Garther and brothers Richard Lee Chambers and Frank W. Chambers, Jr. Mrs. Rackley's family wishes to extend a special "Thanks" to the staff at the Green Country Assisted Living for their tremendous loving care and outstanding support, the past four months during her bout with cancer, and especially the last few days of her life. ============================================================================= Sunday, January 18, 2004 JAMES TRENCH James D. Trench passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2004 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. James was born September 27, 1923 in Lightning Ridge, OK to James T. and Lillian Trench. James began his career in Ada, OK where he worked for Thomas Concrete products and a few other companies. He retired from Thomas Concrete Products as a Boiler operator after 18 years of service. James is survived by two brothers, Leon Trench and Bob Trench and wife Linda; two sisters, Ruby Turner and husband Sam and Wanda Pryor; one step daughter, Paula McReynolds; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Billie Trench; and one step son, Richard Miner. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 17, 2004 in the Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel with interment following in Resthaven Memory Gardens. RESTHAVEN FUNERAL HOME S. W. 1O4TH & WALKER 691-1661 ============================================================================= Tuesday, February 10, 2004 BERTHA LAVONE MERICLE STOCKTON October 12, 1927-February 4, 2004 Bertha L. Mericle was born on October 12, 1927, in Turley, Okla., and passed away peacefully at home while in the presence of her family on February 4, 2004. Loving mother to four children: Patricia Anderson of Yuba City, Calif., Rick Bishop of Ada, Okla., Teresa Bailey, of Valley Springs, Calif., and Gregory Bishop of Stockton, Calif. Devoted Grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Bertha was the former wife of the late Harlen James Bishop. Loving sister to: Thelma Hurt of Ada, Okla., Mary Steel of Ada, Okla., Maxine Davis, Stockton, Calif., Arvazina Fradet, Stockton, Calif., and Cordie Walls of Oroville, Wash. Cherished aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. Bertha was born one of thirteen children to Johnson and Edith McGuffee. She was raised near Ada, Okla., and attended McLish Schools. Bertha lived in San Joaquin County for more than 50 years after moving from Oklahoma. She retired from Sharpe Army Depot where she was employed in the Procurement and Packaging Department. She also worked as a cook for Alpha Kappa Theta Sorority House located on the University of the Pacific Campus in Stockton, Calif. She was a member of the Valley Springs Community Methodist Church. Her hobbies were cooking and quilting. She treasured life and lived each day looking forward to bringing joy to all around her. She loved and collected angels and now they have collected her. Friends are invited to attend funeral services 1 p.m. Wednesday February 11, 2004, at Rocha’s Mortuary, 215 S. School Street, Lodi. Visitation: Tuesday February 10, 10:00 a.m. - 4:40 p.m. Committal: Lodi Memorial Cemetery, 5750 E. Pine Street, Lodi. Directly following the committal the family will be hosting a celebration of life at 1464 Longview, Stockton, Calif. ============================================================================= Sunday, February 22, 2004 LEMOINE CRABTREE 1920 - 2004 Family and friends gathered at 2:00, Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Ada, Oklahoma to say farewell to LeMoine Crabtree. The graveside service was officiated by Dr Alvin Turner, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at East Central University. In 1915 Thomas Ballard and Agnes Williams Craddock Blake came from Columbus, Mississippi to Ada and made their home initially at 501 South Townsend. They founded Ada Coca- Cola Bottling Company which is currently owned and operated by the third generation of the family. On March 8, 1920 in Ada, Oklahoma they welcomed a second daughter Madeleine LeMoine Blake. The baby was delivered by one of the first women doctors in the state, Catherine Brydia, M.D., "Doc Mom", in the doctor’s office above what was the original Katz’s Department Store on Main Street in Ada. LeMoine grew up in Ada in the home the family built at 905 South Broadway and she attended Ada public schools. The Blake family greatly valued the lifelong service of Henrietta Hightower. For four summers LeMoine traveled with her sister, Eva, on a train for three days to and from Camp Deerwood for an eight week adventure near Ashville, North Carolina. Every year more and more young ladies joined the Blake girls at