Obituaries

Melba Gene Arnold

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Melba Gene Arnold was born June 13, 1934, to Eugene Charles and Avis May (Tilley) Stas in Watonga, OK. She passed away Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the Bellevue Nursing Home in Oklahoma City, OK, at the age of 87.

Kimberly Jean Lynch

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Kimberly Jean Lynch was born on September 16, 1969. She passed away on Saturday October 30, 2021, at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 52 Memorial Services: Thursday, November 4, 2021, 11:00 AM, First Christian Church, Geary, Oklahoma.

Wanda Joyce Brown

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On Saturday, October 30, 2021, Wanda Joyce Brown, loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed away at the age of 81. Wanda was born in Talihina, OK on August 14, 1940 to the late Miles Ivan and Lena Mae Walker.

Rosemary "Pinky" Hail Conner

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Rosemary "Pinky" Hail Conner, age 81, quietly passed away October 18, 2021 in Lakeville, MN after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Rosemary was born on October 15, 1940 in Concho, Oklahoma to Ralph Elmo and Amanda (nee Roman Nose) Hail. She attended Indian schools in her youth, graduating from Chilocco Indian School in 1959. Subsequently she attended Arkansas Junior College, and Union College (Kentucky). A member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, she is one-half Arapaho and one-half Cheyenne. She is the great, great granddaughter of two Cheyenne chiefs - Roman Nose and Iron Shirt - and the great granddaughter of Hail, an Arapaho chief. On November 10, 1965, the night the US Marine Corps celebrated its 190th birthday in Cherry Point, NC Private Rosemary Hail met Sergeant David Michael Conner and they went on to marry the following year. They started a family and eventually settled in Fairfax, VA. Virginia would serve as their home base through years of travel and time spent living abroad. Dave was a US Foreign Service Officer in the Diplomatic Corps and they spent two tours in Nairobi, Kenya. East Africa created some of her most cherished memories with her family and it was there that she developed her passion for golf and travel. Although she took up golf late in life, she became an exceptional player achieving the elusive hole in one on not just a single occasion but twice within the same year. Rosemary was very active in Native American activities, volunteering time to discuss the culture, traditions and beliefs in public schools and clubs. She loved to travel to powwows through the US and represent the Southern Plains tribes in dancing competitions. Rosemary held several offices in the North American Indian Women's Association (NAIWA), including terms as National Treasurer, and President of the District of Columbia/Virginia chapter. She was a longstanding member of the American Indian Society in Washington DC. Rosemary moved to Minnesota in 2019 to join her son's family after her husband of 54 years David Michael Conner passed away. It was her wish to be returned to Oklahoma upon her passing so she could rest eternally in the land of her tribe and ancestors. Rosemary is survived by her children Dawn Standing Barahona (Ozzie) of Ottawa Ontario Canada, Jennifer Conner DeMarco (Anthony) of Mechanicville, New York and David B. Conner II (Corrin) of Lakeville, MN, grandsons David Michael, Benjamin, Tyberius and grand stepdaughters Ellen, Kathryn, and Margaret. Brother Delbert Hail (Frankie) and his step children Kenny Lime, Carlos, and Bernice. Brother Larry Roman Nose (Pauline) and their children Lorenzo, Nona, Alan, and Lawrence. Rosemary is preceded in death by her husband David Conner and her brother Paul Hail.Huber-Benson Funeral Home at 100 S. Baker Ave., El Reno, Oklahoma will be handling her services with a viewing on Friday, October 29, from 5 PM to 7 PM, as well as a Funeral service at 10 AM, Saturday, October 30. 2021 also at the funeral home. A graveside service at El Reno Cemetery will follow.

Lynn Mull

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Lynn Mull was born on September 15, 1956, in Watonga, OK to William “Bill” and Annette (Johnson) Hood. She passed away Friday, October 22, 2021, in Oklahoma City, OK at the age of 65. She graduated from Geary High School with the Class of 1974. Lynn married Robert Mull. She worked as a homemaker and worked as a cashier at McNeely’s and later at the North Store which became Fast Lane. Lynn moved to Wichita in the late 90’s. From there she moved to Oklahoma City where she has lived for the last several years. Lynn enjoyed painting, puzzles, models, cross-stitch, wood working.

Shirley Evelyn Wigington

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Shirley Evelyn Wigington was born on August 13, 1939 in Elk City, OK, to Lloyd and Viola (Reber) Randolph. She passed away October 7, 2021, at her home in Watonga, OK at the age of 82. Shirley grew up South of Hydro, OK and after the passing of her mother when Shirley was 13, her father, and siblings relocated to Greenfield, OK, where he pastored Greenfield Baptist Church. It was during this time in Shirley’s life that her grandmother, Florence Reber, became a mother figure to her. It was also during this time that she met Choc Wigington, the love of her life. They married May 25, 1956 at Greenfield Baptist Church. She graduated from Greenfield High School in the class of 1957. The couple began their family while in Greenfield and in 1965 moved to Tennessee for a few years. Choc worked at White’s Dairy Supply and farmed tobacco. Shirley enjoyed raising their three children and getting acquainted within the community and making lifelong friends. Most importantly to her was teaching her children the love of the Lord. The family moved back to Greenfield in 1969 where Choc took over his father’s farming operation. Shirley’s passion was her family and was instrumental in the success of their family farm. She had various jobs throughout her lifetime, but her true calling was being a homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother. To her children she was mama. To her grandchildren she was affectionately known as Mema. She always put her family first. Shirley was humble, kind and generous. Her generosity over-flowed to those around her. Everyone who knew Shirley has been blessed by her.

John Marshall Howell

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John Marshall Howell, 16, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021 at home in Oakwood, Oklahoma. John was born to Nicole Bowman and William Howell, October 14, 2005 in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Eddie J. Lewis

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Eddie J. Lewis journey of life began October 6, 1965 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Born to Kanzado R. Lewis and Jack Austin. Eddie sometimes called "Too Short" to childhood friends and later "Shorty Doo-Wop" attended Oklahoma City Public Schools. He graduated in 1983 from Classen High School.

J.B. Conner

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Funeral services for J.B. Conner, 95 year-old Thomas resident, will be held Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 2:00 P.M. in “The Chapel” of Lockstone Funeral Home of Thomas with Ernesto Fernandez officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home of Thomas.

Thank You

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From the Family of Choc Wigington We would to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, food, flowers, and friendship during our loss. Sincerely, The Family of Choc & Shirley Wigington.