Melzoia (Pony) Mathews

In Memory of Melzoia Mathews

Melzoia (Pony) Mathews, age 78, of Damon Valley, Oklahoma passed from this life and walked into the arms of Jesus on August 8, 2024, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Pony was on December 9, 1945, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to General and Phyllis Pitcock. She married the love of her life, Eules (Pig) Mathews on October 27,1998 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

A viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mitch Mullin officiating.

Pony loved God, her family, and was a very loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed visiting with her grandbabies, sewing, collecting angel figurines, and taking care of her animals. She will be greatly missed.

Pony is survived by her daughter, Mary McBride of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Doug and Nancy Pitcock of Buffalo Valley, Oklahoma and James and Misty Johnson of Haileyville, Oklahoma.

Her grandchildren and spouses are Samantha and Vincent Lott of Scipio, Oklahoma, Jesse and Torie Thompson of Madill, Oklahoma, Derrick and Tawna Pitcock and Curtis Pitcock all of Buffalo Valley, Oklahoma, Brionna and Dustin Wheat of Reichert, Oklahoma, Tracie and Chipper Jones of Stigler, Oklahoma, Brian and Chanasie Johnson of Muldrow, Oklahoma, Alisha Johnson of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Cody Johnson and Erika Hotella, Jeffrey Martin and Paul Scott all of Wilburton, Oklahoma and Stephanie and Casey Ritter of Silo, Oklahoma.

Her great-grandchildren are Makenzie Lott, Maci Lott, Jake Pitcock, Caston Pitcock, Jada Wheat and Seth Stout, Hudson Wheat, Grace Wheat, Braxton Jones, Graeson Jones, Makena Hotella, Steven Johnson, Kendall Martin, Shaylee Ritter, Shawn Ritter, Cordell Johnson and Cade Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, Herman Freeling, her husband, one brother, Doyle Gene Pitcock, and one sister, Marva Pearson.

Tammy Mitchell

In Memory of Tammy Mitchell

Tammy Doreene Mitchell, 61, of Wilburton, Oklahoma went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 6 th , 2024.

Tammy leaves behind her daughter, Michelle Boddy; granddaughters: Brooklyn Barker, Paige Morrison, Aubree Morrison, and Brantlie Williams; parents, Tony and Barbara Mitchell; sister, Renee Lightfoot and husband, Danny; brother, Tony Mitchel and wife, Susan; and niece, Sarah Johnson.

A private graveside ceremony was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024 in presence of close family and friends, per her final wishes. Arrangements were entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home.

Dorothy Mae Hodson

Dorothy Mae Hodson, 70, formally of Wilburton, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024 in Sherman, Texas. She was born on June 1, 1954 in Bakersfield, California to Willie and Johnnie (Dale) Allen.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Church of the Rock in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Daniel Taylor officiating.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Eric Blaul and wife, Kathy of Arkansas, Tommy Hill of El Paso, Texas, Jonathon Hill, Desiree Hill of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and Willie Hodson; Grandchildren: Trina and Cody Lesperance, Natalie and Dillon Weems, Rena Valenzuela, Candice Hill, Thomas Hill, Jose Valenzuela, Justin Hodson, Devon Amason, Sean Amason, Devine Nowak, Johnny Hill, Will Jack Hodson, and Taylie Hodson: along with a dozen great grandchildren.

Arrangements entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Kennith Lee Denham

In memory of Kennith Lee Denham

Kennith Lee Denham, age 80 years old of Wilburton, OK, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Anadarko, OK. Kennith was born in Comanche, OK on March 11, 1944 to the late Harriett Virginia (Clinton) Denham and the late Kenneth Brent (KB) Denham who resided in Walters, OK. He was the oldest of 11 children. Kennith enlisted in the United States Army on July 3, 1964, and ended his military career with the National Guard in November of 1974. He worked in the heating and air conditioning industry, obtaining his contractor’s license after a few years. He continued working in the heating, air conditioning, and electrical industry until he retired. He was married to Ms. Patsy Johnson on May 26, 1966 and remained with her for 7 years until their divorce in April of 1973. They had three children: Eletha Williams of Cement, OK, Kennith Lee Denham II of College Station, TX, and Tammy Williams of Ryan, OK.

