Mona Spaeth was born September 2, 1946 and passed away Wednesday June 14, 2017. Services pending with Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga

A Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, June 24, 2017, 10:00 am at the Watonga Christian Church with Adam Lovitt officiating and internment immediately after at Homestead Cemetery. Lunch followed the service at the cemetery. Cremation arrangements and the service were under the direction of Fairview Funeral Home. Walt was born in Fairview, Ok on June 11, 1946 to Rachel Ann (Martin) Grabow and Henry Walter Grabow. He had six sisters, Cleta Becker, Henretta Shaw, Kathryn Unwin, Patricia Laubach-Bowers, Berniece Olsen, and Sharie Smith, two adopted brothers, and one adopted sister, Mike Shaw, Ann Parish, and Joe Shaw. The family lived east of Longdale on the Grabow Ranch. When Walt was six years old he became ill with Polio, having to spend an entire year in the hospital. He attended Longdale School through the 3rd grade. When Walt was 9 years old the family moved three miles south of Canton, where Walt attended and graduated from Canton High school in May of 1965. He attended Oklahoma State University for 1 year. In 1967 he attended college at Oklahoma State Technical Institute and earned a degree in Small & Major Appliance Repair. In 1972 he attended Panhandle Oklahoma State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Science and Animal Science. In 1973 he attended Oklahoma State University and earned a Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education. In 1996 he attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he earned his Secondary Principal Certificate. Walt was certified in many different areas of Teaching including: Small and Major Appliance Repair, Science, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Ag Mechanics, Welding, Animal Science, Speech, Newspaper, Electricity, Land and Livestock Judging. Walt was a lifelong student of learning and taught adult classes in Electrical Wiring, Small Gas Engines, Predator Calling, Commodity Trading, Welding, and Gunsmithing. He also ran for the United States House of Representatives against Frank Lucas.On July 14, 1966, Walt married Holly (Hart) Grabow at the Canton Christian Church. Together they had three daughters, Darla, Misti, Kristie, thirteen grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. Walt taught school at Red Rock, Hydro, Seiling, Dickson, and Okarche. He taught Vocational Agriculture for 22 years in Oklahoma. He raised his girls on the family farm instilling his uncommon work ethic with consistency and love. Walt found great joy in teaching his grandchildren to fish, hunt and build guns. He spent many family gatherings and holidays having fishing contests with the grandkids at the pond. Walt received many awards and participated in professional activities in his career which include: Chicago Board of Trade Commodity Challenge Winner, Special Olympics Volunteer, American Society of Animal Science Scholarship Award, Co-author “Beyond the Basics”, National Education Association Delegate, Oklahoma Education Association Special Services Committee, Dewey County Oklahoma Education Association President, American Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, North Central Evaluation Committee, Weyerhauser Forestry Camp Counselor, 4-H Camp Counselor, Staff Development Committee and Rural Small School Initiative. He served as President of the King fisher County Republican Party and Delegate to the State Convention. He was a member of the State Rules Committee. He was a member of the committee to create the Plains Oilseed Products, LLC in Oklahoma City for Canola in the state of Oklahoma in 2007. Walt is survived by his wife Holly, daughter Darla and husband Jerome Jenkins of Drummond, Misti and husband Carl Van Meter of Canton, and Kristie and husband Todd Roling of Stowe, Vermont, thirteen grandchildren, Paden Warrick of Fairview, Zak Wilson of Drummond, Devon Kershner and wife Laura of Carlton, Kaelob Kershner and wife April of Canton, Jordan and Dawson Jackson of Stowe, Laura and husband Jason Justus of Enid, Sarah and husband Joe Lechliter of Enid, Michael Jenkins of Enid, Calla Jenkins of Oklahoma City, Tyler Van Meter of Hammon, Nikki Truong of Canton, Joni Van Meter of Canton, and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by Sister Cleta Becker of Fairview, and Sister Sharie Smith and husband Bobby Smith of Fairview, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to all of Walt’s many caregivers during his long and courageous fight with cancer. Their kind hearts and compassionate care were extraordinary. The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Pastors Doyle Warren, David Johnson, and Adam Lovett as Walt accepted Christ as his SAVIOR on August 4, 2004. The Heavens declare the Glory of God and it is Well with Walt’s soul. We would also like to express our gratitude to all of the many Church Friends and Family for their unwavering support. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Watonga Christian Church or a charity of their choice with the Fairview Funeral Home serving as custodian.

