Emarie Mae Kaczynski

Emarie Mae Kaczynski, 12 years old, from Red Oak, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Emarie was born on June 8, 2014, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, alongside her twin brother, Rhyker Ray. She was the older—and slightly taller—twin, not by much but she was always proud to point it out!

Emarie grew up in Red Oak, Oklahoma. A natural entertainer, she loved to sing and dance without caring who was watching. She was also funny and acted goofy to get a laugh, and her laughter was contagious and would spread throughout the room. On road trips, she was known to ask, “Can you turn up the music?” before the car had even left the driveway. From the back seat, she eagerly called out song suggestions as the backseat DJ.

“Tomboy” did not quite describe Emarie—she broke the mold. Pink was not her color, and she made that known; teal was her favorite. She might paint her nails and put on makeup before heading outside to skateboard or play basketball with her brothers. She loved to roughhouse, build with Legos, and even get dressed up to play in the dirt.

When she was indoors, Emarie enjoyed drawing, making crafts, and creating things— especially with her big sister. She even made her own comics. She liked “Hello Kitty,” and her favorite cartoon was “Bluey.” She loved to read, and her youngest brother even thanked her for teaching him and reading to him.

Emarie and her siblings often had movie nights. The house filled with laughter when they played with the dogs and watched the pups’ goofy antics. She also loved family trips and adventures, including visits to the lake, museums, the aquarium, and the State Fair. Monster trucks were a favorite, and bowling was more than a game—it was a lively competition among the siblings to see who could be the best!

Emarie had a huge personality for such a little girl. Whether greeting friends from school, members of her church family, or someone simply passing by, she never met a stranger. She was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

She was proceeded by biological father, Timothy Kaczynski, Paternal Grandfather John Patrick (papa K) and Uncle Jose Mercado.

Emarie is survived by her parents, Julianna and John Maddox; her sister, Hazel Prock; and her brothers, Draven, Drake, Rhyker Kaczynski, and Brantlee Maddox. Grandmothers Jackie Jackson, Rhonda Mercado, Joan Stritzel, Deana Maddox, and Brandy Mckiddy, and Grandfather Raul Mercado, Kevin Wooten, Sean Maddox, Wilbur Mckiddy. Aunts Monica Poor, Francesca Fincher, Maria Mercado. Uncles Rudy Mercado, Emanual Mercado, Tracey Poor, Lane Fincher, Matt Boyer, Christopher Maddox, Josh and Michael Fisch Numerous In-laws, cousins, and extended family members and friends including Bill and Dawn Lee.

Services will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Red Oak First Baptist Church in Red Oak, Oklahoma, with Rev. Johnny Montgomery officiating.

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

Betty Ruth (Jackson) Holland

Betty Ruth (Jackson) Holland, 95, passed away on August 29, 2026, in Hurst, TX.

Betty was born on July 31, 1931, in Grady County, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Andrew and Mary Belle (Crouch) Jackson. She graduated from Amber-Pocasset High School as a Salutatorian in 1949. Her father was a tenant farmer attempting to grow wheat in Grady County Oklahoma, at the height of the dust bowl. She was the fourth of five children and only five years old when her mother died of a post-operative infection. Her father remarried and five more siblings came along, all of whom looked to her, the oldest female for nurture and care. Having known real hunger and lack growing up, she loved to cook and found joy in making sure everyone had plenty to eat at all times. The circumstances of her childhood produced a person of both resilience and resourcefulness.

After high school graduation at the age of sixteen, she became one of the first members of her extended family to attend college. She continued her education at the Oklahoma College for Women where she graduated in 1952 with a Bachelors in Home Economics. After graduating she headed off alone to Prague, Oklahoma to take on a high school teaching position where she was only a year or so older than most of her students. There she met her future husband, John Holland. In 1952, at the age of nineteen, Betty started teaching at Prague High School as the Home Economics teacher. Betty married the love of her life, John Holland, in Shawnee, Oklahoma on August 17, 1955. Betty got a job teaching Home Economics and History at Del City High School. In 1956, she was featured regularly on several Oklahoma television station’s morning shows providing household hints and homemaking tips. In 1968, she and husband John built a home on a small acreage in the Centerpoint community north of Wilburton, Oklahoma there they raised four children to adulthood. She became head of the Home Economics Department at Eastern Oklahoma State College in 1971. She attended Oklahoma State University where she received a Master of Science Degree in Child Development in 1972. In 1984 she fulfilled a lifelong dream and launched and took over the Park Restaurant at Robbers Cave State Park, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner 363 days per year. At each step, she had to blaze her own trail and simply figure things out as she went along. Both resilience and resourcefulness were required for her journey, one through which not only survived, but thrived. And caused those around her to flourish as well. The Holland family joined First Baptist Church Wilburton, Oklahoma in 1966, where Betty taught a woman’s Sunday school class for over five decades, until she moved to the Baptist Village retirement community (January 2017).

