The Tonkawa News

03/18/2024

Gerald Lee Pruitt dies

Gerald Lee Pruitt, 77, of Tonkawa, OK, left this life on March 11, 2024, in Oklahoma City, OK, with his family by his side. No viewing is planned. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 15, 2024, at Trout Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Josh Reese officiating. Burial with Military Honors, will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery, Tonkawa, OK. Those unable to attend the funeral ceremony, may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.trouttonkawa.com and click on the live-stream or tool bar icon on the top right corner after 1:45 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 505 Thunderbird Rd., Tonkawa, OK, 74653.Gerald was born on December 24, 1946, in Bentonville, AR, to Robert Forrest and Pauline (Jordan) Pruitt. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. On March 1, 1968, he married Naomi True in Lompoc, CA. The spent 56 wonderful years together, and had three beautiful children. He received several degrees in Industrial Instrumentation, Industrial Electrical Maintenance, Printing-Lithography, and Industrial Electronics from Okmulgee Technology Center, now known as, Oklahoma State Institute of Technology. Gerald worked as a Seismograph Recorder, retiring from Texaco after 35 years of faithful service while never taking a sick day. Gerald and Naomi were members of Tonkawa Bible Church, and they attended regularly until his health would not allow. He was also a member of the Ponca City American Legion and enjoyed listening to classic country music.Gerald leaves behind: his wife, Naomi, of the home; children, Paula Eaken and her husband, Robert, of Bakersfield, CA, Sara English and her husband, Aubrey, of Winsted, CT, William Pruitt and his wife, Rose, of Tonkawa, OK; grandchildren, Ruby and Rebekah English, Samantha and Kaylee Pruitt; sister, Nancy Wright of Rogers, AR; brother-in-law, Charles True and his wife, Sue, of Tonkawa, OK; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: his son, Jacob Pruitt; parents, Robert and Pauline; brother and sister-in-law, Lynn and June True; and brother-in-law, Marvin Wright .

03/18/2024

Deana M. Bringham dies; funeral Wednesday

Deana M. Bringham was born to Dean and Mildred Shackelford on October 14, 1942, in Cushing, Oklahoma and passed away on March 16th, 2024, at Via Christi Village in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Deana was a proud graduate of Tonkawa High School in 1960. She attended Northern Oklahoma College and obtained her associate degree before beginning a 38-year career at ConocoPhillips, retiring in 2004. She married Walt Bringham on August 26, 1967, and lived in Tonkawa before making Ponca City their permanent home. Walt and Deana were avid Oklahoma Sooner fans and had reserve seating season tickets at OU football games. They loved to travel in their retirement and visited many places. She was a member of the Northeast Baptist Church where she sang in the women’s choir. She also enjoyed mowing her yard.Deana is survived by her granddaughter Kaycee Sweatt and great-granddaughter Evon Hope Parker of Enid, brother Mickey Shackelford of Broken Arrow, brother-in-law Dan and Kathy Bringham, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.She was preceded in death by her father Dean Shackelford and her mother Mildred Shackelford, husband Walt Bringham, and daughter Chante Sweatt. A memorial will be established in her name with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. A memorial service for Deana will take place on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 10 a.m., at Northeast Baptist Church with Pastor Scott Melton officiating. Services are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.gracememorialchapel.net.

03/18/2024

Randall Scott Beaver, Beloved husband and father. dies

Randall Scott Beaver, 42, died Monday, March 11, 2024. Randall was at home with his family by his side at the time of his passing.Randall was born April 20, 1981 in Morgantown, WV to Jackie Hartzell and Donald Beaver. Randall loved spending his time with his family and loved being outdoors. He also loved the open roads and riding his motorcycle.Randall married Kari Aston on March 19, 2007. The two were best friends and soulmates. They were blessed with many happy years together and two beautiful daughters: Haylie and Jamie.Randall spent many years working security at the Phillips refinery in Ponca City. He started as a gate guard in 2006 and worked his way up to security site manager over the years.Randall had many hobbies but loved playing games with his daughters, working with his hand, fishing, being at the lake and anything outdoors. He loved watching football and was a big OSU Cowboys fan. Randall is survived by his wife, Kari Beaver; daughters Haylie Beaver and Jamie Beaver; Sister Melissa (Sam) Mikes; Brother-in-law Eric (Jessica) Aston II; nieces Blossom and Riley; nephew Carter and many other friends and family. Randall was preceded in death by his mother Jackie Hartzell, stepdad Dave, grandmother Helen, grandfather-in-law Terry and other loved ones. Randall will be remembered by his strength and courage as well as by the love and happiness he gave to everyone around him.

