Jimmy Eugene Yoder

Memorial service for Jimmy Eugene Yoder will be held at 1:30pm, Thursday, January 11, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Chickasha, OK.

Jimmy Eugene (Harris) Yoder passed from this life into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Jimmy was born on October 25, 1931, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Alvertice Mae (Westfall) Harris and George Thomas Harris.

His younger days were spent in Chickasha, Ninnekah, and eventually Fletcher, OK, where he graduated from high school and met the love of his life. He joined the US Navy and served in the Korean War on the USS Marshall, DD 676. Toye convinced him that she was “the one” when she wrote letters to him when he was serving overseas. Upon his return from war, he married Toye Walker and entered into civil service. He then attended College at Cameron and Central State University and got a Bachelor of Science degree. He became a Mathematics teacher in Lawton, Oklahoma. Eventually, Jim became a computer analyst at the Federal Aviation Administration where he worked with computers that were as large as a large room.

Jim loved the outdoors. He had a large garden and orchard for many years and often grew the family’s fruits and vegetables for the year. He also raised cattle and was a wonderful artist creating many oil and watercolor paintings. Jim is known for his quiet manner; however, he loved having family around him. Jim loved the mountains and spent many summer vacations with his family in Colorado camping, fishing for trout and sightseeing. Jim extended his love for the outdoors to his grandchildren. He took them to the lake, camping, boating and swimming when they were young.

Jimmy told of the time when he was 15 that he invited Jesus into his heart at the invitation of a lady for whom he was working. Although he was quiet about everything, including his faith, he insisted that he was a child of God.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Toye Yoder, his parents Alvertice Westfall Jones, his father George Thomas Harris and stepfather Cullen Jones.

He is survived by children James Yoder and his wife Gina, Jan Yoder Harrison and her husband David. His grandchildren are Maegan Womble, Jeremiah and Joshua Yoder, Hannah Keepers and husband Kris, Emily Roberts and husband Nathanael, Autumn Stark and husband Tyler, Tabitha Toye Harrison, Lacy Thompson and Mark Baxter. His great-grandchildren are Isaac and David Keepers. He is also survived by his sister Nettie Fisher and husband Bobby; their Daughter Lauren Smith and husband Travis and their children Ethan and Alleigh Smith. Jim is also survived by many loving family members on Toye's side of the family.

Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Haivyn Lea White

Haivyn Lea White, daughter of Haley Harris and Bryan White, was stillborn on December 19, 2023, in Norman, OK.  No services are scheduled at this time.

Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Thelma Joan Leaverton

Funeral Service for Thelma Joan Leaverton, age 90, of Edmond Oklahoma will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday December 14, 2023 at College Heights Baptist Church.  Joan was born August 3, 1933 in Wewoka where she attended ONG school until 1942 when she moved to the Ramsey Oil Field. In 1948 she moved to Perkins, OK where she graduated from High School in 1951. Her home was in the same block as the original “ Pistol Pete’s' ' home and she had memories of him using the oak trees in the backyard as target practice. She enrolled in Intensive Business at Oklahoma A&M and was employed as the  manager’s Secretary at Central Rural Electric Cooperative for six years.
On Labor day, September 1955, Erwin Dale Leaverton came into Joans life. They were introduced by long-time friends from Stillwater while going on a “blind date.” On December 21, 1956 they were married in Sand Springs Oklahoma. 

She and Erwin lived in many cities over their lifetime where they met many lifelong friends.In 1966  they moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma. While living in Chickasha Joan was employed as Secretary for Cole Johnston & Grigsby C.P.A’s of Chickasha for twelve years  She was very active throughout the community and a member of Beta Sigma Phi, The Junior Social Workers of Chickasha, and she supported and volunteered for her children's extra curricular activities.  

She retired in April of 1985 and they moved to Edmond Oklahoma.During retirement in Edmond Joan enjoyed shopping, gardening, vacationing with family, and spending time spoiling her grandkids. 

Joan is preceded in death by: Father: Bob Smith, Mother: Leta Smith, Husband: Erwin Leaverton,  Son: Michael  Leaverton and Brother-in-law: Ronnie Leaverton

She is survived by: Daughter: Lisa Hannah (and Royce Hannah) Brother-in-law: Max Leaverton Nephew: Danny Leaverton Daughter-in-law: Diane Leaverton Grandkids: Elizabeth Holt (and Dustin), Ashley Faulkner (and Tyler), J.D. Leaverton & Mikayla Leaverton and Niece: Karen Leaverton.

Interment will be in the Perkins Cemetery in Perkins, Oklahoma.  Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral home.

Karen Sue Plummer-Lee

Memorial service for Karen Plummer-Lee, 83, of Chickasha, Oklahoma will be held at 10:30am, Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the Southern Oaks Church of Christ.  Ron Blankinship will officiate.

Karen Sue Plummer – Lee was born on May 12, 1940 in Bluffton, Indiana and died on December 6, 2023 in Chickasha, OK.

Karen was born the daughter of Verdane Reiff and Martha Kain Reiff – Morris. She graduated high school in Tucson, Arizona.

Karen worked as a telephone operator and began dating Rufford Plummer. At 19 years old, she married Rufford in 1959 in Tucson where they raised their two children Laura and Doug.

Later, Rufford and Karen moved to West Virginia. She enjoyed gardening and canning. Karen also was an amazing seamstress.

They moved to Chickasha in 1991. She loved making clothes, slippers, and Barbie Doll clothes for her grandchildren.  Karen loved to read, play the piano and listen to classical music. Her most favorite hobby was quilting. Each child, grandchild and great grandchild received a quilt made by her.

Karen worked at Christian Care Retirement Home in the late 1990’s and volunteered at the Southern Oaks Church of Christ Food and Clothing Room before retiring. She loved to travel and attended quilting retreats. Karen married Bill Lee on November 3, 2007.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Rufford, daughter Laura Hicks, son in law Alton Hicks, one brother Tom Reiff, and brother in law Chet Sawin.

Survivors include husband Bill, one son Doug Plummer and wife Kathy of Chickasha, granddaughter Jennifer Troub and husband Andrew of Chickasha, grandson Donovan Hicks of Rocky Face, Georgia, granddaughter Juniper Stell and husband Larry of Inman, SC, granddaughter Jessica Williams and husband Gary of Chickasha, grandson Benjamin Hicks of Ider, Alabama, great grandchildren Alyssa Hicks, Nathan Troub, Emma Williams, Samuel Troub, Rachel Troub, Easton Williams, Kurtis Stell and wife Adriana, one sister Shirley Sawin of Thermal, California, one brother John Morris and wife Jerry of Texas, Boyd and Susie Lee, Eddie and Cindy Lee and the Lee family, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Marilynn Jean Johnson

Funeral for Marilynn Jean Hutchins Johnson, 97, of Lawton, Oklahoma will be at 11:00am, Monday, November 13, 2023 in the McRay Funeral Home Chapel in Chickasha, Oklahoma.  Pastor Gary Butler will officiate.

Marilynn was born on July 7, 1926 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Walter and Vera Hutchins.  She died on November 10, 2023 in Lawton.  

Marilynn grew up in Lawton and was close to her grandparents Arthur and Maud Clark.  She attended Lawton High School, Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and Oklahoma State University.  She married Isaac John Johnson on July 10, 1946.  He died on January 20, 1986.

She worked with her husband in their businesses including John’s Interiors in Lawton and Temple Manor Nursing Home in Temple, Oklahoma.  Throughout her life she was involved in her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities and enjoyed traveling the world.

She leaves behind two sons Michael and his wife Doretta of Elgin, Oklahoma and Mark and his wife Londa of Chickasha, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren Michael Ross Johnson, Heather Slone, Ryan Johnson, Misty Cooper, Daniel Johnson, Shannon Warren, Karen Longhenry and Clinton Janda; twelve great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her son John Walter Johnson.

Visitation/viewing will be from 3:00pm to 5:00pm Sunday, November 12, 2023 at McRay Funeral Home.

