June 22, 2006

Yates
Dickie Anton Yates, the only child of Dick and Pearl Maschino Yates was born September 9, 1935 in Beaver, OK. He died on June 14, 2006 at the age of 70 in Beaver.
After beginning his elementary education in California, Dickie moved back to the Elmwood community, living for a short time with his uncle and aunt, Snip and Dee Dee Blosser, and graduated from the eighth grade as valedictorian of the Elmwood Country School. His love of agriculture was fostered as a leader in 4-H Club where in 1952 he was named Oklahoma’s Most Outstanding 4-H Boy in Achievement, was sectional winner and first alternate in Achievement in the United States and several foreign countries. In addition, he was the first individual from Beaver County to serve as state 4-H president.
Dickie graduated from Beaver High School in 1953 and this same year married his high school sweetheart, Barba Ann Cole. The couple made their first home on his grandfather’s homestead on Clear Creek in the Elmwood community. To this union three sons, Rod, Tony, and Craig were born. In 1966, the family moved to the farm home of Barba’s parents where Dickie engaged in a ranching partnership with his father-in-law, Billie Cole. Dickie was a lifelong rancher raising wheat, alfalfa, cattle and cutting horses. In addition, Dickie served as postal clerk at the Beaver Post Office, a position he held for many years. Later he served as Post Master at the Forgan Post Office where he eventually retired after 29 years of service to the United Sates Postal Service.
Dickie and Barba enjoyed traveling to Post Master Conventions to such destinations as Niagra Falls, Hawaii, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, and Boston. He particularly enjoyed traveling to the Rocky Mountains with his family.
Dickie loved t-birds, John Deere tractors and Ford pick-ups. He enjoyed country western music, was an Elvis fan, and made several journeys to Dallas with Barba to watch his favorite team play, the Dallas Cowboys. Dickie was baptized as a teenager, becoming a member of the South Flat Church of Christ. After marriage, he attended the First Christian Church of Beaver where he displayed his singing ability in the choir as well as the mixed and men’s quartets.
Dickie was preceded in death by his father, Dick Yates, uncle and aunt, Snip and Dee Dee Blosser, and father- and mother-in-law, Billie and Ruth Cole. Dickie is survived by his wife, Barba, of the home. Sons and daughter-in-laws, Rod and Karen Yates of Beaver, Tony and Vicki Yates of Seminole, and Craig and Rebekah Yates of Beaver, His mother Pearl Yates of Beaver, grandchildren, Danny, Brett, and wife Tanya and their children, Jordan and Jeremy, Luke, Emily Matt, and wife Sally, Tina and Preston Yates, sister- and brother-in-law, Carol Joy and Dewey Cook and their children.
Funeral services for Dickie Yates were held Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 10:30 am in the Beaver First Christian Church with Rick Main officiating. Interment was in the Pioneer Cemetery.
 

June 1, 2006

Hoover
Robert “Bob” Lee Hoover died while flying to Houston, Texas on Monday, May 22, 2006. He was born to Ernest and Lizzie (Brock) Hoover on July 21, 1928 in Booker, Texas. Bob attended schools at Elmwood, Balko, Beaver and his last year at Goodwell.
Bob lived on farms that his folks rented until he was 15. At that age, his father died and his mother moved her family to Beaver. Bob never lost his love for the farm and would help other farmers with their plowing when he wasn’t busy. He worked at several places in Beaver and worked for Bill Sharp at the Champlin Station.
In July of 1948, Bob met the woman of his dreams, Audrey Abbott, while at a country music dance. They were married on April 24, 1949. Their son Robert (Bobby) was born on February 26, 1950. Bob moved his little family to Enid in May of that year. In 1952, Bob and his family moved back to Beaver to work at Beech Aircraft. He drove back and forth from Beaver to Liberal, KS for over seven years.
On February 8, 1953, their daughter Shirley Kay was born. With two children, a prouder daddy would be hard to find. Bob became a Christian at 26-years-old and was baptized while attending the First Christian Church. Bob lost his voice to cancer in November of 1974 and had to learn how to talk again. Remarkably, he had his own voice without any gadgets and said he “burped” to make words.
In 1985, Bob retired from the Northern Natural Gas plant after 26 years. He then went to work for the Beaver County Sheltered Workshop until 1998 when Audrey had him retire for good. Bob loved working in his workshop and their home is decorated with many things he made throughout the years until July of 2005 when doctors put Bob on strong blood thinners. Audrey, at that time, wouldn’t let him around anything sharp.
Bob had his first triple bypass in April of 1985. In 1993, his heart doctor thought they could do the balloon, which they did but some scar tissue broke off and got in the aorta. The doctors lost Bob but knew what to do to save him. They came out and told his family what had happened. Bob often talked about seeing Heaven and how beautiful it was. Bob had his second triple bypass in 1998.
Bob loved music - especially country - and playing his guitar. He and Audrey attended the senior citizen dances in Beaver and Liberal for 30 years. Before leaving on their trip to Houston, Bob and Audrey danced a little bit just as they did when they first met in 1948.
Bob loved to visit and he would always say, “I visited with everyone, but one man - and he wouldn’t talk to me!” He will be missed by all of his family, which includes:
His wife of 57 years, Audrey and son Bob and wife, Sherri, and daughter Shirley and her husband, Terry Thomas; grandchildren Robert Hoover, Ryan and wife, Beth Hoover; Jackie and her husband, Richard Matheson, John Hoover, Alan and wife, Rita Thomas, Arron and wife, Desiree’ Thomas; great-grandchildren Robbie and Robert Hoover II, Taylor and Meghan Anderson, Hannah Marie Matheson, Kyra Littlefeld, Codi and Heath Thomas, Kelsey, Chase and Kylee Thomas, Ryan J. and Victoria Hoover, Cassie and Michael Polomo; brothers Kent Hoover, Larry Hoover and Joe Hoover.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Lizzie Hoover; brothers and wifes Ronald and Alta Hoover, Alvin Ray and Reola Hoover and Donald Hoover; sisters and their husbands Joyce and Glen Schollenbarger, Isabell and Jack Banks, Ruth Ferguson and Barbara Hoover.
Services were held at the Beaver First Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 30, 2006. Bob was laid to rest at the Capital View Cemetery.