She founded and carried on a one-person ministry to Wilburton’s nursing homes for many years, bringing Bill and Gloria Gaither “Homecoming” sing-along VHS tapes and playing them to the delight of the residents there.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, John Holland, and her siblings Harold Jackson, Ralph Jackson, Otis Jackson, Bobby Jackson, Orva Jean [Jackson] Cole, and Alan Jackson. She is survived by her four children and their spouses. David Holland and wife, Tracy (Colleyville, Texas) and their three children and ten grandchildren. John D. Holland (Clayton, Oklahoma), Elizabeth [Holland] Ray and husband Brook (Antlers, Oklahoma) and their three children and one grandchild. Laura [Holland] Harwood and husband, Adam (New Orleans, Louisiana) and their four children. Her legacy lives on with her ten grandchildren and her eleven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, send designated gifts in Betty’s memory to: First Baptist Church Wilburton Benevolence Fund or the Oklahoma Baptist University Prison Divinity Program (https://www.okbu.edu/theology/prison-divinity)

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Centerpoint Cemetery, Wilburton, Oklahoma, with Rev. David Holland and Rev. Adam Harwood officiating. Services are under the direction of Waldrop Funeral Home of Wilburton, Oklahoma

Kevin Kilcrease

Kevin Kilcrease, 51, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Kevin was born on March 28, 1975, in Odessa, Texas, to Kenneth Dean Kilcrease Sr. and Kathy Kay Wright.

On March 10, 2004, he married the love of his life, Mary Pitchford, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Together they built a loving family, adding to their family of four by having a son, Kenneth Kilcrease, on March 31, 2005. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren (four grandsons and three granddaughters) who were the light of his life.

Kevin worked for A&A from November 2009 until his passing and proudly served his country as United States Army veteran. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and nothing brought him more joy than teaching his grandchildren new things and making memories with them. Watching movies (especially scary ones) with his daughters, Brittany, Autumn, and his son, Kenneth. He enjoyed discussing the diƯerence between Ford and Dodge vehicles and which one was better with his son, Kenneth. He and his daughter-inlaw, Kimberlee, enjoyed talking smack about their wives during rounds of cornhole. He also enjoyed telling his daughter, Autumn, that she would always know that she was his favorite child (just kidding, because all his kids were his favorites!) Kevin enjoyed working on vehicles with his son-in-law, Darrell Bioxham. And playing horseshoes with and cornhole with his bonus son-in-law, Micheal Sisco. He also enjoyed going fishing with his wife, Mary, especially when his wife caught more fish than he did because all he could catch were turtles.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; his father, Kenneth Dean Kilcrease Sr., and his mother, Kathy Kay Wright.

Kevin is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Kilcrease (Quinton, OK); his son, Kenneth Kilcrease (Quinton, OK); his daughters, Brittany Bloxham and husband, Darrell Bloxham (Quinton, OK) and Autumn Williams and wife, Kimberlee Williams (Hartshorne, OK) and a bonus son-in-law, Micheal Sisco (Hartshorne, OK); his brothers, Cody Kilcrease (Grove, OK), and Kenneth Kilcrease Jr. (Hemet, California), and Clinton Kilcrease (Waco, TX); along with extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Kevin will be remembered for his love of family, his generous heart, his service to his country, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Pallbearers: Steve Fite, Marshall Drake, Shawn McMahan, Zack Chavez, Micheal Sisco, and Darrell Bloxham. K

Honorary Pallbearers: Kenneth Kilcrease, Cody Kilcrease, Kenneth Kilcrease Jr., Clinton Kilcrease, Johnny Wright, and Chris Nolte.