Rita Gail Hughes

Rita Gail Hughes, 76, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away November 8, 2023 in Chickasha. Rita was born on August 13, 1947 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to parents Neuil Harling Stewart and Ivory Estelene (Carter) Stewart. Rita graduated highschool in 1965 from Bradley, Oklahoma, where she was active as a cheerleader, participated in FHA, and often took a leadership role in both her studies and among her peers; achieving Dean’s Honor Roll. Rita met Jimmy Charles Hughes, Sr., and they were married August 19, 1968 in Wichita Falls, TX. Rita and her growing family attended the Church of Christ in Ninnekah, Oklahoma for several years.  After graduating from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 1993, Rita served as a loan officer for Superior Bank, now Arvest Bank, until 2013 before retiring. Rita was a loving “Nina”, who enjoyed spending time with her family, collecting elephants and reading books. Rita is remembered for being a very good big sister to her younger siblings and always looking after them while growing up. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Neuil and Ivory Estelene Stewart, husband Jimmy Hughes Sr., brother Ronnie Stewart (Suzi), and great-granddaughter Keira Hughes. She is survived by her sister Diane Barrington (Blanchard), brother Jim and Ada Stewart (Chickasha), brother Dave and Lisa Stewart (Union City), sister-in-law Suzi Stewart (Chickasha), sons Jimmy and Melanie Hughes (Edmond), Travis Hughes (Edmond), daughters Lynne Hughes (Chickasha) and Deanne and Thome Cook (Norman). Rita will be missed by her grandchildren Ashley and Kenneth Keaton (Verden), Morgan and Jeffrey Lippincott (Dallas), Sydney and Daniel Woods (Edmond), Haley Barry (Oklahoma City), Keri and Jeff Ash (Yukon), Riley Hughes (Edmond), great-grandchildren Karter and Channing Keaton, Eliza Barry, Raquel and Alaina Ash, Chance and August Woods, and many nieces and nephews.  

Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm Monday, November 13, 2023 in the Alex Cemetery . Family and friends are invited to attend. 

Services and cremation arrangements are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Gary Andrew Goforth

Graveside funeral service for Gary Andrew Goforth, 54, of Chickasha, will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home. Sister Alice Wendling will officiate.

Gary was born the son of Ruby and James Goforth on January 20, 1969 in Mobile, Alabama.  He passed away November 5, 2023 at home in Chickasha with his wife by his side.

For the last seven years Gary has been the Chief Engineer for Hampton Inn here in Chickasha.  He was proud to be able to work with his hands and enjoyed his job which allowed him to do what he loved. He enjoyed helping people and with his good listening skills was often considered a counselor by others.  He loved his dogs and would tell anybody his best friend was a five pound miniature Yorkie named Tater-tot. He loved riding motorcycles and made many friends in the pursuit of that hobby.  He had been together with his loving wife for 17 years and together they did everything.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; three sisters and one stepson.

Gary is survived by his wife Casper Goforth; one son Chris Goforth; one stepson Mason Adams; brother David Goforth along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Tyler Blake Robnett

Saturday, on the morning of September 25, 1999, Amanda and RD Robnett were blessed by the arrival of Tyler Blake Robnett––a beautiful blue eyed baby boy. Tyler’s family is eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to love him for the past 24 years. He went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. at Grand Assembly of God Church, 102 East Almar Drive, Chickasha, OK 73018. Pastor Kim Hayes will be officiating. Following the service, interment will be held at Fairlawn Cemetery in Chickasha, under the direction of McRay Funeral Home. Floral arrangements can be sent to 110 S. 8th Street Chickasha, OK (McRay Funeral Home).

Tyler was born in Chickasha and attended both Chickasha and Ninnekah Public Schools. He graduated from Ninnekah High School in 2018. A fierce competitor, talented athlete, and full of humility, Tyler thrived academically and was a part of the gifted and talented program. He played mighty mite football where he earned his nickname “Punisher.” Tyler’s baseball career began at three years of age with his father as his coach. He played baseball and basketball all throughout high school. At the Long Horn Classic Tournament, he received the All-Tournament Player award. In 2014, Tyler was an active FFA member and a part of the Ninnekah Land Judging team. In Warner Oklahoma, he ranked first place and was awarded a scholarship to Connors State College.

He grew up exploring the great outdoors and enjoying nature with his cousin and aunt who he grew up with as close as siblings. The three would spend countless hours outside together with imaginations in full swing, exploring, riding four wheelers and dirt bikes, frog hunting, and living carefree. Always seeking resources to expand his knowledge and outlook on life, he valued his health and nutrition; was empathetic, open-minded, always receptive to learning, and a critical thinker who paid great attention to detail. Most importantly, Tyler set a perfect example of what it means to love. Not only did he show love to his family but showed compassion to the less fortunate. Like salt of the earth, he was selfless. Regardless of being a man of few words, his genuine character was loud and vibrant to those who had the privilege of experiencing any encounter with him.

Some of Tyler's favorite athletes include NBA basketball player Derrick Rose and MMA fighter Anderson Silva. He was always thinking of his siblings.  For example, he would often surprise them with their favorite snacks and drinks. Tyler and his brother Carson bonded over sports and video games. He was his sister's rock, protector, her safe place. Tyler, Carson, and Sydney enjoyed challenging each other in a game of basketball. His family never doubted the love he had for them as shown through his you before me mindset.

Tyler is survived by his father RD Robnett III of Chickasha, OK, mother Amanda (Trent) Robnett of Ninnekah, OK, siblings Carson Robnett, Sydney Hightower, and older brothers Devin and Trenton Robnett, maternal grandparents Paul and Alicia Musshafen of Ninnekah, OK, grandfather Billy John Trent of Chickasha, OK, paternal grandparents Julia Pool of Moore, OK, RD II (Junior) and Frieda Mae Robnett of Anadarko, OK. He is also survived by aunts Crystal DeKinder of Moore,OK, Alexis Musshafen of Chickasha, OK, Jessica Trent of Chickasha, OK, uncle Donny McHugh of Chickasha, OK, dearest cousins Cheyenne Walker of Norman, OK, Alina and Sophia Reed of Chickasha, OK and an abundance of additional family and friends.

Martin Luther Green

Martin (Marty) Luther Green, resident of Chickasha, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at his home from natural causes on September 29th, 2023. He is survived by his mother, Lola Belle (Henshaw) Metz also of Chickasha, OK, three daughters, Christina Turner and her husband Ben, of Moore, OK, Lisa Burton of Oklahoma City, OK and Mackenzie Green of Mc Loud, OK, two grandchildren, Morgan Turner and Kane Turner of Moore, OK, two siblings, Sherrie Lambert and her husband Doug of Chickasha, OK and Louisa Campbell and her husband Wayne of Plano, TX, two aunts, nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Luther Cornelius Green, two sisters, his big sister, Lola Ann Green, and his baby sister, Esther Louella Coburn, other loved family members and dear friends.

Marty’s Home Going Celebration will be Friday, October 6th at 1:00 at McRay Funeral Home, 110 S 8th St, Chickasha, OK. Reverend Vaughn Wand, pastor of The House of The Lord Church, Chickasha, OK officiating.

Interment will be in the Moore Cemetery in Moore, OK under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Jim Armstrong

Jim Armstrong, age 61, was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma on December 19, 1961 to Jim and Carrie Armstrong.  He died on September 30, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Private interment will be in the Laverty Cemetery.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  There is no viewing. 

Joy F. Bollman

Funeral service for Joy F. Bollman, age 85 of Chickasha will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the Epworth United Methodist Church.

Joy was born the daughter of James Howard Hodges and Maggie Mae Hodges (Howell) on May 9, 1938.  She died on September 19, 2023, in Yukon, Oklahoma.

Joy grew up in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and graduated from Pauls Valley High School.  She married John Bollman in November, 1958 in Pauls Valley.  They made their home in Oklahoma City.  After a couple of years there, they moved to Blanchard where they lived a short time before moving to the farm north of Alex, Oklahoma, where they lived for 30 years.  They eventually moved to Chickasha.