Julie Ann (Jung) Walker was born June 3, 1971 at Lawton, Oklahoma to Alfred and Barbara Jung and passed away on Wednesday June 21, 2017 at the age of 46. Julie was raised in Sterling, Oklahoma and graduated from Sterling High School in 1989. She graduated from Cameron University in 1994 with a degree in Design Drafting. On July 26, 1997, she married Mark Walker in Sterling, Oklahoma. They made their home in Watonga, Oklahoma for the last 19 years with their three children; Nathan, Nicholas and Natalie. Julie worked for M.J. Lewis and Associates for the last 20 years as a Design Drafter and was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sterling. Julie was an avid OKC Thunder Fan and she loved her Thursday Night Ladies’ golf group. She was a gifted athlete and loved all sports, especially fast-pitch softball. As the shortstop, she earned the honors of All-State in high school and was 4-time MVP at Cameron University. Julie enjoyed gardening, cooking, and planning vacations, but her love revolved around her family. She designed and built a beautiful home and life in Watonga with the love of her life, Mark. She especially loved helping her children train and prepare for sports and watching their many sporting activities. Julie was blessed to also have her best friend Amy who spent countless hours with her. Some might say that she had a stubborn streak, but Julie was determined. Julie was strong. Julie was a teammate. Julie was the ultimate competitor and fought like a Tiger. She was loved and will be missed by many. She was the storm. Julie was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents. Julie is survived by her husband Mark and their children 15-year-old Nathan and 12-year-old twins Nicholas and Natalie of the home in Watonga. Parents Alfred and Barbara Jung of Sterling, OK Brothers Mike Jung of Elgin, OK and Mark and wife Christi Jung of Sterling, OK, Father and Mother in Law Doug and Jan Walker of Watonga, OK, Sister-in-law Lisa Schneberger and husband Allen of Minco, OK, Brother-in-law Keith Walker and wife Virginia of Lakeside, CA, 8 nieces and nephews: Whitney Jung and Wade Jung, Cale, Chloe and Claire Jung, Kacy Rice, Blake and Sydni Schneberger and Mason Walker, as well as numerous other relatives and friends.Memorial contributions may be made to the Julie Walker Memorial ScholarshipFund at Cornerstone Bank in Watonga, OK PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO MARK WALKER A wake service was held Sunday, June 25, 2017 at St. Rose Catholic Church in Watonga, OK. Mass of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sterling, OK with the burial following in the Sterling Cemetery in Sterling, OK. Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga in charge of arrangements. www.wilkinsonmortuary.com

Wesley Alex Morales was born on October 20, 1975 in Watonga, OK to Alex E. and Linda K. (Weber) Morales. He passed away on June 15, 2017 in OKC, Okla. at the age of 41. Graveside Services: Oakwood Cemetery, Thursday, 10:00 AM, June 22, 2017, Oakwood, OK Officiating: Rev. Larry Weber 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).

Mona Lee Spaeth was born September 2, 1946 at Covington, Oklahoma to Jewell and Cleo Ortner Bedwell and passed away Wednesday June 14, 2017 at the age of 70. Mona graduated from Greenfield High School and worked many jobs in her younger years. She was married to Mike Spaeth who passed away seven years ago. She is survived by one sister, Sharon Hays; brother, Marion Bedwell all of Greenfield, Oklahoma; one son, Richard Greer and one daughter, Sandra McCrimmon She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Mona enjoyed reading and was skilled in shooting guns. She was a loving mother and friend to her entire family. Graveside services for Mona were held Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 6:15 P.M. at the East Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Watonga. Arrangements by Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga, OK.