camp. One special year a total of fourteen young ladies from Ada traveled to Deerwood. Among these lifelong friends were Tish Haney Armstrong, Emily Mathews Winemiller, and Susan Norris Cason. LeMoine was affectionately known to her childhood friends as "Lem". She continued her education at Hockaday Girl’s School accompanied by her gaited horse "Storm King" in Dallas, Texas. She followed her sister to Gulf Park College for Women in Gulf Port, Mississippi and years later a daughter and a niece followed the family tradition at GPC. Miss Blake polished her French language skills at Miss Simple’s School for Young Ladies in New York City, New York. As a child LeMoine developed a love for animals and enjoyed riding her grey mare "Bess" in parades through the streets of Ada. LeMoine traveled extensively with her sister and parents including touring nine countries in Europe before World War II. During the war she volunteered her services to the American Red Cross, Motor Corps. She married August 11, 1942 and raised four children. Beginning in 1955 she lived on her ranch in Union Valley where she dedicated her life to her family and her home. LeMoine was a breeder of fine American Quarter Horses. Her hobbies included preserving her family heritage and raising a variety of fine animals. She was a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Huguenot Society, and was a charter member of the Ada Coffee Club. She took pride in winning ribbons with her cakes, pickles, and breads at the Pontotoc County Fair. She will be missed by her faithful companion, Spot. Saturday, February 7, 2004 LeMoine died. She was eulogized by her dear friend Mara Sukholutskaya in the following way. "Talk about living in a global world has become very popular lately. But while for some people it is just a politically correct cliché, for LeMoine it was a way of living. She was truly a Global citizen of the Global world. LeMoine never distinguished people by their nationality, accent, ethnicity, skin color or religious background. The only defining feature for her was if a person was decent or not. And she managed to gather around herself a diverse but yet a very congenial group of friends. Look around and you will see people of different walks of life, cowboys and teachers, lawyers and businessmen. LeMoine had a place in her heart for everybody. When dignitaries from Russia happened to be in Ada and I wanted them to see the best of the United States I would take them to LeMoine’s ranch because for me she was and always will be the very essence of the United States: open-minded, generous and sincere. LeMoine did not know a word of Russian or Ukrainian, but she communicated easily with people from around the world, proving one more time that the major things in life like Integrity, Humanity, and Decency are universally evident and do not need translation. LeMoine was very proud of her royal ancestry. Yet she did not have to present papers to prove that royal blood ran through her veins. Every word she said and every movement she made were full of natural dignity, refinement and elegance. Dr. Vitaliy Kostomarov, a scholar of world renown wrote in LeMoine’s guest book in April 2002 "As long as homes like this exist, mankind can look with optimism into the future". I hope that the children and grand children of LeMoine will preserve and continue the legacy of this remarkable lady and my dear friend." LeMoine’s survivors include her four children, Thomas Blake Crabtree, and his children, Blake Crabtree, Erin Brown and Emily Fires all of Ada; Frances Rae Crabtree, Union Valley; Frank Ray Crabtree, Jr., and his children, Adam Crabtree, Luke Crabtree, and Sarah Crabtree all of Ada; and Agnes B. Crabtree Lane, and her children, Clinton Lane and Alexander Lane all of Ahloso; one sister, Eva Harris Blake Otjen, Tomball, Texas, and her children, LeMoine’s name sake, LeMoine Otjen Dowd, Longmont, Colorado, Agnes June Otjen, Laurel, Montana, and William John Otjen, III, The Woodlands, Texas; and five great grandchildren. It was LeMoine’s wish that donations in her memory be made to: a rural Fire Department of your choice, East Central University, the LeMoine Blake Crabtree Scholarship for Outstanding Students in Russian Studies, P. O. Box Y-8, Ada, OK 74820 or Pontotoc Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.), 1200 Sandy Creek Drive, Ada, OK 74820 ============================================================================= Wednesday, March 17, 2004 MONTIE HOWARD FRASER Graveside services for Mr. Montie Howard Fraser of West Monroe, Louisiana, will be held March 22, 11:00 a.m. at Likowski Cemetery near Weleetka, Oklahoma, under the direction of Williamson Funeral