1995~2017

Clayton Alan Smith, age 22, of Canton, OK passed from this life on December 9, 2017. Clay was born March 19, 1995 in Enid, OK to Alan and Debbie Smith. Clay attended Canton Schools and graduated in 2013. He enjoyed playing football and basketball at Canton. Clay was set to graduate from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a major in Parks and Recreation and a minor in Business Administration. Clay was his momma's baby boy, his Dad's pride and joy, his sister's best friend, and his niece Ellah's everything. He loved his nephew, Jaxson, who looks just like him. Clay was a loving, caring, outgoing, and energetic young man. Clay enjoyed backroading with his friends, fishing and camping. Those who knew Clay knew that he was rarely seen without a smile, and was always there for anyone who needed him. Among the many friends he had, Clay was hardly ever seen without at least one of his closest friends, Nicolas Nunez, Rickey Don Chandler, and Cory Hernandez. Clay was also fortunate enough to have Rick Chandler in his life, Rick considered Clay a second son. Clay is survived by his mom, Debbie Smith and dad, Alan Smith both of Canton; two sisters, Erika Plascencia and Stephanie Baxley; one niece, Ellah Plascencia; one nephew, Jaxson Plascencia; aunts Maggie Rhodes, Becky Thompson and Betty Jo Rhodes; uncles Bill Loss, Bob Rhodes and wife Ruth, Ray Rhodes and Marty Rhodes; one grandmother Nancy Smith of Woodward, OK; brother in laws, Benjamin Plascencia and Nicolas Nunez; Clay is preceded in death by his grandmother Lola Rhodes and grandfather Guy Rhodes of Canton, OK and grandpa Lee Smith of Freedom, OK; cousin Garret Nevels, cousin Susan Proffit, and aunt Dorothy Loss. He will be greatly missed by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him very much. Funeral services for Clay Smith are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the Canton School's Multi-purpose Building with Coach Rob Davis officiating. Interment will follow at the Canton Cemetery under the direction of Pierce Funeral Home Canton, Oklahoma. Condolences may be made online at www.piercefuneralhomes.com.

1934~2017

Darrell Dee Stinson was born on May 11, 1934, at the Davie Place in Fay, Oklahoma to John and Florence (Addis) Stinson. He departed this life on Sunday, December 10, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Darrell attended first grade at Golden Country School, north of Chester. He also attended school at Taloga, Oakwood, and Fay, graduating with the class of 1952. After graduation, he attended Oklahoma A&M and graduated in 1957, which was the last class to graduate from A&M. After graduating college, Darrell served in the U.S. Army. He then was a livestock inspector for the state of Oklahoma for 9 years. Following that, he farmed and raised cattle at Fay. Darrell was on the Dewey County election board for 3 terms and was on the Thomas-Fay-Custer school board for 21 years. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Darrell married Coleta Morgan Weidenmaier on August 3, 1968, in Carnegie, OK. He immediately gained 3 daughters when he married Coleta, Lindsay, Sandra and Susan. Debra joined the family in 1970. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Coleta; mother-in-law, Jessie Morgan; one brother, Larry Stinson; Survivors include four daughters: Lindsay Wilson and husband, Eddie of Tulsa, OK; Sandra Shafer and husband, Allen of Spring, TX; Susan Sells and husband, Tim of Wichita, KS;and Debra Ott and husband, John of Ames, OK; grandchildren Joby Wilson and wife, Allison; Jenifer Duden, Stefanie Denton and husband, Jerry; Alex Shafer and wife, Megan; Dexter Shafer and wife, Kayla; Addie Shafer, Jordan Sells, Tate Ott, Kelby Ott, and Hadley Ott; great-grandchildren Alex Darling, Tabitha Darling, Morgan Denton, Kaden Shafer, Bryleigh Shafer, and Aubrey Shafer; one sister, Mavis Hart; sister-in-laws Regina Stinson and Mary Morgan; numerous nieces, nephews,and cousins. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 18, 2017 at the Fay Auditorium with Minister David Beck and Bill Crenshaw officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery under the direction of Pierce Funeral Home, Canton, OK. Visitation with the family present was held from 6 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Ames Fire Dept. or the Fay Auditorium with the funeral home serving as custodian at P.O. Box 36, Canton, OK 73724. Condolences may be made online at www.piercefuneralhomes.com.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sue Grafton, author of the best-selling "alphabet series" of mystery novels, has died in Santa Barbara. She was 77. Grafton was surrounded by family, including husband Steven Humphrey, when she died Thursday after a twoyear battle with cancer, her daughter, Jamie Clark, posted on the author's website. "Although we knew this was coming, it was unexpected and fast. She had been fine up until just a few days ago, and then things moved quickly," the posting said. Grafton began her "alphabet series" in 1982 with "A is for Alibi." Her most recent book, "Y is for Yesterday," was published in August. "Many of you also know that she was adamant that her books would never be turned into movies or TV shows, and in that same vein, she would never allow a ghost writer to write in her name," her daughter wrote. "Because of all of those things, and out of the deep abiding love and respect for our dear sweet Sue, as far as we in the family are concerned, the alphabet now ends at Y." Humphrey said Grafton had been struggling to find an idea for "Z'' while undergoing treatment for rare and usually fatal cancer of the appendix, which was discovered in a routine colonoscopy. "Nothing's been written," he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "There is no Z." He added with a laugh, "Nobody in this family will ever use the letter Z again." The fictional heroine of the series, Southern California private detective Kinsey Millhone, was Grafton's alter ego, she told The Seattle Times earlier this year. "I'm an introvert, so doing half of what Kinsey is beyond my poor capabilities," Grafton said. "But it's fun to get to live her life without penalty." Her husband agreed that Grafton was Kinsey. "Yes, as Sue said, 'We're one spirit in two bodies, and she got the good one,'" Humphrey said. While Grafton aged, her heroine didn't quite as much. "So when I started, she was 32, and I was 42. Now, she is 39, and I am 77. So there's a little bit of injustice there, but she is single," she told NPR in an interview earlier this year. "She's been married twice. She has no kids, no pets, no house plants." She said she was looking forward to reaching the end of the alphabet with "Z is for Zero." Lisa Scottoline, author of legal thrillers, tweeted that she was sad to hear of Grafton's passing. "She forged a path for women in crime fiction, and all of us followed and adored her," she said. Crime writer Lawrence Block called Grafton a wonderful writer "graced with vision and integrity and a generous spirit.""That never-to-be-written Z book is the least of what we've just lost," Block tweeted. Grafton began writing at 18, and completed her first novel at 22. "A is for Alibi" was the eighth novel she wrote, and the third she had published. On her blog, she said her ideas come from everywhere. "I read newspapers, textbooks on crime. I talk to private investigators, police officers, jail administrators, doctors, lawyers, career criminals. Ideas are everywhere," she said. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Grafton stayed tied to her roots, dividing her time between a home there and in California. "The world has lost a great talent and prolific author in Sue Grafton — and in Louisville we have lost a citizen, friend, neighbor, a master gardener and hometown hero," Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer tweeted. "Her legacy will live on through her words, which will entertain and thrill readers for generations to come." In addition to her husband and daughter Jamie Clark, she is survived by another daughter, Leslie Twine, and her son, Jay Schmidt. Grafton's remains will be cremated and the family will hold a private memorial Sunday. Memorials also will be held in Louisville and New York City.