Services will be Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel with the burial to follow at the North Rock Creek Cemetery in Red Oak, OK. OƯiciating will be Rev. Randy Waldrop. Services are under the direction of the Waldrop Funeral Home of Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Valerie Smallwood

In Memory of Valerie Smallwood

Valerie Smallwood, formerly of Red Oak, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, at the age of 63.

Valerie was born on July 23, 1963, in Wilburton, Oklahoma, to Horace and Mary Alice (Raleigh) Smallwood.

She is survived by her aunt, Virginia Love of Ponca City, Oklahoma; and her cousins, Larry Love, Mark Love, and Ricky Love, all of Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Mary Alice Smallwood, and her brother, Wayne Smallwood.

Viewing will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral

A graveside service will be held at Red Oak Cemetery on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Johnny Montgomery.

Linda "Honey" Larson Hunt

In Memory of Linda "Honey" Larson Hunt

Linda Larson Hunt, 76, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away at her home on July 22, 2026.

Linda was born on August 11, 1949, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Carl and Dorothy Larson. She was raised with the values of kindness, compassion, and hard work that would define the way she lived her life and the legacy she leaves behind.

On September 7, 1974, she married the love of her life, J.C. Hunt. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and serving their community. After marrying, they made their home in Wilburton, where Linda became a beloved educator and friend to countless families.

For 25 years, Linda faithfully taught first and second grade at Wilburton Public Schools. She had a remarkable gift for making every child feel valued, capable, and loved. Her classroom was a place filled with encouragement, patience, and laughter, and the lessons she taught extended far beyond reading and arithmetic. She influenced generations of students, many of whom never forgot the kindness and confidence she instilled in them.

Linda was a faithful member of Center Point Baptist Church, where her gentle spirit and caring heart touched many lives. She found her greatest joy in her family, especially during her retirement years, when she could often be found cheering from the stands as her grandson, Jeremy, played the sports he loved. Nothing made her happier than spending time with those she loved most.

She will be remembered for her warm smile, gentle nature, unwavering kindness, and the love she freely shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend.

Linda is survived by her loving daughter, Carli Lay and husband Gary of Wilburton, Oklahoma; her grandson, Jeremy Lay of Wilburton, Oklahoma; her son, Jay Hunt and wife Lynn of Edmond, Oklahoma; her son, Jeff Hunt and wife Kim of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her grandchildren, Brandon and Leigh Hunt, Jaclyn Foley, Alex Hunt, and Courtney Hunt; her sister, Marty Thomas and husband Rick of Houston, Texas; her nephew, Andrew Thomas of Houston, Texas; and special family members Clark and Tammy Boling, Ginnie Justice, Alaina Harvey, Charles and Les Cook, Clint and Brittany Powell, and Triston Boling.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J.C. Hunt; her mother, Dorothy (Carroll) Larson; and her father, Carl Larson.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 24, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home.

A service honoring the life of Linda will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Center Point Baptist Church with Rev. Bud Vinson officiating. A burial will follow at Gowen Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Triston Boling, Andrew Thomas, Jeremy Lay, J.J. Justice, Jon Spruell, Colten Jordan, and Charles Cook.

Though Linda’s presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, faith, kindness, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, fellow teachers, former students, and all whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

Bradley Dewain Nelson

In Memory of Bradley Dewain Nelson

Bradley Dewain Nelson, 56, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home on July 22, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Brad was born on August 21, 1969, in Madison, Minnesota, to Dewain and Dorothy Nelson. On July 30, 2015, he married the love of his life, Becky Walkos. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and the farm they loved.

Brad was self-employed and had an incredible gift for working with his hands. There wasn't much he couldn't build, remodel, repair, or fix. Whether it was a house, a vehicle, or equipment around the farm, he took pride in every project he tackled. Of all his passions, the farm held a special place in his heart.