Sizelove
Mary Alma Sizelove age 84 of Laverne passed away peacefully at her home, Saturday, May 27, 2006. She was born on April 3, 1922 in Bookings, South Dakota. She was the 5th child of 6 children born to Jacob Claud Holmes Sr. and Faith Hathaway Harling Holmes.
Mary grew up a farm girl living in Laverne. When she was a young girl her father was a government meat inspector and later bought a farm in Laverne where he raised hogs, cattle and alfalfa. Mary attended Laverne schools, played on the H.S. basketball team and graduated with the class of 1940.
While in high school she met the love of her life, Ivo Leon “Billy” Sizelove. They were married on February 25, 1939 in Canadian, TX. Mary and Billy made their home on a ranch west of Laverne and there they raised five children.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Faith Holmes, brothers J.C. Holmes Jr., and her two sisters Faith Preston and Betty Dickens.
She is survived by her husband Billy Sizelove of the home, her five children and their spouses Cary and Lis sizelove of Eureka, IL, Jim and Sunday Sizelove of Garland, TX, Wayne and Julie Sizelove of Buffalo, OK, Becky and Rodney Guffy of Ringwood, OK, Loren and Lyn Sizelove of Laverne, OK. Two sisters, Lois Brown of Laverne and Jody Wilson and husband Pat of Neodesha, KS. Fifteen grandchildren Rose and Jeff Schrock, C.L. Sizelove, Douglas and Crystal Sizelove, Mike and Denise Sizelove, Laura and Jason Becker, Mitchell and Jayne Sizelove, Holly Sizelove, Kizzy and Jason Webb, Charity and Roger Teal, Blake Sizelove, Angi and Brent Koontz, Jon and Raegan Guffy, Ami and Chris Miller, Aaron and Dalaina Sizelove and Krista Sizelove. Twenty eight great grandchildren, several cousins, many nieces and nephews and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 10 am at the Fairview Methodist Church, East of Slapout, OK. with Rev. Carol Reich officiating. Burial was at the Laverne Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Relay of Life Cancer Society or the Fairview Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.

McManaway
Ada Margaret McManaway was born September 12, 1922 in Sorento, IL to Jim and Grace Bell (Coatney) Reed. She married Frank McManaway in 1942 in Madison, IL. He died in 1971. She was a homemaker all her life.
Ada died in the Beaver County Nursing Home on May 23, 2006 at the age of 83.
Ada is survived by her sons, Ralph McManaway, Beaver, OK, David McManaway, MI, James Scott Hahn, MI, Chester McManaway, IL. Her daughters, Ruth French, Beaver, OK, Mary Joanpeter, Pilot Knob, MI, Blanche “Sue” McBride, Granite City, IL, Lois McManaway, IL, Doris McManaway, IL, Betty McManaway, Beaver, OK. 21 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Memorial Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 11 am in the Beaver First Baptist Church with David Glasscock officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sunnyside Cemetery, Sorento, IL, at a later date.

May 18, 2006

HILL

A. V. “Shorty” Hill, Jr., of Pauls Valley, was born September 22, 1937 in Beaver, Oklahoma to A. V. and Winnie (Clare) Hill, Sr.; the fourth of six children.
”Shorty” was raised in Beaver and is a Beaver High School graduate and was a member of the First Christian Church in Beaver. He furthered his education earning his degree and graduating from Oklahoma State University.
After college he worked for General Telephone Company and worked in Telephone Communication for over 32 years; retiring in December 1993.
”Shorty” was married to Nell Brawley in Brownwood, Texas on June 11, 1988. Moving from San Angelo, Texas, Pauls Valley has been their home for the past twelve years.
He died May 9, 2006 at their home near Pauls Valley, Oklahoma at the age of 68 years.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by, one brother, W. B. “Dub” Hill.
Surviving family include his wife, Nell, of the home; three sons, Jerry Max Hill and David Kirk Hill and his wife, Tracy, all of Stuart, Ok. and Curtis Greg Hill of Brownfield, Texas; two step-sons, Dennis and his wife Lona Jackson, of Evanston, Wyoming and Stevie Lynn and wife Tandy Jackson, of Hobbs, New Mexico; three sisters, Christine Strong, of Beaver, Ok., Shirley Dooley, of Keller, Texas and Kay and her husband, Dan Smith, of Kemmerer, Wyoming; eight grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and, extended family as well as many friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 10:00 am at Stufflebean Chapel of Remembrance officiated by Rev. Herb Bridgewater and Rev. Dylan Cole.
Graveside services were Friday, May 12, 2006 at 10:30 am at the Pioneer Cemetery in Beaver.
 

May 11, 2006

 HECOX
Nadine LaRoyce Hecox, age 77 died Monday May 8, 2006 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal.
She was born May 23, 1928 at Turpin, OK the daughter of Victor Omer and Maxine Mae (Hackett) Searcy. She was raised and educated in Beaver, Oklahoma and had been a resident of Meade, Kansas for 23 years before moving to Liberal in 1996.
She had worked at several area restaurants. She was a former member of the Church of Christ in Meade, KS.
She married Warren Dean McAlister in 1946, in 1959 she married Arthur Lee Passmore, in 1969 she married Robert L Burris. On Nov. 17, 1996 she married Raymond Lloyd Hecox at Liberal, KS and he died July 24, 2003.
Survivors include1 Son Wes Lee Passmore and wife Kathy Meade, KS. 4 Daughters Patricia Wooten and husband Dean Carlsbad, NM, Marilyn K. Newman and husband Alan Forgan, OK, Sharilyn F. Purcell and husband Chris Beaver, OK, Arlene L. Brown and husband Lonnie Beaver, OK. 3 Brothers Chuck Searcy Las Vegas, NM, Vernon Searcy Amarillo, TX, Ronnie Searcy Beaver, OK. 1 Sister Geraldine Payne Tulia, TX. 13 Grandchildren 17 Great Grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by 1 daughter Rita Gail Norris, 2 Brothers Omer Searcy and Bill Searcy
Funeral service were held 2:00pm Wednesday, May 10, 2006, at the Grant Street Church of Christ with Ron Cosby presiding. Private burial will be in Pioneer Cemetery, Beaver, Okla.
There will be no public visitation.
Memorials may be sent to Beaver County Nursing Home in care of Kitch-Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W, 2nd Liberal, KS 67901
 

May 4, 2006

Mills
Roger W. Mills died at the age of 93 on April 29, 2006 at the Woodward Regional Hospital. He was born Jan. 7, 1913 to John and Maud M. (Hutchins) Mills at the family farm 3 miles south of Forgan.
He graduated from Forgan High School in 1931. He participated in all sports and activities. He married Dorothy B. Smith on January 19, 1941. To this union was born seven children. He was a lifetime resident of the Forgan area.
He is survived by two sons, Barry Mills and wife Sharon, Lone Star, TX, and Brady Mills and wife Darla, Woodward, OK, Four daughters, Gloria Mills and Susie Mills, Forgan, OK, Judy Mills and Linda Gardner and husband Roger, Ulysses, KS.
Eleven grandchildren, Chanon Mills and wife Michelle, Bauxite, AK, Shad Mills and wife Mikki, Duncan, OK, Branden Mills, Lone Star, TX, Brala Mills and Darus Mills, Woodward, OK, Brason Mills and wife Brittania, Weatherford, OK, Jamie Tarbet , Jennifer Meza and husband Mike, Hutchinson, KS, Becky Forsen and husband Tony, Holcomb, KS, Mindy Gardner, Great Bend, KS, and Bethany Gardner, Ulysses, KS.
Fourteen great-grandchildren, Chanden, Shayden, Shaylynn, Kaden, Cairden, Alexis Mills, Kiersten Kee, Josh Smith, Caleb Parks, Ethan Paige, Jacob Forsen, and Lauren and Devon Meza. One great-great granddaughter, Keelie Kee.
Proceeding him in death, his parents John W. and Maud (Hutchins) Mills, three brothers and seven sisters. His wife Dorothy, daughter Barbara, and granddaughter Misty.
Other survivors are two sister-in-laws, Maxine Mills and Vea Smith, several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
 