Legendary astronaut John Young, who walked on the moon and later commanded the first space shuttle flight, has died, NASA said Saturday. Young was 87. The space agency said Young died Friday night at home in Houston following complications from pneumonia. N ASA called Young one of its pioneers - the only agency astronaut to go into space as part of the Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle programs, and the first to fly into space six times. He was the ninth man to walk on the moon. "Astronaut John Young's storied career spanned three generations of spaceflight," acting NASA administrator Robert Lightfoot said in an emailed statement. "John was one of that group of early space pioneers whose bravery and commitment sparked our nation's first great achievements in space." Young was the only spaceman to span NASA's Gemini, Apollo and shuttle programs, and became the first person to rocket away from Earth six times. Counting his takeoff from the moon in 1972 as commander of Apollo 16, his blastoff tally stood at seven, for decades a world record. He flew twice during the two-man Gemini missions of the mid-1960s, twice to the moon during NASA's Apollo program, and twice more aboard the new space shuttle Columbia in the early 1980s. His NASA career lasted 42 years, longer than any other astronaut's, and he was revered among his peers for his dogged dedication to keeping crews safe — and his outspokenness in challenging the space agency's status quo. Chastened by the 1967 Apollo launch pad fire that killed three astronauts, Young spoke up after the 1986 shuttle Challenger launch accident. His hard scrutiny continued well past shuttle Columbia's disintegration during re-entry in 2003. Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins, who orbited the moon in 1969 as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked its surface, considered Young "the memo-writing champion of the astronaut office." Young kept working at Johnson Space Center in Houston "long after his compatriots had been put out to pasture or discovered other green fields," Collins wrote in the foreword of "Forever Young." Young was in NASA's second astronaut class, chosen in 1962, along with the likes of Neil Armstrong, Pete Conrad and James Lovell. Young was the first of his group to fly in space: He and Mercury astronaut Gus Grissom made the first manned Gemini mission in 1965. Unknown to NASA, Young smuggled a corned beef sandwich on board, given to him by Mercury astronaut Wally Schirra. When it came time to test NASA's official space food, Young handed Grissom the sandwich as a joke. The ensuing scandal over that corned beef on rye — two silly minutes of an otherwise triumphant five-hour flight — always amazed Young. Sandwiches already had flown in space, Young said in his book, but NASA brass and Congress considered this one a multimilliondollar embarrassment and outlawed corned beef sandwiches in space forever after. Two years later, with Gemini over and Apollo looming, Young asked Grissom why he didn't say something about the bad wiring in the new Apollo 1 spacecraft. Grissom feared doing so would get him fired, Young said. A few weeks later, on Jan. 27, 1967, those wires contributed to the fire that killed Grissom, Edward White II and Roger Chaffee in a countdown practice on their Cape Canaveral launch pad. It was the safety measures put in place after the fire that got 12 men, Young included, safely to the surface of the moon and back. "I can assure you if we had not had that fire and rebuilt the command module ... we could not have done the Apollo program successfully," Young said in 2007. "So we owe a lot to Gus, and Rog and Ed. They made it possible for the rest of us to do the almost impossible." Young orbited the moon on Apollo 10 in May 1969 in preparation for the Apollo 11 moon landing that was to follow in a couple months. He commanded Apollo 16 three years later, the next-to-last manned lunar voyage, and walked on the moon. He hung on for the space shuttle, commanding Columbia's successful maiden voyage in 1981 with copilot Robert Crippen by his side. It was a risky endeavor: Never before had NASA launched people on a rocket ship that had not first been tested in space. Young pumped his fists in jubilation after emerging from Columbia on the California runway, following the two-day flight. Young made his final trek into orbit aboard Columbia two years later, again as its skipper. Young spent his last 17 years at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston in management, focusing on safety issues. He retired at the end of 2004, seven months shy of NASA's return to space following the Columbia accident. Young was born Sept. 24, 1930 and grew up in Orlando, Florida. He became interested early on in aviation, making model planes. He spent his last high school summer working on a surveying team. The job took him to Titusville due east of Orlando; he never imagined that one day he would be sitting on rockets across the Indian River, blasting off for the moon. He earned an aeronautical engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1952 and went on to join the Navy and serve in Korea as a gunnery officer. He eventually became a Navy fighter pilot and test pilot. Young received more than 100 major accolades in his lifetime, including the prestigious Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1981. Even after leaving NASA, he worked to keep the space flame alive, noting in his official NASA biography that he was continuing to advocate the development of technologies "that will allow us to live and work on the moon and Mars."