01/25/2024

01/25/2024

Congratulations! Dom Grein and Ryan Morgan!!

01/25/2024

Loren Robert Fitzgerald dies; final rites set

Loren Robert Fitzgerald died Sunday afternoon, January 21st at the Renaissance assisted living in Ponca City, OK. He was 99 years old. Loren was born July 9th, 1924 to John Waldo Fitzgerald and Edna Pearl (Ingram) Fitzgerald. He spent his childhood living in rural Grant County on a family farm 5 miles North of Lamont, OK. Loren and his younger brother Delmer attended grade school at the country schoolhouse 1 mile North of their home and attended high school at Lamont High. Shortly after graduating high school, Loren went to work for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, KS. In 1943 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp to serve his country during World War II. Due to his prior experience at Boeing, he was given the technical rank of Tech Sergeant and served as a waist gunner on a B-24 Liberator in the Pacific campaign. During this time, he was stationed at the Naval Base Hollandia, New Guinea. His missions had him cross the equator several times as well as land in Iwo Jima, Japan after the capture of Mount Suribachi. Loren was honorably discharged from the service in 1946. He met and married Emily Ann Mack on August 24, 1947, and they celebrated 50 years together before her death on March 26, 1998. Loren and Emily resided in Tonkawa, OK where he worked for Wetmore’s as a tool and dye maker designing parts for grain buggies. In addition, Loren continued to maintain the family farm alongside his father and brother Delmer.Loren was a 70-year Master Mason, Scottish Rite 32nd degree with the Tonkawa Lodge and Past Worthy Patron of Tonkawa Eastern Star. He served many years as a Deacon as well as a Sunday School teacher at the First Christian Church in Tonkawa. Loren enjoyed his family, gardening, working on restoring his 1957 MG convertible, and visiting friends around town. Many people would recognize him driving the little blue golf cart every morning as he visited the donut shop and then the First National bank for coffee with the girls. His smile was contagious, and he didn’t know a stranger.Loren is survived by his daughter, Ann O’Mealey; two grandchildren, Jason Farias and wife April of Collinsville, OK; Anna Lena Kashirskiy and husband Alec of Houston, TX; three great-grandchildren, Holden and Camdon Farias, and Elena Kashirskiy; two nieces, Becky Astle and husband Dale, Susan Smith and husband Merle; nephew Jon Fitzgerald, great-nephew, John Fitzgerald and partner Erika, and two great-great nephews Johnny and Jaxon Fitzgerald.Loren was preceded in death by his parents, John and Edna Fitzgerald, wife Emily, brother Delmer and wife Georgia, and son-in-law Garry O’Mealey. He was also preceded in death by a very special companion of 22 years, Dorothy Owen.A Celebration of his Life will be Monday, February 5th, 10:00 AM at the Christian Life Church in Tonkawa. A burial with military honors will follow at the Blackwell cemetery, Blackwell, OK. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to North Central Oklahoma Hospice.

01/22/2024

Gary Edwin Williams of Lamont dies

Gary Edwin Williams, 68, of Lamont, OK, died on January 6, 2024. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Fellowship Hall United Methodist Church in Braman, OK, with Kevin Dittmore officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK, 74601.Gary was born on August 18, 1955, in Chelsea, OK, to George Ervin and Clara Maggie (Ptarmigan) Brown Williams. He attended schools in Fountain, Tonkawa, Peckham, Blackwell, Wynona and Braman, graduating in 1973. He received a Master’s Degree from Oklahoma State University. Gary married Yasmin Sembria Recio in Tahlequah, OK, on April 26, 2016. Gary retired from the US Forestry Service and the Oklahoma Forestry Service. Gary is survived by: his wife, Yasmin, of the home; sons, David Williams and his wife, Alison and their children, Samuel and Claire, Matthew Williams and Michael Williams and his wife, Lara, and their child, Andrew; brother, George Williams; sister, Karen Agee and Carol Brewster and her husband, Waymon; and half-brothers, James Williams of Juneau, AK and Jimmy Brown of White Mountain, AK; and half-sister, Margaret Williams Whitmore of California . He was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Braman Community Church, 120 Eaton St., Braman, OK, 74632.

