Obituaries: April 2002: The Kingfisher Times & Free Press Kingfisher, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Barbara: OklahomaClaytons@aol.com **************************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.org **************************************************************************** Wednesday, April 3, 2002 Eloise E. Mills Lynch: L520 Eloise E. Mills Lynch, 76, of Raymore, Mo., sister of Kingfisher resident Caroline Kester, died Saturday, March 30, 2002, at Research Belton Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at D.W. Newcomer's Floral Hills Chapel in Kansas City, Mo. Burial will follow. She was born on Aug. 19, 1925, in Kingfisher to W.D. and Ethel Mills. She attended Grandview Assembly of God Church for the past several years. Her hobbies were gardening, reading and playing the organ. Survivors include her husband, Herbert of 54 years; one daughter, Linda Stoltz and husband Tom; two sons, Bill Lynch and wife Jean and Dennis Lynch and wife Margaret, all of Raymore, Mo.; one sister, Caroline Kester of Kingfisher; seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Robert Mills, and one sister, Marjorie Shaner. --- Beulah Jane Bell: B400 Beulah Jane Bell, 68, of Dover died Monday, April 1, 2002, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Dover Baptist Church with Rev. Mona Rogers officiating. Burial will be at Evans-Burns Cemetery at Dover, under direction of Strode Funeral Home of Stillwater. She was born Aug. 17, 1933, in Dover to Sherman and Earnestine Harris. She married Obra Bell on Nov. 12, 1951, in Enid. He preceded her in death. She was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Dover and St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Kingfisher. Survivors include six sons, Dale Bell and Craig Bell, both of Enid, Marcellius Bell of Oklahoma City, Dexter Bell of San Antonio, Texas, and Kerry Bell and Cecil Bell, both of Perkins; two daughters, Wynonia Bell and Irma Bell, both of Oklahoma City; one sister, Geneve Baker of Rockford, Ill.; 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Obra, her parents, one sister, two brothers and one grandchild. --- Roy G. Beeby: B100 Roy G. Beeby, 71, lifelong resident of Marshall, died Friday, March 29, 2002, in Oklahoma City. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the First Christian Church in Marshall with Rev. J.D. Hinkle officiating. Burial followed in the North Marshall Cemetery, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home in Crescent. He was born Jan. 31, 1931, in Enid to A.B. and Bernice Cromer Beeby. He married Patricia Butterfield on Dec. 21, 1952, in Oklahoma City. He was a member and elder of the Gospel Light House Church, Full Gospel Business Men's Association, and member and past president of the Red Angus Association. Survivors include his wife, Patricia of the home; two daughters, Nina Cowan of Tulsa and Janet Hicks of Marshall; one son, Jim David Beeby of Hawaii, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. --- Harold Jack Brame: B650 Harold Jack Brame, 75, of Rockford, Ill., died Monday, March 25, 2002, at O.S.F. St. Anthony Medical Center. Funeral services were set for 1 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Kingfisher, under direction of Russworm Funeral Home of Watonga. He was born in Crescent. He moved to Rockford, where he was employed at JI Case Company for many years before retiring. --- Ruth Stewart: S363 Ruth Stewart, 88, of Purcell, formerly of Dover, died Saturday, March 30, 2002, at the Purcell Municipal Hospital. Funeral services were set for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Wadley's Funeral Chapel in Purcell with Rev. J.L. Trammel officiating. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Dover Cemetery with Rev. Fred Jones officiating. Services are under direction of Wadley's Funeral Service. She was born Jan. 15, 1914, in Dover to Benjamin J. and Lula Hughes. She married Roy J. Stewart on Sept. 1, 1941, in Van Buren, Ark. She attended school at Dover. She graduated from Central State Teachers College at Edmond in 1938. She was a retired school teacher, having taught at Kansas City, Mo. She was a member of Mount Washington Baptist Church in Independence, Mo., the Business and Professional Women's Club of Independence, and the Independence Salvation Army Auxiliary. She is survivied by one sister-in-law, Julia Hughes of Ardmore. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Roy. --- Clara A. Mitchell: M324 Clara A. Mitchell, 99, of Hennessey died Saturday, March 30, 2002, at Kingfisher Regional Hospital. Funeral services were held Tuesday at Oak Grove Christian Church, east of Dover, with Revs. Dave Gant and Ellis Weber officiating. Burial followed in Oak Grove Cemetery, under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey. She was born east of Hennessey on Jan. 8, 1903, to George H. and Effie Crock Yeoman. She married Charles E. Mitchell in Hennessey on Oct. 7, 1922. She attended Oak Grove Church where she taught Sunday school. Survivors include two sons, Ira B. Mitchell and wife Betty and John Allen Mitchell and wife Kay, all of Dover; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grand- children, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, two children, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. **************************************************************************** Sunday, April 7, 2002 Willie Joseph Elmore: E456 Willie Joseph Elmore, 85, of Crescent died Tuesday, April 2, 2002, at Crescent. Funeral services were held Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Crescent with Rev. Roger Pitt officiating. Burial followed in Oakview Cemetery at Lovell, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home. He was born June 18, 1916, in Coweta to Gaines and Mary E. Vadder Elmore. He married Mary Aileen Harmon on March 16, 1940, in Guthrie. She pre- ceded him in death on March 11, 1998. Survivors include five daughters, Vonda Heiden of Crescent, Sharon Nealis and Barbara Nealis, both of Lovell, Francis Elston of Guthrie and Connie Tarrant of Hennessey; two sons, Loy Don Elmore of Lovell and Bill Elmore of Ponca City; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-granchildren, and one great-great- grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary, one son, two bro- thers and three sisters. --- Tristin Adam Starr: S360 Tristin Adam Starr, infant son of Toni Starr of Kingfisher, died Wednes- day, April 3, 2002, at Integris Canadian Valley Hospital in Yukon. He was stillborn. Funeral services were held Friday at the Indian Baptist Church in King- fisher. Burial followed in the Kingfisher Cemetery. **************************************************************************** Wednesday, April 10, 2002 Ralph Enix: E520 (((Photo))) Ralph Enix: May 2, 1910 - April 5, 2002 It is not how long we live that counts, but what we do with the time we have. We know that the things that we accumulate for ourselves will die with us, but the things we do for others and our community, giving of our- selves, will live forever. Ralph Enix, June, 1974 in a speech to Kingfisher Rotary Club. Ralph Enix, 91, retired Kingfisher pharmacist and longtime community leader and leader in the Oklahoma Pharmaceutical Association, died Friday, April 5, 2002. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Kingfisher with Rev. Bruce Brotherton officiating. Burial followed at the Kingfisher Cemetery. Enix operated Enix Drug in Kingfisher for almost 40 years and continued to serve his community and the pharmaceutical industry for many years after retiring. He was president of the Oklahoma Pharmaceutical Association in 1975, served as president of the OU School of Pharmacy Alumni Association, and was named to the Oklahoma Pharmacy Hall of Fame in 1990. One of the highlights of his later years came in leading the effort to establish the Oklahoma Pharmacy Museum at Guthrie, which is a repository of historical artifacts and memorabilia connected to the pharmaceutical profes- sion during the early years of Oklahoma's history. He was instrumental in recreating a turn-of-the-century drug store. Born May 2, 1910, on a farm north of Hennessey to Cecil and Bertha Lewis Enix, he attended grade school at Buffalo District No. 5, a one-room school, and graduated from Hennessey High School in 1928. He graduated from the OU School of Pharmacy in 1936, working his way through school. He moved to Kingfisher in the late 1930s where he purchased Wickmiller Drug, established by one of Kingfisher's pioneer pharmacists. Years later he changed the name to Ralph Enix Drug. He was an active community and youth booster throughout his career, establishing awards for youth throughout the county. He was an honorary member of the Kingfisher County 4-H Club and Kingfisher, Okarche, Cashion, Dover and Lomega Future Farmers of America chapters. He also was named as an Honorary State FFA member in 1946. He served as a member of the Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce, the King- fisher County Development Foundation, the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy. He also was active in the Kingfisher Education Foundation and Meals on Wheels. He was a life member and former board member of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, a member of the board of directors of the Oklahoma chapter of the American Heart Association and a former member of the Narcotics and Drug Abuse Council of Oklahoma. He also was chairman of the board of directors of the Peoples National Bank Financial Corp. He married