Home. Montie died March 12, 2004, at Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton "Jack" and Bonnie Fraser, and four brothers, Charles, Jimmy, Del Wayne, and Victor Fraser. He is survived by his devoted wife, Beverly Fraser; his son, Garland Fraser; his daughter, Cynthia Fraser; two step-daughters, Daphne Terral and Kim Cloe; two step sons- in-law, Scott Terral and Todd Cloe; and grandchildren, Patrick Fraser, Griffin Fraser, Elliott Terral, Gracie Cloe, and Landon Cloe. Mr. Fraser was born in Holdenville, Oklahoma, September 16, 1933. He attended Wewoka High School and the University of Oklahoma. He served in the United States Army and defended his country in the Korean War. Montie accumulated 41 years of employment with the federal government, with 33 of those years assigned to the Environmental Protection Agency. His work site was Robert S. Kerr Lab in Ada, Oklahoma. He retired from that facility in 1995. Montie was a Mason, a member of the West Monroe Lions Club and a member of Highland Baptist Church in West Monroe. Some of his leisure pursuits included square dancing, fishing, gardening, and spectator sports. He will be remembered by many for his kind, generous spirit, and for his simple, non- pretentious life style. His family will be forever blessed by his legacy of caring, and his shining example of support, forgiveness, and harmony. There will not be a day that he is not sorely missed. Truly, the streets of heaven became a little more crowded as Montie heard the words "Enter unto my kingdom, thy good and faithful servant." As he awakened in the presence of the Lord and his loved ones, no doubt there was joy unspeakable. Pall bearers will be Frank Beck, Dick Scalf, Roger Cosby, Tim Hensley, Tommy Welcher and Jerry Roper. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or to the charity of ones choice. Williamson Funeral Home Weleetka, Oklahoma ============================================================================= Thursday, March 25, 2004 JOHN ‘JOE’ OLIVER BUSH John "Joe" Oliver Bush, Jr. was born 1 September 1904, in Denison, Texas, to John Oliver and Mary Cordelia Tatro Bush where his father built and operated the first commercial swimming pool in Texas. A third generation Texan, he graduated from Denison High School in 1920 and Tyler Commercial College in 1922. During his early years he was a bank teller in Tishomingo and McAlester, OK. In McAlester he met and later married Mattiebelle Williams, July 9, 1927 in Wewoka, Oklahoma, where he worked as a bank officer. They were married 74 years when she died in 1999. After managing the Aldridge Hotel chain in Oklahoma and working as an accountant for Phillips Petroleum in Borger, TX, he came to McBride's Bone and Joint Orthopedic Hospital in Oklahoma City in 1937 as its first administrator. A founding member and president of the Oklahoma Hospital Association, he helped organize Oklahoma Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma. Joe was the first hospital administrator of Valley View Hospital in Ada, Oklahoma. He also managed hospitals in Lubbock, Bonham and Big Lake, Texas. In 1963 he became the administrator of the Kingsburg, CA, hospital. For several years during the 1950’s he owned and operated his own business, Ada Frozen Foods, in Ada. When he retired from the Kingsburg hospital in 1971, he and his wife moved to Highland Village, TX. He was bookkeeper for K&W Auto Supply in Lewisville until he retired the final time at age 95 to care for his ailing wife. Joe Bush was a District Boy Scout Commissioner, Rotary President. Ordained a deacon at First Baptist Church Ada, Oklahoma, in 1955, he was an active deacon in First Baptist Church, Lewisville. He was preceded in death by his wife Mattiebelle, son, John Robert (Bob), and son-in-law, J. L. Martin. He is survived by his daughter and son in law, Jo Anne and Jim McGibboney, son and daughter in law Thomas O. Bush and Mary Jo, daughter and son in law Mary Jane and Jay Armstrong, twelve grandchildren, two step grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, five step great grandchildren, six great, great grandchildren and one step great, great grand child. A memorial service was held at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 23, 2004 in the First Baptist Church, Lewisville. Dr. Stephen Hatfield officiated. Interment occurred in Old Hall Cemetery. The family of Joe Bush, Jr. requests that memorial contributions be made in Joe’s name to the First Baptist Church of Lewisville, 1251 W. Valley Ridge Blvd. Lewisville, Texas 75077. ============================================================================= Monday, May 10, 2004 Ada Evening News, Page 3 Eunice Eleanor Hill Thomason