1931~2018

Ruby Fae McGowan was born Ruby Fae Webb in Greenfield, Oklahoma on June 29,1931. She died in Moore, Oklahoma on January 6, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents Russell and Ella Webb, her brother Floyd Francis, and her husband Art McGowan. She is survived by her three children: Pat McGowan of Watonga and Deanne...Karen Winter and husband John of Watonga, and Teresa Berry and husband Tony Rogers of Moore, Oklahoma. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Wil Smith of Watonga, OK; Lee Smith of Moore, OK; Amanda McGowan of Grand Junction, CO; Chyne Berry of Moore, OK; Kel Philips of Moore, OK; Cody Berry of Moore, OK; Ali Berry of Moore, OK. In addition, she lived to see 10 great grandchildren. In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be sent to: Valir Hospice, 800 NW 6th St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73106

Gregory Kent Walker, of El Reno, OK, departed this life with his family by his side at the Anadarko Physicians Hospital on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at the age of 48. Greg was born January 13, 1969 at Clinton, OK to Rodman and Victoria (Green) Walker. Greg is survived by his mother, Victoria Walker of El Reno, OK; two daughters, Kaycee Walker and Carley Meat, both of El Reno, OK; one brother, George Walker, Sr.; two sisters, Shawna Rodriguez of Stillwater, OK and Jennifer Green of El Reno, OK; four grandchildren, Dakota Levi, Jade Twins, Justice Twins and James Twins, Jr. Traditional wake services was held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 7, 2018 at the Canton Community Center. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2018 at the Fairview Mennonite Brethren Church with Rev. Gerald Panana officiating. Interment was followed in Canton Cemetery under the direction of Pierce Funeral Home, Canton. Condolences may be made online at www.piercefuneralhomes.com

1984~2018

“CJ” Carl Joeseph Matli passed away January 21, 2018 at the age of 34. CJ attended Watonga public schools. After graduating he attended Ozark Christian College. CJ enjoyed all sports but was an avid OU Fan. He was a member of the Nazarene Church and deeply involved with his Church and Church family. He was preceeded in death by his grandparents Carl and Beth Matli and Paula Canaday. He is survived by his sons Bruce and Derek Matli, Missouri and parents Tracy and Christy Matli, Watonga. and Teresa Stanford of Kansas. Sister Mellodie Humbert and husband Alan, Watonga and siblings Michelle Golden (Richardson) and husband Duane and Travis Richardson and wife Amanda, Collinsville, Ok. His Aunts Gena Finch, Geary Ok, and Aunt Delta Canaday, Union City, Uncle Gary Matli and wife Marsha, Watonga. Nieces Emma Humbert, Macie Golden, Jaida Richardson, nephews Eric Humbert, Cable Golden, and Chance Richardson, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Service will be Saturday Jan. 27, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, Watonga, OK.