Joy volunteered as a Pink Lady at Grady Memorial Hospital.  She enjoyed playing cards and dominoes.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, John Bollman, her parents, her brother, James Hodges, her sister, Mary Ann Medlock, and her daughter-in-law, Kim Bollman.

Joy is survived by her son, John Bollman and wife Nilsa, daughter, Lori Brandt and husband Steve, son, Robert Bollman and wife Martha, granddaughters Candace Bollman, Jillian Bollman, Deven McMahan and husband Abram, Brooke Brandt and Jessica Barnard.  She is also survived by great-grandchildren AJ Barnard, Mia Barnard and Darci McMahan as well as  numerous nieces and nephews.

Interment will be in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.  Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

John Webster Periman

Memorial service for John Webster Periman will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the First Baptist Church.

John Webster Periman was born in Blanchard, Oklahoma to Elzie Guy Periman and Nola Pearl Byers Periman on July 28, 1935. John was peacefully and enthusiastically welcomed into heaven on September 14, 2023 at the timeless age of 88. John graduated from Alex High School in 1953. After high school, John enlisted and served as an Airman in the United States Air Force for 4 years. John served as Produce Manager and then Store Manager for Humpty Dumpty later Dunn’s for a combined total of 30 years. He ultimately retired after 10 years of service for Grady County. John was a passionate vocalist known for his bass voice. He sang in the Chickasha Chapter of the Barber Shoppers as well as in the First Baptist Church Choir.  John married his loving wife, Ronda J. Rogers Periman on November 30, 1961. From their union they welcomed three sons;Jeffry Guy Periman, of Chickasha, John Scott Periman and wife Shelly of Chickasha and Jeret Lee Periman and wife Mellissa of Tuttle.  John was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret Louise Williams, sister Amy Lee Moore, sister Jo Ann Tillery and brother Frank Leon Periman. John is survived by his wife Ronda, 3 sons, sister Eula Blish of Texas, sister Nancy Brewer of Harrah as well as many loving nieces, nephews and numerous deeply loved grand children and great grandchildren who he was affectionately known as Uncle Johnny and Papa or Poppy.

Services and cremation arrangements are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Billy Bob Tryon

Funeral for Billy Bob Tryon, age 76, will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Bible Baptist Church.

Billy Bob Tryon was born on June 16, 1947 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to Lucy and Cleaborn Tryon.  He went to his heavenly home on September 17, 2023 with his family by his side. 

Billy Bob was the baby of 14 children and was raised in and around Chickasha, Oklahoma his whole life.  He and Judy Barnard were married in Wichita Falls, Texas on December 29, 1966.  They shared 57 happy years together and to this union two daughters were born, Shelly Denise and Robyn Lynn.

Billy Bob was a hard worker and made sure his family was taken care of.  He had an ornery streak that always made everyone laugh.  His favorite thing to do was to watch his grandkids rodeo. Papa was always there to help saddle, water, feed, cheer from the sidelines or whatever needed to be done at the rodeo’s. Papa never missed an opportunity to brag about his grandkids.

Billy Bob was preceded in death by his parents, 8 brothers, and 4 sisters. Loved ones left to remember him are his wife Judy of the home; daughter Shelly Scales and husband Rick of Blanchard; daughter Robyn Morrow and husband Jim of Duncan; one granddaughter Kaylee Scales, one grandson Tanner Scales and two bonus grandkids Madison Paul and Garrett Barker; one sister Reta Jo Climer; numerous nieces and great nieces along with numerous nephews and great nephews. 

Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Kevin Ray “Beez” Quillin

Funeral for Kevin Ray Quillin, age 53 of Chickasha will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Full Gospel Church.

Kevin was born the son of Rick and Shirley Quillin on March 2, 1970, in Oklahoma City.  He died on September 13, 2023, in Chickasha.

Kevin grew up in Chickasha where he attended school until the 11th grade, at which time he decided his career path was to join the family business, Chickasha Upholstery.  Kevin spent years mastering the craft while he got his GED.  He took over the family business which he successfully ran for 23 years until he got his wings.  Living a selfless life, Kevin has helped so many people throughout his time on earth.  He was always the first to help without you even asking him for it.  He loved karaoke, playing pool, playing cards, riding his motorcycle, upholstery, and he loved his family.

He is preceded in death by his mother Shirley Quillin and his grandson Braxton Bordwine.

He is survived by his father Rick Quillin; brother Richard Quillin; brother and sister-in-law Michael and Kristin Quillin; daughter and son-in-law Sharie and Mason Bordwine; two grandkids Bentley and Brynlee Bordwine; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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

Seth Allen Pennington

Seth Allen Pennington, age 62, of Chickasha, Oklahoma, was born the son of Ralph and Margie Pennington on December 4, 1960 in Wichital Falls, Texas.  He died on September 10, 2023 in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

A private, family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Steven Paul Howe

Steve was born on Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12, 1962 to Leon and Yvonne Kendrix Howe at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.  He passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at the age of 61. 

Steve grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas.  He attended Fowler Elementary and McNiel Jr High.  He was a member of ROTC at Rider High School and graduated in 1980. 

Steve loved family, fast cars, four-wheelers, fishing and rock music. 

Steve was a dedicated and loyal parts delivery driver at O’Reilly Auto Parts for 30 plus years in Chickasha, Oklahoma where he lived since 1989.  He also volunteered countless hours at an area animal sanctuary.

Steve is preceded in death by his mother, Yvonne Kendrix Howe, and his step-brother, Gary Kuykendall. 

Steve is survived by his only love Gayla Howe; his father, Leon Howe (wife, Letricia); sisters, Kim Howe Fagan (husband, Pat); Vonna Bailey (husband, Michael); Pam Whitson (husband, Gary) and Denna Kuykendall. Nephews and nieces are Will Raeke, Ryan Raeke, Tara Bailey, Ericka Walsh, Riley Whitson, Ty Whitson, Dalton Otto, Zac Otto, Shelbi Honkcomp and Jessica Kuykendall. He also has many great nieces and nephews. The youngest generation fondly referred to him as Uncle Brother Man. 

Steve’s Celebration of Life will be held at 4pm, Saturday, September 16, 2003 at the  Eagles Lodge, 5396 Seymour Hwy, Wichita Falls Tx 76310. Details will be shared on his Facebook page as well. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice of Wichita Falls in memory of Yvonne Kendrix Howe is respectfully requested. 

Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Sharon Kay Richie

Sharon Kay Richie died on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at her home in Chickasha, Oklahoma.  She was born the daughter of Isaac and Luta Bowerman on June 11, 1951 in Macomb, Oklahoma.  She was 72 years old.  There will be no services at this time. Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Ramona Karliene Spradlin

A memorial service for Ramona Karliene Spradlin, age 89, will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Ardmore, OK.  A graveside service will follow at 2:00 pm at Fairlawn Cemetery in Chickasha, OK under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Ramona Karliene Spradlin was born in Anadarko, Oklahoma to Karl Marx Abshier and Myrtle Clara (Mashore) Abshier on June 16, 1934.  She entered her heavenly home on July 28, 2023.  Karliene, as she was known to family and friends, married   Clarence A. “Pete” Spradlin in April of 1951.  While Pete was still in the Navy, their first daughter was born.  Upon his discharge from the Navy the family moved to Bethany where their second daughter was born and the family was complete.  They eventually moved to Ft. Worth where he attended Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary.  Karliene worked at the switchboard part time and was a busy homemaker the rest of the time.  Karliene found her ministry in the preschool departments wherever Pete pastored.  When the family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, Karliene continued her ministry with the little ones.  She received training in preschool ministry at Glorieta Baptist Conference Center and went back the next few years to train new workers.  Karliene traveled with other workers in the Northern Plains Baptist Convention (Wyoming, Montana, and North and South Dakota) leading preschool conferences.  With her oldest daughter in college and her youngest daughter about to graduate from high school, Karliene decided it was time to get her GED and fulfill a lifelong dream to become a nurse.  Pete and Karliene moved to Chickasha where Pete pastored at College Heights Baptist Church and Karliene continued her preschool ministry.  She found time to attend Vocational-Technical School in El Reno to become an LPN.  She worked at the hospital and then as an allergy nurse in Chickasha.  She loved being a nurse.  Putting her budgeting skills to good use, Karliene put every dollar she made toward the land and later the house they built together that would be their home for many years.  Karliene was proud of their home and every year hosted a dinner for the church deacons and their wives at Christmas time.  Through the years she hosted evangelists, friends, and family.  Karliene planned wonderful vacations for her family as they visited many National Parks.  She also loved Christmas and the music that went with the holiday.  Karliene is preceded in death by many precious loved ones, including Pete in 2010.   She is survived by her brother Elmer (Sonny) and his wife Irene, Anadarko; brother-in-law Jesse Cook, Ardmore; and sister-in-law Mary Shafer,  Shorewood, IL; daughters Connie (Rich) Mattingly from Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Brenda (Richard) Jagger, Ardmore, Oklahoma; grandchildren Cameron (Sarah) Hansen, Colin (Katie) Hansen, Elizabeth (Jason) Williams, Rebecca (Aaron) Hall; great grandchildren Ian, Kaylee, Gabriel, Ellee, Tristan, Seth, Mika, Judah, Emma, Brody, Marie, and Scarlett.  She will be missed.

