Floyd Christopher

In Memory of Floyd Christopher

Floyd RG Christopher entered this life on December 12, 1937, the youngest of ten children, to Jess & Tobitha (Davis) Christopher in Adamson, Oklahoma. He left for his heavenly home on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at the age of 83, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Floyd married Sue (Kimbrough) Christopher on April 22, 1960 in Adamson, Oklahoma. Shortly after they were married, he joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Berlin during the Berlin Crisis. He proudly served from September of 1960 until 1962. After his service in the Army, he joined the National Guard.

He worked as brick mason and as a parts assembler for Boeing. He took great pride knowing that he had a part in putting man on the moon. He and was a member of Gowen Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon. He loved hunting, reading, fishing, woodworking, and most importantly his family. His contagious smile and laughter will be missed by all who knew him.

Floyd is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sue Christopher of the home; daughter, Debra Pace and Tate Burnes of Washington; son, Kevin Christopher and wife, Melissa of Adamson, OK; Grandchildren: Mollie Christopher of Washington, Lucas Christopher of Holdenville, OK, and Joshua Pace of Washington; Great-Grandchildren: Jayci Christopher, Jayla Christopher, Kaef Christopher, and Kabyn Montgomery; plus several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

He preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Argus, Bill, Clarence, Utah and Jessie; and four sisters: Georgia, Bertha, L.E., and Connie.

A graveside service was held at Elmwood Cemetery in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 with Seth Johnson officiating.

Pallbearers: Brent Hollis, Richard Miller, Lucas Christopher, Van Christopher, Stoney Bullard, Mark Roye, Joshua Pace, and Evan Rudic.

Honorary Pallbearers: Herman Colvard, Ray Vinson, Tate Burnes, Don Russell, Toby Ezekiel, and Bernard Kimbrough.

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Cody Fruge

In Memory of Cody Fruge

Cody Fruge, 47, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away Friday, December 18, 2020, at his residence.

Cody was born in Jennings, Louisiana on May 27, 1973, to Randy Fruge and Jackie Dietz.

He leaves behind: his father, Randy Fruge of Iota, Louisiana; stepmother, Samantha Fruge of Crowley, Louisiana; fiancé, Christina Farrill of Wilburton, Oklahoma; daughters, Cammy Fruge of Jennings, Louisiana and Hailey Fruge of Wilburton, Oklahoma; granddaughter, Amelia Gonzales of Wilburton, Oklahoma; brothers, David Fruge and Charley Fruge of Jennings, Louisiana; sister, Renee Fruge of West Lake, Louisiana; and cousin, Jason Leckelt of Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Cody was preceded in death by his mother, Jackie Dietz and two sisters, “Honey Bun” and “Bebe”.

A memorial service is scheduled for a later date.

Services entrusted to Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

JC Hunt

In Memory of JC Hunt

JC Hunt, Jr was born on August 14, 1932 and went to be with his Lord on December 16th 2020. He was the son of Monabell and Jewell Hunt, now deceased.

He attended public schools first grade through twelfth grade in Joplin, MO and graduated in 1950. In High School he was an officer in ROTC, played trumpet in the band, was a member of the LCF fraternity, and the DeMolay. Every morning he stood in the main hall of the High School and played Reveille on his trumpet while a classmate raised the flag on the front lawn. After high school he attended Central Bible College in Springfield, MO for two years where he played in the band and was a member of the freshman basketball team.

In 1952 he went to work as a ticket agent for Greyhound Bus Lines in Joplin, MO, Springfield, MO and Amarillo, TX. In 1955 he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served his country for two years. He took basic in Ft. Ord, California and attended transportation school in Ft. Eustis, Virginia. He then served the next 18 months as a Transportation Specialist in Paris, France and was discharged in January of 1957. He returned to Greyhound in Springfield, MO and later Joplin, MO. His oldest son, Jay, was born in Joplin in 1958 and his younger son, Jeff, was born in Joplin in 1960.

In 1963 he moved back to Springfield and attended Evangel College. He received his B.S. degree in 1967. While attending Evangel he worked as an Admission Counselor and later as the Assistant Dean of Students. From 1967 to 1971 he attended college at Oklahoma State University and worked as a Complex Director in the Department of Housing. After completing his graduate work and receiving his master’s degree he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and worked as Student Activity Director at the newly established Community College.

In 1974 he and Linda Ann Larson were married and made their home in Tulsa. Jay attended Union High School and graduated 1977. After working several years at TCC he accepted a job of Director of Counseling at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, OK. He and his family moved to Wilburton in 1977. He and Linda welcomed a baby girl to their family in 1978. She was named Carli Ann Hunt after her Grandfather Carl and Mother Linda Ann.