Thelma Irene Turbyfill. Other awards include: president of OU School of Pharmacy student body two years, Pharmacy Practitioner of the Year (Ralph David Bienfong Award) 1977, president and member of board of directors of Dr. John R. Taylor Student Loan Memorial, Inc., 1969-70, Citation for Outstanding Community Service by American Druggist Magazine (21 such awards in U.S.) in 1947, Mercke Sharpe and Dohme Award (for unusual efforts by pharmacists resulting in the betterment of society) in 1970, Southwestern School of Pharmacy Special Recognition Award in 1976 for service to the profession and to the school, Kingfisher Citizen of the Year in 1984 and Award of Special Merit from the Oklahoma Heritage Association in recognition of research and writing historical articles for the Oklahoma Pharmacist in 1981. Although it was not something he talked about, he assisted a number of local residents in attending medical, dental and pharmacy schools and attaining other higher education degrees. He also was a member of the First United Methodist Church, serving as a member of the church's building committee and church board. Survivors include: one brother, Homer Enix of Midwest City; three grandchildren, Steve Sanders and wife Vicki of Kingfisher, Brenda Sanders of Afton, and Lisa Thomas and husband Gary of Edmond; seven great-grand- children, Jamie Coon and husband Brad of Snyder, Joy Sanders of Kingfisher, Sean Allison and wife Sherry of Tulsa, Kari Allison of Norman, and Colin, Caleb and Cailee Thomas, all of Edmond; four great-great-grandchildren, Braeden and Bryce Coon of Snyder and Justin and Cheyenne Allison of Tulsa, and longtime friend, Frances Henderson of Kingfisher. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, in 1961; a daughter, Nina Sanders; one son-in-law, Max Sanders; three brothers, Cecil of Hennessey, Jimmy of Stillwater and Lee of Hennessey; one sister, Hettie Black of Eldon, Mo., and two great-granddaughters, Melinda and Melisa Sanders. The family recommended memorials to the Kingfisher Community Trust, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation or the charity of one's choice. --- Lillie Giltner: G435 Lillie Giltner, 98, of Kingfisher died Thursday, April 4, 2002, at King- fisher Regional Hospital in Kingfisher. Funeral services were held Monday at the Kingfisher Federated Church with Rev. Leon Seaton officiating. Burial followed in the Kingfisher Cem- etery. She was born March 21, 1904, to Adolph and Adele Koeser Hellwege in Kingfisher. She married Ernest Giltner on Aug. 24, 1933, in Kingfisher. She was a member of the Federated Church and was active in the Federated Church Women's Association. She was also a member of the Plainview Home Demonstration Club for over 50 years. Survivors include four nephews and three nieces. --- Earl Franklin Webb: W100 Earl Franklin Webb, 76, of Crescent died Thursday, April 4, 2002, at Guthrie. Funeral services were held Monday at the Abernathy Funeral Chapel in Crescent. Burial followed in Oakland-Knowles Cemetery, under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home. He was born Feb. 22, 1926, in Drummond to David A. and Tommie Holland Webb. He married Naomi Terhone on Feb. 5, 1949, in Enid. He was WWII veteran, serving in the Army, and was a member of the VFW. Survivors include his wife, Naomi of the home; one daughter, Pamela Skaggs of Guthrie; four sons, Perry Webb of Muskogee, Ronald Webb of Blanchard, Steven Webb of Sarasota, Fla., and Ricky Webb of Crescent; three brothers, Fred Webb and Clarence Webb, both of Oklahoma City, and Jimmy Webb of Choctaw; five sisters, Eunice Johnson and Eva Gregory, both of Crescent, Veta Smith of Edmond, Doris Ella Alcorn of Choctaw and Clara Vessell of California; 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Letha Thomason. --- Roy E. Wiley: W400 Roy E. Wiley, 67, of Hennessey died Saturday, April 6, 2002, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Enid. Funeral services were held Tuesday at 132 Bible Church with Pastor L.D. Choate officiating. Burial followed at Cimarron Valley Cemetery, under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey. He was born March 26, 1935, west of Hennessey to Andrew and Lillie Chartier Wiley. He was a graduate of Lacey High School. He married Lola Beebe on March 13, 1996, in Hennessey. He was a member of 132 Bible Church. Survivors include his wife, Lola of the home; six daughters, Pam Wesli of Amarillo, Texas; Betty Weil of Broken Arrow; Melinda Shariati of Sacra- mento, Calif.; Ramona Fiebig of Althe, Kan.; Kimberly Norris of Lexington, Ky., and Kandace Mercer of the home; two sons, Chuck Wiley of Hennessey and Darrell Weidner of Buffalo, N.Y.; one brother, Carl Wiley of Enid; one sister, Dorothy Weidner of Hennessey; 22 grandchildren, and two great-grand- children. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. --- Mary Mildred Duggan: D250 Mary Mildred Duggan, 83, of Kingfisher died Friday, April 5, 2002, at the Cimarron Nursing Center in Kingfisher. Funeral services was held Tuesday at Anderson-Burris Funeral Chapel with Dr. Richard Dunn officiating. Burial was in Kingisher Cemetery, under dir- ection of Anderson-Burris Funeral Home of Enid. She was born May 22, 1918, in Kingfisher to Carl and Minnie Snodgrass Pierce. She was reared in the Kingfisher area, graduating from Big Four. She ran Mildred's Bar in Kingfisher for 25 years. In 1971, she was em- ployed at Enid State School as a caregiver and nurse, retiring after 25 years of service. She moved to Enid in 1973. Survivors include one son, Joe Duggan and wife Sheila of Yukon; three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Truman Todd, one brother, Howard Pierce, and one sister, Edith Foster. --- Helen Lucille Jackson: J250 Helen Lucille Jackson, 84, lifelong resident of Watonga, died Monday, April 1, 2002, at Watonga Municipal Hospital. Funeral services were held Thursday at the First Assembly of God Church in Watonga with Revs. W.L. Burnett and David Wiggens officiating. Burial was in the IOOF Cemetery at Watonga, under direction of Russworm Funeral Home of Watonga. She was born Oct. 13, 1917, in Watonga to William Uriah and Laura Marten Collier. She married Cecil William of Watonga on April 21, 1941. She was a retired employee of the Watonga Municipal Hospital. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Watonga, where her son Doug, is the pastor. Her hobby was quilting. Survivors include one daughter, Phyllis Jackson Smith of Okarche; two sons, Ronnie Jackson of Washington and Rev. Doug Jackson of Watonga; nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. **************************************************************************** Sunday, April 14, 2002 Lyle Loren Nesbit: N213 Lyle Loren Nesbit, 63, of Crescent died Sunday, April 8, 2002, at his home. A graveside service was held Friday in the Crescent Cemetery, under di- rection of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. He was born July 22, 1938, in Stillwater to Pete and Doris Gray Fox Nesbit. --- Frank Beneda: B530 Frank Beneda, 79, of Watonga, brother of Elsie Mae Beneda of Okarche, died Monday. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the First Chris- tian Church in Watonga where he was a deacon. He was born Nov. 7, 1922, in Hitchcock where he was reared. He married Virginia Huff at Anadarko Aug. 5, 1942. He was a farmer. Survivors include his wife, Virginia; one daughter, Ruth Riddles of Oklahoma City; one son, Stephen of Watonga; three sisters, Josephine Raab and Virginia Cox, both of Watonga, and Elsie Mae Beneda of Okarche, and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons. **************************************************************************** Wednesday, April 17, 2002 Vesta Posten: P235 Vesta Posten, 85, of Hennessey died Saturday, April 13, 2002 at the University Nursing Center in Enid. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at the Church of the Nazarene in Hennessey with Rev. Randy Beegle officiating. Burial will follow in the Hennessey Cemetery, under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey. She was born Nov. 1, 1916, in Bruno, Ark., to William Harse and Litha Estella Pennington. She was married to Leo Pesten. He preceded her in death. She was a member of the Hennessey Church of the Nazarene. Survivors include three sons, George Rains and wife Pat of Enid, Johnny Rains and wife Kelly of Hennessey, and Leon Idlett and wife Laquita of Okla- homa City; one daughter, Mary Ann Row of Garber; three sisters, Vallie Crnkocic of Louisiana, Pauline Whitehead of Hovina, La., and Ruth McLaughlin of Barnsdall; four brothers, Jimmy Eikenbary of Yale, Douglas Eikenbary of Barnsdall, Glen Eikenbary of Jennings, Woodrow Eikenbary of Colony; 10 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, two daughters, two grandsons, four sisters and three brothers. --- Gale P. Christy: C623 Gale P. Christy, 65, of Hampton, Fla., son of Kingfisher resident Virginia Christy, died Tuesday, April 9, 2002, at his home. A memorial service will be held later. He was born March 17, 1937, in Kingfisher to Gale "Abie" and Virginia Christy. He served 20 years in the Army as a Green Beret serving in Korea and Vietnam. Survivors includes his wife, Kathleen of the home; his mother, Virginia Christy; five sons, Daryl Christy of Oklahoma City, Donald Christy of Georgia, Michael Christy of Michigan, Patrick Christy of Louisiana and Gale P. Christy Jr. of Pennsylvania; two daughters, Paula Christy of Charlotte, N.C., and Angela Christy of Pennsylvania; a brother, Larry Christy of Okla- homa