McRay Funeral Home Obituaries

2025 Obituaries

Mildred Kathryn (Taylor) Marsh

Graveside funeral service for Mildred Marsh will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, March 15, 2025 in the Alex Cemetery, Alex, Oklahoma.

Mildred Kathryn (Taylor) Marsh went to her eternal home on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at the age of 88.

She was born to Edna Kathryn (Whitson) and Alvin Lawson Taylor on December 14, 1936 in Camp, Texas.

Mildred married Lester Lee Marsh on March 12, 1955. She and Lester lived in Cement and Chickasha, Oklahoma before making Alex, Oklahoma their home. Mildred worked many years as a butcher at the Humpty Dumpty and Safeway stores, and she owned and operated the longhorn Café until her retirement.

She is survived by her children, Dedra Spencer and her husband, Raymond of Alex, Oklahoma; Alan Marsh and his wife, Kim of Alex, Oklahoma; Bonnie Cargal and her husband, Shawn of Mangum, Oklahoma; James Marsh and his wife, Christy of Thomas, Oklahoma; Shawn Marsh and his wife, Kathy of Thomas, Oklahoma; and Michael Marsh; 19 grandchildren; multiple great-grandchildren; sister Penny Fowler and husband James of Texas; as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lester; a daughter, Kathryn Lee; three sisters, Lois Tyrell, Tiny Shotts, and Louise Spicer; and a brother, Tommy Taylor.

Arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home. There will be no viewing.

Bill Charles Bailey

A graveside funeral service will be held for Bill Bailey, 84, of Lawton, OK, at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Fairlawn Cemetery in Chickasha, OK. Viewing will be at McRay Funeral Home from 9:00am – 7:00pm on Friday, March 7, 2025 with the family will be present to receive friends from 5:00pm – 6:00pm.

Bill Charles Bailey passed away from this life on March 3, 2025, to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on December 10, 1940, in Cement, Oklahoma, to Bruce and Bertie Bailey, Bill lived a life marked by his love and dedication to his family.

Bill was a devoted husband and father. He and his first wife had two children, Dianna and David. In 1974, he married the love of his life, Jan Bailey, and together they blended their family with her children, Brent and Krista, before welcoming twin sons, Charles and Jeffrey, in 1978.

He enjoyed reading history books, watching movies, and taking daily walks. Bill was always ready to offer advice or a helping hand to those around him and in the community. He and Jan were members of the Church of Christ. More than anything, “Papa” loved his grandchildren, and he especially loved to spoil them with sweet treats.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Jan, his son, Jeffrey, and his granddaughter, Brandy Leonhardt.

He is survived by his children: Dianna Leonhardt (Terry) of Lawton; David Bailey (Jeannie) of Broken Arrow; Charles Bailey (Brianna) of Norman; step-son Brent Kenney (Deborah) of Georgetown, TX; and step-daughter Krista Massey (Ryan) of Chickasha. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will remember him fondly.

We love you Dad!

Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Bill Eugene Turner

Bill Eugene Turner, 89, of Duncan, OK was born on February 9, 1936 in Anadarko, OK. He passed away on February 27, 2025 in Comanche, OK. There will be a private service. There will be no viewing. Burial will be in the Laverty Cemetery.

Rose Marie Dearinger

Rose Marie Dearinger, age 79, of Chickasha, Oklahoma, passed away on February 17, 2025. She was born on October 1, 1945, in Rushville, Indiana, to John and Mary Wilkinson.

Rose cherished her time spent fishing, camping, and enjoying the company of her children and grandchildren. She had a special love for caring for her animals and always made sure they were well looked after.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lowell Stanley Dearinger, and one great-grandson.

Rose is survived by her sons, Richard (Ted) Dearinger and his wife Angela, and Randy Dearinger and his wife Cassandra; her sisters, Valerie Kay Owens and her husband Ron, and Amber Lynn Stuart; her brother, Larry (Butch) Wilkinson; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will forever hold her memory close.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Marilynn Del Alley Miller Patton

Marilynn Del Alley Miller Patton passed away on February 16, 2025. She was born on December 25, 1941, to Freddie and Helen Alley in a one-room house near Boone, a small town west of Apache, Oklahoma.