He was married to the late Mary Ann Collins in 1976. They had 5 children. Survivors include David Collins and wife Staleena Collins of McAlester, OK, Kendra Denham of Stigler, OK, and Johnathan Denham of Wilburton, OK. Kennith is survived by siblings Ralph and Loretta Denham of Duncan, OK, Chloe Jean and Dale Gentry of Austin, TX, Ila Mae and the late Ron Stafford of Geronimo, OK, Darlene and Rodney Headley of Duncan, OK, and Dorothy Dutton of Walters, OK. Kennith was blessed with many grandchildren including Derrek, Erik, Cara, Aubrey, Marissa, Gunner, Jordan, Sierra, Lauren, Whitney, Madison, and Jenna. Great-grandchildren include Ryan, Brenley, Adalynn, Isaac, Noah, Ella, Godric, Rowdy, Sophie, Emma, Colton, Payzlynn, and Kayden. He is survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Kennith is preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ann Denham, daughter Melissa Denham, daughter Shannon Denham, and granddaughter Katie Hepworth. He is preceded in death by his siblings Alford Denham, Albert Denham, Wayne Denham, Jim Denham, Nancy Gee, and brother-in-law Arnold Monson.

Services for Kennith will be on Monday, August 5, 2024 at Waldrop Memorial Chapel in Wilburton, OK with Reverend Dale Gentry officiating. Intermittent to follow at the Wilburton Memorial Garden Cemetery, Wilburton, OK.

Pallbearers include David Collins, Johnathan Denham, Derrek Williams, Erik Williams, Jimmy Denham, Kevin Denham, and Gunner Sam. Honorary pallbearers include Ralph Denham, Kenny Burden, Darrell Williams, John Keeling, Chris Harden, Leonard Hedgcoxe, Chad Dutton and Clayton Dutton.

Phyllis Jean (Moody) Wilson-Blankenship

In Memory of Phyllis Blankenship

Phyllis Jean (Moody) Wilson-Blankenship, 76, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed from this life on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at her home. She was born January 26, 1948 in Bethel, Oklahoma to Lester and Martha Moody.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at First Assembly of God in Wilburton with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. The burial will follow at Red Oak Cemetery under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Justin Moody, Trey Blankenship, Travis Moody, Cody Todd, Will Lindsey, and Jody Lindsey.

Phyllis grew up in Red Oak and was a1966 graduate of Red Oak High School. She and her classmates remained very close. She was also a graduate from Eastern Oklahoma State College where she obtained her associate’s degree in Secretarial Science.

Phyllis was first and foremost a servant of God. She loved the Lord with her whole heart. She showed it by loving and serving His people. She was a member of First Assembly of God in Wilburton.

As a young lady, Phyllis worked with her family at their sawmill. Later as an adult, she worked as a secretary at Fanshawe Public School. She also worked at other schools including Red Oak, Buffalo Valley, and Albion and worked in Home Health as well. Once she held three jobs at one time. She was a hard worker and went above and beyond her required duties.

Phyllis was a small lady with a big personality. She knew how to be a leader and get things done. She was always dressed to the nines with her hair fixed and her nails done. You wouldn’t catch her without her hair being in place and don’t even think of touching it. Her favorite color was red, and her favorite flower was a red rose.

Phyllis took great pride in being the very best mom, nana, and grannie. Her family was her world. She wasn’t just a loving mom to her own kids, she also loved anyone who needed the love of a mother. She was funny, sassy, and always had a beautiful smile on her face. She will be greatly missed.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, HD Blankenship, children: Ponch Moody and wife Angie, Randy Moody, Emily Todd and husband Cody, Clint Blankenship and wife Tammy, and Thelma Fletcher; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Blankenship; grandchildren: Vaughn Blankenship, Shawn Blankenship, Trey Blankship and wife Bri, Crystal Coleman and husband Adam, Emily Thornburg, Amanda Thornburg, Justin Moody and wife Korie, Ashley Moody, Travis Moody, and Bethany Snell and husband Rodie; sisters: Doris Heflin, Francis Moody, Donna McAlester, and Angel Broom; special niece, Jackie Lindsey and husband Will; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Martha Moody; sister, Ester Potter, brother, Terry Moody, late husband, Bob Wilson; sons, Howard Blankenship and Joe Thornburg, daughter-in-law, Lea Moody; and granddaughter-in-law, Amy Blankenship.

Theresa Bishop

In Memory of Theresa Bishop

Theresa Ann Bishop went to be with Jesus in her childhood home on June 21st, 2024. Terri is preceded in death by her parents, John and Rosalie Belusko, brother John Charles Belusko, and niece, Sarah Belusko. She is survived by her siblings, Helen King, Greg Belusko, and Tommy Belusko, her son Robertt Bishop and wife Cynthia and her grandchildren David, Danny, and Christin along with great-grandchildren Wynona and Isabella as well as her nieces and nephews Adam Belusko, Karla (Belusko) Burch, John Erik Belusko, Wesley Belusko, Jamie (Belusko) Roberts, Hannah Belusko, and Abigail Belusko. 

