Obituaries

Thomas Lucien Hamby passed away Aug. 9, 2025, at his home in El Reno. He was born June 27, 1939, in the Caddo Clinic to parents, Thomas Wilbur Hamby and Mary Jane (Schooling) Hamby. 

Tom graduated from El Reno High School in 1957. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Oklahoma State University in 1961 and a master’s degree in education from North Texas State University in 1963. 

While at El Reno High School, he lettered in football, basketball and tennis. 

Bonnie Jean Wiewel was born July 14, 1956, in Oklahoma City to Frank and Berniece (Holland) Welch.

She passed away Aug. 9, 2025, after a brief battle with a rare illness.

Bonnie married Billy Wiewel in 1975. Soon after they married they moved to California where they raised their four children. During her time in California she worked at her family geothermal drilling business serving as an office manager. She also spent time as a consultant in the geothermal drilling community. 

November 13, 1951 - August 5, 2025

Keith Goodwin passed away Aug. 5, 2025. He was a decent man and was raised by his father as a Southern gentleman. He was a strident socialist Democrat. He truly believed that the government should do everything to take care of the people financially, medically and security.

He tried to live with good karma and felt he was successful. Good karma came back upon him numerous times in his life. 

Funeral services for Wilma Raeann Red Bird of El Reno will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 at the Emergency Response Center in Concho.

Wilma passed away Aug. 7, 2025, at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was born Aug. 3, 1978, at the Clinton Indian Hospital.

She attended El Reno schools, graduating in 1996. She was a proud member of the Cheyenne, Kiowa and Apache Tribes. She was also a member of the NAC.

Memorial service for Steven H. Ratliff, 57, of Oklahoma City will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 at First Christian Church with Colton Lott officiating.

Mr. Ratliff died Aug. 10, 2025, at his home surrounded by friends and family.

Jacquelyn Rae Nanette Vaught, age 93, passed away peacefully July 23, 2025, in El Reno. She was born June 2, 1932, in Union, Missouri. She was a member of First Christian Church of El Reno.  

Jacquelyn was the daughter of Alvin and Sue Diestelkamp. She was the wife of Wayne E. Vaught. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; two daughters, Christine Vaught and Terry Koehler; and by her siblings, Donald Diestelkamp and Glenda Terschluse.  

In Loving Memory (1943-2025)

Jeannette Sanders, age 82, passed away Aug. 2, 2025. Though she moved several times in her life, she spent the biggest part of her life in El Reno.

Jeannette was a spirited soul - spunky and full of fire. Her quick wit and sense of humor were constants throughout her life, sparking laughter in moments big and small. She reminded us not to take life too seriously, and to always find time for a good laugh.

She is survived by her husband, Charley, and her daughter, Tana.

Services for Gilferd William Peters will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Aaron Kotila officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the El Reno Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Huber-Benson Funeral Home. 

Gilferd died Aug. 3, 2025, at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was born June 5, 1931, in Okarche to W.J. “Bill” and Elise (ZumMallen) Peters. Gilferd was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church on June 21, 1931, and confirmed on March 25, 1945.

Barbara passed away Aug. 1, 2025, at 97 years old. She was born Jan. 23, 1928, in Chattanooga, Oklahoma, to parents, J.E. Dutch and Daisy B. (McQuinn) Weller. 

Barbara attended Chattanooga School until her family moved to Calumet in 1941. She graduated from Calumet School in 1946. She attended Southwestern College at Weatherford. After college she moved to Oklahoma City and worked for Oklahoma Child Welfare. 

Barry J. Henson died July 28, 2025, at his home in Mustang. He was born Jan. 15, 1957, in El Reno, where he lived most of his life. 

Barry is survived by his sisters, Margo Loyall and Dawn Brewer. 

At his request, there will not be a service. Arrangements were made by Huber-Benson Funeral Home.