Bruce Epperson

Graveside funeral service for Bruce Epperson will be held at 11:00am, Monday, July 31, 2023 in the Fairview Cemetery, Tuttle, OK.  There will be no viewing.

Faybell Buchanan

Graveside funeral service for Faybell Buchanan, 85, OK, will be held at 10:00am, Wednesday, July 12, 2023 in the Verden Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Faybell was born the daughter of Carl and Viola Blevins on April 14, 1938 in Verden, OK.  She died on July 10, 2023 in Chickasha, OK.

Faybell grew up in the Verden area, graduating from Verden High School and lived her entire life in the Verden community.

Viewing will be held from 9:00am to 7:00pm on Tuesday, at McRay Funeral Home.

Lila Jill Clark

A Memorial Service for Lila “Jill” Clark will be held at 1:30 pm, Friday, July 21, 2023 at First Christian Church in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Reverend Michael Oberlender will officiate.

Jill was born on September 24, 1946, to Ralph and Letha Mae Peter.  She was born in Frederick, Ok.  She died on July 6, 2023 in Oklahoma City, surrounded by loved ones.

Jill married her husband, Billy Ray Clark on December 27, 1968.  They spent many years together, making lots of memories. Jill was a science teacher, basketball coach, respiratory therapist, and later in life,  a United Methodist Minister.

She was an avid gardener, known for her beautiful flowers, loved to travel, and spend time with her friends and family.  Her most loved role in life was one of mother, to her daughter, Crystal Wyatt, and was the most wonderful Ga-Ga to her grandsons, Brennan Wyatt and Jacob Merchant.

Jill is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Letha Mae Peter, and  sister Jaquita Fillmore.  She is survived by husband, Bill Clark; sisters Jan McKinney and Sharon Peter, daughter Crystal and Shane Wyatt, grandsons Brennan Wyatt and Jacob Merchant.  She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and numerous friends and family members who will remember her fondly.

Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Becky Renee Stephenson

Funeral service for Becky Stephenson, 58, of Rush Springs, OK will be held at 10:30am, Monday, June 19, 2023 at the Southern Oaks Church of Christ in Chickasha, OK.  Ron Blankinship will officiate.  Interment will be in the Alex Cemetery in Alex, OK under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Becky was born the daughter of Herman and Mary Wright  on October 10, 1964 in Duncan, OK.  She died on June 15, 2023 at her home in Rush Springs, OK.

Becky was raised in Velma, OK.  She graduated from Velma-Alma High School in 1982 then attended OU for a short time. She worked for the US Postal Service for many years and retired as Post Master in Alex, OK.  After her retirement, she worked part time for Eagle Iron and Steel in Marlow, OK.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents.

Becky is survived by her husband Rodney Stephenson; son Gavin Foster and Jena; son Grant Foster; daughter Shallin Hines and Freddie; son Cody Stephenson and Jessica; daughter Jentri Foster and Andrew; grandchildren Shay Foster, Braden Hines, Brant Hines and Lexi, Brennae McKinnon and Trace, Kayden Stephenson, Hadlie Stephenson, Londyn Stephenson, Jaxton Stephenson, Maddox Foster and Kennedy Foster; great-grandchildren Carter and Corbin Hines, Oakley and Waylon Hines, Blakely Cearlock and Kohen McKinnon; brothers Rodney Wright and Sandra, Kevin Wright and Robbie, Randy Wright and Judy; numerous other family and special friends Mickey and Cheryl Pruitt and their kids Barkley and Whitney. 

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 18, 2023, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, at McRay Funeral Home.

Jo Ann Polly

Jo Ann Cottrell Polly (March 31, 1937- June 8, 2023) was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She married a cute sailor from the farm down the road and spent 66 years building a wonderful life and family with him. She was born over a gas station in Binger, graduated from Anadarko High School in 1955, sold a calf to fund secretarial school, and worked in various industries before finding her work home in the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission in Miami and managing the Anadarko and Chickasha offices. She loved fiercely and served in every way she could.  She had plenty of opinions and lots of wisdom to share, and one of her love languages was food.  She supplied her family, friends, neighbors, church, and anyone else she appreciated with all sorts of delicious meals and baked goods.  She traveled across the US and across the Atlantic to see interesting places, visit friends and family, and care for her grandchildren. 

Jo was the wife and devoted partner of Jim Polly of Chickasha, the daughter of Ludwig (Punch) and Violet Cottrell of Cyril, the older sister of Deveta Miller of Chickasha, the mother of Beth (James) Jones of Houston and Jim (Teresa) Polly of Oklahoma City, the doting grandmother of Emma (Zack) Taylor of Houston, Hannah (John Nelson) Jones of Austin, and Joshua Polly of Oklahoma City.  If you’ve seen her in the last 2 years, you have seen pictures of her great-granddaughter, Lucy Taylor, who brought her delight.  She loved her in-laws, both those gone before and those still here, including Louann (Cricket) and Rick Watts of Oklahoma City, Virgean Polly of Anadarko, and Richard Polly of Windsor, Colorado, as well as all her nieces and nephews. She took chances on people and made a difference in many lives.  She served her community on vo-tech and library boards and the PEO, and by serving summer lunches to children.

Jo did not want a formal funeral.  She will be interred privately in Anadarko.  There will be a gathering of friends at 1 pm on Friday, June 16, at the Cowboy Church in Apache.  We will celebrate her life and share stories and “Jojo specialties” baked by her granddaughters.  If you are so moved, please contribute to breast cancer research or her church or to a cause that matters to you, or feed a friend or stranger, and remember her.

Judy Carol Kauley

Funeral service for Judy Kauley will be held at 10:00am, Friday, June 9, 2023 at First Baptist Church Chickasha.  Pastor Michael Butler will officiate.

Judy Carol Kauley, age 76, moved to her Heavenly mansion on June 6, 2023, with her family at her side.  Judy was born on Sunday, May 18, 1947, in Erin Springs, OK, to Raymond Wilson Reed and Mildred Ann McCants Reed.  She grew up on the family farm and would later move to Chickasha.  At 18, Judy married Alva Turner on November 6, 1965; the family grew as they had three daughters, Beverly, Natalie, and Toni.  She would later meet and marry the love of her life Ralph Kauley, Jr. on March 12, 1999, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Judy was preceded in death by many family members.  Rejoicing as she arrived in Heaven are both parents, Raymond and Mildred; four brothers, Arthur (Sam) Reed, Bill Reed, Charles Reed and an infant brother; four sisters, Opal Stucks, Barbara Turner, Minnie Phillips, and Shirley Quillin; her first husband, Alva Turner; her grandson-in-law Jonathan Osborn; and three brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; two nieces; and four nephews.