01/08/2024

John Michael “Mike” Williams dies

John Michael “Mike” Williams, 79 of Tulsa passed away Monday, December 11, 2023. He was born April 23, 1944 in Wichita, KS to Jack and Elizabeth Williams. Mike was a retired Vietnam veteran and was also retired from Kansas City Life where he was an agent. He was a parishioner of St. Pius X and enjoyed his family, watching sports and was a Sooner and Chiefs fan. Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol Williams; his children, John Scott Williams and wife Tiara of Parkville, MO, Brooke E. Williams of Tulsa, OK, Jamie A. Sawyer and husband Jason of Jenks, OK; his grandchildren, James, Regan, Caden, Ella, and Sawyer Williams and Shay Ann Sawyer; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Shay Ann Williams and his brother Jerry “Jerome” Williams.Donations can be made to the THS Alumni Association

01/05/2024

Carroll Wood dies; funeral Monday

Carroll Gene Wood, age 81, of Tonkawa, Oklahoma, passed away on January 1, 2024 at home surrounded by his family.A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, January 8, 2023 at Faith Tabernacle Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma with Reverend Don Stanton, officiating. A private burial with family will follow at Highland Cemetery in Pawnee. Arrangements are made under the direction of Amy Stittsworth Funeral Service and Cremation Directors, 2420 N. Washington, Enid, OK 73701.He was born in Albany, Missouri on June 8, 1942 to James Eugene Wood and Lula Anna (Stevens) Wood. Carroll attended Albany Elementary School and Maryville High School in Missouri finishing the 10th grade before moving to Oklahoma with his sister to work.He met the love of his life, Bonnie Bell Christy, at a street dance in Kaw City and a few months later they were married on her 17th birthday, December 19, 1964, by her uncle Reverend Cecil Miller. Bonnie’s father agreed to the marriage; however, it was against her mother’s wishes at the time as she thought Bonnie was too young and Carroll was a whole 5 years older than her. They were blessed with three children, Brenda Jean was born February 3, 1967 and the twins, Gary Don and Sheri Dawn were born December 4, 1970. He retired from Sober Brother’s in Ponca City where he worked as a heavy equipment operator for over 19 years.Carroll was a member of the Faith Tabernacle Church. He loved spending time with his family, especially his kids and grandkids. Whether it was the many summer camping trips, c**n hunting with anyone who would go with him – especially with Gary, Justin and Kevin, or the numerous fishing trips with kids and grandkids or any event they were participating in, he was happy. These times will all be missed and treasured by all those that loved him.Carroll is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bonnie of home; Daughter, Brenda Pendleton (James) of Newkirk; Son, Gary Wood (Lorie Harmon) of Tonkawa; Daughter, Sheri Snyder (Coby) of Tonkawa; Grandchildren Brandon Rawlings of Ponca City, Ashley Youker of Newkirk, Bethany Johnson of Essex, Iowa, Caleb Wood of Southside, Tennessee, Cloe Wood of Clarksville, Tennessee, Nathan Snyder (Candace) of Tonkawa, and Natalie Scism (Matt) of Billings; plus 13 great grandchildren and numerous extended family.He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, and numerous other relatives.In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to the family to offset expenses.

01/04/2024

Kathy Ann Walker dies; funeral set Saturday

Kathy Ann Walker, 70, of Lamont, OK, died on January 3, 2024, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Enid, OK. Kathy will lie in state from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, on Friday, January 5, 2024, and from 9:00 AM until service time on Saturday. The family will greet friends between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, Saturday. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 6, 2023 at Trout Funeral Home Chapel in Tonkawa with Rev. Ken Macken officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Lamont Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Tonkawa, 505 Thunderbird Rd, Tonkawa, OK, 74653.Kathy was born on August 22, 1953, in Hardtner, KS, to Richard and Vivian (Brown) Johnson. Kathy graduated from Braman High School in 1971. After graduation, she furthered her education at the Ponca City Beauty College. She ran a beauty shop from her home in Lamont, OK, for 41 years.On August, 22, 1974, she married Michael R. Walker of Lamont, where they made their home. From this union were born 2 sons, Cory Walker and Jeremy Walker. Michael and Kathy also ran a craft business for 25 years. Michael would cut out the wood and Kathy would paint the cut-outs. They attended many craft shows over the years in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. Kathy loved working in the yard with her flowers. She took great pride in her yard and enjoyed putting together dinners for her family.Kathy is survived by: her husband, Michael, of the home; son, Cory and his family, Casey, Dalton and Dayton, of Beaver, OK, son, Jeremy and his family, Nina, Jessica, Khayden, Russell and Jacob of Mooreland, OK; sister, Linda Johnson; step-sisters, Becky Logan and her husband, Monty, of Fairfax, OK, and Melissa White of Ponca City, OK; and mother-in-law, Barbara Walker of Mulvane, KS. She is preceded in death by: father, Richard Johnson; her mother, Vivian White; step-father, Max White; and father-in-law, Dale Walker.Pallbearers will be Dalton Walker, Dayton Walker, Jacob Walker, Josh Walker, Khayden Runyon and Kevin Martin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kathy’s name to the Lamont Fire Department, % State Exchange Bank, 1280 E Main St., Lamont, OK 74643.