KATY, Texas - Graveside Services for Eunice Eleanor Thomason, 103, formally of Ada, are 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at Memorial Park Cemetery with Mr. Floyd Kaiser officiating. Eunice Eleanor Thomason was born September 21, 1900 at Wheatland, Indian Territory (later Oklahoma). She had one brother, John Howell Hill, and five sisters: Otis Hill, Ada Mary Hill, Lena Vetus Hill Cherry, Dovie Frances Hill, and Madge Elizabeth Hill Wallace. All have preceded her except Madge. She attended Wainwright High School, graduating as Valedictorian in 1919, then went to Talequah State Teachers College. After that she was hired to teach at Boyton, Ok. She also attended Oklahoma University. She taught at Morris, OK and Rocky Hill, OK. She married Claude Francis Thomason in 1924 and lived in Okmulgee, OK. where Eunice devoted full time to housewife and mother duties. They had two sons, Howard Clinton born in 1926 and Jimmy Warren born in 1928, and a daughter born in 1930 who died at birth. In 1931, they moved to Holdenville, OK where another daughter, Norma Jean was born in 1933. Claude drove a bus for Union Transportation, and when the route was changed from the Holdenville to Tulsa and back, he and Eunice moved to Ada, OK in 1946. Claude purchased the feeder bus route out of Ada and was Owner/Driver for his Ada Transportation Co. Eunice worked for many years at Dillon¹s Department Store in Ada. Claude passed away June 21, 1965, and Eunice for a short time moved out and rented the house they had built together in Ada. She then moved back into their house and lived by herself until 1996, when she moved to Katy, TX, to live with her daughter. Eunice is survived by her two sons: Howard in Sun City, AZ and Jimmy in Abilene, TX, and a daughter Norma Huddleston of Katy, TX, 9 Grandchildren and 13 Great-Grandchildren. She had a full and happy life, seeing many historical deeds occur in her lifetime spanning over a century. Things we take for granted, like the airplane, automobile, telephone and paved roads came into use after she was born. William McKinley was President when she was born. Oklahoma would become a state when she was six years old. She pursued crafts and activities all her life; quilting, ceramic, crocheting, and others. She enjoyed people and truly never met a stranger. A strong Christian, she never missed a service unless truly ill. Her life was an example to all around her, young and old, and it was a privilege to know her. She will be missed, but never forgotten. Smith-Phillips Funeral Home ============================================================================= Monday, June 21, 2004 JANIA SIMMONS A memorial service for Jania Lynn Simmons, 52, will be held Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 5 p.m. at her home, 528 W. 19th, Ada. Jania Lynn Simmons went to be with her Lord Saturday, June 5, 2004. She was preceded in death by her father, Francis Richard Howaniec, Jr. and a grandson, Andrew Jordan, both of California. She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Steve Wayne Simmons, of Ada; a son, Donovan Jordan and daughter-in-law, Lorena; granddaughter, Erika of Whittier, California; loving mother, Donna Lee Meyer, Allen; sisters, Sandra Roth, Andrea Shipp and Yvonne Bell, all of Ada; a brother, Richard Howaniec and wife Barbara, Allen; her mother-in-law, Billie Gay Robertson; nine nieces and nephews and six great nieces and nephews; too many cousins and friends to count. She will be loved and missed by many. ============================================================================= Friday, July 23, 2004 WALTER GRINDSTAFF Walter David "Wawa" passed away quietly at home in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, July 20, 2004. He was born to Charley and Sarah Grindstaff, December 21, 1906 in Center Oklahoma Indian Territory. He was raised on the family farm until he was 10 years old. The family moved to Ada, Oklahoma, where he finished his schooling. Learning the value of land from his father, he knew he wanted to be involved in land. By age 22 he was in the real estate and insurance business. He also had investments in two lumberyards. In 1937 he moved to Oklahoma City to become president of the Mutual Federal Savings and Loan. He retired 34 years later and served 13 years longer as the Chairman of the Board. He still was developing property until his death. He was a deacon in the Baptist church for 30 years and for many years was on the Baptist Foundation Board holding several offices. Walter was a very loving, giving person. Throughout his long, energetic life he drew strength and happiness from his church, large family, and his hometown (Ada) roots and his