Judy left behind many family members who will carry her memories in their hearts.  These include her husband of 23 and a half years Ralph Kauley, Jr.; daughters Beverly Sales and husband DeRedact, Natalie Holman and husband Kelly, Toni Turner-Cole and husband Jason; step-children Tracy George and husband Jody, Melanie Kauley, and Kelcey Rightmire and husband David; 10 grandchildren and their spouses; 16 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses; one sister-in-law Carolyn Reed; and one brother-in-law Rick Quillin along with many, many friends.

Final Resting place will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery. Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Peggy A Harwell

Graveside funeral service for Peggy Harwell, 91, will be held at 11:00am, Friday, April 28, 2023 in the Fairlawn Cemetery, Chickasha, OK. Peggy was born on March 8, 1932.  She died on April 25, 2023.

Donald Williams

Donald “Duck” Williams, Sr., 79 years old, passed away on April 17, 2023 at Grady Memorial Hospital, Chickasha, OK, with his wife Vickie by his side.

Duck was born October 15, 1943 and was the son of the late Owen and Ova Williams.  He was a graduate of Verden High School.  He owned his own mechanic shop business in Chickasha, OK.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Vickie Williams; sons Donald Williams, Jr. of Chickasha, OK; David (Wanda) Williams of Waterloo, NY; Darren (Renesa) Williams of Mustang, OK; daughter Brandy (John) Swanson of Chickasha, OK; siblings Ruby Roller and Janice Stemm; along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Owen and Ova Williams; siblings Leonard Williams; Gene McDaniels; Betsy Miller; sons Brandon Williams; Ronnie Estepp; and Tony Estepp.

A family led Celebration of Donald “Duck” Williams will be held on April 22, 2023 at 1:00pm at Shannon Springs Park, 2400 S 9th, Chickasha, OK 73018.

Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Roberta Faye Greenway

Roberta Faye Greenway, age 75, died at Chickasha, OK on April 15, 2023.  She was born June 11, 1947 in LaCrosse, KS to Jack and Helen (Ochs) Greenway.  She attended many elementary schools in Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico before moving to Oklahoma in 1962.  Roberta graduated from Ninnekah High School in 1965 as its Salutatorian.  She attended Oklahoma College for Women during the summer of 1965, when the college changed its name to OCLA and she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in December, 1968.

In November of 1968 Roberta moved to Tulsa, OK to begin her teaching career.  She taught the remainder of the school year at Roosevelt Jr High.  In 1969 she returned to Chickasha where she would teach Physical Education at the Intermediate School for 29 years.  She was retired from 1998 to 2000.  She wanted to continue working with children in some capacity, so she became the In-School Restriction Supervisor for Intermediate for two years and Chickasha Middle school until 2018.  She has served 49 years in Education.

Ms. Greenway served as Grady County Red Cross Director in 1970.  In 1971-1975 she served as Girl Scout leader/trainer for Sooner Council.  She also was a member of Eagle Lodge #4070 and held different offices in Auxiliary and Aerie.  Honors received were Special Volunteer 2004 from Aerie and 2004-2005 Volunteer of the Year from the Women’s Auxiliary.  Roberta was also a member of the Elks Lodge #2125 for 2005-2006.  She was selected as Support Professional of the Month of November in 2005 by her peers.  From 2005-2010 she served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children in Grady County.  She received the Chickasha Public School Foundation Hero Award for Chickasha Middle School in 2010.  In 2017-2018 she was appointed Support Professional of the Year.

Roberta played, coached and umpired many softball and basketball games between 1969 and 1998.  Her hobbies were fishing, genealogy, string art, reading and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jackie Lee; sister Jerri Drennon and brother-in-law Jimmy Pearman.

Roberta is survived by sisters, Jackie McClurg of Clovis, CA and Brenda Pearman of  Chickasha, OK and the loving family of her late special friend and companion Juanita Wood.  She is further survived by one nephew Chris Graham of Chickasha, OK and three nieces, Melissa Trotter, Karie Vass and Crystal Williamson all of Chickasha, OK.  In addition, she is survived by great-nephews and nieces John Tyler and Justin Wood, Bradley and Mason Andrew, Taylor and Brittnie Holmes, McKenzie and Diamond Trotter, Elizabeth Day, Christopher Graham, Kaeden and Kaeler Kennell.

Funeral service for Roberta F. Greenway will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, April 20, 2023 in the McRay Funeral Home Chapel.  Pastor Lynn Walker will officiate.  Burial will be in the LaCrosse Cemetery, LaCrosse, KS.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to CASA Voices for Children, 402 W Chickasha Avenue, #120, Chickasha, OK 73018.

Larry Frank Waddle

Larry Frank Waddle, 64, passed away on April 14, 2023 in Oklahoma City, OK. Larry was born on January 7th, 1959 in Chickasha, OK to Luther and Annie Waddle and was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Chickasha High School in 1977 and remained a resident of Chickasha for his entire life. Larry married Diana James on February 16th, 1988 and the two were married for 33 years. Larry and Diana had two children, Jessica and Devin. Larry worked for several companies in the Chickasha area over his lifetime. He began his working career at Delta Faucet and after a few years transitioned to working for Hess Oil Company where he would spend a majority of his career. Larry finished the last few years working for Morris Motor Sports and Chickasha Lumber.

There is one thing that anyone who knew Larry would say; he wore many hats and always tried to work hard. He was one that if a friend asked for help, he would be there any way he could. Larry loved OU football and could be found at Gaylord Memorial Stadium when the Sooners were playing at home. He loved Nascar racing and was a big Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt fan. Larry loved watching his children play sports - whether he was at the softball field watching Jessica or football field watching Devin, he was always a proud dad cheering on his kids. Larry had a love for hunting, shooting, and the outdoors.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Jessica Powell and her husband Andrew Powell; his son, Devin Waddle; and their mother, Diana Waddle. Larry is also survived by his loving companion, Tina Lichliter. 

A private family graveside will be held at a later date.

Amy DeAnne Schoolfield

Funeral service for Amy Schoolfield, 49, of Chickasha, will be held at 2:00pm, Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at New Life Christian Church with Ezell Nelson officiating.  Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Amy DeAnne Schoolfield was born on Valentine’s Day of 1974 in DeQueen, AR to Sherri and Nicky Schoolfield.  She died on April 12, 2023 in Chickasha, OK. 

Amy graduated from Amber-Pocasset High School 1992 prior to attending college at USAO.  She received her LPN from Canadian Valley Technology Center in Chickasha and then graduated from OCCC with her RN.  She spent 20 years as a nurse working in a nursing home, med surge, emergency room and home health. She touched many lives throughout her nursing career and took great pride in what she did. Amy was an amazing nurse and an even better person. She loved spending time outside with her plants; making crafts for family and friends and she loved spending time with her grandson, Benjamin. Amy spent the happiest years of her life surrounded by the love of her life Todd and his bonus kids Katelyn and Kelby. She loved her daughter Megan and her grandson Benjamin beyond words.  

Amy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Megan and Brandon Drennan of Chickasha; grandson Benjamin Drennan of Chickasha; the love of her life Todd Tohee of Chickasha; bonus children Kelby and Katelyn Tohee of Chickasha; mother Sherri Schoolfield of Chickasha; aunt Sandra Kesterson of Chickasha; sister Cara Spence of Kingston; niece and nephew Caity and Eston Spence of Kingston; sister and brother-in-law Tina and Joe Potts of Little Rock; nieces and nephews Joseph, Michele and Michael Potts of Little Rock; and nephew Riley Daniel of Kingston.

She was preceded in death by her father Larry Schoolfield; brother-in-law Kevin Spence; cousin Heather Forsythe; and best friend Lonnie Jensen.

At the request of the family, there will be no public viewing.

Shirley Alice Akins

Shirley Alice Akins was born in Konawa, Oklahoma on October 10, 1943 to her parents Carl Edd Myatt and Zelma Ann Wallis Myatt. She passed away at the age of 79 on Monday, April 10, 2023 in  Oklahoma City surrounded by her beloved family. 