 POWDERS
71-year-old resident of Woodward, died Thursday, April 20, 2006, at his home.
Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2006, at the Zwanziger Funeral Home Chapel with Melvin Rittenhouse officiating. Burial was at Elmwood Cemetery.
Bill D. Powders was born Sept. 5, 1934, to Overt R. “Buck” and Mary (Covalt) Powders in Woodward, Okla. On Jan. 28, 1955, Bill married Marlene Smith in Clayton, N.M. Bill owned and operated Bill Powders Dirt Construction which he later turned over to his son Joe Powders. Bill was self-employed for 15 years and worked for the State of Oklahoma for 16 years. From 1986 to 1990, Bill was the Woodward County Commissioner. From 1993 to 1995, he was a Street Superintendent in Woodward. Bill was also a farmer and rancher.
One of Bill’s greatest enjoyments was that he loved fishing and hunting and taking his grandchildren with him. He also enjoyed working in his yard and gardening and just being with his family.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marlene Powders, of the home in Woodward; two sons, Steve Powders, Peru, Ok., and his children Messina, Lindsey, and Brodie, and great-grandchildren Kayla, Braxton, and Mason; and Joe Powders and wife Debbie, Woodward, and their children Kelsy, Jesse, and Baylee, all of Woodward, and granddaughter, Katie Muller and husband John Eric, Tulsa, son-in-law, Tim McFarland and wife Justine, and their children, Kael and Tanner, Beaver, two sisters, Overta Smylie, Beaver, and Dot Hall, Marlow, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a very special friend and cousin Joe Burns of Florida; along with a host of other family members and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, O. R. “Buck” and Mary Powders, and his daughter, Kelly Dawn McFarland.
 

April 27, 2006

Mulanax
Gwen Mulanax was born February 19, 1923 to Clarence and Elsie Wells Hollensbe at Laverne and passed away April 21, 2006 at the Beaver Hospital.
Gwen married Stanley Mulanax on June 11, 1940 in Guymon. Stanley and Gwen were lifetime residents of the Forgan area and were active members of the Forgan Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1980, her parents, 2 brothers, Johnny and Harold Hollensbe, and a sister Lyla Haskell.
Gwen is survived by son Denny and his wife Louise Mulanax, and daughter Beverly and her husband Dick Hall. Five grandchildren, Dennis and his wife Christy Mulanax, Mistina Mulanax, Randy Hall, Robyn Wagoner, and Ricci her husband Jeremy Lynch. Sixteen great-grandchildren, Megan and Andrea Mulanax, Airian and Kerry Hall, Jaden, Trey, and Jett Wagoner, Ty and Nathan Smith, Ashley, Miranda and Trevin Lopez, Mike and his wife Jen Mueter, Shelly and her husband Jay Osborne, Ethan and Preston Meyer. Three great-great-grandchildren, Breanna Osborne, Meekha and Devin Meuter.
She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, April 25 at the Forgan Cemetery with David Glascock officiating.

April 6, 2005

Dixon
William F. Dixon a long time resident of Carney, Oklahoma was born June 21, 1933 in Knowles, Oklahoma and departed this life March 31, 2006 in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the age of 72.
Bill, the youngest of ten children was the son of George W. and Stella (Holtkamp) Dixon. Bill grew up in Beaver, Oklahoma where he graduated from Beaver High School, he then attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University at Alva, Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, three sisters, life long partner, Zelda, one step-daughter and one step-son.
He is survived by one daughter, Anita Canafax of Terrytown, Louisiana, one step-daughter, Debra Lyford of Cushing, Oklahoma, two sisters, Ruby Dyer of Knowles, Oklahoma and Ila McLeod of Wichita, Kansas, one sister-in-law Georgia Dixon of Chula Vista, California, two grandchildren, 12 nieces and nephews plus a host of other friends and relatives.
 

Woods
Funeral services for Velda Woods, 92 year old Fargo resident , were held Monday, April 3, 2006 at 10:00 am in the Garden Chapel of Johnson’s Good Samaritan Funeral Service. The Reverend Aaron Martin officiated. Interment followed at the Elmwood Cemetery.
Velda Lorene Woods was born October 22, 1913 in Woodward, OK. to Glen and May (Jamison) Campbell. She grew up in the Woodward area, graduating from the Woodward High School. On January 29, 1934, she married Perry Lansdown in Fairview and they made their home in the Woodward area. Velda cooked at the Woodward Hospital retiring from there after many years. Mr. Lansdown died in 1977 and on January 1, 1979, Velda was married to Harold Woods and they made their home in the Fargo area.
They were very active members of the Fargo United Methodist Church, and were also actively involved in the Fargo community. They were members of the Cattlemen’s Association, and loved to attend basketball games.
Mrs. Woods died March 30, 2006 at Garce Living Center in Woodward.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and two sisters.
She is survived by her husband, Harold of the home, a daughter and her husband, Judy and Dean McDaniel, of Beaver, two sons and thir wives, Glen and Judy Lansdown of Mountain Home, ID, and Eldon and Becky Lansdown of Texhoma, Four stepdaughters and their husbands, Harolene and Bill Pickens of Derby, KS, Norma Jean and Jarrell Brewer, Meridian, ID, Judy and Donald Ray Jenkins, Gage, OK, and Markete and Dan Stevens, Irving, TX. Two sisters, Betty Feil, Moscow, ID, and Margaret Bassett, Tracy , CA, fifteen garndchildren, twenty one great-grandchildren and two great- great grandchildren.

Kane
Gary Dean Kane (Kaner), age 55, died at his home in Meade, Kansas, Saturday, April 1, 2006.
He was born October 4, 1950, at Fowler, KS, the son of Elwood and Elsie (Eskhoff) Kane. He was a 1969 graduate of Meade High School. A lifetime resident of Meade, he was the director of Meade County Utility until his retirement on December 31, 2005.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Viet Nam War, he served his country proudly and voluntarily. While in Viet Nam he was awarded three bronze stars for escapades with his beloved Mighty Mouse AH1G Cobra Helicopter, which he crewed. Upon his return he worked with his father at the Meade Feed Yard until 1990, then working for Gray County CO-OP and then for the Meade County Utility.
On March 24, 1973, he married Donna Wilson at Meade, where they have resided all of their married life, she survives. Gary’s passion was his family, son Robert, of Las Vegas, NV, daughter, Jennifer Kane Fuentes, of Denver, CO, and the best thing that ever happened to him, his own words, his adopted son/grandson, Skyler Dean Kane. Pops, as he was known, is also survived by twin granddaughters, Allison and Madison Fuentes of Denver, CO, whom he doted on. He is also survived by his parents, of Meade, a twin brother, Larry Kane of Meade, and a sister, Diana Caldwell of Balko, OK.
Gary was a member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, both of Dodge City, and St. John Lutheran Church, Meade.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 am Tuesday, April 4, 2006, at St. John Lutheran Church, Meade, with Rev. Lynn E. Spencer presiding. Interment followed in the Graceland Cemetery, Meade , with military honors provided by the Fort Riley Burial Detail.
 