Wyvona Hicks, 79 of Follett, TX passed away January 18, 2018 at the Fairview Fellowship Home after a brief illness. Wyvona Jean (Reger) Hicks was born November 11, 1938 in Shattuck, OK. She was the daughter of Samuel Earls Reger and Audrey Marie (Harrell) Reger of Follett, TX. Wyvona was preceded in death by her parents, son Michael Alan Hicks, and sister Betty Bowers. She is survived by her daughter Bonnie and husband Rex Kraft of Watonga, OK; grandchildren Lisa Bartlett and husband Walt of Norman, OK, Erica Kraft of Oklahoma City, OK, Richard Kraft of Kingfisher, OK; great-grandchildren Darius Hayes and Arik Akers of Oklahoma City, OK and Troy Bartlett of Norman, OK; brother-in-law Donovan Bowers of Stillwater, OK; nephew Troy Bowers and wife Shanda of Jones, OK; niece Traci Thorpe and husband John of Ponca City, OK; and great-nieces and nephews. Wyvona graduated from Follett High School in 1957 and briefly attended West Texas State University; she thenworked at a restaurant and as a telephone operator for GTE in Perryton, TX. Wyvona married David Hicks Jr. in December 1959 in Perryton, TX and soon welcomed their daughter Bonnie and two years later their son Michael. David was employed in the oilfield and they lived in several communities in Oklahoma and Texas before settling in Follett and later divorcing. She and her children then moved to the family farm which she dearly loved; and continued to live there until her health required her to have special care. Wyvona attended Amarillo Beauty College in 1967-68 earning her cosmetology license. She also worked at Newman Memorial Hospital in Shattuck, OK in the dietary department obtaining her Food Service Supervisor’s certificate, but finished her career with the hospital in the Housekeeping Department. Wyvona’s hobbies included embroidery, crocheting, reading and enjoying country music. She loved people and never met a stranger. She loved to visit with anyone and many hours were spent talking with friends and relatives in person and on the phone. Memorials may be made to the Fairmont Cemetery in care of Shaw Funeral Home ( P.O. Box 276, Vici, OK 73859). Services were held Tuesday January 23, 2018 at 1:30 pm at the First Baptist Church, Follett, TX with burial following at the Fairmont Cemetery in Follett. Condolences may be made to the family at shawfuneralhome.net. Shaw Funeral Home of Shattuck

Michael Gale “Mike” Greene was born on December 29, 1962 to Bill and Shirley Greene and passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at the age of 55. Born eleven minutes behind his twin brother; Mitch, Mike grew up in Watonga, Oklahoma. He graduated in 1981 from Watonga High School and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Watonga. During his years in Watonga Mike worked for the Blaine County Sheriffs Department as a deputy/Jailor, Roman Nose State Park and the Watonga Ambulance Service. He attended Rogers State College where he studied to receive his EMT. Mike resided in Sapulpa, Oklahoma for the last 26 years where he worked for the Creek County Ambulance Service. Mike enjoyed working on genealogy with his sister Mary. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the Oklahoma Sooners. Memorial services for Mike are pending currently. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Retired First Sergeant (Promotable) Edward Joseph Hedrick, 86, formerly of El Reno, Okla., passed away on January 13, 2018 at Harford Memorial Hospital in Harve de Grace, Md. Born in Geary, Okla. on November 18, 1931 to William Jefferson and Edna Mae (Hall) Hedrick, he was the eighth of 14 children. Raised during the. The Great Depression and the 1930s Dust Bowl, Edward was only four when his father died, requiring him to help supplement the family’s income. As a young boy, he delivered ice in Oklahoma City and took in laundry with his mother and siblings. As a teen, he worked as a ranch hand, a horse breeder and trainer, and even rode the rodeo circuit as a bull rider before finding his first and second careers in the U.S. Army and as an educator at El Reno Public Schools and Redlands Community College in El Reno, Okla. On March 18, 1948, Ed joined the U.S. Army at 16 and served for over 21 years. During this time he completed two combat tours in Korea and and two combat tours in Vietnam, achieving the rank of 1SG(P). His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with bronze star device), Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal (with palm ribbon), The Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Medal, The Joint Meritorious Unit Award (with one bronze oak leaf cluster), and was inducted into The Ancient Order of Saint Barbara for Field Artillerymen. He retired on December 31, 1969 and, over 12 years later, was selected and activated to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff Retiree Counsel for a term of four years, then asked to extend for a second tour. While stationed at Fort McNair, Md., 1SG(P) Hedrick met his wife, Airman Second Class Marion Martha Welenz, who was serving in the U.S. Air Force at the White House. The two were married on January 16, 1960 in Ansonia, Conn., and together they raised five children. Upon his Army retirement in 1969, Ed settled his family in Banner, Okla., and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central State University in Edmond, Okla., after which he was offered a teaching position in the El Reno Public Schools. He later returned to Central State University where he received a Master’s Degree in Education, followed by a Master’s Degree in Public School Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla., and a Master’s Degree in Agency and Secondary Counseling from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Okla. Ed was passionate about working in his community, especially as a mentor to young people. He was a 32nd degree York Rite Master Mason, A.F.& A.M,. and served as Worshipful Master in Munich, Germany and twice in El Reno, Okla., where he was a lifetime member of El Reno Masonic Lodge #50. His many appointments in the Masonic Fraternity include serving as District 20 Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Okla.; District Governor, Shawnee- Arapaho District, Order of DeMolay in Okla.; Rainbow Dad of M. Alice Miller Assembly No. 11, International Order of Rainbow for Girls in El Reno; Worthy Patron of El Reno Chapter #27, Order of Eastern Star; and Grand Representative to Minnesota, Oklahoma Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. In his community, he served the Canadian County District 21 Public Schools as President of Banner Public School Board; the Canadian County Democratic Party where he served four of his eight years as Chairman and Delegate to the National Convention in Minneapolis; and Key Club Advisor for El Reno High School. As a retired service member, he was appointed to the Commanding General’s Retiree Council at Ft. Sill, Okla., and served 46 years as a Veterans Service Officer for Veterans Benefits. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; nine siblings (Cecil Morris, Opal Myers, Doyce Hedrick, Pete Hedrick, Earl Hedrick, Geraldine Hood, Bill Hedrick, Donnie Hedrick, and Everett Hedrick); his oldest daughter, Juliana (Hedrick) Brodeur; a granddaughter, Michelle Hedrick; and a great-granddaughter, Ariyana Gordon. He is survived by his loving wife, Marion; four children (Edward Melville Hedrick, William Jefferson Hedrick II, Catherine Hedrick- Armstrong, and Anton Joseph Welenz Hedrick); four siblings (Shirley White, Jim Hedrick, Coni Cutler, and Mary Whitby); 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins spanning five generations. He will be deeply missed by his former students and staff at El Reno High School and Redlands Community College where his endless stories and humorous anecdotes will live on through their memories and retelling. Among his greatest contributions were his intense love of family, his dedication to mentoring young people, his pride in every small accomplishment of those dear to him, and his prolific storytelling. He will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor and one liners like, “Why confuse a good story with facts,” “You do good work, Maynard,” and “Edgier than a lizard on a hot rock.” 1SG(P) Hedrick will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. with a combined Military and Masonic Funeral presented by the Caisson Platoon at Arlington National Cemetery and the Grand Lodge of Maryland, A.F. & A.M. The burial date is still pending. Due to his passion for supporting women in the military, the family is requesting donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to the Women in Military Service Memorial in memory of 1SG(P) Edward J. Hedrick at Dept 560, Washington, DC 20042-0560 or at https://www.womensmemorial.org/.

