Obituaries

Donna Lou Nelson, beloved mother, sister, grandmother and friend, passed away on May 23, 2025, at the age of 71.

Born in Mulberry, Ark., at Kirksey Hospital on Oct. 25, 1953, Donna lived a life marked by warmth, generosity, and a boundless love for the simple joys of life.

A proud retiree of Southwest Airlines, Donna brought a spirit of hospitality and kindness wherever she went. Her passions were many.

She had a keen eye for antiquing, a green thumb for gardening (especially her cherished flowers), a thirst for travel and a true talent for entertaining.

Judith Wilma Clovis, born Jan. 2, 1942, was taken to heaven on the wings of angels on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the age of 83. 

Judy, as she was known, attended El Reno High School. She was an extremely hard worker and extraordinarily independent. She worked alongside her husband at a large nursery in El Reno for many years and was also a security guard at the Canadian Valley Barn in Calumet.

Judy was a devout Christian who was baptized at Ellison Avenue Methodist Church in El Reno and read her Bible daily. She was an excellent cook, especially her exceptional pies.

Carolyn Sue Kennedy, born on May 27, 1941, to Albert and Della DeLaughter in El Reno, Oklahoma, peacefully entered the presence of her Savior on May 23, 2025, at the age of 83.

Services for Gary Irvin Penwright will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 30 at Huber-Benson Funeral Home.

Gary died May 23, 2025, at his home in Calumet.

Graveside services for Andrea Marie “Andi” Douglas of Minco will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 30 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Minco, under the direction of Huber-Reynolds Funeral Home.

Andi died May 26, 2025, in Oklahoma City. She was born Aug. 8, 1952, in Oklahoma City and was raised in the Yukon and Bethany areas.

She was a homemaker as well as an event planner and owner of a dress shop.

Judith Ann Holdaway passed away peacefully at her home in El Reno on May 17, 2025, surrounded by her family and wrapped in love.

Born Aug. 29, 1944, in El Reno to Oliver and Eileen (Patzack) Carel. Judy’s life began on the parade grounds of Fort Reno - quite literally. Her first home was a white duplex just across the street, while her father served in the U.S. Army. Military life took the family to many places, but in 1957 they returned home to El Reno for good.

Funeral services for Kenneth Gene Taylor of El Reno will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28 at Wilson Funeral Home.

Kenneth passed away May 17, 2025. 

Margaret M. Moon Thompson, 95, of Calumet, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

She was born Oct. 21, 1929, in Geary to Harry Owen and Faye (England) Moon. Margaret graduated from Calumet High School where she proudly played basketball.

On May 10, 1951, she was united in marriage to Harry Aldean Thompson in Calumet. They made their home in the Calumet area and spent their lives there together until his passing on Feb. 2, 2011.

A celebration of life graveside service for Tommy McMurtray, 67, of El Reno will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 23 at the El Reno Cemetery. 

Tommy passed away Jan. 21, 2025. He was born June 4, 1957, in El Reno to Roy and Charlene McMurtray. He was a retired carpenter. 

Tommy is survived by Michael Avant of El Reno; daughter, Joni Turner of Oklahoma City; sister, Tenna McMurtray and spouse, Mary of El Reno; and brother, Larry McMurtray and spouse, Vicky of Newcastle. 

Becky Sue Vickrey Garlow, 70, passed away peacefully at home in Shawnee on May 14, 2025, surrounded by her adoring family. Becky, affectionately known to her family as “Grammy,” was born to Norma and Eugene Vickrey on May 20, 1954, in Chickasha.

Becky grew up in the farming community of Minco with wonderful parents and brothers, and never lost her love for her farming roots. Becky graduated with honors in the Minco High School Class of 1972, and in 1976 graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biology from Oklahoma Baptist University.