Terri was born in Macalester, Oklahoma on November 17th, 1949. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State. After college she began her career of teaching and taught high school science. Above all, Terri was known for her kindness and love of animals. She took in dogs and cats and gave them a loving, forever home. Anyone who ever rode in a car with her knew the inevitability of stopping to save a turtle that was crossing the road, no matter how fast the traffic. Terri bred and raised racehorses, rode nice horses and enjoyed nothing more than being able to look outside at a field full of beautiful horses. Among other hobbies, she grew all varieties of plants including substantial lemon trees. Terri was a friend to all. Her empathy and compassion for animals and her ability to see beauty in all of Gods’ creations is how she will be remembered. 

Terris’ departure to Heaven is felt heavily on the hearts of all who loved her. We all find peace in knowing she is no longer in pain and is riding her horses in Heavens’ green grass. 

Heavenly Father, I pause mindful of the many blessings you have bestowed upon me. I ask that you guide me in my life. Help me, Lord, to live my life in such a manner that when I make that last ride to the country up there, where the grass grows lush and stirrup high and the water runs cool, that you’ll take me by the hand and say, “Welcome home cowgirl.” Amen. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Theodore Karl Holsten

Theodore Karl Holsten, of Wilburton, Oklahoma passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024 surrounded by his family in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ted was born in Minneapolis Minnesota on June 26, 1939 to Nels and Eleanor (Brick) Holsten.

He grew up very close to his siblings. He was a cub scout as a child. At age 16 he bought his first horse. He later sold his horse for a 1947 Ford.

In June 1961, he married the love of his life, Beverly Vance, in Middletown, New York. They were married for 63 years. They enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling together, and raising their 3 sons and granddaughter Ashley.

In February 1958, he joined the United States Air Force, where he eventually earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Through the years Ted worked on numerous Air Force bases, and for NASA at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. He was a Flight Engineer. At NASA, he worked in space shuttle trainers, training astronauts how to land space shuttles. After retiring from NASA he worked for ATA, Kalitta,& Evergreen airlines. He had many achievements over the years. He even survived a plane crash in 1980!

In 1999 he retired to his farm in Wilburton, Oklahoma. He spent his remaining years living his life to the fullest. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, horses, cruises ships, and airplanes. He enjoyed traveling to other countries, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family. He believed that his last 15 years were the best of his life. He would tell anyone who would listen that great-grandkids are what made life worth living.

Ted is survived by his wife, Beverly Holsten; sons: Todd Holsten, Eric Holsten, Tim Holsten and wife Lori all of Wilburton, OK; Grandchildren: Ashley Cooley and husband D.J. of McAlester, OK, Brittany McIninch and husband Zeth of Caney, OK, Travis Holsten and wife Cheyenne of Shawnee, OK, Andy White and wife Kirby of Panola, OK, Ethan Holsten, Jacob Holsten, John White, and Eric Holsten Jr. all of Wilburton, OK; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Jeanne Holsten and husband Merl of Broken Arrow, OK.; brother, David Holsten and wife Lynda of Eufaula, OK.; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Eleanor Holsten; grandparents, John and Christine Holsten; grandmother, Blanche Taylor; and sister, Dorothy Mattson Frickel.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 27, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Waldrop and Dr. Paul Brady officiating.

Christine (Mankin) Pate

Obituary of Christine (Mankin) Pate

Thelma Christine Pate, age 97, took her heavenly flight from her home in Wilburton, OK to the presence of her Savior on May 20, 2024.  

She was born to William T. Mankin and Birdie (Padgett) Mankin on May 21, 1926, in Panola, Oklahoma.  

Chris attended school at Panola and graduated High School with the class of 1944. Love must have been in the air surrounding that Senior class, for out of it came three couples who made their way down the aisle of matrimony. Thomas Lowell Pate and Christine Mankin were married on June 26, 1946 at her home in Panola, OK. 

Before marriage, Chris found a couple of places of employment in California– the shipyard’s office during WWII and also Montgomery Ward.  After marriage, she became a homemaker.  She loved her job of taking care of her husband and their girls, keeping her home neat and tidy with a place for everything and everything in its place, and serving tasty meals where she watched her guests’ plates to make sure they went back for seconds. Should anyone drop by for a visit, and many often did, she always had a welcome smile and a piece of cake or pie to serve with a cup of coffee.

It was well known in the community that Chris Pate faithfully cooked dinner every Thursday night for her girls and their families for over 40 years. In her kitchen was a spot by her coffee pot where she sat every morning with her focus on the Lord and her eyes on His Word. She prayed there relentlessly for those she loved, for those who were sick and for those who had needs that only a Loving Father could meet.  

Christine was pleased to be a member of Centerpoint Baptist Church, Wilburton, OK. Yet, something was more important to her than that membership. It was her position in the Family of God. She was a daughter of the Most High King from the age of 13 years. It was then that she gave her heart and her life to Jesus Christ and was baptized in a creek near the Panola community. 