Violet May Stephenson was born September 9, 1913 at her home near Carlton, Oklahoma to William Elija Haigler and Rebecca George (Harper) Haigler and passed away January 26, 2018 at the age of 104 years. She was a resident of the Okeene community for 80 years where she was an elementary teacher. Mrs. Stephenson grew up on a farm in northern Blaine County near Carlton attending school through the eighth grade. She learned to drive at the age of 13 to attend high school at Southard where she graduated as Salutatorian in May 1933. She received her teaching certificate after her first two years of college from Northwestern State College at Alva and later completed her degree at Southwestern State College at Weatherford. At the age of 20 she began her teaching career at Broadview, a country one room school house near her family home. She also taught at Arapaho and Homestead before beginning at Okeene in 1945 where she taught for 33 years as an elementary teacher — a total of 41 years teaching. She was a member of the Okeene First United Methodist Church, Chapter A P.E.O., Order of Eastern Star, and Blaine County Retired Teachers Association. She was married to Edward A. Barnes in 1937. They later divorced and she married William Carroll Stephenson (her college boy friend) in 1980. She was predeceased in death by her parents, her husband, one son (Bobbie), two sisters (Mayme and Faye), three brothers (George, Harold and James), and son-in-law Gregg Bond. She is survived by her son William Edward Barnes (Karen), Ames, and her daughter Marilynn June “Bunnie” Bond of Okeene. Grandchildren are Dwight Stephen Bond (April) of South Pasadena, CA; Rebecca June Towe (Charlie) of Edmond, OK; Nancy Elizabeth Vernon (Rod) of Harrah, OK; David Bradley Bond (Anne) of Geneva, IL. Great-Grandchildren are Cassidy and Haley Towe, Grace and Emma Vernon, and Benjamin Bond. Funeral services for Mrs. Stephenson will be held Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 2:30 pm at the first United Methodist Church in Okeene with Pastor Patricia Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Watonga, OK with Wilkinson Mortuary of Okeene in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to The Violet M. Barnes Scholastic Achievement Award - - a scholarship given annually for over 25 years to an Okeene student in recognition of scholarship, achievement, and leadership in high school — the First United Methodist Church of Okeene, or charity of your choice.

Candace June Smith, of Watonga, OK passed from this world to meet her Savior Jesus on January 12, 2018 at the age of 54. She died with her family by her side, and finished a long battle with cancer. She will be remembered for her love of friends, family, her Bible and her LORD. Candace was born June 30, 1963 in Fresno, CA to Richard Charles (R.C.) and Emma Bolding. She was an active girl in ballet, camping, choir, church, gymnastics, and modeling. As a young adult, she met and married the love of her life John Smith and together they enjoyed aviation, camping, reading, the ocean and their three children: Sonny (Barnhart), Chrissy, and Sarah. She is preceded in death by her father, R.C. She is survived by: her mother Emma of Keene , TX. ., her husband John of Watonga, her son Sonny Barnhart of Watonga, her daughter Sarah of Enid, Ok., her daughter Chrissy with husband Chance and granddaughter Alice of Woodward, OK. She is also survived by her siblings: Burt Bolding with wife Norma of Modesto, CA., Elaine Weldy with husband Jeff of Clovis, CA., Kay Hoffman with husband Dale of Clovis, CA., Linda Bolding of McAlester, OK., Ricky Bolding of Clovis, CA., and Trisha Bolding of Keene, TX. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. at Oasis Church, Watonga, OK., Saturday, February 3, 2018.