Marilynn was first married to Bailey Miller, and together they welcomed three sons: Lonnie, Freddie, and Dannie. She later married Wayne Patton and lovingly became a stepmother to Debra Barbour, Nikeola Johnson, and Randy Patton.

She was affectionately known as “Grandmother” to Lindsey Dark, Lesley Engle, and Addison Miller, and as “Granna” to Jill Carson, Casey Barbour, Whitney Tarver, Ryan Patton, Jeremy Johnson, and Jennifer Patton. Her love extended to twelve great-grandchildren: Mckinley, Taelyn, and Kyce Dark; Kasen and London Engle; Grady and Wyatt Carson; Josselynn, Mason, Cooper, and Collins Tarver; and Stetson Graham.

Marilynn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Wayne Patton, as well as her brother-in-law, Charles Patton.

Her faith in God was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her every day with grace and gratitude. She embraced each day as a gift and found joy in nature, her many hobbies, and the friendships she cultivated over the years. She loved art and had a lifelong passion for learning, actively taking college classes in art and pottery until her passing. She enjoyed staying busy—whether mowing her yard, playing cards, or treasure-hunting at thrift stores. She was also an avid Oklahoma City Thunder fan and never missed a game. More than anything, she cherished time with her family and loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, always their biggest supporter.

Marilynn was also involved in her community in various ways, including working elections and lending a hand wherever she could. She had a strong work ethic, dedicating 42 years to bookkeeping before retiring.

She is survived by her children: Lonnie Miller of Tonkawa; Freddie and Kim Miller of Ponca City; Dannie and Kyla Miller of Oklahoma City; Debra Barbour of Newcastle; Nikeola Johnson of Oklahoma City; and Randy Patton of Wichita Falls, TX.

Her grandchildren include Lindsey and Nic Dark and their children, Mckinley, Taelyn, and Kyce; Lesley and Kevin Engle and their children, Kasen and London; Addison Miller; Jill and Darrin Carson and their children, Grady and Wyatt; Casey Barbour; Whitney and Justin Tarver and their children, Josselynn, Mason, Cooper, and Collins; Ryan Patton; Jeremy and Jessica Johnson; and Jennifer Patton and Kasey Graham with their son, Stetson. She is also survived by her brother, Larry Alley, and his wife, Sherri; nephew Logan Alley and his wife, Sarah; her sister-in-law Coe Patton; and other sisters-in-law Carolyn Wilson (Don), Linda Smith (Gary), and Norma Foley. Marilynn leaves behind many cherished friends who will miss her dearly.

A graveside service will be held at Memory Lane Cemetery, SW 6th St., Anadarko, OK, on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM. A Celebration of Life service will be held in Tonkawa, OK at 11:00am, Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Christian Life Church, 205 Thunderbird Road, Tonkawa, OK 74653. Viewing will be on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 1:00pm until 5:00pm at McRay Funeral Home in Chickasha, OK.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Christian Life Church, P.O. Box 486, Tonkawa, Oklahoma, 74653.

Ottie Wayne McAlister

Ottie Wayne McAlister, born on March 27, 1960, in Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away on February 12, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A cherished brother, uncle, and friend, Ottie was known for his deep faith in Jesus and his unwavering love for family and friends.

He had a passion for reading the Bible and novels and found joy in growing vegetables and flowers. Ottie loved fishing and was an avid listener of Christian music, particularly Old Southern Gospel and Contemporary genres. His favorite times of the year included Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring, during which he delighted in helping prepare festive meals, decorating the Christmas tree, and his favorite of all, planting his garden.

Ottie was a talented cook and worked as a maintenance man, painter, and lawn care professional, bringing joy and laughter to those around him. He was known for his playful spirit, love of pranks, and his ability to see the best in everyone. Despite facing many personal battles, he maintained a positive outlook and offered kindness to all who crossed his path.

He is survived by his sisters, Barbara Snow and husband Ray, Patty Sayre and husband Jack Jr., Lisa Boyd and husband Don, and Judy Collins, along with brother-in-law Charles Bradley. Ottie also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will carry on his legacy of love and compassion.