Chris is survived by her two daughters, Gwen Grego and husband, John, of Wilburton, OK; Carla Lessel and husband, Jerry, of Panola, OK; two granddaughters, Johna Roberts and husband Chris, of Choctaw, OK; Amber Shaffer of Panola, OK. Nine great-grandchildren, Andrew Roberts and wife, Devyn, of Midwest City, OK; Daniel Roberts of Midwest City, OK; Timothy Roberts, Miriam Roberts and Naomi Roberts all of Choctaw, OK; Josiah Shaffer, Kate Shaffer, Maverick Shaffer and Luca Shaffer all of Panola, OK; two siblings, Nadine Strout of Yukon, OK; Donald Mankin and wife, Rheta, of Grapevine, TX; also, numerous nieces and nephews. 

Preceding Chris in death were father and mother, W. T. and Birdie Mankin, husband of sixty years, Tom Pate, one brother, A. C. Mankin and wife, Rena, five sisters, Audie Gniffke, Evelyn DeHart, Juanita Golightly, Kathryn Harwell, and Bernice Kint.  

Pallbearers are Andrew Roberts, Daniel Roberts, Timothy Roberts, Josiah Shaffer, John Grego and Jerry Lessel.

Honorary pallbearers are DeWayne Mankin, Kevin Kint, Mike Strout, Steven Pate and Kenneth Dill. 

The viewing will be on Wednesday, May 22, in the home of Chris Pate at 2021 NE Center Point Road, Wilburton, Oklahoma, where the family will be receiving guests from 4-8 p.m. . 

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on May 23, 2024, at Centerpoint Baptist Church, Wilburton, OK. Rev. Byron “Bud” Vinson, Pastor, and Rev. Chris Roberts will be conducting the service. Burial will be in Lutie Cemetery, Wilburton, OK.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Centerpoint Baptist Church Building Fund for the Children’s Department remodel.

Mary Etta Janeway

In Memory of Mary Etta Janeway

Mary Etta (Coffman) Janeway, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, walked into the arms of her loving Savior on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the age of 91.

Mary was born on April 25, 1933 in Frederick, Oklahoma to Jess and Julia (Neal) Coffman. She married Eugene Janeway on December 24, 1951 in Van Buren, Arkansas. They were married 56 years until his passing on June 27, 2007. Mary was a faithful attendee of the Assembly of God Church no matter where she lived. She loved being part of the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her children, Nema Dobbins and husband Franklin of Coweta, OK, Elizabeth Brown and husband Clyde C. of Salonia, OK, and David Janeway and wife Judy of Red Oak, OK; her grandchildren, Franklin E. Dobbins and wife Jennifer of Coweta, OK, Michael Dobbins and wife Virginia of Coweta, OK, Kelly Brown and wife Wendy of Buffalo Valley, OK, C.W. Brown and Kimmie Bates of Salonia, OK, Sherie Sumpter and husband Ryan of Red Oak, OK, Tony Janeway and wife Amy of Red

Oak, OK, Amanda Byars and husband Jason of Wister, OK, and Andrea Thornburg of Marble City, OK; her sister, Helen McKibben of Stigler, OK; along with 21 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Julia Coffman; her husband, Eugene Janeway; her brothers, John Coffman, Ralph Coffman, and Jess Coffman; and her sisters, Barbara Tacker and Grace Harris.

Pallbearers are Tony Janeway, Michael Dobbins, Franklin Dobbins, C.W. Brown, Kelly Brown, and Ryan Sumpter.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jennifer Dobbins, Virginia Dobbins, Wendy Brown, Rose Brown, Sherie Sumpter, and Amy Janeway.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Enterprise Cemetery in Enterprise, Oklahoma.

Houston Glenn

Houston Glenn, age 99 of Wilburton Oklahoma passed from this life on May 7, 2024 in

McAlester, Oklahoma.

Houston was born on January 24, 1925 in Wilburton, Oklahoma to Dave and Kathrine (Boyd)

Glenn. He was a member of the Labor Union and loved his property on Ash Creek Road.

He is survived by his daughter, Billie McDonald of Wilburton; his daughter-in-law, Janice Glenn

of Wilburton; his cousin, Walter Glenn of Dinuba, California; 7 grandchildren; 14 great-

grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

Houston is preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Katherine Glenn; wife, Velma Glenn;

sons, Arthur Lee Glenn and Dwight Nelson Glenn; sister, Laurie Glenn; brothers, Albert Glenn,

Fred Glenn, Frank Glenn, and Rowland Glenn.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Waldrop Funeral

Home Chapel in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.