Hugh Masekela, the legendary South African jazz musician and anti-apartheid activist, has died after a decade-long fight with cancer. He was 78. Often called the "Father of South African jazz," Masekela died in Johannesburg after what his family said Tuesday was a "protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer." Masekela was a rare artist who succeeded in fusing politics with his music, making his songs and performances compelling and timeless. Trumpeter, singer and composer Masekela, affectionately known locally as "Bra Hugh," started playing the horn at 14. He quickly became an integral part of the 1950s jazz scene in Johannesburg as a member of the band the Jazz Epistles and a member of the orchestra in the groundbreaking jazz opera "King Kong." In the 1960s he went into exile in the United Kingdom and the United States, using his music to spread awareness about South Africa's oppressive system of whiteminority rule. He scored an international No. 1 hit in 1968 with "Grazing In The Grass." Masekela spent time in both New York and Los Angeles, performing at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival with some of the era's most iconic musicians, including Janis Joplin, Otis Redding and Jimi Hendrix. He collaborated with many musicians including Herb Alpert and was married to South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba for two years. In the 1980s, Masekela appeared with Paul Simon and several other South African musicians as part of the "Graceland" album tour. Masekela returned to South Africa in 1990 after Mandela was freed and the African National Congress party was unbanned. He released more than 40 albums, and toured in South Africa and internationally until late last year. Masekela supported many charities and was a director of the Lunchbox Fund, a nonprofit organization to provide daily meals to students in Soweto township. Condolences from fans poured out Tuesday on social media paying tribute to the influential musician's career. "A baobob tree has fallen," Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa's minister for arts and culture, wrote on Twitter. "The nation has lost a one of a kind musician. We can safely say Bra Hugh was one of the great architects of Afro-Jazz and he uplifted the soul of our nation through his timeless music." South African President Jacob Zuma expressed his condolences, saying Masekela "kept the torch of freedom alive globally, fighting apartheid through his music and mobilizing international support ... His contribution to the struggle for liberation will never be forgotten." U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "recognizes the historical role that he played during the fight against apartheid and the fight for freedom and human rights after the fall of apartheid," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. "He was a global cultural icon that will be missed by people all over the world." Story via Associated Press

1934~2018

Patsy (Pat) Ruth Billings went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2018 at the age of 83. Pat was born August 6, 1934 to Edward and Nora (Roots) Naasz in Hardtner Kansas. Pat graduated from Pratt Kansas High School in 1952. Shortly after high school she met Frank Billings and they were married on February 10, 1956. They lived in Smith Center Kansas and together raised their four children, Evelyn, Bill, Jody, and Debbie. In 1975, Frank and Pat moved to Watonga Oklahoma were Frank worked in the oil field and Pat worked mainly as a child care provider and cared for many children including her grandchildren, her nephew’s children, and friend’s children. Pat and Frank resided in Watonga until Frank passed away in 1992. After Franks passing Pat moved to Mustang Oklahoma to be nearer to her children and grandchildren, whom she loved so dearly. While in Mustang Pat worked at Cushman Wakefield for several years before retiring in 2008. Pat spent her remaining years loving and helping her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and family. Pat was proceeded in death by her parents, Edward and Nora, her husband Frank, two children, daughter Evelyn Seems, and son Bill Billings, one granddaughter, and one great grandson, brothers Frank Winters, Tom Naasz, and Ralph Naasz. Pat is survived by her daughter Debbie Pearson and husband Dewayne of Mustang Oklahoma, her son Jody Billings of Concho Oklahoma, sisters Nancy Swonger and husband Chuck of Sawyer Kansas, Betty Wilson of Edmond Oklahoma, Jackie Naasz of Spearville Kansas, and Margaret Gleich and husband Roland of Halliday North Dakota, brothers Edward Naasz and wife Donna of Wichita Kansas, and John Naasz of Amarillo Texas. Pat also is survived by nine grandchildren, 19 great great-grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends, including her senior community at the Strawberry Fields in Mustang. Pat was truly blessed and loved by many in each community she lived, therefore she will have services for her Oklahoma family and friends at Yonda and Sons Funeral Home, 1500 W Vandament Ave, Yukon, OK on Wednesday February 7th at 10:30 am, then on Friday February 9th at The First Assembly of God Church 701 North Iliff Street (Highway 281) in Medicine Lodge Kansas at 11:00 am for those in the Pratt area, and graveside services on Saturday, February 10th at 2:00 pm at Meyer Cemetery near Smith Center Kansas to be her final resting place alongside her husband Frank. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pat’s name to a charity of their choosing.

1922~2018

Dorothy Evelyn Reilly was born October 19, 1922 at Bronx, New York to Matilda Gedalye and August S. Rugulo and passed away January 30, 2018 at the age of 95. She was a resident of the Fort Myers, Florida community for 44 years where she was a wife, teacher and world traveler. She was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Church and Trotters Travelers with Geraci Travel. She married John Jack Reilly at Bronx, New York. She was preceded in death by her husband; John, sister; Marie Anderson, Brother; Bernard Rugulo, and son’s; Edward LaGrutta and Roland La Grutta. She is survived by: One daughter: Dorothy T. DeNucci of Fort Myers, Florida, four grandchildren: Theresa DeNucci Gerstner, Noelle DeNucci Loosen, Bianca LaGrutta and Michaela Romero. Seven great grandchildren: Evelyn Krimminger, Darrian Krimminger, Britany LaGrutta-Loya, Haiden Gerstner, Tessa Gerstner, Isabella Romero. Two Great Grandchildren: Sariah Velasco and Hector Velasco III. The Rose Beyond the Wall: A rose once grew where all could see sheltered beside a garden wall, and as the days passed swiftly by it, spread its branches straight and tall. One day a beam of light shone through a crevice that had opened wide. The rose bent gently towards it’s warmth then passed beyond to the other side. Now you who deeply feel it’s loss be comforted, the rose blooms there. It’s beauty even greater now, nurtured by Gods own loving care……Author Unknown.

