January 2024

Jean Ann Widdifield, a compassionate and dedicated registered nurse, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2024, at the age of 67.

She was born May 15, 1956, in the United Kingdom to James (Gene) and Nancy Widdifield.

Jean Ann’s unwavering love and dedication to her patients made her an exceptional nurse. She pursued her education and earned an associate degree, specializing in nursing, driven by her innate desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those she cared for.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has named education advocate Nellie Tayloe Sanders to serve as Secretary of Education.

“Nellie has championed innovative paths in education, particularly for those with dyslexic thinking and unique learning styles,” Stitt said.

Services for Ronnie Lynn Bass of Minco were held Thursday, Jan. 25 at First Baptist Church of Minco, with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Huber-Reynolds Funeral Home.

Ronnie passed away Jan. 21, 2024, at the Integris Canadian Valley Hospital in Yukon.

He was born Nov. 8, 1947, in Chickasha. He grew up west of Minco and graduated from Minco High School in 1966. He served six years in the Oklahoma National Guard as an artillery specialist. He operated a mobile welder and wrecker service, Ron’s Welding Shop.

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) has named Sandra Shelton as director of Government Affairs, Industry Development and Communications.

Shelton will be responsible for the agency’s marketing and communications initiatives, legislative and congressional affairs activities, and spearheading industry outreach and development efforts.

Prior to Shelton joining the department in April of 2016 as the Aviation Education coordinator and Government Affairs liaison, she had served over 20 years in state government.

Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, has filed legislation aimed at incentivizing the use of firearm safety devices. Senate Bill 1476 would provide a state sales tax exemption to encourage more Oklahomans to take advantage of such equipment.

Dossett held an interim study on the topic last fall, with experts from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the Oklahoma Rifle Association (ORA) and Everytown for Gun Safety presenting data and perspectives on the utilization of tax incentives to promote greater safety.

Graveside services for Shirley Jane Rade were held Friday at the Niles Cemetery in Hinton. Services were under the direction of Turner Funeral Home.

Shirley passed away Jan. 22, 2024, in Hydro. She was born July 22, 1939, in Geary. She grew up in the Geary area and attended Geary Public Schools.

She lived in El Reno for many years.

Shirley is survived by her sister-in-law, Charlotte Majors of Hinton, and several nieces and nephews.

Roy “Butch” Lee Crawford passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2024, in El Reno. He was born Aug. 10, 1950, the son of Clarence and Eulene (Allen) Crawford.

Roy spent his childhood on a farm, where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of family. He attended Oak School and Maple School before graduating from El Reno High School in 1968.

After completing his education, Roy pursued a career in the oil field industry and found great joy in driving a truck.

Maple A-B Honor Roll honorees, front row from left, Brinlee Bland, Kinsley Racca, Daxton Gatz, Carder Holden, Marlowe Menz, Teegan Siler, Kynlee Shamblin, Journey Swigart and Declan Brothers; second row, Liam Brincefield, Sadie Evans, Taylor Dill, Kinsley Bonilla, Levi Bass, Addison Brandley, Hunter Lorenzen, Easton Horn, Grady Menz, Michael Cullen, Ayvah Fudge, Paylynn Smith and Braelyn Hutchings; third row, Rana Crawford, Erica Niles, Katie Ellis, Kara Ellis, Jaden Smith, Josh Bass, Raquel Seymour, Stoney Baker, Lainey Rowell, Emily Thompson, Colsen Blagg, Jasper Whitman, Rhett Davis and

LAWSUITS

LVNV Funding LLC vs. Annette Pride for $969.36 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Mia McCrory for $2,482.87 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Midland Credit Management Inc. vs. Elvia Valencia for $2,541.64 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

NCB Management Services Inc. vs. Janice Dudley and Dayonna Garcia for $4,658.25 to pay a debt plus interest, costs and attorney fees.

Members of Underwood OHCE met recently with Ann Ricketts serving as hostess. Other members present were Natalia Valenzuela, Bernita Davis, Delpha Miklautsch, Vicki Duncan and Janan Fletcher.

Potato soup, cornbread and brownies were served.

The 2024 yearbooks were distributed and members signed up for hosting lessons for the rest of the year.

Duncan gave the group new information on filling out volunteer forms.