JC was a member of Center Point Baptist Church, Post #141 of the Masons and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) in Krebs, OK, and former member of the Lions Club and Elks Lodge.

His younger son, Jeff, graduated from WHS in 1979 and Carli graduated from WHS in 1996. Jeff played football in high school and Carli was a cheerleader and a member of the band. All the members of JC’s family have at least a bachelor’s degree.

JC continued working at Eastern for the next 27 years as Director of Counseling, Admissions Director, Registrar, Vice President of Academic Affairs, President of the branch campus in McAlester, and Executive Assistant to the President. He served as interim President on two occasions. JC retired from Eastern in 1997, went back and worked another seven years retiring again in 2004.

He is survived by the love of his life, Linda Ann; three children, Carli Ann & husband Gary Lay of Wilburton, Jay & wife Lynn of McKinney, Texas, and Jeff of Tulsa, OK; Grandchildren, Jeremy Lay of Wilburton, Jaclyn Foley & husband John of Oklahoma, City, Alex Hunt of Oklahoma City, Brandon Hunt & wife Leigh of Tulsa, and Courtney Gilbert & husband of Nebraska; Three great-grandchildren, Keagan Murphy of Oklahoma City, Blakely Shae Foley of Oklahoma City, and Maxim Overton of Nebraska; Extended family, Walter & Sandy Freeman, Clark & Tammy Boling, Charlie Martin, Brittany Goff & husband Chris, and Triston Boling all of Wilburton.

Viewing will be Friday, December 18th from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held Saturday, December 19th at 2:00 p.m. at Gowen Cemetery with Rev. Bud Vinson officiating.

Pallbearers: Jonathan Denham, Clark Boling, Charlie Martin, Eddie Muse, Kyle Vanderburg and Jeff Marshall.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jay Hunt, Jeff Hunt, Gary Lay, Brandon Hunt, Alex Hunt, Jeremy Lay, Walter Freeman, Leland Walker, Bill & Pat Miller, John Pixley, Jerry Smith, Terry Barnes, Army Buddies 594th Transportation Unit and Class of 1950, Joplin H.S. Joplin, MO.

Ruth Cook

In Memory of Ruth Cook

Ruth Ann Cook was born July 14, 1960 to Tracy and Mattie (Brown) Gardner in McAlester, Oklahoma. The Lord called her home on November 25, 2020 at the age of 60.

Ruth and her husband, John, have been married for 42 years. They made their home in Wilburton where Ruth was a staple in the community and loved by all who knew her. She loved the Lord, her family, OU and traveling. Ruth never missed a chance to vacation with her children and grandchildren. They went to Washington state this summer and had Martha’s Vineyard planned for next summer; she loved seeing how excited the grands would get. She was known for her friendly personality and her stylish hats. She will be missed dearly. 

Ruth is survived by her husband, John of the home; her four children, Joey Cook of McAlester, Jonathan Cook & wife Jessica, of Wilburton, JoAnn Cook of Hollywood, Florida  and Jocelyn Cook of Norman; brother,  Rodney Price & wife Kathy, of Hartshorne; sisters, Victoria Gardner of Wilburton and Tennie Clark & husband Randy, of Wilburton; special nephews, Michael Cook of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Mark Cook of Raymond, Missouri; aunt, Flora Robinson of Los Angeles, California; seven grandchildren, one great grandchild  and several nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Tracy and Mattie Gardner,  maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents and niece, Stephanie Gardner.

The family has decided to honor Ruth with a private service that will be held at The Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel with Rev. Darren Harber officiating. Pallbearers will be Randy Clark, Claude Brazelton, George Maynard, Latt Jeffrey, Floyd Allen, and John Walker. Honorary Pallbearers will be her nephews and Leland Walker.

The family welcomes friends to attend a viewing on Sunday, December 6, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, OK.

Gayle Sheffler

In Memory of Gayle Sheffler

Gayle Sandra Sheffler, age 73 of Wilburton, passed away November 25, 2020 in McAlester, Oklahoma.

She was born on October 4, 1947 in Monrovia, California to the late Richard and Dorothy (Shepard) Toal.

Gayle worked in the cafeteria at Wilburton Public Schools for 25 years. She loved her family. She was nicknamed “super glue” because she was the glue that bonded her family together, and she was notorious for supergluing herself to stuff every time she used it. She also loved her pets and sewing.