March 30, 2006

Riggs
Walter Eugene (Gene) Riggs, 66, died Monday, February 6, 2006 at Windsor Hills Nursing Center in Oklahoma City. He was born October 18, 1939, in Forgan.
He worked as a steel fabricator. He was a member of Amity Baptist Church.
He is survived by two sons, Dell Riggs, Duncan, and Charles Riggs, El Reno, one daughter, Susan Riggs, Oklahoma City, four grandchildren, eight brothers, James Allen Riggs, Blanchard, Bill Riggs, Pond Creek, Warren Riggs, El Reno, Roger Riggs, Beaver, Don Riggs, Liberal, Danny Riggs, Beaver, Lee Riggs, Ceiling, Wesley Riggs, Beaver, and one sister, Faye Barnes, Hooker. Also his stepmother Doris Riggs.
Funeral services were held at Amity Baptist Church in El Reno with Rev. Dean Tucker presiding. Burial was at Forgan Cemetery in Forgan, OK.

Hughes
Ralph Hughes died at his home in Santa Ynez, CA. at age 83. His death ended 42 years of severe heart problems. The love of his family instilled in him a tremendous desire to live.
Ralph was born in a dugout in Springfield, CO, August 28, 1922. At the age of 3 his parents took him by covered wagon to the panhandle of Oklahoma. He spent his early childhood on his uncle’s Bar B Ranch in Oklahoma where he learned to ride and drive mules and horses.
His family moved to Santa Barbara, CA, in 1934. After graduating from Santa Barbara High School, Ralph worked for the U.S. Forest Service. His duties included breaking colts and packing water by mule team into the back country during fires.
In 1942 Ralph enlisted in the Marine Corp, serving for 3 years in the South Pacific. He was very honored and proud to be a Marine.
After discharge in 1945 he returned to Santa Barbara and started raising cattle. Over the next few years he ran cattle on several ranches throughout Santa Barbara County and stated many times that Jimmy Freeman (Deceased) was his primary mentor.
In 1980 his wife of 38 years, Ernestine Silva preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Shelby of 24 years.
He is also survived by daughters Terry Jean Musgrave, and Candice Villard and husband Joe, sons Larry and wife Joy, Jerry and wife Terri Ann Hughes, 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, the youngest being born on March 16, 2006.
His celebration of life was held at Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag, Solvang at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25, with military honors at the San Luis Obispo Cemetery (Mausoleum).

Nelson
Jennie Alice Nelson was born on November 11, 1917 at the family farm southwest of Laverne, in Beaver County, OK, to Gordon and Rosa May (Neihart) Firth and passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2006 in the Crystalwood Village at Woodward, at the age of 88.
Jennie grew to womanhood southwest of Laverne where she attended Lovell Country School near their home place.
On March 25, 1935, Jennie married Willis John Nelson and they were blessed with four children, Johnnie, Erma, Yvonne, and Carol. The family made their home in the country west of Laverne. In 1949 Willis passe away suddenly leaving her to raise her four children alone. She and the children moved into Laverne where Jennie sewed for people and did various other jobs. In 1950 she started working for the Laverne Schools in the cafeteria. She retired from the Laverne School system in 1982 with 32 years of service as supervisor of the schools lunchroom program. Jennie was truly one of God’s servants, caring for all the children and the faculty.
Jennie married Olis Edward Nelson on July 22, 1982. He preceded her in death in 1991. Jennie moved to Woodward after Olis’s death to be closer to some of her family.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, son Johnnie Nelson in 1985, brother William (Bill) Firth in 1999, sisters Lillian Ward and 1997, and an Infant sister Myrtle Jane Firth, a granddaughter Debra Lynn Petterson, and a granddaughter-in-law Gloria Nelson.
Jennie leaves as her survivors Erma (EJ) Phillips and husband Wade, Yvonne Bransetter and Husband Merrell all of Woodward, OK. Carol Ragsdale and husband Charles of Enid, 11 grandchildren, Bobby Mann of Enid, Ladonna Giessman of Oklahoma City, Johhnie Nelson of Bloomfield, NM, Jo and Dee Armond of Lewisburg, KY, Linette Walls of Lakin, KS, Paige Bryan of Warner-Robins, GE, Michael Wilcox of Woodward, Chuck Ragsdale, Cary Ragsdale and Crystal Gutherie all of Enid. 20 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, sister Wanda of Ft. Supply, OK. A Host of other relatives and many friends.
Graveside services were held on Monday, March 27, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the Laverne Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Wes Peterman Officiating. Special C.D. selections “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross” were played. The grandchildren served as pallbearers.

Gregg
Irtle Joe Gregg was born October 1, 1926 west of Beaver to Luke and Pearl (Wagner) Gregg. He died at Southwest Medical Center, Liberal, Thursday, March 23, 2006 after a long illness.
He attended Beaver schools graduating with the class of 1944. He was a medic in the Army during World War II, being honorably discharged August 31, 1947.
He married Clara Lou Phelps on August 30, 1952. To this union were born three children, Paula, Kelly, and Sam. They lived south and west of Beaver where he was a farmer and rancher. He continued farming and ranching even after they moved to Beaver in 1990.
Irtle served the community on the Beaver school board of education from 1966 until 1982. On December 7, 1981, he received the oath of office as District II County Commissioner and served in that capacity until his retirement in January 1, 1997.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver and was an elder in the church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack, Damon and Aaron; sisters, Dolores Taylor and Annette Wildman; brothers-in-law, Bob Phelps and Clyde (Dink) Phelps.
Survivors include his wife, Clara Lou of the home, daughters, Paula Hood, and husband Gary of Cache, OK, Kelly Cramer of Beaver, son Sam Gregg of Beaver. Grandchildren, Toby Hood and wife Gina, Corey Hood and wife Monica, Evan Cramer, Dillon Cramer, Dalton Cramer, Bailey Gregg and Becca Gregg. Great-grandchildren, Ethan Hood and Makayla Hood, sisters Greta Lowery, Booker, TX, Theda Cox and husband Bob, Tulsa, sisters-in-law, Rheba Gregg of Oklahoma City, Marie Gregg of Tulsa, Camilla Phelps of Beaver, Donna Ruth White of Beaver, and Jerry Moody and husband Bill of Kellyville, OK, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 27, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 2nd and Avenue F, Beaver, with Bill Moore officiating. Interment was held at the Pioneer Cemetery.
 