More than anything, Brad loved his family. He was proud of each of his children, but his greatest joy was his grandchildren, affectionately known as his "babies." He never missed an opportunity to brag about them, and some of his happiest moments were family dinners when everyone could gather together under one roof.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Becky Walkos Nelson of Wilburton, Oklahoma; his sons, Dustin Harris and wife Jessica of McAlester, Oklahoma, Austin Harris and fiancée Kris of Wilburton, Oklahoma, Garret Walkos, and Jared Nelson and wife Elly of Florence, South Dakota; his daughter, Chantel Duerre and husband Nathan of Bristol, South Dakota; his cherished grandchildren, Tanzleigh, Paisley, Colton, Harper, Cicily, Dewey, Draper, William, and Waylon; his parents, Dewain and Dorothy Nelson; his sister, Julie Nelson and husband Kleon; his mother-in-law, Adalee Walkos; his brother by choice, Richard Ingram and wife Stephanie; his nieces and nephews, Chris, Reese, Heath, Haley, Kyle, and Krimson; as well as his very special friends, Danny and Christy Busskohl.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Ashley Nelson; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Lois Hansen; and his paternal grandparents, Theodore and Hazel Nelson.

Brad will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, unmatched work ethic, and unconditional love for his family. Though he will be deeply missed, his love and example will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Kiamichi Country Cowboy Church at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Johnny Frank James

In Loving Memory of Johnny Frank James

Johnny Frank James, 64, of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on June 25, 2026.

Johnny was born on February 27, 1962, in Talihina, Oklahoma, to Johnny and Norma Dean James.

A memorial service celebrating Johnny’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a time of food and fellowship at the Jennifer Woods Choctaw Nation Community Center. Burial will follow at Mountain Station Cemetery.

Johnny was a hardworking man who dedicated many years to the construction industry as a skilled heavy equipment operator and directional driller. He took great pride in his work and the reputation he built through his strong work ethic and determination. He was also a proud member of the Choctaw Nation.

Johnny never met a stranger. He had an incredible sense of humor and a gift for making people laugh without even trying. Whether through a joke, playful teasing, or a funny story, he brought smiles to those around him and made ordinary moments unforgettable.

Above all else, Johnny loved his family. He treasured being a father and took great pride in watching his children grow into adulthood. His grandchildren and two great-granddaughters brought him endless happiness, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, share stories, and create lasting memories.

Johnny had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing, where he found peace in nature and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. On clear evenings, he could often be found gazing at the stars, appreciating the beauty and wonder of the night sky. He also enjoyed playing poker, a pastime that brought him many years of laughter and friendship.

Traveling with those he loved was another of Johnny’s greatest joys. He especially looked forward to trips to New Mexico to visit his mother-in-law, with whom he shared a truly special bond. Their relationship was built on genuine love, mutual respect, and friendship, and those visits became treasured memories.

Earlier this month, Johnny and his beloved wife, Judy, celebrated an incredible milestone, 25 years of marriage. Their life together was filled with love, unwavering support, shared adventures, and countless cherished memories. It was a true blessing that they were able to celebrate this special anniversary together.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Judy James; his children, Johnny James and wife, Lindsay, Dustin James and wife, Andrea, Linda Jo Anson and husband, Brian, and Brandy James Langley and husband, Tyson; his grandchildren, Ethan McDiffett, Khilyn Raileigh, Carter James, Teigen McDiffett, and Will James; his great-granddaughters, Everleigh McDiffett and Valleigh McDiffett; his sisters, Betty Sartor and husband, Junior, Linda Cohen and husband, Billy Jack, and Stacie James; along with many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Tracy Wilkett.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Guy and Oma Giles; his parents, Johnny and Norma Dean James; grandson, Tade James; his brother, Joe James; his nephew, Dillon Wilkett; his niece, Kimberley Wilkett; his great-nephew, Aiden Clark; his brother-in-law, Mike Thomason; and his father-in-law, Harold Clay.

Johnny’s legacy will not be measured by the number of years he lived, but by the laughter he shared, the love he gave, and the memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will forever cherish the time they were blessed to spend with him.

Bobby “Bob” Ray Kuykendall

In Loving Memory of Bobby “Bob” Ray Kuykendall

Bobby “Bob” Ray Kuykendall, 87, of Red Oak, Oklahoma, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on June 24, 2026.

Bob was born on August 10, 1938, in Red Oak, Oklahoma, to Lee and Bess (Adams) Kuykendall. A proud Army veteran who served his country during the Vietnam War, Bob dedicated his life to serving others. His remarkable career in law enforcement spanned more than 50 years, ending in his retirement at the age of 82 as Chief of Police. Throughout his career, he earned the respect and admiration of countless people through his unwavering commitment to protecting and serving his community.