love of gardening. He was a man that many looked to for sage advice or just a warm hug. "We will miss you, Wawa." He is survived by his wife Marie Grindstaff; one daughter, Martha Roberts and husband Jack of Yukon; daughter-in-law, Nancy Grindstaff; step-daughter, Sue Smith; granddaughters, Sally Black and husband Klee of Oklahoma City; Carolyn Williams and husband Bruce of Albuquerque; Mary Poole and husband Rodney of Oklahoma City; and grandson, Robert Grindstaff and wife Cynthia of Saline, Michigan. Great- grandchildren, Ashley Black, Mallory Black, Matthew Poole, Zachary Poole of Oklahoma City, and Megan Grindstaff of Saline, Michigan; Amber Guerra and husband Fernando of Denver, Colorado; and Brittany Sparks and husband Dustin of Albuquerque. Walter was preceded in death by his first wife Nina, son Bob, his parents, 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church 2424 NW 50th, OKC 73112 or hospice of your choice. The family would like to thank Mercy Hospice nurses, Senior Care Givers and a special care giver Paullet Robertson. Services under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 23, 2004 at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church with interment to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. ============================================================================= Thursday, August 5, 2004 WILLIAM FARRIS William Loyd "Red" Farris was born April 21, 1920, in Murray County near Hennepin, Oklahoma. He grew up in the Taloga and Sciling area in Dewey County. Service in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 included time as a remount trooper and duty in the China, Burma and India Theater. The Military was a transition period from his first career as a race horse jockey to his lifelong occupation as a trainer of thoroughbred race horses and ranching. During his career as a trainer that reached into seven decades, "Red" and his surviving wife of 61 years raced in may states in the Midwest, Northeast and South - returning home each fall with many photos in the winners circle. He was proud of being a HBPA member at every race track. Besides his wife Barbara Lucille Battles, "Red" is survived by a daughter and a son: Shirley Dixson and her husband Jerry Dixson of Asher and Keith Farris and his wife Jackie Farris of Ada; four grandchildren: Dewayne and Darin Dixson of Asher; Ryan Farris of Norman, and Jaime Farris of Dallas; and nine great- grandchildren. ============================================================================= Tuesday, October 5, 2004 HOPE JENKINS Jan. 26, 1922 - Sept. 30, 2004 Mrs. Hope Doloras Jenkins passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 30, 2004, following a long illness. She was born January 26, 1922, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Henry Eugene and Margaret Tuggle-Reed. She was the last survivor of her siblings, being the 8th child of twelve. She graduated from Byng High School before marrying her husband of 62 and a half years, Lee Roy Jenkins on October 7, 1939. Mrs. Jenkins worked and lived in San Francisco with her 3 oldest sons while her husband, Lee Roy Jenkins , was serving in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific. They returned to Ada, Oklahoma, after the war where she was a homemaker and bookkeeper for her husband’s business, Jenkins Portable Welding Service. They lived at Homer until 1963. She moved to California in 1963 at the age of 41 with her husband, Lee Roy Jenkins, and her children. She was the owner of Jenkins Bookkeeping and Tax Service for 35 years and retired in 2001 at the age of 79. She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, and gardening. Her greatest joy was welcoming everyone into her home for fabulous meals filled with heartfelt love for all. Her favorite thing was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Jenkins is survived by three of her five loving children: her son, William Boyd Jenkins and wife Dona Jenkins of Stockton; daughter Doloras Anne Lemke of Lodi; and son Melvin Lee Jenkins of Carson City, NV; Beloved "Big Grandma" to 12 surviving Grandchildren, 28 great-great- grandchildren and 1 Great- Great Grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Lee Roy Jenkins, twin sons: Roy Eugene and James Henry Jenkins, and one grandson, James Henry Jenkins Jr. Mrs. Jenkins was a member of the American Business Women’s Association and the Nazarene Church, and an advocate to the Stockton Child Abuse Consul and Battered Women of San Joaquin. Committal will be beside her husband and twin sons at Stockton Rural Cemetery. A chapel service will be held on Tuesday October 5, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California Street, Stockton, Ca. Visitation Information: Sunday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Tuesday 9:00-1:00 p.m. at the mortuary. Committal: Stockton Rural Cemetery, 2350 Cemetery Lane. ============================================================================= Wednesday, December 8, 2004 Claudette Ray Claudette Sandra Ray, 71, died Monday, December 6, in Shepherd Manor, Oklahoma City. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the Watchhorn Chapel at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, with Rev. Charlotte Teel officiating. Claudette was born May 5, 1933 in San Francisco, California to Claude and Lorena McConnell. She was one of three children, and graduated from Geneseo Township High School in Geneseo, Illinois, was an award-winning baton twirler and teacher of baton for many years. In 1952 she married David A. Moore and together they had four children. Claudette attended Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Arkansas. In 1977 she earned her bachelors degree from Delta State University, and a masters degree in clinical psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1979. She was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Honor Society. For 15 years, Claudette was employed as a psychological assistant by the Oklahoma State Department of Health in Ada, and became the Clinical Director of the Guidance Division She then became a licensed professional counselor, and conductor of workshops and seminars for professional development in the field. Claudette was especially passionate about children and brought this passion to her professional life. She was a member of the District, Regional, and State Boards of the Oklahoma Commission for Children and Youth, the Regional Board for Children with Special Needs, and participated in compiling and writing the State Plan for Children and Youth 1993-2000. Claudette also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Battered Women's Shelter in Ada. Prior to her retirement, Claudette was a part-time Professor at East Central University. In 1989 she was named Oklahoma Psychologist of the Year, and in 1996 earned the distinction of becoming the first female member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Ada Lodge No. 1640. She was a member and elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Ada. Claudette was a loving mother, friend and confidante, not only to her family but to all with whom she came in contact. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, walking, shooting pool, painting, sculpting, Bible study, and was an accomplished pianist. Claudette had a quick and witty sense of humor, and her vibrancy and presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Claudette was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Lorena McConnell, her sister, Beverly Taylor, and her second husband, Walter Lloyd “Pat” Ray. She is survived by her first husband, David A. Moore; her sister: Lorena Elizabeth Gould; her children, David A. Moore, Jr., Gregory Paul Moore, Stacy Elizabeth Klepper, and Eric Noel Moore; grandchildren Anna Marie Moore, James Keaton Klepper, Ryleigh Elizabeth Klepper, Brian Christopher Moore, Matthew David Moore, Mason David Dean, Kennedy Noel Dean, and Konnar Dalin Dean; and one great-grandchild Nicole Jeanette Moore. --Paid Obituary-- ============================================================================= Tuesday, December 14, 2004 RONALD COWAN Ronald Milton Cowan was born October 12, 1943 in Tyler, Texas to Mickey and Josephine Cowan. He had two brothers, Larry Cowan of Gilmer, Texas, and Steve Cowan of Daingerfield, Texas. He was married to Sharon Y. Cowan and had two sons, Brent and Collin. Survivors include his wife, Sharon, sons and daughters-in-law Brent and Betsy Cowan and Collin and Kelly Cowan. Five grandchildren blessed his life: Randee Harris, Jesse Cowan, Kylie Harris, Claire Cowan and Connelly Cowan. There are many family and friends, whom he held dear. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church, Daingerfield, Texas on Tuesday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. Ron’s life was dedicated to education, people and service. His body was donated to the medical schools of Oklahoma for research in kidney disease and the education of health care professionals. Please do not send flowers. Memorial gifts may be given to Northeast Texas Community College Scholarship Fund, the Kidney Research Foundation, East Central University Foundation Scholarship Fund, Christian Life Service Center, or any other organization whose mission is to help others. =============================================================================