OBITUARIES

Jan 17, 2025

Joyce Lenora Shaffer, a cherished wife, devoted mother, and beloved "Meme," passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the age of 90. Surrounded by her loving family, she departed this life after a sudden and severe heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and service.

Born on December 21, 1934, in Atoka,...

Jan 15, 2025

Jan 15, 2025

Jan 13, 2025

Funeral services for Mary Lillian (Willis) Holt will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the MMS-Payne Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Talala. 

Mary passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the age of 88.

Mary was born on October 21, 1936, in...

Jan 11, 2025

Thomas "Tom" Wayne Anderson passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 79.

Tom was born to Loy and Katherine Anderson on November 27, 1945, in Stroud, Oklahoma. He attended and graduated from Wellston High Schools.

In his younger years, Tom developed a strong work ethic by working on a dairy farm and hauling hay during the summer. He was...

Jan 11, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen R. Pillow, age 60, on January 11, 2025. Born on October 20, 1964, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Karen spent her life bringing warmth and joy to everyone she encountered. She resided in Claremore, Oklahoma, where her spirit and kindness touched the lives of her family, friends, and community. 

Karen’s career...

Jan 10, 2025

Henry Martin Tietz passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 84.

Hank was born on July 2, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Henry and Laveta (Schender) Tietz. He graduated from high school in 1957 and pursued higher education at Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a degree in Metallurgical Engineering.

Shortly after graduating, Hank joined the Army and spent...

Jan 10, 2025

Memorial service for Linda Briggs will be 10:00a.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Faith Baptist Church. Linda passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025. She was 81.

Linda Kay Briggs was born on January 16, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to C.T. Nevels and Alva Florence (Shelley) Nevels. Linda was educated in Oktaha, where she attended school until the 11th grade. She...

Jan 8, 2025

Service for Barbara Pepper will be 11:00a.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at New Hope Church of God. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 14, from 3pm-7pm. 

Barbara L. Pepper, born on June 14, 1944, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to John and Hazel (Cobb) Roberts, passed away peacefully in her home on January 8, 2025. A proud member of...

Jan 8, 2025

Graveside services for Shirley Taylor will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10 am at Woodlawn Cemetery in Claremore, OK with Bro. Paul Simpson officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 1:00-7:00 pm at MMS-Payne Funeral Home in Claremore, OK. The family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00pm. 

Shirley Taylor, 90, passed away on Wednesday morning,...

Jan 5, 2025

Sharon Sue Bilby, lovingly known as Sherry to many, passed away on January 5, 2025 at the age of 80. She was born on January 5, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Will McGinness and Martha Sue Vaughn.

After graduating high school, Sherry pursued college for a short time before finding her calling as a travel agent. She worked at Nammar...

Jan 4, 2025

Nora Feerl Marie Swisher was born on December 29, 2024 she passed away on January 4th, 2025. Nora is the namesake of her two grandmothers Nora Littlejohn and Feerl Nowlin. 

She is preceded in death by her grandparents Nora Littlejohn, Marion Smith, Alton Nowlin, Feerl Nowlin, and Jeff Swisher and Uncle William Swisher.

Nora is survived by her parents James Swisher and...

Jan 4, 2025

William "Bill" Vincent Gerler passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born to Gilbert and Helen Gerler on July 26, 1955, in Coffeyville, Kansas.

Bill grew up in Lenapah, Oklahoma, and attended Lenapah Public Schools, where he developed a passion for agriculture and education. After graduating high school, Bill married Jane, and the couple welcomed...

Jan 4, 2025

Celebration of Life services for Dennis Lee Chambers will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Life Church of Pryor. Dennis passed away peacefully at his home in Chelsea, Oklahoma, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Dennis was born on May 22, 1956, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Lee Roy and Bessie...

Jan 3, 2025

Matthew Lee Applegate departed this earth for his Heavenly home on January 3, 2025. He was 42 years old. When he got to Heaven, he was running full speed into the arms of his Papa Ted, Papa Gene, Grandma Carolyn, and Aunt Bubba where a joyous and undoubtedly loud reunion took place with everyone talking at once about OU/OSU football,...

Jan 3, 2025

Funeral services for Ricky Lynn Attebury will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at MMS-Payne Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Ricky passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 75. He was born on May 17, 1949, in Adrian, Michigan, to Robert and...

Jan 3, 2025

A memorial service for Wesley Jerel Cook-Weaver, affectionately known as "Doodle," will be held at 2:00 p.m.,  Friday, January 24, 2025, at The Claremore First Methodist Church.

 Wesley passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 42.

Born on August 23, 1982, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Wesley was the son of Rick and Nita "Snookie" (Bentley) Weaver. He was raised...

Dec 31, 2024

A funeral service celebrating Joyce's life will be held on January 9, 2025, at Chelsea Funeral Home, located at 601 Vine St, Chelsea, Oklahoma 74016, beginning at 1:00 PM and concluding at 2:00 PM. 

Jimmie Joyce Schmoll, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on January 2, 1939, in Chelsea, Oklahoma, she was the beloved...

Dec 27, 2024

A memorial service for Harley Lee Smith will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Chelsea.

Harley passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the age of 64.

Born on October 5, 1960, in Hulbert, Oklahoma, to Bobby and Alice (Wallis) Smith, Harley grew up in rural Chelsea, Oklahoma. He attended Chelsea...

Dec 24, 2024

Freddie Ray Martin passed away on December 24, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on September 1, 1945, in Vinita, Oklahoma, to Charlie and Mary Jane Martin, Freddie spent his childhood traveling across the country as his family moved frequently.

Freddie attended many schools throughout his youth and later pursued higher education at Northeastern Oklahoma College in Miami, Oklahoma. Over...