Oliver Pritchett, Jr. was born December 20, 1926 to Oliver Sr and Pearl (Young) Pritchett in Geary, OK. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at the Westridge Nursing Home in Lancaster, TX at the age of 90. Oliver attended Geary Schools. He was united in marriage to Vivian Cora Goldsmith November 8, 1947 in Watonga, OK. Oliver and Vivian lived on the family farm learning the craft of farming from his father. Later they bought a farm nearby and farmed until their retirement. Oliver enjoyed working and farming, he raised chickens and delivered eggs each Friday to several office buildings and a grocery store in Oklahoma City, where he made several lifelong friends. They bought several RV trailers later in life and traveled the country. They loved to sit around the campsite and swap tall tales with fellow travelers. He attended the Nazarene and Church of God in the country near Geary. Oliver and Vivian moved to Texas in 2000 to be closer to their two sons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver Sr and Pearl Pritchett, son, Ronnie Pritchett, one brother, Richard Pritchett, and six sisters, Josie Pritchett, Juanita Duncan, Armenta Stringer, Irene Heye, Beatrice Lynds, and Bernice Dollar. Oliver is survived by his wife, Vivian Pritchett of the home; two sons, Danny Wayne Pritchett and his wife Jeannette, and Jerry Dale Pritchett and his wife Patty all of Waxahachie, TX; and one granddaughter, Dawn Desirae Pritchett of Northglenn, CO; and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Service: Turner Funeral Home Chapel, Saturday, 2:00 pm, July 1, 2017, Geary, OK Officiating: Rev. Tony Moore Burial: Geary Cemetery, Geary, 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).

Wendell Lee Hiebert cashed in his one way ticket to heaven on July 1, 2017. He was born December 31, 1944 in Fairview, Ok to Leo Hiebert and Zelma Tolle Hiebert. From the age of 3 he was raised by his loving grandparents Viola and George Tolle. We were poor but the Lord provided. He attended all 12 years of school at Canton. He was not a very good student, but could watch something being made and learn very quickly. After High School he worked as a butcher’s assistant and joined the National Guard. He later worked at United States Gypsum Plant at Southard, Ok, retiring in 2000 after 37 years of service. During this time Wendell took up several hobbies including carving, clay figurines, welding, woodworking, hunting, and fishing. In 1969, he married Sandra Parker Hiebert to this union 2 children were born Rodney Lynn Hiebert and Ronna Elaine Hiebert. On November 21, 1980 he married Diane Kay Greene the love of his life. Diane is the most loving and forgiving woman he ever knew. Two children were born Jason Lynn Hiebert and Wendy Diane Hiebert. Wendell had a strong faith in Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. He was baptized in a small pond East of Canton in 1960. The Lord always taught me a valuable lesson through my mistakes and pitfalls, and they made me even stronger. He is survived by his wife Diane, sons Jason of Canton and Rod of Taloga, daughters Wendy of Enid and Ronna of Woodward.  He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Zelma and his grandparents Viola and George. Funeral service will be Monday July 3, 2017 at the Hitchcock United Methodist Church with Jerry Bradford and Quintin Wray officiating. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery at Watonga, Ok with Wilkinson Mortuary in charge of arrangements. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hitchcock Fire Department PO Box 199 Hitchcock Ok 73744. 

Mary Bell Gwaltney was born January 12, 1924, in Fay, Oklahoma, to Joseph and Clara Knisley Ashton and passed away Saturday, July 1st, 2017, at the age of 93. Mary was the third of five children and attended Bethany Country School. At the age of fifteen, she eloped with the love of her life, W. D. Gwaltney. After her marriage to W. D., they lived on the Gwaltney Ranch, northeast of Greenfield, Oklahoma. Among other places they lived were Wichita, Kansas; Castle, Oklahoma; Duncan, Oklahoma; Heber Springs, Arkansas; and finally moving to Watonga, Oklahoma in 1988. Mary enjoyed being a homemaker, collecting pretty dishes and antiques, cooking and baking, playing cards at the Senior Citizens’ Center, spending time with her family, and watching Thunder Basketball. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Bill Ashton, two sisters, Shirley Greene and Rose Godwin, and her son, Steve. Mary is survived by her daughter-in-law, Sheila Gwaltney of Heber Springs, Arkansas; one granddaughter, Ashley Washam and husband, Jason, of Vilonia, Arkansas; two grandsons, Evan Gwaltney and his wife Megan; and Aaron Gwaltney of Heber Springs; one sister, Joan Hursh and husband, Howard, of Watonga; and four great-grand children, Olivia, Spencer, Ryland, and Cam. Funeral services for Mary Gwaltney will be held Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Watonga First United Methodist Church with Reverend Rob Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Watonga, Oklahoma. Wilkinson Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Watonga First United Methodist Church or the Watonga Senior Citizens’ Center.

