Obituaries

Patricia grew up in Okarche and was raised with her brother, Larry Leon. She graduated from Okarche High School and went on to attend the University of Oklahoma where she earned a degree in education.

She served her country as a military wife and her students as a caring teacher.

Patricia was a dedicated math teacher at O’Fallon Township High School for 22 years and was deeply committed to her students’ success and well-being. Her passion for education and genuine care for her students left a lasting impact on the community.  

Verilea Elsie Gleichman of Okarche departed this life for heaven on Jan. 21, 2025. Verilea’s birth on Nov. 22, 1936, on the Okarche family farm marked the beginning of a life grounded in faith. Rudolph and Margaret (Henrichs) Meyer welcomed her at the “home place.” 

Verilea’s spiritual journey began with baptism and a confirmation at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Her education at St. John’s parochial school through eighth grade instilled a strong Christian foundation and lifelong relationship with God.

Funeral services for Barbara Peek of Tahlequah were held Tuesday, Jan. 28 at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, Oklahoma City, with Steve Hazener officiating. Burial was in the El Reno Cemetery.

Barbara passed away Jan. 23, 2025. She was born June 11, 1947, in Modesto, Calif.

She was a homemaker.

She is survived by her husband, George Peek, and daughter, Brenda Kirby.

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, a wonderful man met Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior face to face. Michael Wade “Mike” Roach won his race after living with cancer for 24 months. He tried anything his doctors suggested and handled each with faith, grace and kindness when each stopped working for him. He was grateful for his medical team during his two-year relationship with them. A typical Mike, he formed a personal relationship with them, learning all about their families and interests and counted them as friends. They are all grieving along with us.

At the age of 55 years, Patti, from Union City, Okla., was called home by our Lord. She passed away (or received her transfer to heaven) on Jan. 19, 2025. She was born in Terra Haute, Ind., on April 18, 1969, to proud parents, Ernest M. Kirby and Nadine (Dorsey) Kirby and was one of six sisters and one brother. 

Patti graduated from Union City High School in 1987. As a popular member of her senior class, Patti was voted “Best Looking.” After high school, Patricia attended St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, where she would obtain her associate degree in social science.

Leonard Andrew Keller, 46, of El Reno, passed away Jan. 23, 2025.

Cremation was under the care of Wilson Funeral Home.

Services for Wanda Wanell Brown of Minco were held Tuesday, Jan. 21 at First Baptist Church in Minco, with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Huber-Reynolds Funeral Home.

Wanda died Jan. 15, 2025, at Medical Park West Nursing Facility in Norman. She was born Dec. 3, 1933, in Minco. She was raised in the Minco community and attended Minco schools.

Wanell was employed for several years at Dutch Markel’s, then later at Woodworth’s Hardware Store for 19 years combined. She was a member of Minco First Baptist Church.

Louise Hope (Galloway) McNew was born Feb. 20, 1931, in Shawnee, Okla., to Baxter and Louise Galloway. She went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Jan. 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City.

Hope’s family moved to El Reno in 1941, where she became a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of El Reno, joining at the age of 17.

On March 20, 1948, Hope married the love of her life, Olin McNew, at First Baptist Church. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and service.

Betty Jane Reimers peacefully passed from this life on Jan. 18, 2025, at the age of 93. She was born Nov. 16, 1931, on a farm near Calumet, Okla.

Her early education began at Rock Dale, a nearby country school, when she was just 4 years old. After her family moved to a farm closer to Calumet, Betty attended Calumet High School, graduating at the remarkable age of 16. She then attended business school in Oklahoma City and worked at the First National Bank in Calumet.

Michael Scott Wills was born to Ardith Jane Wills and Armel Leon Wills on Oct. 30, 1967, in Ponca City, Okla., and went to be with the Lord on Jan. 20, 2025, at the age of 57 years and three months at the Watonga Mercy Hospital. He passed after a sudden illness.

Mike attended schools in El Reno, Maple and Greenfield. He graduated from Greenfield in 1986. He went into farming and ranching with his grandfather the day he graduated. He learned most of his grandfather’s ways and practiced them until his death.