1939~2018

Darlene Louise Widney was born September 5, 1939 in South Gate, CA to Jesse and Glennis Butler, and passed away Friday February 9, 2018 at the age of 78. At the age of seven the Butler family moved to Watonga, OK. Darlene attended Watonga Public Schools, and graduated from Watonga High School in 1957. After graduation, Darlene spent time back in California with an aunt, and at one point thought of becoming a flight attendant. After two years away, Darlene came back to Watonga where she married Wilford Lee Widney on May 9, 1959. To this union three children were born; Kelli, Kandy, and Kyle. In 1970, Gary and Leslie Blain, Children of Doreen and Wesley Blair came to live them. With her husband, Darlene farmed in the Eagle City community for 45 years. Together they started and built Flying W Livestock Equipment in 1982, which Darlene still helped manage through 2018. Darlene was highly involved with her children and community. She was involved for a number of years in the Eagle City Christian Church. In her time there she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, church building fund organizer, church secretary and women’s organization secretary and president. With her husband Wilford, she helped to organize and co-sponsor the Eagle City Fire Department, and Eagle City Sports Association. She sat on the Blaine County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee (15 years), and served as president (ten years). She served in the Oklahoma State Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, was the FFA Mother’s Club secretary, Band Mother’s Club chairman, and was an active 4-H mother for 12 years. In her later years, even though she was unable to serve, she found several worthy causes that she supported. She was an avid supporter and contributor to the American Cancer Society, Our Daily Bread, Samaritan’s Purse, and the American Red Cross. Darlene was a caring and loving woman. During her time on this earth she was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, and niece. For several years Darlene devoted her time to taking care of her Aunt Goldie, parents Jesse and Glennis, daughter Kelli, and Husband in their time of sickness and need. She is survived by; one son Kyle and wife Laura Widney of Watonga; one daughter, Kandy and husband Brent Wilkinson of Watonga; three grandchildren, Ashtyn, Kamry and Barkley; one brother, Leroy Butler of Norman; and mother, Glennis Butler of Weatherford. She is preceded in death by her husband, Wilford; one daughter, Kelli Kay Widney; father, Jesse Butler; and aunt, Goldie Reagan. Funeral services for Darlene Widney were held Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at the First Christian Church in Watonga with Pastor Adam Lovitt officiating. Burial followed at the Mt. Hope Cemetery west of Watonga. Arrangements by Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga, OK

1945~2018

Jerry Joan Lamb passed away on January 13th, 2018 at Tulsa’s St. John’s Medical Center. She was born in Thomas, OK on August 18th, 1945. Jerry was an elementary teacher for over 20 years. In 1993 she earned her Master’s of Science in Counseling from O.S.U.; she retired as an elementary school counselor and assistant principal. Jerry had a special passion for animals; whether it was horses, cows, a young injured barn owl, or the many dogs, kittens, wild rabbits, birds, or even the two pigs her children brought home. She enjoyed working in her yard and filling her bird feeders every day. Jerry’s life-long passion was realized when she began Little Orchids House of Shih Tzu. Jerry didn’t just raise and sell Shih Tzus; she nurtured, loved, and doted over each puppy. She was very particular when choosing the adoptive family. Many owners wrote letters and sent pictures of their furry babies as they grew; she cherished each and every update. Many of the families would only trust Jerry to care for their pets when they needed to travel. She would spoil them as much as she did her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Wayne Kirkpatrick and Betty Keeler; and her third husband, P.R. (Butch) Lamb. She is survived by one brother, Larry Kirkpatrick; sister-inlaw, Nancy Kirkpatrick; daughters, Amy Heape and Kirsten Weems; son, Donovan Weems; seven grandchildren: Tanner, Donovan, and Ryker Heape, Kelsey, Olivia and Maya Taylor, and Jack Weems; niece, Judith Adams; nephew, Larry Christopher Kirkpatrick; and an innumerable number of dearly loved Shih Tzus and their families. There will be a burial service in Fay, Okla., at a later date. Arrangements were under the kind guidance of Amy Stittsworth Funeral Service and Cremation Directors of Enid. Condolences can be sent to Amy Heape, 212 Hinton Blvd, Mannford, OK 74044; Kirsten Weems, 865 Cobalt Ct, Tracy, CA 95377; Donovan Weems, 1519 Kildare Rd, Ponca City, OK 74604; and/or Larry and Nancy Kirkpatrick, 1828 SE First, Moore, OK 73160.