12/17/2023

Thelma Elizabeth Smith dies; funeral Monday

Thelma Elizabeth Smith passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 13, 2023, in her Bryan home, surrounded by her family. Thelma was born in Tonkawa, Oklahoma on September 19, 1932, to Gladys Loretta (Ward) Fairless and Henry Eugene Fairless. She grew up on a farm just outside of Tonkawa. She met a boy named Olin Dail Smith in church, and they both attended Tonkawa public schools. A few months after Thelma graduated from high school, she and Olin married on September 5, 1950. While Olin worked on his father’s farm, he also began attending college – first at Northern Oklahoma College, and then at Oklahoma State University. Thelma supported him by working at a soda fountain in the local drug store, and later at the OSU Library in Stillwater (where she and Olin lived in married student housing). They also started a family, with Brenda, Brent, and Beth all being born during this period. Olin completed his PhD at the University of Minnesota, with Thelma managing the household, and also serving as his clerk/typist, faithfully typing out every version of his dissertation on a manual typewriter.Olin and Thelma moved their family to Bryan, Texas in 1970, where Olin began serving as Texas A&M University’s very first peanut scientist. His research took him far afield, and it wasn’t long before students from all around the world (most from Africa and South America) were coming to TAMU. Ever the best hostess, Thelma loved opening her home to Olin’s students around the holidays, and some of the family’s fondest memories are of Thelma figuring out the right menu for her guests, and how hard she worked to make them feel at home when they visited. Thanksgiving dinners were a smorgasbord of different kinds of food and at least eight different flavors of pie! During this time, Thelma also worked in TAMU’s Financial Aid Office, before being recruited away to work in the student loan division of the Texas Aggie Federal Credit Union. She and Olin were also faithful members of First Baptist Church, Bryan, where they led the Young Married Adults Sunday School department for many years. An avid seamstress, Thelma taught sewing lessons and loved being part of the quilting guild. She made countless dresses for her daughters and granddaughters during those years. When Olin passed away suddenly in 1999, Thelma turned her full attention toward her six grandchildren. She always cracked them up with quirky sayings, like “whatever” (in her sweetest voice), “fiddlesticks,” and “shucks a button.” Knowing the value of a college degree, she helped pay the tuition for her grandchildren, each of whom earned a bachelor’s degree (in addition to two master’s and a PhD). After a few years, she and Brenda moved to Oklahoma to be closer to Beth and Brent. In addition to doting on her grandchildren, Thelma continued sewing and quilting. She was also a faithful member of Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. When Brenda and her husband Danny moved back to Bryan, Thelma joined them, moving into The Parc at Traditions, where she lived until her passing. Thelma was the shining example of how best to live a Christ-centered life. She loved to read her bible, and to read Christian-based fiction and non-fiction books. She had a fervent prayer life, and when she said she was praying for you, she really meant it. Thelma led a women’s bible study in her home for years. She also donated her sewing skills on several projects that benefitted her church, and children’s support organizations (domestically and abroad). She loved to laugh, and to tell stories about the old days. No one loved life on the farm more than Thelma, and she especially loved being at the family farm (which Brent ran) for harvest. She was an incredible cook, but it always seemed like her best meals were served on the back of a pickup truck out in the wheat field. She and Olin also loved gathering with her extended family at the annual Smith Family Christmas celebration. She was dependable, loving, devoted, compassionate, devout, and just “nice.” She always saw the good in others and was ever ready to jump in to lend a hand. Thelma was predeceased by her husband Olin, a son Mark (who died at birth), her son-in-love Danny Jay, a brother (Ernest Fairless), and four sisters (Arlene McBride, Esther Sims, Dorothy Thomas, and Lucille Poppy). She is survived by daughters Brenda Jay of Bryan, TX and Beth Damphousse (Kelly Boy) of San Marcos, TX, and her son Brent Smith (Kelly Girl) of Tonkawa, OK, grandchildren Monica Deal (Ryan) of Denver, CO, Melanie Ward (Phillip) of College Station, TX, Mark Smith (Annabelle) of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Kayleigh Damphousse (Will) of Austin, TX, US Army Captain Kyle Smith (Ellie) of Fort Sill, OK, and Dr. Kristen Howell (Aaron) of College Station, TX, along with great grandchildren Parker, Preston, Truman, and Oliver.The family will host a visitation on Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 2-4 PM at 3070 Hickory Ridge Circle, Bryan, TX. Thelma’s funeral is scheduled for 11 AM on Monday, December 18, 2023, at First Baptist Church, Bryan, TX. Hillier Funeral Home will be handling the proceedings. Thelma will be buried beside Olin, the love of her life, in Tonkawa, OK, at 1 PM on December 21, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the First Baptist Church Bryan: https://fbcbryan.tpsdb.com/Give/giveonline Please visit www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share deepest condolences and expressions of gratitude for Thelma and a life well lived.