Gayle leaves behind her loving family which includes her husband of 55 years, Joe Sheffler; daughters: Sandra Johnson and husband, Dewayne of Wilburton and Sheryl Southerland and husband, Joe Don of Velma, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Kelisha Johnson, Kolton Johnson and Tristen Dunn and fiancé, Kelcey Wright; several nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Dorothy (Shepard) Toal; sisters: Carroll Allen and husband, Bob and Sharon Freeman and husband, Paul and granddaughter, Courtney Brooke Dunn.

Honorary Pallbearers include: Leroy Allen, Tristen Dunn, Kolton Johnson, DeWayne Johnson, Joe Don Southerland, and Mark Keenan.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Damon Valley Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating. Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

The family asks that anyone attending to please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Denis Osborne

In Memory of Denis Osborne

Denis Leon Osborne, 60 of Wilburton, Oklahoma died November 21, 2020 in his home from cancer.

The graveside service will be held at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Wilburton, Oklahoma on December 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Scott Horstman officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Blassingame, Raymond Hutchinson, Teddy Marmon, and Donnie Gunter.

Denis was born on May 20, 1960 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He worked in the oilfield his whole life. Denis enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing. That was his true passion. He was the best poppy to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was loved by many.

He is survived by his wife, Fronie Osborne of the home; his mother, Lenora Forwoodson of Wilburton, Oklahoma; daughters: Jamie Dedmon and fiancé, Kole Egeland of Quinton, Oklahoma and Tammy Scott and husband, Bam of Wilburton, Oklahoma; brothers and sisters, David Osborne and wife, Joanne of Stroud, Debbie Spann and husband, Ron of Hot Springs, AR, Amy Wardlow and husband, Jack of Red Oak, and John Forwoodson and wife, Desiree of Wilburton; grandchildren: Dakota Morgan and husband, Jospeh of Gowen, Deric Scott and Jennifer Zehe of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Camren Lane Hohn and Riley Tuff Egeland of Quinton, Oklahoma; great grandchildren: Adisyn LaRaye Ward, Denver Ray Scott, and Haizlee Jewell Morgan. Denis also has several nieces, nephews and friends.

Denis was preceded in death by his father, Donald Osborne; father, Kenneth Forwoodson; maternal grandmother, Oleta Osborne; paternal grandmother, Viola Osborne and brother Danny Osborne.

A special thank you to Heartland Hospice of Mcalester Oklahoma and Scott Horstman. In lieu of flowers please donate to Heartland Hospice. 

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Penny Lund

In Memory of Penny Lund

At approximately 4:15am on the morning of November 19, 2020, Heaven was pleased to welcome another beautiful Angel through its pearly gates.

Penny Marie Lund was born on March 12, 1940 in Colton, California.  Her late parents were Harriet and Walter “Bud” Baldridge of CA. She had one Brother, Walter David Baldridge II, who also preceded her in death. 

Penny grew up in Colton, CA., which is where she completed high school and attended some college. During high school, Ms. Penny loved spending her lunch money on Elvis Presley records.

Penny met and married the love of her life, Kermit Lund, in 1961.  Together they had two children, Lori and Kurtis.  Penny also dearly loved her two bonus daughters: Chris Koenig of Sultan, Washington and Cindie Conklin of Ephrata, Washington.

While still in California Ms. Penny loved showing and riding horses with her family. She loved sun tanning on sandy California beaches.  Penny was happy to join her husband and children as they moved to southeastern Oklahoma. There they began showing and riding horses on rural American heartlands.  Penny helped her family raise horses, cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens.  She loved shooting snakes in the pond on her property.  Gardening and growing the most beautiful roses were two of Penny’s favorite hobbies. 

Ms. Penny loved to cook.  She liked cooking so much that she cooked for the Wilburton Public School System for 34 years.  However, she is most known for her sewing and crocheting skills.  Penny was known all over Oklahoma for her lap afghans.  Her afghans kept the members of Bowers Baptist Church warm on cold Sunday mornings and evenings. Her red, white and blue afghans were hand delivered by Penny to Veterans in hospitals all across Oklahoma. Ms. Penny was chosen as the Governor’s Person of the Year 3 times for her undying love of serving Veterans. 

Penny was a Rainbow Girls Past Worthy Advisor, and an extremely talented seamstress.  She made Western Shirts, School Aprons and the “Beast” of all wedding dresses. She was an adoring wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  But, most of all she was a child of the Lord. She loved serving His people, praising His word, and reading His word.  She almost never missed a Sunday or Wednesday night at church.  She served on several committees in service to her Bowers Baptist Church.

Ms. Penny lived her final year at Belfair Assisted Living Center.  While there she stole the hearts of her nurses, the residents and visitors with her smile and, “Hey, I want to give you a love.” 