Ottie is preceded in death by his parents, Ottie and Leona McAlister sisters, Sheila Conley and Gloria Jean Bradley, and nephew, Tony Christopher Morales. His spirit will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Billy Carl Hill

Billy Carl Hill passed away on February 1, 2025, at his home in Verden, Oklahoma, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born on January 11, 1937 to James Franklin Hill and E. Virginia (Bradford) Hill in Newalla, Oklahoma. Bill grew up in the Tri-City area. Bill was a graduate of Bridge Creek High School in 1955. In 1958, he met the love of his life Annice. They married in 1959, and were inseparable for the next 63 years. They had two children, Fred and Denise.

Bill was a devoted daddy and family man. Family came first and foremost to Bill. He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always up for a trip to Braum’s at the drop of a hat. One of his greatest joys was sharing his love of ice cream with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill loved his church, teaching Sunday School, being an usher, and helping in any way. He enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling. He and Annice often went to Louisiana to see his sister Jewel and her family, taking the grandchildren with him to introduce them to all things Louisiana. He loved going to visit his brothers and sisters. One of the things he was proud of was starting an annual family reunion with his remaining eight siblings after his daddy passed away. The first year of the reunion there were approximately 90 in attendance.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin and E. Virginia Hill; his wife Annice Hill; son Fred Hill; granddaughters Franziska Annice Wall and Abby Michelle Wall; sisters Pauline Burgess, Carrie Thomas, Viola “Crick” Jun, V. Eileen Robinson; brothers Frankie L. Hill, Jackie L. Hill, Sr., and Danny K. Hill.

He is survived by daughter Denise Wall and husband Joe; daughter-in-law Tammie Hill; grandchildren James Wall, Billy Joe Wall and wife Lorinda, Michael Wall, Elizabeth Wedel and husband Tyler, and Katherine Crow and husband Zack; seven great-grandchildren; sister Jewel Thornburg; brother James Hill and wife Oveta; sister-in-law Betty Pope and husband Terry; and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Viewing will be on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 9:00am to 7:00pm. A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm, Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Epworth United Methodist Church. Pastor Kyle Clark will officiate.

Interment will be in the Liberty Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

James Elton Ferrell

Funeral for James Elton Ferrell, age 84 of Chickasha, will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the Gateway to Hope church. Pastor Jerry Reed will officiate.

Elton was born the son of James Henry Ferrell and Velma Lois Nelson Ferrell on May 31, 1940, in Ninnekah, OK. He died at his home in Chickasha, OK on February 1, 2025 after a lengthy illness.

Elton was a post-polio survivor. In October 1951, at the age of 11, he contracted polio and was admitted to Crippled Children’s Hospital where he stayed until Christmas. He was told he would never walk again and was sent home with braces, crutches, a wheelchair and other devices. He also had numerous unproven surgeries to help him walk. His dad bought him a bicycle and he figured out a way to ride that bike. He was a fighter all of his life. Janell told us that for his high-school graduation, he was not wearing braces when he walked across the stage wearing penny loafers and clothes an aunt had bought for him.

Elton opened his own business in the late 1960s selling garage and service-station equipment and was still calling on customers up until he was hospitalized in October. Square dancing came into his life in the 1970s and continued until his death. He made many life-long friends whom he still has today. He served as Oklahoma Square Dance Federation President in 1989 working on the national convention in Oklahoma City with about 23,000 participating dancers. He also made time to work with youth and high-school students. Young baseball players remember him climbing up the bleacher steps with his crutches to run the scoreboard. It was difficult for him but he did it to support the kids. If you don’t already know, sometimes he had obstacles that got in his way but he would find a way to do it. He was stubborn and hard headed but that is how he survived 84 years. He would always find a way! Elton was part of the C B Club. He loved to travel and camp.

Elton was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of the home; his two wonderful children, Jim Ferrell, and Kim Hernandez and her husband, Joe Hernandez; his grandchildren Chris Hernandez and wife Erica, Kyle Hernandez and wife Kasey, and Kelsey Hernandez and partner Dante’ Laws; great-grandchildren in age order MyKala Loftis, Ethan Cole, Kenzi Kroeger, Jayce Hernandez, Kyson Hernandez, Ellie Kate Hernandez and Hank Hernandez; siblings, Janell Looney, Royce Ferrell and wife Kathy, Joyce Butts and husband Jerry, and Kathy Greenway and Luis; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Interment will be in Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.