March 23, 2006
Sparks
Jodie Billie Sparks was born November 17, 1925 in Hearne, TX to Lillie Mae Denman and Fred Teaman Sparks. He died on Sunday, March 19, 2006.
He attended school in Gause and Milano. He later attended Apostolic Faith Bible College in Baxter Springs, KS where he met his future wife, Florence (Patsy) Peterson. They were married on August 16, 1949 in Perryton, TX at the Full Gospel Church. The Sparks’ spent the next 57 years in the ministry both as evangelists and pastors. They established the Calvary Temple, now known as Victory Family Church in 1964, where their son and daughter-in-law Marlon and Kathy Sparks have pastored for the past 24 years. They also pastored Guase Full Gospel Church for 17 1/2 years, as well as churches in other states.
In 1965 Rev. Sparks also began a career in law-enforcement as a patrol man in Perryton, TX. He was later a deputy sheriff in Perryton, under-sheriff in Beaver County, Assisant Chief of Police in Cameron, TX, and Chief of Police in Hearne, TX. He retired from the Beaver County sheriff’s department in 1996, and from his last postorate, Spearman Union Church in 2005.
Rev. Saprks is survived by his wife Florence (Patsy) of Perryton, 2 sons Marlon and wife Kathy of Perryton, Jerry and wife Alice of Irving. Also, four daughters Brenda Huddleston and husband Troy of Milano, Linda Servantez of College Station, Vicki Wadlington and husband Wade of Milano, and Renee McQueen and Russell Stimmell of Thorndale. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother Lillie Mae Burkes and step father F.B. Burkes, his father Fred Sparks, a sister La Vera Sparks, and two brothers Fred Sparks, and John (Leroy) Sparks.
A funeral sevice was held at 10:30 am Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at the First Baptist Church in Perryton, officiated by his son Rev. Marlon Sparks of Perryton, Rev. Mark Short of Southwest City, MO, and Rev. Ken Willard of Liberal, KS. A second service will be held Thursday March 23, 2006 at the Guase Full Gospel Church at 10:30 am officiated by Rev. Marlon Sparks, Rev. Calvin Springer of Rockdale, and Rev. Lendon Petty of Commerce, TX. Burial will be in the Milano City Cemetery.
 

March 16, 2006

Abbott
Clyde V. Abbott, 43, Beaver, OK, died Sunday (March 5) in Kingman County, KS.
He was born September 3, 1962 in Liberal, KS, the son of Harold L. & Katherine Burgan Abbott.
He attended school in Liberal and graduated from the Tyrone High School in 1980 and was a Disc Jockey for the local Liberal radio stations, and drove truck.
Clyde loved ride horses, fish and camp.
He married Marilyn Schupman September 16, 1980 at Adams, OK. On October 25, 1989 he married Marsha B. Benton at Hugoton, KS, she survives.
Other survivors include: two sons, Robert Abbott, Arkon, CO; Preston Abbott, Beaver, OK; three daughters, Kayla Christen, Arkon, CO; Keely Hammock-Mosby, Liberal, KS; Pennie Abbott, Beaver, OK; his parents, Harold & Kathy Abbott, Tyrone, OK; two brothers, Steve Abbott and wife Maureen, Tyrone, OK; Robert Abbott and wife Roberta, Lewis, KS; two sisters, Sandra Harrington and husband Paul,
Turpin, OK; Debra Ranard and husband Michael, North Marlboro, MD; three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ward & Juanita Trim, Clyde Abbott and a grandson Kobe Mosby.
Memorial services were conducted Tuesday March 14, 2006 at the First Church of the Nazarene, Liberal, KS, with Pastor Jim Mather presiding.

Rodkey
Pauline M. Rodkey, 74, Tyrone, OK, died Wednesday (March 8) at the Southwest Medical Center, Liberal, KS.
She was born December 8, 1931 at Eureka, OK, the daughter of Leroy & Nellie Carlile Craig.
She attended school at Eureka & Tyrone, OK, and was a star
basketball player.
Pauline was a waitress at Sally Ann and later at LaFonda for twenty-five years, she loved to play Bingo, cards and camping with her family.
She married Derl H. Rodkey on September 23, 1950 at Liberal, KS, Mr. Rodkey died August 22, 1999.
She was a member of the Tyrone United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star, Tyrone, OK.
She is survived by one son, Clark Rodkey and wife Magda, Homestead, FL; one daughter, Teresa Rodkey, Garden City, KS; one brother, Fred Craig, Woodward, OK; four sisters, Neva Day and husband Rolla, Tyrone, OK; Ruth Fields, Lubbock, TX; Avis Bell, Hugoton, KS; Alice Craig, Anadarko, OK; three grandchildren, Clark Rodkey II and wife Cinnamon, Andrew Rodkey & Jebidiah Rodkey; three great-grandchildren, Cassi, Cammi & Cooper Rodkey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Pete Craig, three sisters, Doris Gaut, Mallie Craig & Emmalee Wriston.
Funeral services were conducted 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the Miller Chapel with Rev. Jerry Odle presiding.
Interment will be in the Liberal Cemetery.

March 9, 2006

Strong
Doyle Vernon Strong, 76, died at his home in Beaver, February 14, 2006. He was born to Clarence and Sadie Strong in Beaver, December 1, 1929. Doyle graduated from Beaver High School with the class of 1948, for which he served as Vice President. He attended Northwestern State College in Alva, Oklahoma, then enlisted in the Air Force in August 1951. He worked as a surveyor in the United States and overseas constructing runways and locating practice bombing targets. After serving in the Korean Conflict for two years, he was honorably discharged in July 1955.
Doyle Married Christine Hill at the home of her parents in Beaver, August 21, 1955. They attended Northwestern State College in Alva where Doyle received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1957. He was active in athletics, speech, drama, music, and the sciences. They then attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK where Doyle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. While at OSU, a daughter, Leslie was born in March 1960.
Doyle and Christine returned to Beaver upon graduating from OSU the summer of 1960 and purchased the Circle Diamond Ranch from his parents. Three more children were born: Darrold, Eric, and Neil. The family was engaged in cattle ranching and farming.
Doyle began employment with the Beaver Post Office and was appointed Acting Postmaster on June 7, 1963 and as Postmaster by President John F. Kennedy on October 2, 1963. He retired as Postmaster in 1989 after 27 years of service.
Doyle was a 32nd degree Mason in the Masonic Lodge and a member of Rotary Club International. He was also member of American Legion Post 149 and earned his 50-year certificate in January, 2006. Doyle was active in local community events and organizations including becoming a board member of the Beaver Pioneer Park. He was a member of the Beaver First Christian Church. Doyle loved to write and served as Editor for The Sooner Postmaster, Postmasters Gazette, The Beaver Rotarian and other publications. He was President of the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States.
His interests included astronomy, and panhandle history, and his life long loves were ranching and aviation.
Doyle and Christine Celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, August 2005 with a two week trip that included taking the Cog Railway to Pike’s Peak, Co., a stopover with relatives in Wyoming, a visit to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota, and other points of interest throughout the high plains.
Doyle loved to listen or tell a good story and had a keen sense of humor. He loved meeting people and learning new things. Doyle is preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Sadie, and brothers, Stanley Sterling Strong and Darrold Ray Strong. He is survived by his wife Christine, Beaver, sister Ruth Baird, Kansas City, MO, daughter Leslie Collison, Beaver, sons Darrold, Beaver, Eric, Edmond, and Neil, Tomball, TX, seven grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services were held at the First Christian Church of Beaver, Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 2:00 pm. Doyle was interred at Pioneer Cemetery in Beaver.