Penny is survived by her children: Kurtis Lund and wife, Kristie of McAlester, Lori Roberts and husband, James of McAlester, Chris Koenig and husband, Darcy of Sultan, Washington, and Cindie Conklin and husband Doug of Ephrata, Washington; eleven grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kerm Lund and brother, David Baldridge II.

A graveside service will be held at Wilburton Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 23, 2020 with Rev. Randy Waldrop and Rev. Kenneth Rouviere officiating.

Michael Ray Goldsberry

In Memory of Michael Ray Goldsberry, age 30, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Michael was born July 5, 1990 in Mansfield, Missouri to the late Rocky Goldsberry and Patsy Reddin.

Michael is survived by his wife, Melinda of the home; mother and stepfather, Patsy and Frank Reddin of Red Oak, OK; brothers: John Goldsberry and wife, Kaylon of Red Oak, OK, Josh Reddin of Paden, OK, Jesse Reddin of Paden, OK, and Jared Reddin of Paden, OK; sister, Alice Burrows and husband Ryan of Albuquerque, NM; several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Rocky Goldsberry, maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents.

A Graveside service will be held at Peachland Cemetery, Bengal Oklahoma, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2020, with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.

Pallbearers: John Goldsberry, Josh Reddin, Jesse Reddin, Jared Reddin, Jack Cain, Michael Cain, Clarence Cain, and Roy Cain. Randy McBride will serve as Honorary Pallbearer.

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Michelle Stanford

In Memory of Michelle Stanford

Michelle Stanford, age 47, of Poteau, Oklahoma passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020, at her home. She is preceded in death by her father, Donald Stanford; grandparents, Doyle and Nora Small; aunt, Eunice Small and uncle, Gene Small.

Survivors include her mother, Linda Ellison of the home; brother, Joe Don Stanford and wife, Crystal of Talihina; sisters, Renee Watlington of Wilburton, Lisa Stanford of Poteau, and Brenda Neering and husband, Billy of Wilburton; nieces, Bree Watlington, Mercedes Watlington and husband, Judd Dees, Katie Caldwell and husband Chris, Tanna Trent, and Paris Stanford; nephews, Trevor Neering and spouse, Casey, Jeffery Neering, and Zachery Neering and wife, Emery; great nieces, Kaidence Bradley, Presley Caldwell, Kiyla Watlington and Braileigh Caldwell; great nephews, Kaiden Dees, Jeremiah Crawford and Dawson Caldwell.

She is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that loved very much.

The family would like to thank Heart of Hospice nursing staff and her aide Nikki for the wonderful care she received.

Memorial Service to be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 14, 2020 at The Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel at Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.

Tonya A. Snell (Ford)

Obituary for Tonya A. Snell (Ford)

Tonya A. (Ford) Snell, 56, of Hamburg, PA went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, November 3, 2020 in Lehigh Valley Hospital- Cedar Crest while surrounded by family. She was the wife of William A. Snell, Jr. They were married December 28, 2002, and celebrated 17 years of marriage.
Born in Bakersfield, CA she was the daughter of the late John W. and Patsy G. (Woodall) Ford. She was a devoted, loving mother who raised three girls on her own until marrying her loving husband, Bill, where she gained three more children, which made her family complete. Tonya enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and her faithful dog, Jasper. She was a dedicated shopper of QVC, but most of all she looked forward to family gatherings.
Tonya is survived by her children: Kristi Rowland, wife of Dave, Auburn, PA; Cheryl Branum, significant other of Chuck Maley, Houston, MO; Sharon Reidenhour, significant other of Eric Leonard, Kutztown, PA; April Hostetter, wife of Joey, Muhlenberg, PA; Cindi Bartholomew wife of Leroy, Gilbertsville; and William Snell, III, Fleetwood. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Jennifer, Jerrette, David, Brittnie, Katelyn, Miranda, William, Randall, Ethan, Kylee, Skylar, Sarah, Sara, Daniel, Angela, Justin, and Tara; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Tonya is also survived by her brother: John Ford, husband of Karen, Wilburton, OK; her three sisters: Wanda Johnson wife of Chris, Wilburton, OK, Angie Harp, wife of Wesley, Stigler, OK, and Renee Ford-Poteet, Whitefield, OK; her sisters and brothers in law: Kathy & Terry Hutt, Pottstown; and Kim & Wayne Snell-Babylon. She was predeceased by a niece: Samantha; and a granddaughter: Melody.
Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at The Bob Waldrop Memorial Chapel in Wilburton, Ok. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: American Heart Association or National Kidney Foundation.

Services under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home.