Carl L. Matli was born on March 28, 1936 on the home place north of Watonga, Oklahoma to Joseph and Marie (Lawver) Matli and passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at the age of 81. Carl was a resident of the Watonga community all his life where he was a farmer and carpenter. Carl would farm during the months weather would permit, and build houses and do carpentry during other seasons. He roofed and built many homes in Watonga. He graduated from Watonga High School and was a long-time member of the Watonga Christian Church. Carl loved fishing, camping and spending time outdoors and with his family. He was married to Melva Wanzer at Thomas, Oklahoma on July 26, 1957 and this month they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife;Melva. Carl is survived by: Two sons: Gary Matli and wife Marsha of Watonga, Oklahoma, Tracy Matli and wife Christy of Watonga, Oklahoma, One daughter: Gena Finch of Geary, Oklahoma, Two brothers: Joseph Matli of Colorado and Bob Matli of Watonga, OK, One sister: RubyMoore of Stillwater, OK and 8 grandchildren: Carina Levins, Bryan Matli, Mellodie Hunbert, C.J. Matli, Christopher Finch, Elizabeth Finch, Michelle Golden and Travis Richardson and 15 great grandchildren. A private family memorial will be held later for Carl Matli. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Watonga or Russell Murray Hospice.

Laura Mae Landreth Black was born on January 15, 1940 in Cloudy, OK to James and Elizabeth (Graham) Landreth. She passed away on July 7, 2017 in OKC, OK at the age of 77. Laura attended the Fay and Greenfield Schools. She married Vernon Black on July 4, 1958 in Fay, OK. Laura has lived in Geary for 59 years. Laura took care of elderly women in home health care for many years. She was a member of Greenfield Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Elizabeth (Graham) Landreth. Survivors Include: her husband Vernon Black of the home Geary, OK, 3 daughters, Dianna Phillips of Geary, OK, Laurie Brown and husband Glen of Clinton, OK, and Joann Brunnert and husband David of Mustang, OK, 1 son, Victor Black of Geary, OK, 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, 1 brother. Services: Greenfield Baptist Church, Tuesday, 10:30 AM, July 11, 2017, Greenfield, OK Officiating: Rev. Zeb Lyons and Rev. Doug Jackson Burial: Mt Pleasant Cemetery, Watonga, 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).

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Marie Augusta Homier Parham was born May 26, 1917 in Dover, Oklahoma to Fred and Louise Homier and passed away Saturday, July 8, 2017 at the age of 100. Marie, her parents and her older brother Delbert lived on a farm in Dover, Oklahoma before moving to Kingfisher where Marie graduated high school. In 1942 she married Lorence Parham and later had three sons, Doug born 1943, Greg born in 1952 and Terry who died at birth in 1960. Lorence and Marie made their home on the farm in Omega, Oklahoma and eventually moved to Watonga. Marie was always an excellent cook, enjoying working in her flower beds, playing pitch and canasta with friends and family and reading magazines. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Lorence, sons’; Terry and Greg and one brother Delbert Homier. Marie is survived by: One son: Doug Parham and wife Mollie, Five grandchildren: Jay Parham and wife Angie, Jan Beltrone, Sheila Persson and husband Mark, Loren Parham and wife Bethany, and G.W. Parham and wife Jenny. 14 great grandchildren: Madison, Jackson and Olivia Parham, Leah and Allison Beltrone, Caden, Kinsley, Kyler and Creed Parham, Dayne, Beau and Blayke Persson, Katie and Chase Parham Funeral services for Marie will be held Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Christian Church in Watonga with Rev. Adam Lovitt officiating. Burial will follow in the Kingfisher Cemetery in Kingfisher, OK Wilkinson Mortuary of Watonga in charge of arrangements Memorial contributions may be made to the Corn Heritage Center in Weatherford, OK.