Longcor
Laura Grace Longcor, 91, Long time resident of Beaver County, died February 27, 2006, at Alterra Sterling House, Dodge City, KS.
She was born September 13, 1914, in Beaver County, near Elmwood, The daughter of John Thomas and Cora Irene (Neal) Kile. She grew up at Elmwood and attended Mt. Vernon school. Laura won awards for excellence in spelling for many years in grade school.
On March 13, 1930, she married Everett Johnnie Longcor in Buffalo, OK. He preceded her in death on February 28, 1993. They were married 62 years.
In their early married life, Laura and Everett lived in a 2-room house on Grandad Sprague’s farm near Elmwood until 1940, when they purchased 320 acres that included a house and other outbuildings. They resided there until June, 1987, when they moved to Beaver.
She loved to sew and made many of her clothes and lots for her children. She taught herself to crochet and knit and did crewel embroidery. She entered items in the Beaver County Free Fair and won many ribbons. She won Cream of the Crop on a crewel embroidery picture and a crocheted afghan. She taught both of her daughters to sew.
Laura became a Christian on November 11, 1945, and joined the First Christian Church in Beaver, where she helped with Vacation Bible School and attended Mary Martha’s meetings.
When Laura and Everett retired from farming, they bought a mobile home in Weslaco, TX and traveled there for 81/2 years, making many friends in that community.
In 2004 Laura moved to Dodge City, KS.
She is survived by two daughters, Imogene Studdard and husband George Curry, Turpin, and Barbara Hager and husband Jerry, Ford, KS. Six grandchildren: Terry Lynne, Fort Collins, CO, Rhonda Martinez, San Diego, CA, Debbie Miller and husband Ray, Jackson, MI, Darrel Glenn and wife Kathy, Elmwood, OK, Donna Roland and husband Chip, Elmwood, OK, Diane Martin, Garden City, KS.
Eleven great-grandchildren: Spring Goldberg and husband Jason, Denver, CO, Shiny Gonzalez, San Diego, CA, Ashley Wakefield and husband Cliff, Balko, OK, Johnathon Glenn, Elmwood, OK, Mick Martin, Dodge City, KS, Melissa Martin, Guymon, OK, Kayla Roland, Wichita, KS, Conrado Franco, San Diego, CA, Winter Garcia, San Diego, CA, Raylene Miller and Remington Miller, Jackson, MI.
Four great-great-grandchildren: Joseph Wright, Loveland, CO, Rachel Gonzalez, San Diego, CA, Michael Wakefield, Balko, OK, and Isabella Goldberg, Denver CO.
Long time friend and former son-in-law Donald Glenn, Elmwood, OK, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents John and Cora, siblings Harvey Kile, Minnie Blosser, Hazel Hutson, Paul Kile, Amanda Holder, and Retha Tomlinson. Also great-grandson Michael Sargent, and H.J. Studdard, former son-in-law.
Laura always had a positive attitude, even though she had a lot of arthritis-related pain for most of her adult life. Many times she would tell the story of how Everett would sat “Now straighten up your face, that doesn’t make you feel any better.” Laura was always a fine example of putting on a smiling face. She was a great lady and a true friend to many people. She will be greatly missed by all who have ever known her.
Services were held at the First Christian Church, Beaver on Friday, March 3, at 2:00 pm with Chuck Lightfoot and Dean Overton officiating. Interment was at Pioneer Cemetery in Beaver. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Beaver.

March 2, 2006

Fry
Mona Lee (Russell) Fry, age 71, died Friday afternoon, February 24, 2006 at the Beaver County Nursing Home, Beaver, OK.
She was born February 28, 1934 in Hutchinson, KS, the daughter of Roscoe “Mike” and Gertrude Anne (Rowntree) Russell. As a young girl she attended the Beaver school system, graduating from Beaver High School in 1952. After her graduation, she attended the Draun Business School in Oklahoma City.
In 1953 she married Earl N. Neese in Beaver. She was a resident of Beaver County since 1975, having lived in Norman, Guantonomo Bay Cuba, and Memphis, TN, due to her husbands service to the United States Navy. The couple later divorced.
She was a member of the Baptist Church and attended the United Methodist Church in Forgan. Mona enjoyed working with her cattle. She was a homemaker and a rancher for over twenty years.
She is survived by two sons, Michael Neese, Oklahoma City, OK, Russell Neese and wife Mona of El Segundo, CA, a brother Bill Russell of Beaver, two grandchildren Garret Russell Neese and Jenny Marie Neese of El Segundo, Ca.
She is preceded in death by her parents Mike and Gertrude Russell.
Graveside services were held 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2006, in the Graceland Cemetery, Meade, KS.

February 23, 2006

Blosser
Services for Woodrow “Woodie” Blosser, 89, were held 10 am Saturday at Billings Funeral Chapel in Woodward with burial at 2 pm in Capitol Hill Cemetery near Elmwood, Lowell Long officiated.
Woodrow Wilson Blosser was born March 21, 1916 to William Alvin Blosser and Lydia A. Plain Blosser in a sod house on the plains of Beaver County, and lived for a time in a dugout.
He died Saturday, February 11, 2006, at Crystal Wood Nursing Center in Woodward.
Woodie repaired windmills most days even into his late 80’s climbing towesr to keep a wheel turning and water pumping. He was returning from a windmill repair job in September 2004, when a county commissioner running a tractor with a front end loader failed to stop at a stop sign and struck Woodie’s pickup.
Woodie, 88 at the time, suffered a broken neck and several other broken bones and injuries. He never recovered, spending the rest of his life wearing a neck brace and using a walker or a wheelchair. The death of his grandson Jeremy on Jan. 20 broke woodie’s heart. He died three weeks later.
Woodrow was preceded in death by his parents, his 11 brothers and sisters, sons Ken and Ron Blosser, stepsons Jerry and Charles Jones, grandson Jeremy Palmer and great grandson Kolton Blosser.
He is survived by his wife, Glendena, of the home in Woodward, son Randy Blosser of Enid, stepson Bob Jones and his wife, Charolette of Fairmont, OK, daughters Glenda Blosser of Woodward, and J.B. Blosser Bittner and husband Marshall of Mutual, Ok, as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

Bangs
Maxine E. BANGS, 85, Liberal, KS, died Wednesday (Feb 15) at the Southwest Medical Center, Liberal, KS.
She was born February 5, 1921 in Baca County, CO, the daughter of Lee & Pearl V. Clanton Calhoun. She grew up in Liberal and attended Liberal schools. Maxine worked in the Liberal High School Cafeteria on 7th Street for many years.
On November 18, 1945, she married William “Roy” Bangs in
Liberal, KS, he preceded her in death March 27, 1991.
She is survived by one son Mike Bangs and wife Janis, Beaver, OK; one brother, Wayne Calhoun, Amarillo, TX; one sister, Avis Bridensteine, Muscatine, IA: sister-in-law, Gladys Calhoun, Liberal, KS; two grandsons,
William M. “Michael” & Troy S. Bangs. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Patty, son Randy and brother Dean Calhoun.
Graveside services were conducted 11:00 A.M. Saturday February 18, 2006 in the Liberal Cemetery with Ron Cosby presiding.