City, and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers. **************************************************************************** Sunday, April 21, 2002 Gilbert Mark Wilson: W425 Gilbert Mark Wilson, 53, of Crescent died Wednesday, April 17, 2002, in Crescent. A graveside service was held Friday in Oakland-Knowles Cemetery with Rev. John Lovett officiating. Burial is under direction of Abernathy Funeral Home of Crescent. He was born March 22, 1949, in Longview, Texas, to Woodrow William Wilson and Wanda Maxine Guthrie. He married Kathy Bugg on May 7, 1981, in Crescent. Survivors include his wife, Kathy of the home; two daughters, Jessica Wilson of the home and Marita: two sons, William Wilson of the home and Mark Wilson; three brothers, Ronald Wilson of Ponca City, Kenneth Wilson of Chickasha and David Wilson of Sapulpa, and one sister, Manya Yarbrough of Texarkana, Ark. --- Deborah G. Mayes: M200 Deborah Mayes, 45, died Monday, April 15, 2002, at University Hospital in Oklahoma City, of injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday in the First Christian Church. Burial was in Kingfisher Cemetery. Survivors include one son, Justin Mayes; one daughter, Nicole Shively of Round Rock, Texas; her mother, Ioawana Cotton of Sylmar, Calif.; two brothers, Tom and Greg Cotton, both of El Reno, and one sister, Tony Simms of Leesville, S.C. --- Elsie Irene Faulkner: F425 Elsie Irene Faulkner, 69, of Edmond died Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at the Grace Living Center in Edmond. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Abernathy Funeral Home in Crescent. Burial will be in the Crescent Memorial Cemetery. She was born June 16, 1932, in Tullahoma, Tenn., to Everett and Carrie Prosser Keele. She married William "Bill" Stapelton Faulkner on June 9, 1949, in Crescent. The couple lived primarily in Crescent until 1965, then moved to Hennes- sey where they reared their family. In 1975, the couple moved to Texas. After the death of her husband on Dec. 7, 1976, she returned to Oklahoma, moving to Edmond in 1978. She was an active writer and was a member of the Memorial Road Church of Christ and its prison ministry. Survivors include one daughter, Linda Kaye Throckmorton and husband Craig of Edmond; one son, William Rory Faulkner and wife Ronda of Minco; four sisters, June Wilson, Joy Leazer, Phyllis Bowerman and Sharon Fitzpatrick; one brother, Marvin Keele; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. **************************************************************************** Wednesday, April 24, 2002 Paul Lawrence Rother: R360 (((Photo))) Paul Lawrence Rother, 84, of Okarche died Monday, April 22, 2002, at his home. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at the Holy Trinity Church in Okarche. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 26, at the Holy Trinity Church with Revs. Ed Weisenburger and Marvin Leven officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, under direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home of El Reno. He was born Dec. 1, 1917, at Okarche to Frank and Elizabeth Rother. He married Naomi Kremeier on July 22, 1949. Naomi survives him in death. He attended Holy Trinity School, graduating in 1935. He was an Army veteran of WWII, serving in the 90th Division. He was a retired farmer and Culligan Water Conditioning dealer. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Church. Survivors include nine children and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Paul "Sam" and Linda Rother and children, Jamie, Dana and Lindsay, all of Lawton; Karen and Keith Schroder and children, Chris, Kyle and Tyler, all of Okarche; Bobbi and Dan Ottis and children, Brandon, Matthew, Paul, Zachary and Conner, all of Norman; Dale and Marian Rother and children, Erin Stover and her husband Greg, and their children, Ty and Lathen, Casey, Danielle and Chelsea, all of Okarche; and Jeremy and his wife Meggan and their son Brodey of Weatherford; Tim and Robin Rother and children, Justin, Ryan, Jared and Randi of Okarche; Dan and Mary Rother and children, Chad and his wife, Tisha, all of Lawton, and Jennifer of Washington, D.C.; Sherry and Clancy Gray and children, Mendi, Brett and Dax, all of Tulsa; Teresa and Mike Grellner and children, Josh, Jennifer and Katie, all of Okarche; and Kevin and Donna Rother and children, Caitlin and Carley, all of Clinton; two brothers, Louis Rother of Okarche and Robert Rother of El Reno, and one sister, Margaret Murphy of El Reno. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Franz and Bernard. Memorials may be made to Father Stanley Rother Seminary Burse, P.O. Box 32180, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or a favorite charity. Huber-Benson Funeral Home 100 S. Barker El Reno, OK 73038 --- LeRoy D. ZumMallen: Z545 LeRoy D. ZumMallen, 73, lifelong resident of Okarche, died Sunday, April 21, 2002, in Okarche. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Okarche with Rev. John Walther officiating. Burial will follow in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Okarche, under direction of Wilson Funeral Home of El Reno. He was born Nov. 22, 1928, in Okarche to Gustav and Emma Hann ZumMallen. He married Betty Garms on April 12, 1958, in Little Rock, Ark. He was a graduate of Okarche High School. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a farmer and dairyman. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the Oklahoma Guernsey Cattle Association. Survivors include his wife, Betty of the home; two daughters, Ann Banther and husband Dennis of Kingfisher and Jane Charrier and husband Dann of Tulsa; five sons, Robert ZumMallen and wife Brenda of E. Liberty, Ohio, David ZumMallen of Okarche, Daniel ZumMallen and wife Alicia of Murrieta, Calif., Steven ZumMallen and wife Genieve of Henderson, Nev., and Christoper ZumMallen of Okarche; one brother, Melvin ZumMallen of Okarche; nine grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Paul ZumMallen and Eric ZumMallen. --- Irene Anna Forbes: F612 Irene Anna Forbes, 91, of El Reno died Monday, April 22, 2002, at Victo- rian Estates in Yukon. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Benson Memorial Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25, at the Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Phil Donohoe officiating. Burial will follow in El Reno Cemetery, under direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home of El Reno. She was born Sept. 27, 1910, at St. Edward, Neb., the daughter of Peter and Mary (Hau) Gerber. She married William G. Forbes on Nov. 28, 1935. He preceded her in death on Sept. 27, 2001. She was a resident of El Reno for 78 years. She worked as a telephone operator and also a bookkeeper at the First National Bank and the Citizens National Bank. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the Altar Society, the Ameri- can Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary. Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Jack "Marie" Wiewel of El Reno and Mrs. John "Jennie" Loyall of Kingfisher; one step-daughter, Norma Jean Bell and her husband, Ted of Pacific Grove, Calif.; two step-grandchildren, Rikki and Marty; five step-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Guy "Zelpha" Forbes of Limon, Colo.; 17 neices and nephews, Susan Best, Bill John Loyall, John P. Wiewel, Ron Wiewel, Gayle Herd, Bob Wiewel, Janet Jensen, Bill Wiewel, Nancy Evans, Barbara Haley, Jim Wiewel, Mary Nell Gholston, Sandra Sue Callino, Donna Jean Ira, Lloyd Gerber, Jr., Jerry Gerber and Ralph Richard Forbes, Sr., and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, William, three bro- thers, Lloyd, Irwin and Paul, and two sisters, Isabell and Esther. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School, 208 S. Evans, El Reno, OK 73036 or Russell-Murray Hospice, P.O. Box 1423, El Reno, OK 73036. Huber-Benson Funeral Home 100 S. Barker El Reno, OK 73036 --- Faye Lee Hill: H400 Faye Lee Hill, 82, of Kingfisher died Saturday, April 20, 2002, at her home. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, in the First United Meth- odist Church with Rev. Darryl Owen officiating. Burial was in the King- fisher Cemetery. She was born Dec. 16, 1919, in Hennessey to Henry and Myrtle Markel Berkenbile. She moved with her parents to Vanita, where she graduated from Vanita High School. She married James Melvin "Shorty" Hill Oct. 5, 1938, in Watonga. She was a partner with her husband for 64 years in the restaurant, motel and cattle business. She was a waitress, secretary, bookkeeper and home- maker. Survivors include two daughters, Jima Lee Hill of Edmond and Jerry Lane Bomhoff and husband Bob of Okarche; one son, Bob Hill and wife Gail of Kingfisher; 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, husband, one sister and one brother. --- Priscilla Wehrenberg: W651 Priscilla Wehrenberg, 96, of Loyal died Sunday, April 21, 2002, at Sham- rock Care Center in Kingfisher. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, at Peace United Church of Christ in Loyal with Rev. Leon Seaton officiating. Burial will follow at Kingfisher Cemetery, under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennes- sey. She was born June 7, 1905, northwest of Loyal to Adolph and Rachel Lorenz Vilhauer. She married Carl Wehrenberg on May 31, 1926, in Okeene. Survivors include one daugher, Margene Jindra and husband Frankie of Tex- as; one sister, Lauretta Vilhauer of Loyal; one granddaughter, and one great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, three sisters and two brothers. --- Betty Lee Briix: B620 Betty Lee Briix, 81, of Hennessey died Monday, April 22, 2002, at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the First Chris- tian Church in Hennessey with Rev. Randy Burke officiating. Burial will follow at Hennessey Cemetery under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home. She was born Sept. 11, 1920, in Hennessey to Clyde and Cecil Wilson Miller. She grew up in the Mound Ridge-Harmony community southwest of Hennessey. She attended Mound Ridge School through the eighth grade and graduated from Lacy High School in 1938. She and Fred E. Briix were married on July 25, 1941. They lived and farmed in the Lacy community. She was active in school activities, sup- porting her sons in sports, 4-H and Boy Scouts. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Hennessey, where she was especially active in the Christian Women's Fellowship. In 1977, the Briixes moved into Hennessey where they became strong sup- porters of the Senior Citizen Center. She enjoyed playing cards and dom- inoes and was a member of several pitch clubs. She expressed pride in being a farm wife and enjoyed the farm life. She is survived by three sons, Lee and wife Marva Briix of Hennessey, John and wife Judy Briix of Waukomis and Don and wife Pam Briix of Fountain, Colo.; one sister, Gail Zerger and her husband, Carl of Hennessey; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, an infant sister and a foster son. --- E. Claude Todd: T300 E. Claude Todd, 89, of Tulsa died Friday, April 19, 2002. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Rose Chapel Boston Ave. Methodist Church, under direction of Stanley's Funeral Service in Tulsa. He was born Sept. 10, 1912, to George and Annie Todd. He graduated from Oklahoma A&M College in 1939 with a degree in vocation- al agriculture. He taught vocational agriculture in Bixby, worked with the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce, and sold and shipped fresh produce. Eventually, he ended up in Stilwell working for the Stilwell Canning Co. in 1950 as the sales manager. He became president and CEO of the firm which eventually be- came Stilwell Foods. He was instrumental in the development of frozen southern vegetables. He retired from Stilwell Foods in 1983. He served on the boards of the National Canners and the National Freezers organizations. He was president of the Ozark Processors Association. He masterminded the development of the Rio Grande Foods plant in McAllen, Texas. He and his wife Patty moved to Tulsa where he was on the board of dir- ectors of Boston Ave. Methodist Church and a member of the Wesley Fellowship Sunday school class. His hobbies were farming and playing bridge. Survivors include one daughter, Marilyn Conner and husband Jim of Tulsa; one son, Tom Todd and wife Vahla of Oklahoma City, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years. --- Ann Cecilia Felder: F436 Ann Cecilia Felder, 94, of Hennessey died Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at Integris Bass Baptist Medical Center in Enid. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hennessey with Revs. Lowell Stieferman and Mark Mason officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey. She was born Oct. 29, 1907, seven miles southeast of Hennessey to John Charles and Anna Liberton Felder. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church for over 90 years. Survivors include one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Lucille Felder Kokojan and one great-nephew. --- Doris Farmer Uhlenhake: U452 (((Photo))) Doris Farmer Uhlenhake, 79, of Kingfisher died Tuesday, April 23, 2002, at Midwest City Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the First United Meth- odist Church with Rev. Darryl Owen officiating. She was born Nov. 10, 1922, in Barry County, Texas, to Bernum and Lula Mae Lee Farmer. She married Albert R. Uhlenhake on Feb. 14, 1947, in Kingfisher. She was a 1945 graduate of Central State College in Edmond. She attended OU, OSU and Southwestern in Weatherford. She taught in Kingfisher Public Schools for 40 years, retiring 1985. She was "Teacher of the Year" in 1976 and was inducted into the KHS Hall of Fame in 1990. She was active in DKG, KKI, UMW, Ladies Golf Association and Business Women's Study Club. Survivors include three brothers, D.B. Farmer and wife Mildred of Ana- heim, Calif., Truman Farmer and wife Zona of Del City and Calvin C. Farmer and wife Sue of Stillwater, and two sisters, Leota Reames of Midwest City and Leora O'Mealey and husband Raymond of Oklahoma City. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers. --- Miles Benda: B530 Word has been received of the death of Miles Benda, 83, of Albany, Texas. He died March 17, 2002, at a nursing center in Quitman, Texas. Funeral services were held March 20, at the Eliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith in Abilene, Texas, with the Revs. Danny Connally, Jack Riley, Dewey Lamb and Jack Clack officiating. A graveside service was held in Moran Cemetery. He was born Oct. 16, 1918, in Kingfisher. He was reared in Kingfisher and attended Big Four School. He moved to Albany from Moran in 1950. He was a long-time farmer and rancher. He married Inez Delora Allen on March 14, 1942, in Abilene. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, serving with the 45th Division. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Albany and was a deacon in Moran and Albany, where he served as chairman. He was also a Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir. Survivors include his wife, Inez; three daughters, Kay Franklin and husband Kenny of New Braunfels, Texas, Ann Connally and husband Houston of Quitman and Connie Graham and husband Doug of Hawley, Texas; one sister, Rosye McMinn of San Marcos, Texas; eight grandchildren, and nine great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Joe and Charles, and three sisters, Bessie Helen and Henryetta. --- Stephen D. Harak: H620 Stephen D. Harak, 59, of Hennessey died Sunday, April 21, 2002, at St. Mary's Regional Hospital in Enid. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Hennessey Calvary Cemetery, officiated by Lanny Jobe. Arrangements are under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey. He was born May 12, 1942, east of Hennessey to John and Mary Pata Harak. Survivors include one daughter, Ginger Robison and husband Mike of Hen- hessey; one son, Darren Harak and wife Rachelle of Guthrie; one brother, Laddie Harak of Enid; three sisters, Betty Mollett of Enid, Mathilda Maruska of Houston, Texas, and Teresa Malcolm of Mancos, Colo., and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. --- Bessie Vaverka: V162 Bessie Vaverka, 93, of Hennessey died Tuesday, April 23, 2002, at St. Mary's Regional Hospital in Enid. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hennessey. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church with Rev. Mark Mason officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, under direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hen- nessey. She was born Dec. 29, 1908, at Waukomis to Frank and Bessie Milacek Hromas. She married Albin Vaverka on Oct. 14, 1930, at Bison. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and St. Joseph's Altar Society. Survivors include her husband, Albin; three sons, Wilfred Vaverka and wife Jane of Independence, Kan., Vernon Vaverka and wife Susan of Parsons, Kan., and Ronnie Vaverka of the home; six grandchildren, and 10 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Vivian Patocka, one grandson and six brothers. --- La Verne Hamilton: H543 Elsie La Verne Hamilton, 83, died Monday, April 15, 2002, at First Sham- rock Care Center in Kingfisher, where she lived. Mrs. Hamilton was born in Weston, Mo., on Nov. 16, 1918. Her parents were Richard A. and Anna Beck Thompson. She moved to Oklahoma in 1994. Services and burial were held Friday, April 19 at Weston. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Claudia and Richard Meyer of Loyal; three grandsons: Nick Martin of Okarche, Richard A. Meyer of Hen- nessey, and Buck Meyer of Camp LeJeune, N.C., and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, five sisters and four brothers. **************************************************************************** Sunday, April 28, 2002 Charles Joseph Johnson: J525 Charles Joseph Johnson, 70, of San Francisco, Calif., brother of King- fisher residents Florence Turner and Maureen Kordis, died Sunday, April 7, 2002, at his home. He was born July 4, 1931, in Ardmore to Lon Portivent and Maurine Seay Johnson. Survivors include two sisters, Florence Turner and Maureen Kordis and husband Herb all of Kingfisher. He was preceded in death by his parents. --- William "Bill" Swinton: S535 William "Bill" Swinton, 73, of Hennessey died Wednesday, April 24, 2002, at the Mansion Living Center in Oklahoma City. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home with Wes Meisner officiating. Burial will follow at Enid Cem- etery. He was born June 19, 1928, in Jet to William Henry and Myrtie Farr Swinton. He married Lou Ellen Royer on Dec. 31, 1947, in Enid. She preceded him in death on Feb. 8, 2002. They lived in Enid until moving to Hennessey in 1977. They moved to Oklahoma City in December 2001. Survivors include two children, Charles Swinton and wife Barbara of Oklahoma City and Sandy Brown and husband Al of Springdale, Ark.; four sisters, Mary Hair, Lois Lewis, Nila Emmons and Pauline Tripp, all of Enid; four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, three brothers and one sister.