1930~2017

Tellasphord William Lesperance (TW) was the son of Edward and Coral (Mackey) Lesperance, born November 11, 1930, in Geary, Oklahoma and passed away at the age of 86 on July 8,2017. TW was the youngest of six children that were all raised on the family farm west of Watonga. He graduated from Greenfield High School in 1948 and joined the army in March of 1949 because no jobs were available here. He then went to Japan for artillery training and on to Korea for the next 16 months of combat in the Korean War, returning home in 1951. TW also spent a year in Viet Nam in 1965 during that war. TW was married to Cozetta Wilson in Geary, Oklahoma on August 30, 1952. They spent the next 17 years in the army, traveling to three different places in Germany, Washington state, Ft. Bragg N.C., and Ft. Sill, OK. The family spent 3 tours in Germany and have so many good memories of those assignments and trips there. He was very proud of his service to his country and what freedom really was in the USA. TW enjoyed horses and mules after his retirement from the service. He always enjoyed helping with the Trail Rides for years and also in the local parades where he rode his mules or a horse in a few of them. He also farmed some and he loved spending time with family and friends, playing dominoes, cards or just visiting. TW was preceded in death by his daughter; Karen (Lesperance) Hull, his parents and 2 brothers, Merle and John E. Lesperance, and 2 sisters Lois Johnson and Loretta Branski. TW is survived by his wife, Cozetta of almost 65 years, son: Tom Lesperance and wife Deborah, of Clinton and daughter; Sherry Cowan and husband Troy, of Watonga. One sister; Lahoma Schiel of Yukon, and 9 Grandchildren: Allen Cowan, Travis Cowan, Jamie Payne, and Wade Cowan of Watonga, Todd Lesperance, Trent Lesperance, Tyler Lesperance, of Weatherford, Ok. «-Joy Ford and Chris Vowell, and 15 great grandchildren. A small private family service will be held for TW with Enta Church’s, Chris Vaughn, officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to Russell Murray Hospice.

Memorial Services for Rebecca “Becky” McGuire, 55 Watonga resident, were held Monday, July 31, 2017, in the Oasis Church, Watonga, OK, under the direction of Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home. Becky was born on February 9, 1962, in Watonga, OK to John and Glendola (Spencer) Thomas and passed away on Monday, July 24, 2017, in the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK. She was raised in Watonga, graduating Watonga High School in 1980. Becky married James “Jim” McGuire on July 19, 1980, in Watonga. She was a loving homemaker. Becky enjoyed scrapbooking, OU football, cooking, and going on vacation. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and all her family. She was a member of the Oasis Church in Wa tonga. She is preceded in death by her father John, stepfather Vernon Spencer, one sister Paulette Raines, one brother Ricky Thomas, and a brother in law Rex Ford. Becky is survived by her husband Jim, of the home, one daughter Amber McGuire, Watonga, OK, one son Quinton McGuire and wife Daley, Watonga, OK, her mother Glendola Spencer, Watonga, and two sisters Johnnie Ford, Faye, OK, and Sherry Neeley, Oregon.

Robert Lee Jones was born January 4, 1933 at Okemah Oklahoma too William and Verda Jones and passed away July 27, 2017 at the age of 84. He was a resident of the Watonga community where he was in education, teaching, counseling and an administrator later working for the State Department of Transportation. He graduated from Southwestern and received his Masters from Southwestern and OSU, and was a member of the First Baptist Church, Senior Citizen Board, Masons, and a past member of many local organizations. He was married to Mervyn Rawson at Clinton, OK on April 21, 1956. He was preceded in death by: his parents, William and Verda Jones, Stepfather Raymond, Brothers: Charles Ray and Bill Jones, Sisters: Faye Gustafson and Wanda Carreto, and a daughter-in-law Penny Jones. He is survived by: Mervyn of the home in Watonga, Son: Steve Jones and wife Jena of Woodward OK, Daughter: Kim Reeder and husband Ronny of Lovington, New Mexico. His brother, Melvin Jones and wife Colleen of Auburn, Washington and a sister, Melba Wetherby of Tulsa, OK. Grandchildren: Dusty Reeder and wife Stacy of Lovington, New Mexico, Chris Jones and wife Jen of Edmond, OK, Remy Reeder and wife Zan of Hobbs, New Mexico, Kirk Jones of Yukon, OK, and Chelsey Powers and Husband Blake of Weatherford OK . Great grandchildren: Ethan Williams, Hudson Jones, Jadyn Cambell, Audrey Frey, Kasen Jones, Kayden Jones, Chloe Powers, Maddox and Drew Reeder, Atle’e and Lincoln Reeder. Funeral services for Bob will be held, Monday, July 31, 2017, at 10:00 at the First Baptist Church in Watonga OK with Jim Westmoreland officiating, the family will gather after services for visitation with friends. A private burial will follow in the IOOF cemetery at 1:30 with Wilkinson Mortuary in Charge of arrangements. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE MADE TO the Foundation for Academic Excellence at Cornerstone Bank in Watonga, OK.