Shirley met the love of her life, Delbert Akins, and they were married on June 4, 1961. They were married for 61  wonderful years. While Shirley and Delbert were raising their family, she was an amazing mother and eventually a Momo. In addition to all of those already wonderful life accomplishments, she was a loyal and valued employee of Chickasha Public Schools in the Food Service Department for over 30 years.  Shirley was a longtime and faithful member of Northside Church of Christ. She was chosen as a Rainbow girl by the Konawa Masonic Lodge for representing their values of courage, friendship, respect, patriotism and service. Shirley embodied these values her entire life and had a servant's heart. Shirley attended a summer training at the local college, formerly known as Oklahoma College for Women, now known as University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. She is known by all of those that love her for her hospitality and home cooking, often sharing her recipes and wisdom with anyone who asked and it was generally served with a hug. 

Life on this earth and holidays will never be the same without her. Her family is comforted by knowing that she was welcomed by her Lord and Savior as well as her loving husband Delbert. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Zelma, her loving husband Delbert and their many siblings. She is survived by the loving legacy of her children, daughter Jeanie Lee and husband Lynn and  son Ron Akins and fiance TaMara Skipworth. Her grandchildren Austin Akins, Corbin Lee and wife Kylie, Tanner Akins, Rabecca Akins, Caitlyn Adams and husband Colton, Kylie Layne and fiance Chris, and Bryar Berry. Her great granddaughters Emberly, Oaklynn, Bristol, and Adeline. One sister-in-law Orlin Akins and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Shirley’s service will be held on  Saturday April 15, 2023  at  10:00am at Northside Church of Christ. Interment will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Margaret (Maggie) Lorenia Barnes

Funeral service for Margaret (Maggie) Lorenia Barnes, age 64, will be held at 2:00pm, Friday, April 7, 2023 at Grand Assembly of God Church in Chickasha, OK with Pastor Kevin Quinones officiating.  Burial will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Maggie was born on January 17, 1959 in Albany, MO to Charles Ralph and Dorotha Ann (Parker) Barnes.  She went to her heavenly home on Friday, March 31, 2023 in Oklahoma City, OK.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Patricia O’Neal and Dora Smith.

Maggie is survived by her daughter Andrea Niederhauser and husband Bob along with their four children Brittani, Casey, Kaitlyn, Logan and great-grandchildren Melody and Noah Niederhauser and her son Adam Shepard and wife Rachel along with their two children Emili and Julia.  She is also survived by her ten siblings Ruth Cook, James Barnes, Joe Barnes, Steve Barnes, Ed Barnes, Jane Solum, Lois Hazelrigg, Arthur Barnes, Charles Barnes and Sylvia White as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Her passion was serving her Lord and working in her ministry at her church food pantry.  Her favorite saying was “But God!” She had an infectious personality that lit up any room.  Her legacy is that of grace and love.  She loved her family deeply.  She loved her Savior fully.  She fought the good fight of faith!

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Assembly of God Food Pantry at https://www.givesendgo.com/GA3AQ.

Lavonne Tofpi

Funeral service for Lavonne Tofpi will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, April 3, 2023 at First & Georgia Church of Christ. A Wake Service will be at 6:00pm on Sunday, April, 2, 2023 at McRay Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Carnegie Cemetery in Carnegie, OK.

Lavonne was born the daughter of Albert and Pearl Cody on May 1, 1947 in Lawton Indian Hospital. She died on March 30, 2023 in Chickasha while surrounded by her family.

Lavonne attended Alden School from first through eighth grade and graduated from Carnegie High School in 1965.  She met Wilmer Youngblood and was married to him for 30 years.  She attended Caddo-Kiowa Vo-tech taking business courses and received her business certificate and was hired at Lawton Indian Hospital.  She also attended college at USAO studying sociology and Indian Studies.  During the summer months she was a cook for a German Tourist encampment.  When Burton was in Head Start she became an officer for the Caddo-Grady District.  It was during this time that she traveled to New Orleans, Chicago and Jackson, MS where she met Oprah Winfrey.  She loved to crochet but that one string never turned into anything!  No matter how hard she tried, that string wouldn’t turn into a flower, hat or sweater.

Lavonne was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Pearl Cody; son Willmer Lee Youngblood; sisters Flora Bell Tsoodle, Vernola Wolf, Donna Navarro, Christine Cody and Carol Bronaugh; brothers Scott Cody and Spencer Cody; and first husband Wilmer Youngblood.

Lavonne is survived by her husband James Tofpi of Chickasha; daughters Garnita (Tony) Youngblood Capies of Oklahoma City and Melanie (Eric) Youngblood Golightly of Chickasha; son Burton (Tamara) Younblood of Anadarko; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family.

Sammie Joe Williams

Sammie Joe Williams, 84, of Alex, OK, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with stage 4 lymphoma, in his home with his son and nephew lovingly by his side.  Sammie was a lifelong resident of the Alex community, and his loss will leave a deep void.

Sammie was born the oldest of five children to Glen and Martha Williams in Alex, OK, on June 29, 1938.  He graduated from Alex High School in 1957, where he met the love of his life Wilma Rodgers.  They married on June 11, 1960.  On May 13, 1962, they welcomed their only child, a son, Timothy Jay.

Sammie worked for the Soil Conservation Service for more than 38 years.  His survey team was responsible for many flood control projects on most creeks and tributaries across the entire state.  He was extremely proud of their work and had a story to share when crossing every bridge while traveling with his family.  Sammie’s true passion was on the farm.  Upon retirement and taking over the Rodgers family farm, Sammie “relaxed” by growing wheat and alfalfa and operating an Angus cow/calf herd.  His favorite farm chore was teaching his three grandchildren to drive in the pasture.  Sammie was an avid University of Oklahoma sports fan.  He has been a season ticket holder for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and softball for many years.  He began taking his son to football games in 1972, and that tradition continued until Sammie’s passing.

Sammie was a simple man with an unmistakable laugh.  He was confident, content, at peace with his salvation, and an example to all.  He cherished each day with an appreciation that most ignore.  He found blessings in the simplest and sometimes unusual places.  He loved to mow and wished he could mow the grass year-round.  He loved the smell of a freshly plowed field and how the honeysuckles smelled in the springtime.  He valued friendship and spending time with his domino buddies and their pheasant and elk hunting trips.  Sammie’s greatest blessing was seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and them calling him Pa-paw.

Sammie was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; father, Glen; his mother, Martha; brother, Jerry; and sister-in-law, Karen.

His son Timothy Jay of Alex survives him; grandchildren Jayma Lively and husband Sean of Oklahoma City; Jordan McArthur and husband Chris of Oklahoma City; JaCoby Williams and wife Tran of Guthrie.  Great-granddaughters Rowan and Britta of Guthrie.  Daughter-in-law Kelly Williams of Edmond.  Brothers Robert Williams and wife Linda of Alex; Jimmy Williams of Duncan.  Sister Glenda Fenimore and husband Melvin of Blanchard.  Brother -in-law John Rodgers and wife Diana of Chickasha; Sister-in-law Edna McCumber of Wichita. Nephews John Williams, John L. Rodgers, Justin Williams and Chase Rodgers.  Nieces Michelle Green, Jan Pipkin, Jamie Rose, Susan Fenimore, Robyn Williams, Rachel Keever and Kandyce Cudjo.  Beloved German Shorthair “Sport” and many cousins, great-nieces, and nephews.

A memorial/celebration of life will be on Saturday, April 1, at 11:00am at the Alex High School gymnasium.  The family requests that you consider donating to the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center of OKC instead of flowers.

Viewing will be from 9:00am until 7:00pm Thursday and Friday at McRay Funeral Home.

Keith Douglas “Doug” Hurley

Memorial service for Doug Hurley, 57, will be at 2:00pm, Saturday, March 25, 2023 in the Hampton Inn Conference Room, 3004 S 4th Street, Chickasha, OK.

Keith Douglas Hurley was born April 2, 1965 in Sacramento, California and passed away on March 20, 2023 in Chickasha, Oklahoma.  

Doug resided in Windsor, California until 1972, when his family moved to Chickasha.  Doug went to Friend School and Am-Po School.  In his younger years, Doug enjoyed hunting and frog gigging with his family and riding horses with Circle C Round-Up Club.  He worked in the oil field, as a mechanic and also as a truck driver.  