 

February 16, 2006
Hemphill
John William Hemphill was born in Englewood, KS on October 11, 1933 to Samuel and Nellie Hemphill. He was the middle child of five children. John’s father died when John was 4 years old and his mother later remarried Zak Wiley, who loved and raised John and his siblings as his own.
John attended Forgan Public School, graduating in 1953. While in school he was active in basketball, band, drama and woodworking classes-building numerous projects for the school. Desiring to serve his country, John enlisted in the Air Force soon after graduating. During his time in the military John was able to be a positive role model to many. He advanced quickly and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.
On December 23, 1954 John married his high school sweetheart, Peggie Faye Underwood. They were blessed with 51 years of love and memories. To this union two sons were born, Randy Scott and Bradly Lane. John was a devoted family man who worked hard all of his life to provide for his family. He worked in the oil and gas business for many years, first at Panhandle Eastern, then at Cabot for 28 years working as a pumper and later as a lease supervisor. John put on his Lord in baptism in 1954 and always strove to serve God. He continued to grow in his faith throughout his life. He served as an elder at the Forgan Church of Christ for a number of years and was very active at the Moreno Valley Church of Christ at the time of his death. John also served on the Forgan School Board of Education for 20 years providing wisdom and direction for the school.
John never seemed to meet a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He had endeared himself to so many people. One of John’s biggest joys was being a Grandpa to his two grandsons, Adam and Matthew. His love and pride in the grandsons was apparent to all.
John had many interests and hobbies. He and Peggie enjoyed traveling and had recently been on a cruise to Mexico (in the midst of Hurricane Rita!) Several talents that John had developed were silversmithing and woodworking. Through the years he had made many beautiful gifts for others.
After his retirement he and Peggie were able to fulfill their shared dream of building a log home in the New Mexico mountains of Angel Fire where they had spent their past 10 years. John touched many lives and will be missed by an abundance of people. His family will cherish memories of snow skiing and water skiing trips, camping, backpacking and motorcycle trips, scuba diving, good-natured teasing, breakfasts he enjoyed cooking for others, bear hugs, funny songs and sayings, and the list goes on and on. John was an excellent example to his sons on how to be a loving, nurturing husband. Both daughters-in-law have been so blessed by this. Besides the people in his life, John will also be greatly missed by his dog and loyal companion, Hazel. The two were inseparable. John departed this life and entered into an even closer walk with his Lord on February 1, 2006 as the result of a hit and run pedestrian accident in Tuscon, Arizona. He and Peggie were there to spend time with John’s siblings and to attend the Gem and Mineral Show.
John was preceded in death by his parents: Samuel Hemphill, Nellie and Zak Wiley, brothers: Bob Hemphill and Sam Hemphill, and parents-in-law: JP and Estelline Underwood.
John is survived by the “love of his life”, Peggie Faye Hemphill of Angel Fire, NM, sons: Randy and wife, Dana of Choctaw, OK, Bradly and wife, Dawn of Forgan, OK and grandsons: Adam and Matthew Hemphill of Forgan, OK. He is also survived by a brother, David Hemphill of Tuscon, AZ and a sister, Mary Ruth and husband Bill Applegate of Omaha, NE sisters-in-law: Madalyn Hemphill of Pueblo West, CO and Peggy Hemphill of Yuma, CO as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for John were held on Thursday, February 9, 2006 at the Beaver Church of Christ with David Glascock officiating. Congregational singing was led by Lee Skelton, and prayers were led by Larry Taylor and Joe Organ. Son, Bradly Hemphill, also spoke at the memorial service and grandson, Adam John Hemphill read the obituary. John was cremated, as he desired, and his ashes will be inurned at the Forgan Cemetary at a later date.

Love
Benny Ray Love, son of Elva and Odessa (Foote) Love, was born on March 27, 1935 in Friona, TX. He died on February 6, 2006 in an automobile accident in Beaver County.
Benny graduated from Laverne High School. He married Joann Marker on November 22, 1953 in Laverne and to this union four children were born. Elizabeth Jo, David, Matthew, and Mark. Benny worked in the oil field as well as operating a dog kennel. His wife joann died in an automobile accident in 1966. Benny married Laura Miller on June 20, 1983 and gained three more children, Paige, Kelly, and Andrea.
Benny was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Laverne and served in many areas through the years. He enjoyed raising all sorts of animals on the farm such as, long horned cattle, horses, and dogs.
His parents, a son Mark, brothers Robert and Gerald, an infant sister Lola Marie and most recently his sister Margaret Davis, preceded him in death. Benny is survived by his wife Laura of the home, two sons, David and Matthew both of Laverne, two daughters, Elizabeth Jo of Laverne, and Andrea Leatherbury of Alva, two step children, Paige Johnston and Kelly Miller both of Amarillo. Benny leaves ten grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral Services were held Thursday, February 9, 2006 at 2:00 pm at the First baptist Church Laverne, with pastor Michael Wilcox officiating. Interment was held at Rose Hill Cemetery.
 

Robison
Nellie Katherine “Kathy” Robison 81, of Garland, TX died on February 3, 2006 while visiting her oldest daughter in Brandon, Ms. Kathy was born on August 3, 1924 in Indianapolis, IN to Harrison and Esta Hayward. She was the sixth of eleven children and is survived by twin brothers Gene Hayward of Muskogee and Harry Hayward of Tacoma WA. She is also survived by two sisters, Helen Bennett of Oklahoma City, and Jackie Shannon of Elwood, IN.
Kathy was married to Charles D. Robison on April 21, 1950 in Danville, IL. Charles and Kathy lived and worked in Beaver for 29 years. Kathy retired from the Dietary Department of the Beaver County Nursing Home. She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Hodges of Brandon, MS and Maryellen Cox of Garland, TX, one step daughter, Judith Braun of Houston, TX, 15 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 11 great, great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 10, 2006 at 11 am at the chapel of Clark Funeral Service, with Jim Parker officiating. Interment was held at Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Clark Funeral Services.

Berry
Jean Berry, 82, Manhattan, KS was called to Heaven on Sunday, February 5, 2006 while in the Mercy Regional Health Center, Manhattan with a recent illness.
Born in Pottawatomie County, November 19, 1923, she grew up at Rocky Ford and married Gus E. Berry in 1942. A lifetime resident of Manhattan, she and Gus had four daughters; Edrena Adolph, Bette Skaggs, Sue Washburn, Becky Blue and they raised Jean’s niece, Sherry Stutzman.
Gus and Jean lived and farmed together in the Eureka Valley area. They were Be-Busy 4-H Club leaders and school bus drivers for many years. Both were active with school and community activities. Gus, a former Ogden Chief of Police and Riley County Sheriff’s Deputy, preceded her in death on August 21, 1977.
Jean’s home was always the gathering place for family and friends. Her southern hospitality and cooking (especially her pies) welcomed all. While living with daughters in Eureka, Kansas and Beaver, Oklahoma, she became known as Granny to the families she befriended.
Jean’s southern roots came from her parents, John and Emma (Crump) Prestwood, who moved to Kansas to homestead. Jean’s family made many visits to North Carolina and kept close ties to relatives there.
Jean loved each season of the year which found her planting garden and flowers, canning the harvest and decorating her home for all the holidays.
Written in her Bible was her daily prayer, “use me today to help someone else.” Providing for others were her everyday chores. Jean and her children attended the Manhattan Church of the Nazarene. Jean had two sisters and two brothers who preceded her in death, an infant brother, William, Lorena (Lutz), Almetta Prestwood and Edward (Bud) Prestwood.
In addition to her four daughters, she is survived by seven grandchildren: Berry Skaggs, Todd Adolph, Jantzie Bluthardt, Jason Adolph, Buffy Headrick, Brenda Louthan, and Amanda Silva; and eleven great grandchildren: Gus and Hadley Skaggs, Wesley Adolph, Keane and Ariel Adolph, Briggham, Aspen and Grayson Headrick, Hanna and Easton Louthan and Teygan Bluthardt.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, February 9, 2006 in the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan with Pastor Pat Weyrauch officiating. Burial will follow in the Valley View Memorial Gardens, Manhattan. Jean’s family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First Church of the Nazarene or the Riley County 4-H Foundation and left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to www.irvinparkview.com.
 