Beyond the badge, Bob embraced life with enthusiasm and a smile. He loved traveling and sightseeing, always eager to see new places and make lasting memories. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing alongside his brothers. In his younger years, he was known for his love of shooting pool and cockfighting. Bob had a wonderful sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to tell a good joke.

More than anything, Bob treasured his family. They were the center of his world, and nothing brought him greater pride than watching his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Kuykendall; his parents, Lee and Bess Kuykendall; three brothers; two sisters; and his great-grandson, Kace Hogan.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Sandra Kuykendall of Red Oak; his granddaughters, Stevie Lyons and Savanna Lyons; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Jaxton, Kaiden, Jolie, Blakely, Charlee, Beckham, Tryp, Jasiah, Boston, and Masie, all of Red Oak. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and members of the community whose lives he touched through his years of faithful service.

Viewing will be held Monday, June 29, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Red Oak High Auditorium. Burial will follow at Norris Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Waits, John Noah, Mike Mauzey, Jim Wackerly, Cody Donoley, and Joe Frank Robertson. Honorary Pallbearer will be David Cogburn.

Bob will be remembered for his service, his humor, his love for his family, and the lasting impact he made on the community he faithfully served. His legacy of dedication, kindness, and integrity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Marlin (McGee) Lloyd Zaste

In Memory of Marlin Zaste

Marlin Lloyd Zaste, affectionately known by many as “McGee”; was born on May 22, 1963, in Williston, North Dakota, to his loving parents, David Zaste and Bonnie Harstad Zaste, and stepfather, Robert Knight.

On June 5, 2026, Marlin went home to be with the Lord in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, surrounded by the love of his family, including his brother Terry, his wife Shelly Shaw, and those who held him dear.

Marlin was a man with a generous heart and a kind spirit. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—fishing, camping, and spending time with friends. Whether sharing stories around a campfire, casting a line into the water, or lending a helping hand, Marlin made a lasting impact on everyone he met.

He dedicated many years of service to Roy's Food Store, where he worked faithfully until declining health led him into retirement.

Known for his compassion, selflessness, and willingness to help others in times of need, Marlin lived a life that reflected love, kindness, and generosity. He never hesitated to give back or offer support to family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His laughter, friendship, and caring nature will never be forgotten.

Marlin is survived by his children: son Robert Allen Zaste and his wife, Katelynn, of Wilburton, Oklahoma; daughter Journey Lynn Zaste of Bache, Oklahoma; and son Damien Zaste of Arkansas. He was also blessed with grandchildren, Leland Dewayne Zaste, Harlo Lynn Shelley, Leah Marie Shelley, Jarred Stewart, and Lilly Zaste.

He is further survived by his brother, Terry Shaw; sister, Summer Mills; aunts Judy Maston, Melanie Johnson, and Lina Falcon, all of North Dakota; as well as a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and extended family members, including Kayla Rhynes and her children, River Shelton and Waylon Shelton.

Marlin was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Harstad Knight; his stepfather, Robert Knight; his father, David Zaste; his daughter, Darla Zaste; his brothers, David and Reno; and his sister, Swanee.

Viewing will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Waldrop Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Waldrop Funeral Home, with Pastor Lynn Bullard officiating. Burial will follow at LeFlore Cemetery.

Rosalie "Ma" June (Jones) Garner

Rosalie “Ma” June (Jones) Garner, 88, of Red Oak, Oklahoma, went to be with her Lord Jesus on May 28, 2026. She was a woman overflowing with love. The things she loved most were her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, traveling, sports, church family, her Bible, and her Savior Jesus. Her love will live on through her family and friends. 

Rosalie was born in Billings, Oklahoma on February 13, 1938 to Homer and Dora Jones. She was the older sister to Mary and John Jones. She lived on a farm in Mulhall until the death of her father, when she moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1956 and attended Oklahoma State University. She heard about Ronald Garner from friends months before she met him. When she eventually met him, they immediately hit it off. On their first date, Ron ran out of gas and they had to walk back to campus. But Rosey was unfazed and the two quickly fell in love. They were married on June 14, 1958 and moved to Red Oak, Oklahoma where they had three children: Rebecca, Roger, and Ronda. 