1944~2018

Edward Tipton “Tip” Sabin passed away unexpectedly on the morning of January 12, 2018, at the age of 73. Tip was born to parents Edward Tip Sabin and Beulah Vanderwork in Enid, Oklahoma on September 20, 1944. He attended Northeast High School in Oklahoma City, Southwestern State College in Weatherford, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma where he studied math and accounting. It was at Southwestern where Tip met the girl of his dreams, Lana Charlene McPherson, in Accounting 101, where Lana admired his ability to solve math problems in ink. Tip and Lana were married on June 20, 1964 at Lana’s grandfather’s home in Watonga, Oklahoma. Over the next few years, they welcomed three beautiful sons, Darrin Charles, Dixon Edward, and Darric Tipton–their pride and joy–into their world and soon their days filled with baseball practices, school activities, and visits to the family farm. Tip was the president of the Oklahoma City Optimist Club and coached all three of his sons on their club-sponsored Little League team. He worked as a Controller for Kerr McGee Corporation for over 35 years and retired in early 2000. Shortly after that, Tip and Lana moved to Surprise, Arizona where he became a Starter at the Sun City Grand Granite Falls Golf Course. Tip enjoyed listening to every type of music ever recorded, watching every sport ever broadcast, playing golf every chance he got, spending time with his friends and neighbors, and had a serious appreciation for homemade pie. Tip is preceded in death by his parents and four older siblings, Gene, Dora Mae, Kenneth, and Trevalea. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lana, his sons “the 3 Ds”– Darrin, Dixon, and Darric, his two adoring daughters-in-law Kim and Kimberly, and his seven cherished grandchildren McKenzi, Bayli, Sunny, Chloe, Kai, Shea and Brendan. Tip will always be remembered for his gregarious personality and his ability to make everyone he met feel important. He truly knew what it meant to love and be loved. Family was the center of his world and we consider it a great honor to carry on his legacy of laughter and love. Lana and her family held a celebration of “our” Tip’s life on Saturday, February 3rd at 1:00pm at the Watonga Christian Church located at 400 N. Noble Ave, Watonga, OK 73772. A private family service was held at the Watonga cemetery earlier in the day. In lieu of flowers, Lana asks that you consider a making a donation to The American Heart Association in Tip’s name.

Iris Ione Warkentin was born on July 29, 1913 in Greenfield, OK to David A. and Phoebe (Neely) Bringham. She passed away on January 19, 2018 at the age of 104. Iris was the fifth of sixth children and she survived them all, along with two husbands, three of her four children, a score of nieces, nephews and cousins, and many, if not most, of her dearest friends. If you Google Iris’s name, you won’t find much. Iris was, as they say, way before the time of such things. But to anyone who knew her, to anyone in the sleepy community of Geary, to anyone who visited with her or had the pleasure to know her personally, Iris was a treasure of knowledge, caring and compassion that puts the internet and all of its resources to complete and utter shame. Those close to her assumed she would live forever. Iris lived in and around Geary, Oklahoma most of her life with periods in South Dakota, New Mexico and California, but her home was always Oklahoma. Her first husband was Talbert Burnett, the father of her four children: David Burnett, Jerry Burnett, Brian Burnett and Rebecca Burnett. After Talbert’s passing in 1969, Iris busied herself with family, helping her son Jerry with his children and caring for her father, who himself was nearing 100 when he passed. She married Art Warkentin in January of 1977 back in Geary, where she would live until her passing. She was an accomplished businesswoman who operated a diner, a beloved teacher in South Dakota, a proud member of United Methodist Church, and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Burt Burnett and Art Warkentin, 3 children, David, Jerry, and Rebecca Burnett. siblings, Ley Bringham, Eileen Wynn, Frank Bringham, Imogene Base, and Claris Sutton. Survivors Include: her son, Brian Burnett of Hemet, CA, step-son, Jack Warkentin of Houston, MO, her grandchildren, April Burnett of El Paso, TX, Star Burnett of Winnetka, CA, Ernest Burnett and wife Pamela of Chatsworth, CA, Elizabeth Burnett of Hemet, CA, Margaret Burnett of San Francisco, CA, Cathy Neal of Catoosa, OK, Cassandra DeClerk and husband Mark of Broken Arrow, OK, Craig Burnett and wife Tawnia of Pierre, SD, Heidi Warkentin and husband Chris of Ontario, CA, and Heath Warkentin of Chickasha, OK, her great grandchildren, Kyle Burnett, Jimmy and Justin Neal, Crystal Abernathy, Caitlyn Barker, Brandon Barker, Dustin Burnett, Brittany Elderts-Ajala, Chase Warkentin, Scarlett Bosley, Elsa Bosley, Jakob, Jackson, and Mason Warkentin, as well as many other relatives and friends. Memorial Services: 4:00 PM, March 17,2018 at Geary United Methodist dinner to follow.Officiating: Rev. Rachel Parrot. Burial: Kingfisher Cemetery, Kingfisher, OK, Services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Geary, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).

Bud Saville, born January 3, 1942, died March 1, 2018. Bud was preceded in death by June Bohn and Ginger Jacobs. Bud is survived by wife Gayle Saville of Watonga, Jeff Jacobs son-in-law of Poteau, Oklahoma, Jerry Saville and wife Cindy of Bethany, Oklahoma, Rhonda Saville and Joseph Cartwright of Enid, Oklahoma, Danny Whitson of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, Terry Whitson of Elk City, Oklahoma, and Kristi Whitson and husband Chris Spaeth of Hitchcock, Oklahoma, 19 Grandchildren, numerous Great Grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends. Memorial service will be held at Roman Nose State Park at the Turkey Roost Group Camp on Saturday, March 10th at noon. A covered dish is appreciated.