Doug is survived by his children Felicia Hurley, Camron Hurley, and Savannah Hurley; his grandchildren Jocelynn Jackson, Baylee Peoples, Kaylee Peoples and DreShawn Peoples; parents Keith L. and Joyce Hurley; sister and brother in law Margo and Chris Calhoun. 

Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Steven Jay Largent

Funeral service for Steven Jay Largent, age 59 of Chickasha, will be at 1:00pm, Friday, March 24, 2023 at First Assembly of God Church in Chickasha.

Steve was born May 10, 1963 in Chickasha and died March 17, 2023 in Chickasha.

Steve attended Ninnekah Public Schools as well as Canadian Valley Technology Center where he obtained his auto mechanic license.  He married Julie Elaine Yates on September 28, 1987.  He worked in the oilfield the majority of his life which he enjoyed.  He loved telling all his oilfield stories and enjoyed joking and cutting up with his hands, but he was always down for business when needed.  He enjoyed working on any motor in his shop–from cars, trucks and semis to tractors–he had a passion for it all.  He took pride in his mechanic work and was very knowledgeable in all aspects of it. In his free time you could find him remodeling something or spending time with his family and friends.  He didn’t know a stranger and took everyone in as family.  He adored spending his time with his grandkids and teaching them anything he could. He was always willing to teach them how to cook, especially his potato soup or the all-time famous stuffing.  In recent years he began teaching his oldest grandsons how to mechanic. He wanted them to gain all his knowledge and passion for building and working on vehicles.  He would constantly praise them.  His grandkids were the light of his life and he would brag any chance he could on any of their accomplishments. He always had an open door for anyone.  He raised many, many kids with his wife Julie and took them as his own, taking on the Dad role for anyone who needed one.  You could find him in the evenings eating sweets, mainly ice cream, with any of the kids he could talk into a treat.

Steve was preceded in death by his wife Julie Largent; both parents Roy and Evelyn Largent; oldest grandson Domineek Newbold; siblings Robert Largent, Allen Largent, Donald Largent, Sherman Largent and Linda Carpenter.

Steve is survived by his siblings Richard Largent and Dorthy Byrum; children Jasper Yates and Christina, Stephanie Largent, Jamie Quillin and Brocke, Steven Largent and Kimberly, ReAnna Carpenter and Brayden and Hennessy Largent; grandkids Dakoda, Destri, Drayedon Newbold, Alicen and Greyson Quillin, Kirsten and Klayten Smith, Chandler Pena; lifelong friend Jimmy Sanders as well as many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Interment will be in the Westview Cemetery in Rush Springs, OK under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

LD Turner

LD Turner was born January 13, 1932 in Tecumseh, Oklahoma to Chesley Arnold Turner and Minnie Viola (Wesson) Turner. He passed away peacefully on March 08, 2023 in Chickasha, Oklahoma at the age of 91.

LD's family lived in Tecumseh, Gracemont, and Binger before he made Chickasha his home. As a young boy, LD helped support his family by working on fields and farms with his parents and siblings. He had two older brothers, Walter and Jack; four older sisters, Odessa, Pearl, Oma, and Betty; and two younger sisters, Bonnie and Georgia. Until the early 1950s, LD would continue working on farms until he began working with his brothers and cousins on carpentry and construction jobs.

On October 25, 1951, LD married Nancy Onnieway Spearman in Chickasha. Married for 71 years, LD and Onnie would have three children: LD Daniel, Nancy, and Kimberly. LD would support his family with his new carpentry skills by starting his own construction business, which he ran until his retirement in 1997.

LD's first construction job was working for Rev. John Taft building houses on what is now Taft Drive in Chickasha. He worked on commercial buildings and residential homes all over Grady county during his career. Even after his retirement, LD was always tinkering on small projects around the house and was always eager to help his family whenever they needed help with home repairs.

LD enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family. He had fond memories of deer hunting in Colorado with his brothers, cousins, and son. LD was also an avid fisherman, eager to fish whenever he had free time. He also enjoyed camping with his family, especially at Red Rock Canyon State Park in Hinton, Oklahoma where the Turners would have their annual family reunion.

LD is preceded in death by his parents, Chelsey and Minnie Viola Turner; sisters, Odessa, Pearl, Oma, Betty, and Bonnie; brothers, Walter and Jack; son, LD Daniel II.

LD is survived by his wife, Onnie Turner of Chickasha; daughters, Nancy (Kenny) Ashley and Kimberly Turner; granddaughters, Shannon (Christopher) Hudman, Tisha (Dan) Dye, and Deanna Turner; grandsons, LD (Leeann) Turner III and Joseph Nieto; great-grandsons, T.J. Turner, Michael Moore, Bailey Muschweck, and Nolan Dye; great-granddaughters, Jamie Moore and Katie (Isaiah) Johnson; sister, Georgia.

Arrangements are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home. At the family's request, at this time, there will be no funeral or memorial service. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Andrea Roberts of Physician Housecalls and to the staff of LifeLine Home Health & Hospice of Chickasha.

Fern Aileen Allen

Funeral service for Fern Aileen Allen, age 98 of Chickasha will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at College Heights Baptist Church with burial to follow in Red Hill Cemetery at Hammon, Oklahoma at 3:00 pm.   Viewing will be Thursday and Friday from 9am-7pm at McRay Funeral Home.

Fern was born August 26, 1924, in McClure, Oklahoma.  She died March 3, 2023, in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

Fern graduated as valedictorian from Hammon, OK.  She worked in her dad’s grain elevator as a teenager.  She married James Lewis Allen on Christmas Eve, 1941.  They were married 47 years before he passed away.  During World War II she worked wiring airplanes for the Army Air Corps in California.  After the war she returned to Oklahoma where she worked as a Post Master in Moorewood, Oklahoma as well as helping on the family farm.  She worked in the schools at Gallup, New Mexico as director of lunch programs in Gallup-McKinley County, New Mexico for 15 years.  She moved back to Oklahoma to be close to family and worked as director of special services at Grady Memorial Hospital until she retired in 1988.  She worked as Chairman for many community organizations and was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year.  One of the many organizations she worked with was Access Health Care which she helped to organize.  She functioned as their director for over 20 years.  During all this time she was active at College Heights Baptist Church where she also taught Sunday School.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents Houston and Minnie Cope; brother Frances Cope and husband James Lewis Allen.

She is survived by two sons, James Lewis Allen, Jr (Jim) and Nadine, and Larry Frances Allen and wife Joyce of Chickasha, Oklahoma; two sisters, Linda Dodson of Hammon, Oklahoma and Mary Ann Troncole of Bellville, Texas; 16 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; five great-great children and a host of family and friends.

Margie Ann Akins

Funeral services for Margie Akins will be held at 2:00pm, Monday, March 6, 2023 at the Northside Church of Christ in Chickasha, OK, with Jim Talbert officiating.  Interment will follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Margie Ann Akins, age 39...okay 83, was born in Fort Cobb, OK in 1939 to Ethel Cocheran Akins and Lee Akins.  

Margie was next to the youngest of a family of twelve.  She spent all her years dedicated to her large extended family, especially her nieces and nephews, not having children of her own.  She had this incredible talent of knowing all of her family’s birth dates and names, including all the spouses and children’s names and birth dates.  Her memory was infallible and unbelievable.  She never refused an invitation to attend a holiday event, travel, dine out or shop with her family.  Margie kept a record of all those trips with photos and mementoes which could fill a room or two.  She was a devoted Christian woman, which was her strength when she found herself the last remaining sibling of her much beloved family.  Margie was a long time member of the Church of Christ at 8th and Frisco.  She worked for the Chickasha Public Schools for almost fifty years where she was named the Support Staff of the Year in 2016. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and all her brothers and sisters.

She is survived by two sisters-in-law, Orlin Akins and Shirley Akins, both of Chickasha.

She will be missed by all her nieces, nephews, greats, great-greats and extended family.  The next baby in the family will sorely miss her magic touch and special spoiling.