Seth Alexander Youngbird died July 23, 2017 at Calumet, Okla. He was born July 9, 1999 in Kingfisher and graduated from El Reno High School in 2017. Seth is survived by his father, Byron Dyer; mother, Winona Youngbird of the home in Watonga; maternal grandparents, Daisy Tailfeathers of Lihue, Hawaii, Rhoda Youngbird Braxton of El Reno and William Bo Little Elk of Calumet; brothers, Creighton Levi Youngbird Pedro and Tracy Hornsby, Jr. both of the home; sister, Sierra Seneca of Buffalo, N.Y. and other paternal siblings. His paternal grandparents, Samuel Dyer and Elva Whitethunder Dyer and maternal grandfather, Hubert Youngbird, preceded him in death.

Colleen Gail Hernandez, 58, died July 23, 2017, in Lyons, KS. She was born November 7, 1958, in Clovis, New Mexico, the daughter of Leon and Edith Onita (Autrey) Dickerson. She has resided in Watonga, OK, since 1996, formerly of Geary, OK. Colleen was a housewife. On July 18, 1989, she was united in marriage with John A. Hernandez in Geary, OK, he survives of the home. Other survivors include son, John K. Hernandez; two daughters, Jayme L. Hernandez and Michelle Gregory; brother, Rodney Dickerson; sister, Tiffany Dickerson; three grandchildren, Marissa Perez, Dominique “Bubba” Perez and Gavin Gregory; and one great grandchild, Laykin Lewis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Edith Onita Dickerson. Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

1923~2017

Leona Ilene Pierce Tolbert was born March 28, 1923 in Woodward, OK, to Jesse James Hancock and Mary Ellen ”Mae” (Unwin) Hancock. Leona passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2017 in Okeene, OK at the age of 94. She graduated from Seiling High School in Seiling, OK. She married W.L. “Bud” Pierce in Taloga, OK in 1942. Born into this union were daughters, Linda Leigh (Pierce) Fisher and Lynne Robin (Pierce) Babbit, and one son Lanny Gail Pierce. Leona and Bud along with their children lived in Southard, OK until the graduation of their three children. During this time, Leona took a job at the Lodge at Roman Nose State Park in Watonga, OK, where she started out as a waitress, then receptionist and retired as a bookkeeper. In 1978, she married H.G. “Hod” Tolbert and made their home in Watonga, OK. During this time, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, cross-stitching, gardening. She and Hod enjoyed traveling extensively across the United States. She loved visiting family and friends and always received compliments on being such a sweet lady. Leona was a beloved Mom, Grandma and Grammy. Her family was the joy of her life. Leona was preceded in death by her parents Mae and Jesse Hancock, her husband Hod Tolbert, her oldest daughter Linda Fisher, also the father of Leona’s children, W.L. “Bud” Pierce, brother in-law Lester Perkins and nephew Jimmy Zaubi. Survivors include: sister, Lola Perkins, El Reno, OK; Son in-law, Larry “Casey” Fisher, El Reno, OK; Son, Lanny Pierce and wife Linda, Choctaw, OK; Daughter, Lynne Babbit and husband David, El Reno, OK; Step-Children, Veva Daugherty, Watonga, OK; Susan Tolbert, New Braunfels, TX; Hal Tolbert and wife June, Santa Rosa, CA. Granddaughters, Kimy Arndt, Yukon, OK; Kristy Ellis and husband Jeff, Yukon, OK; Kelli Barton and Hank Anderson, Wellston, OK; Leigh Williamson and Shane Russell, Mustang, OK; Sherry Abercrombie, Mustang, OK; Sheila Babbit, Oklahoma City, OK; Step-grandchildren, Ashley Stewart and husband Shawn, Mustang, OK; Neal Riley and wife Amanda, Watonga, OK; John Tolbert, Santa Rosa, CA; Rebekah Skopp and husband Greg, Santa Rosa, CA; Cara Panebianco and husband Dave Stallard, Oakland, CA; AJ and husband Mike Keyser, New Braunfels, TX; 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren. Services were held Monday, August 7, 2017 at the First Christian Church in Yukon. Burial followed at the Yukon Cemetery. Officiating her service were family members Neil Unwin and Orville White. Neil, Orville and Orville’s wife Sherry sang Leona’s requested Hymns. Services were under the direction of Yanda and Son Funeral Home, Yukon, OK. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Online condolences may be signed at www.yandafuneral.com.