February 9, 2006

Gardiner
Services for Fay Gardiner, 93, of Canadian, TX. formerly of Beaver, were held at 1 pm on Tuesday February 7, 2006, at the First United Methodist Church in Beaver, with Rev. Monte Kreis, officiating. Burial was held at Pioneer Cemetery.
Mrs. Gardiner died Friday, February 3, in Canadian.
She was born on August 3, 1912 in Texmo, OK to the late Mr. Charles Fisher and Mrs. Ora Mae Brown Fisher. She was a graduate of Morewood High School in Morewood, OK. She then went on to complete a business course at Drahams Business College in Elk City. She married Hagen Gardiner on June 11, 1933 in Elk City. He preceded her in death on May 7, 1980. While living in Elk City, she worked at the First National Bank. Her family move to Turpin where they lived for about 13 years before moving to Beaver in 1955. Fay joined the Baptist Church at an early age and later joined the Methodist Church at Turpin. Upon moving to Beaver she transferred her membership to the First United Methodist Church and was financial secretary for a number of years. Fay worked at the Bank of Beaver City for over 20 years where she met the public on a daily basis and was an integral part of the bank’s operations. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Martha’s Circle, and the Eastern Star. She moved to Canadian to be close to her son in April of 2002. She was preceded in death by one son, Homer Gardiner on January 29,2006, one granddaughter, Cristen Gardiner on June 11, 1981.
She is survived by two sons, Cliff Gardiner and wife Maggie of Lakewood, CO, Mike Gardiner and wife Deana of Canadian, a daughter in law, Barbara Gardiner, of Monticello, IN, ten grandchildren, Allen Gardiner and Chad Gardiner both of Frisco, TX, Tra Johnson of Burleson, TX, Stacy Hunzeker of Buda, TX, Brandon Johnson of Houston, TX, Steve Taylor of Midwest City, OK, Jon Gardiner, Chuck Gardiner, and Tom Keehen all of Bolingbrook, IL, Kim Crain of Naperville, IL, and eleven great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials to the First United Methodist Church, 201 Ave. F, Beaver, OK 73932.

Lane
Brad Lane, 42, of Balko, died January 30, 2006.
Funeral services were held Thursday February, 2nd at 2pm at the Balko Baptist Church with Reverend Troy Taylor officiating. Burial was held at Bethany Cemetery.
Brad Lane was born August, 28, 1963 in Perryton, and was a lifetime resident of the area. He married Brada Karber on July, 16, 1994 in Perryton.
A graduate of Balko school, and OPSU with a degree in ag business, he was a co-op manager in Texas, Oklahoma, and southwest Kansas. He was a member of the Balko Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Brada, of the home, four sons, Courtland lane and Chisum Lane, both of Hydro, OK, and Brendon Lane and Brice Lane, both of Balko. His parents, Johnny and Virginia Lane of Balko, one brother, Kelley Lane of west Chicago, IL, and his grandmother, Annalee Pittman of Spearman.

Gordon
Norton S. GORDON, 80, Liberal, KS, died Thursday (Feb 2) at his home.
He was born June 2, 1925 in Texas County, OK, the son of James H. & Lila I. Kimble Gordon.
He attended school at Baker, OK. Norton was a veteran of World War II, U S Army Co A 14th Armored Infantry Battalion, serving in Italy, Rome Arno, North Apennines and Po Valley, being awarded numerous ribbons and medals including 3 Bronze Stars, later serving in the Kansas
National Guard Battery “B” 161 Armored FA BN, Liberal for seventeen years.
Norton was employed by Beech Aircraft for eighteen years in the
maintenance department, and was a welder at the Tradewind Industries. He was a machinist at National Beef Packing Co. for seventeen years, retiring in 1987. On August 8, 1953, he married Kathryn Eaton Conley at Clayton, NM, she survives.
In addition to his wife Kathryn; he is survived by four sons, Keith Gordon, Prairie Grove, AR; Lex Gordon and wife Marla, Guymon, OK; Lynton Conley and wife Sandra, Burleson, TX; Doyle Conley and wife Suzy, Bryant, AR; three daughters, Kathy Gordon, Prairie Grove, AR; Mary Coffee and husband Jim, Dodge City, KS; Janetta Keller and husband Burl, Turpin, OK; three brothers, Larry Gordon, Forgan, OK; Ernest Gordon and wife
June, Liberal, KS; Mervin Gordon and wife Maxine, Clara, OK;
three sisters, Marjorie Spady and husband Leonard, Liberal, KS;
Loretta Krieger, Hooker, OK; Sandra Kelso and husband Wayne, Colorado Springs, CO; fifteen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren
and six great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, one sister and son Gordon Conley.
Funeral services were conducted 10:30 A.M. Monday at the Miller Chapel with Tim Britton presiding.
Interment was held in the Restlawn Memorial Gardens with military honors. The family suggests that memorials be sent to the Liberal Home Health
& Hospice in care of the mortuary.

 

February 2, 2006
Davis
Funeral services for Loudilla Davis, 101 year old Beaver and former Sophia resident were held at 10 am Saturday, January 28th at the Beaver Church of Christ. Interment followed at the Sophia Cemetery.
Loudilla Davis was born February 11, 1904 in Cleves, Ohio to Amos and Isadora (Kettle) Jackson. She was seven years old when the family moved to Knowles for a few years before moving to the Clearlake community. When Loudilla was 17 years old she moved to Goodwell to attend high school. Later she returned to Clearlake for several years to teach school. On May 10, 1930 she married Lawrence Davis and they made their home in the Sophia community where they were partners together in raising their family and farming.
Loudilla loved to read, play piano, and sew. She was a member of the South Flat Church of Christ and her Christian life was a testimony to many.
Mrs. Davis died January 26, 2006 in the Beaver County Nursing Home.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her son, Ronald, in 1998, her parents, six brothers and two sisters.
She is survived by her son Larry Davis and his wife Sheila of Amarillo, her daughter, Linda Latham and her husband Gaylord of Muleshoe, a former daughter in law, Fredda Perry of Purcell, three sisters in law, Marie Jackson of Borger, Mildred Davis of Bartlesville, and Margie Millikan of Tulsa, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild, and several other relatives and friends.
Memorial contributions can be made to the High Plains Children’s Home of Amarillo, Texas.

September 15, 2005

September 8, 2005

September 1, 2005

August 25, 2005

The family suggests that memorials be sent to the Turpin Mennonite Church or to Turpin Mennonite Disaster Service Oklahoma Unit in care of the mortuary.


August 18, 2005

August 4, 2005