Rosey graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1967 with her degree in Elementary Education. She began her career as an educator at the Lone Prairie Headstart, but Rosey knew her real purpose was to love and empower her students. As Ron’s job took the family to new locations, Rosey faithfully taught and encouraged elementary children in Iola, Kansas and around Oklahoma in El Reno, Maple community, and Red Oak. Ron bragged that Rosey was a master at teaching students how to read and that she had an unwavering love for her young students. When asked what she did when she was rushed by students who wanted hugs, Rosey responded, “I hug ‘em back.” 

Ron became a Dean at Conners State College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Rosey worked at the college library where she was the assistant librarian until she retired in 1997. When Ron became the President of Conners, Rosey took on the role as host. Together they hosted hundreds of students in their home and each one got to enjoy Rosey’s homemade cookies. She baked thousands of cookies over the years and became known as “the cookie lady.” But the cookies were only the symbol of what students actually got from times spent at the president’s house. College students who were far from their families got the comfort of a loving home and the listening ear of a couple who wanted to know them and support them. 

Rosey was always going somewhere. Her love for travel is seen around her home where she proudly displays items that she collected from the 26 countries that she visited across four continents. Ron and Rosey had a deal that Rosey could go anywhere in the world that she wanted if Ron could go to the pasture. But Ron was always there to greet Rosey when she returned. Rosey’s travel friends were often jealous when Ron would pick up Rosey at the airport with a bouquet of roses. 

In 2000, Ron and Rosey moved back to the family ranch in Red Oak, Oklahoma. Rosey was a faithful and caring volunteer for Red Oak First Baptist Church. She began the Baptist Breakfast Club and modeled servant leadership for kids in the church as she partnered with them to deliver breakfast to the housebound community. Through the years, Rosey served as the church treasurer, took care of babies in the nursery, listened to memory verses at the Wednesday night children’s program, and directed VBS where she counted thousands of pennies and nickels for the kids’ VBS fundraising competition. She loved her Sunday school class, The Prayer Warriors, and organized countless trips for the ladies to enjoy together. The Sunday school class became so active that the church finally bought a van to transport them on their adventures. Rosey also loved volunteering at the Red Oak library and was proudly named the Oldest Member of the Red Oak gym where she worked out three times a week. 

Rosey was an avid softball and baseball fan. She would keep a handwritten schedule that included OSU women’s softball, the Kansas City Royals, and LA Dodger games. She kept score on all the games and knew all the players like they were her own grandkids. 

Rosey was known to many as “Ma.” She was an involved grandmother and great-grandmother. Every Christmas for many years, Ma made pajamas for her grandkids and sent a newsletter to family and friends to keep everyone up-to-date on important events and milestones. She was a strong and consistent presence for her family and a true matriarch. Her Spaulding spaghetti and no-bake cookies were a favorite. And, every year without fail, Ma would send family members a custom-made birthday card that she would print at home. She profoundly loved her family and frequently hosted gatherings at the Garner family ranch, which became a haven for the entire family.

But Rosey’s most important, and favorite, role was being Ron’s wife. Rosey and Ron had an affectionate love for each other that is a testimony of God’s design for marriage. They supported one another’s dreams and goals, they stood together through good times and bad, and they were kind to each other. Their love story is a legacy that their friends and family cherish. There’s no question that Ron loved Rosey and that Rosey loved Ron. 

Rosalie is survived by her husband, Ronald Garner; her siblings, Mary Bowden and John Jones; her sister-in-law Teresa, her three children and their spouses, Rebecca and Randy Adams, Roger and Vivian Garner, Ronda and Page Cole; her beloved grandchildren and their spouses Michael and Jennifer Garner, Ronald Adams, Erin Cole, Sara and Jason Pyle, Lauren and Soji Adesanwo, Nathan and Katherine Cole, Amelia and Scott Mason, and Benjamin and Jessica Cole; and her many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and the hundreds of children who she loved and invested in at church and around the state of Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, Bill Garner and George Bowden; her parents, Homer and Dora Jones; and her stepfather Tom Cowan.

Services for Rosey will be at Red Oak First Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 2, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Red Oak library or the Red Oak cemetery by sending your donations to PO Box 511, Red Oak, OK 74563.