OUR STAFF

Ryan Payne, a Rogers County native, started working for the Smith’s washing cars and doing yard work. The Catoosa High School graduate worked summers while he was earning a Bachelor's of Mortuary Science at the University of Central Oklahoma. He is married to Brandi Girten and lives in Chelsea. They have three daughters. He is the son of Charlie and Betty Payne of Claremore and Sharon and Jack Sappington of Chelsea. He is a member of the Claremore, Chelsea, and Inola Chamber of Commerce and attends the First United Methodist Church in Claremore. He is an avid hunter and fisherman.

Allen McElwain joined our staff in November 2013. Allen is a lifetime Claremore resident. He graduated from Claremore High School and the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor's in Mortuary Science. He is married to Anne McElwain and they have three sons. He is a member of First United Methodist Church in Claremore.

Guess is a Rogers County native, living in Bushyhead the last 25 years. This eager young man started working for MMS-Payne washing the cars and helping with funerals in 2015. He is now a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Guess is a graduate of Claremore Sequoyah High School in 2016. Guess graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in the spring of 2020 with a bachelor's degree in Funeral Service. Guess is married to Chelsea ( Allen) Leonard, they made their home in Bushyhead. He is the son of Wade and Sammy (Copp) Leonard of Claremore. The grandson of Johnny and Linda Leonard of Claremore, Jerry and Tracy Copp and Billie and Tom Stiedley all of Claremore. Guess is an avid Team Roper and outdoorsman.

Chad is a Rogers County native, having lived in Chelsea and Claremore. He graduated from high school in 2016. Him and his wife Shea married in 2017 and now have two children, 3 year old Levi and 2 year old Avery. After marrying, he and Shea lived in Chelsea for 2 where Shea is from. Shea is the daughter of Larry Wisdom and Lisa (Dunn) Landell and the granddaughter of, Allen and Angela Dunn and Larry and Anna Wisdom. Chad is now working towards becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He is currently attending Dallas Institute of Funeral Service and will be fully licensed next summer. Chad is the son of Darin and Kittie Haddox and grandson of Leon and Judy Haddox. He is the youth leader at his church and is very active there. Chad is an avid musician playing the guitar, piano, banjo, and bass. He is also an avid outdoorsman.

Timalyn is a longtime resident of Rogers County. She has been married for 24 years to Tim Parks who has lived in Chelsea his whole life. Together they have 3 children: Andrew and his wife Caselyn, Abigail, and Austin all of Chelsea. Timalyn is an active member of her church, participating in several different groups. She loves spending time with her family, cooking and going sight seeing. Timalyn counts it an honor to help families who are in need at such a difficult time.

Susan Bickford has been the Office Manager at Chelsea Funeral Home and Crematory since 2003. She considers it a privilege to be able to help comfort grieving families. Susan graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Rogers State College. She is a wife and mother who is actively involved with her family, church and community.