1932~2017

Richard Glen Bixler was born on March 10 , 1932, in Watonga,Oklahoma to Henry and Lucille Bixler. He passed away July 20th, 2017, at the age of 85. He graduated from Watonga High School in 1950. He then attended Draughon Business School in Oklahoma City. He was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955 at the rank of Staff Sargent. After serving in the Army, he attended Southwestern College in Weatherford, OK. Dick went into business with his father and mother and operated Bixler's Men's Wear in Watonga. He also served several years as the City Treasurer of Watonga. In 1975, he was named the Director of the Labor Program at Opportunities, Inc. a community action agency. He became Director of the agency in 1985 and served as state president of labor directors and state president of the Oklahoma Community Action Directors Association. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Jo Bixler. They had 4 children. Janet Keatts of Montgomery, TX, Rick Bixler of Shallowater, TX, Brad Bixler of Watonga and Ryan Bixler of Edmond, OK, They have eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren

1978~2017

Brendon Wayne Gibson was born July 27, 1978 in Lawton, OK to Richard and Kathy Gibson. He passed to his new heavenly home on August 1, 2017, shortly after his 39th birthday, at Baptist Integris Hospital Oklahoma City, OK, where he lost his battle with lung disease. A Memorial Service was held Saturday August 5th at the Oasis Church in Watonga officiated by Pastors Zac Brack, Dwain Richey and Colton Hightower. Brendon graduated from Palmer High School in 1996 in Colorado Springs, CO where he spent the first 22 years of his life. He also attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK. He married Angel Barrett on December 23, 2003 in Las Vegas, NV and had one son, Jackson Gibson age 11, who was his best buddy. He resided in Watonga the past 14 years where he was employed at Cornerstone Bank as Vice President of eBanking. He coached and pitched youth baseball and volunteered for the Watonga Foundation of Academic Excellence. Brendon was a loving and devoted husband and father. Nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with JJ. He was a cherished and loved son, adored brother, treasured and devoted friend. Brendon loved spending time with family, sports – especially the Oklahoma Sooners, the Colorado mountains and was an amazing cook. He was incredibly creative and kind to everyone he met. Brendon left behind his wife Angel and son Jackson both of Watonga. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Kathy Gibson of Mountain View, OK, two brothers, Aric Gibson and Travis Gibson, both of Weatherford, OK, his maternal grandmother Sandra Simpson of Thomas, OK, and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Richard and Imogene Stinnett, and his paternal grandfathers Jerry Gibson and Gary Simpson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at Baptist Integris Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK.

Anita Luean Wellnitz was born December 4, 1973 to Gerald Vernon and Rosie (Hall) Allen in Tonkawa, OK. She passed away Thursday, August 3, 2017 at the Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK at the age of 43. Luean is survived by her husband, Terry Wellnitz of the home, Watonga, OK; children, Billy Horstman and his wife Teresa of Enid, OK, Johnny Horstman and his wife Amber and Terry Horstman and his wife Veronica all of Watonga, OK, and thirteen grandchildren. Services: Oasis Church, Sunday, 2:00 pm, August 6, 2017, Watonga, OK. Officiating: Rev. Zachary Brack. Burial: Sunset Cemetery, Geary, OK under the direction of Turner Funeral Home, Geary, Oklahoma, condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, or you can find us on facebook. com (Turner Funeral Homes).