Barbara Lynn Gee

Memorial service for Barbara Lynn Gee, age 60, of Chickasha, OK will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Southern Oaks Church of Christ.  Pastor Ron Blankinship will officiate.

Barbara was born on August 1, 1962 to Shirley Brown and Robert Liesen in Alton, IL. She died on February 17, 2023 in Chickasha, OK.

She met and married the love of her life, Randall D. Gee, Sr. They were married for 40 years before her untimely death.  She was the step-mother of Dusty Ray Gee and she and Randall had two more children: a son, Randall D. Gee, II and a daughter, Angel-Dawn R. Blalock.

She was preceded in death by her step-dad Gale P. Brown, Sr., father-in-law Raymond D. Gee, Sr. and mother-in-law Wanda Mae Gee.

She left behind her mother Shirley A. Brown; two sisters Debbie and Carla; her husband Randall D. Gee, Sr.; two sons Dusty R. Gee, Randall D. Gee, II; daughter Angel-Dawn R. Blalock; four beautiful granddaughters and many more family and friends.

Cremation arrangements are with McRay Funeral Home.

Juanita LaBelle Wood

Juanita “Mema” Wood was born on January 9, 1937, and passed from this life to join loved ones who preceded her on February 10, 2023 at the age of 86.

Juanita lived a full life. She was raised in Wichita Falls, TX, graduated from high school in 1955, and married Hally Paul Wood in 1955. She was an army wife, mother, and Mema to 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and everyone who had the pleasure to know her.

She was an avid volunteer in the scouting community, serving as Girl Scout Chairperson for Ft. Sill.  She worked for the City of Lawton, OK as Girls and Women’s Sports coordinator, co-managed the Lawtonian Retirement Center, and worked for the US Census Bureau.  Juanita loved fishing, traveling, and gardening. But more than anything she loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

She is survived by her daughter Ramona Glover of Lawton, OK., sons Robert B. Wood and John K. Wood of Cement, OK., Son-in-law Frank Glover, Daughters-in-law Brenda Wood and Becky Wood, her cousin Tony (Pam) Fulkerson, as well as her best friend Roberta Greenway, all of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.  

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents Kelly H. Gilbreath and Alice L. Gilbreath, her brother Bobby Ray Gilbreath, her husband Hally P. Wood, and her daughter Trena M. Wood.  

Services:  Family and friends are welcome to attend services which will be held at Ft. Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, Oklahoma, Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.  

Viewing:  Viewing for family and friends will be held at McRay Funeral Home, 110 S. 8th Street, Chickasha, OK  73018 on Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 from 9:00am to 7:00pm.  

Lucy Bell Burkett

Graveside funeral service for Lucy Bell Burkett, 81, of Chickasha, will be held at 3:00pm, Friday, February 10, 2023 in the Fairlawn Cemetery, Chickasha, OK, under the direction of McRay Funeral Home. Pastor Gary Rogers will officiate.

Lucy was born the daughter of James and Margie (Seals) Marsh on November 12, 1941 in Cement, OK.  She went home to be with the Lord on February 7, 2023 in Chickasha.

Lucy grew up in the Cement area and met Don Burkett at the Anadarko fair when she was a teenager.  They were married May 12, 1962 and made their home in Chickasha, where she lived the rest of her life.  For many years Lucy and Don drove a truck.  She was an accomplished seamstress and started making shirts out of her home.  She also made quilts and crocheted.  Lucy was a member of Grand Assembly of God Church for many years.

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents James and Margie (Seals) Marsh; brothers Stanley Marsh, Lester Marsh, Earl Marsh, Dillon Marsh and Don Marsh; and sisters Goldie Johnson and Margie Henry.

Lucy is survived by her husband Don Burkett; brothers Odie Marsh and George Marsh; sisters Dollie Underwood, Minnie Butler and Fern Bruce; sisters-in-law Mary Marsh and Mildred Marsh; along with numerous nieces, nephews and other family.

Joseph Don Phillips

Joseph Don Phillips was born on March 6, 1992 in Chickasha, OK to Paul Phillips and Cheryl Phillips (Anderson). He passed from this life on Friday January 6, 2023. 

Joseph was raised in Chickasha and attended Chickasha High School, graduating in 2010. From a very young age he assisted his dad, who was a mechanic, where he developed a passion for cars. After he moved on from working with his dad, he worked at the local NAPA store where he enjoyed his job and especially the people he worked with. 

He played several sports including soccer and t-ball, but his favorite was bowling. He was a very competitive bowler and participated in league bowling all his life since he was 6. He also enjoyed fishing. He loved his sister Shayla very much, but that didn’t stop him picking on her all the time. 

Joseph was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Sam and Pat Phillips.

Joseph is survived by his parents Paul Phillips and Cheryl Anderson, his sister Shayla Phillips, 3 aunts: Ginny and Joe Mills, Beverly and Monty Daniels, Karla and Jess Schenk, his 8 cousins, a niece and nephew belonging to half-sister Sierra Barnett and maternal grandparents. Joseph will be missed by all his family and his many friends. 

The Phillips/Anderson family would like to thank the community for all of the prayers and support during this time. 

Memorial services for Joseph will be held at 1:00pm, Friday, January 13, 2023 at New Life Christian Church, 1828 S. 13th Street in Chickasha, OK. Pastor Matthew Reiber will officiate. Interment will be at Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home. 

Sonja Virginia Burns Hightower-Smith

Funeral service for Sonja Virginia Burns Hightower-Smith will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, January 14, 2023 in the McRay Funeral Home Chapel.

Sonja Virginia Burns was born February 23, 1940 to JW Burns and Gertrude (Gray) Burns.  She died January 9, 2023.

Sonja married Olen Hightower in 1955 and to this union seven children were born.  Later in life she met and married Monroe Smith.  Sonja worked in nursing homes in the kitchen as a dietary.  She was known as a great cook to everyone.  All of her kids’ and grandkids’ friends also knew her as their mom/grandma.

She was preceded in death by her husband Monroe Smith; parents JW and Gertrude Burns; brother Kenneth Burns; sister June Flippo, two brothers-in-law Don Keef and Bill Flippo; two sons Stevie Joe Hightower and Baby Boy Hightower; daughter Becky Cheryl Hightower; two sons-in-law Johnny Horton and Johnny Robinson; and great-grandson Kaiden Trotter.

Survivors include son Arthur Olen “Pete” Hightower; daughter Donna Horton; son Kevin Hightower; daughter Sandra Robinson; brother and sister-in-law Coy and Deana Burns; sister Jean Keef; brother Wesley Burns; brother JT Burns; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

Interment will be in the Blanchard Cemetery, Blanchard, OK.  Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.

Alda Joyce Updegrove

Alda Joyce (Underwood) Updegrove was born in Gracemont, OK to Jefferson (Gus) and Wendell Underwood.  She passed away on Monday, January 2, 2023.

Alda started school in Wasco, CA where she went to first and second grades, then the family moved back to Cement, OK where she finished her schooling and started working in a café.  She enjoyed writing poetry and has a collection of over 100 poems–11 published in National Poetry Anthologies.  She also received three Editors Choice Awards, two Rewards of Recognition and she has belonged to the National Poetry Society since 1987.

Alda is survived by one son Randy Askins, Chickasha, OK; three daughters, Gayla and Ken Wise, CA; Connie and Gator Pyle, Chickasha; and Regena and Joshua Carlson, Yukon, OK; grandchildren Cody Wise and Dusty Wise; Dillon Pyle and Kira Diehl; Amy, Timmy, Mia and Tyler Carlson; great-grandchildren Noah, Liam and Logan Wise and Espen, Meridikan and Lynnleigh Pyle.

Alda was preceded in death by her parents Wendell and Jefferson (Gus) Underwood; great-grandson Keaton Diehl; brother Hoyt Underwood; twin brother Albert (Abbie) Underwood; sisters Jeannette Lane and Liquieta Sanders.

Graveside services will be at 2:00pm Friday, January 6, 2023 in the Cement Cemetery in Cement, OK.

Services are under the direction of McRay Funeral Home.