12/11/2023

Jimmy Don Toothman dies; memorial Saturday at Pawnee

Jimmy Don Toothman, 64, of Tonkawa, Oklahoma, left this life on December 6, 2023. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Pawnee Lake Bath House in Pawnee, Oklahoma.Jimmy was born on May 2, 1959 in Ardmore, OK, to Don and Marla Toothman. Jimmy graduated Pawnee High School in 1977. In his career, he was a Project Manager for major oil companies. He was an avid fisherman. You could always count on him for a laugh. Jimmy is survived by: Vickie Toothman of Glenpool, OK; his children, Bradon Toothman and wife, Alyssa, of Glenpool, OK, Taylor Toothman of Tulsa, OK and Regan Toothman and Tyler McClain of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Lily, Colton, Ivy, Carter and Xander; sisters, Lisa Rosholt and Tina Toothman; brother, Michael Toothman; and several nieces and nephews.We invite you to leave a message of condolence, expression of sympathy or perhaps share a memory of Jimmy at countycremation.com.

11/29/2023

The Chamber of Commerce has re-scheduled Olde Tyme Christmas to Tuesday, Dec. 5th, due to forecasted rain for Nov. 30.

11/02/2023

Jolene Rose Harkins dies; funeral Friday

Jolene Rose Harkins was born on December 8, 2022 at 8:13am at OU Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, to parents Tara (Fredrick) Harkins and Jared Harkins, of Ponca City, OK. Jolene passed away from complications of surgery on October 30, 2023. Jolene was a blessing all who knew her. Even before her birth, Jolene’s story touched millions of lives through her “Jolene’s Journey” page. Jolene was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, but despite all the odds, she lived a full and happy life. Her parents, Tara and Jared, said, “Jolene never cried. She would fuss, but more than anything, she loved to talk and babble, but she was just always the happiest baby.” Jolene loved to play with her dog Ella, she loved her stuffed sea horse and she loved watching the show Bluey. Jolene had the most beautiful blue eyes, just like her mom and her eyes would light up a room. Jolene had a big, boisterous laugh just like her Dad. Jolene loved cuddling with her aunts, cousins and grandparents. Jolene had a big, beautiful, loving family, and she brought joy and hope to every person who met her. Jolene will be remembered….always. Jolene is survived by her mother and father, Tara and Jared Harkins; by her paternal grandparents, Todd Harkins and Shawn Cox and Shawn’s husband Kelly Cox; Aunt and uncle Tori Harkins and Fiancée Cale Woods; Maternal grandparents Brad Fredrick and Gina Fredrick; Aunt Rachael Fredrick and cousin Serenity Merriott; Aunt and Uncle Kelsey (Fredrick) and Jay Wagner and cousins Pierce and Noah Wagner; Aunt and Uncle Amber (Fredrick) and Austin Richards and cousin Ruby Richards. A funeral service will be held for Jolene at 1:00 PM, Friday, November 3, 2023, at NewPoint Church, 109 W Hartford Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 6143 Joe Colby Rd, Ponca City, OK 74604. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

10/31/2023

Donna Mae (Stuever) Schiltz dies; final rites Sunday

Donna Mae (Stuever) Schiltz of Ponca City, Oklahoma went to be with our Lord on October 30, 2023, at the age of 95.A rosary service will be held Sunday, November 5th at 6:00 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home Chapel in Ponca City, Oklahoma.The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 6th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Pallbearers include grandsons: Gregory Ogden, Corbin Tarrant, Reece Simpson, Owen Simpson, Kort Davis and Brennan Schiltz. Honorary pall bearer is grandson Brian White.Donna was born on May 13, 1928, to Martin Fred Stuever and Tressa Marie Kort Stuever at the family farm southeast of Blackwell, Oklahoma. She attended Blackwell schools and graduated from Blackwell High School in 1946. Donna attended Mt. St. Scholastica college in Atchison, KS and completed her Dietetic internship at Kansas University, graduating as a Registered Dietitian. Donna married Ray Schiltz at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Blackwell, Oklahoma, on November 14, 1951. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on November 14, 2011, with many family members and friends present. They lived in Enid, Oklahoma for 2 years while Ray served at Vance Air Force Base. When Ray’s service was ended, Donna and Ray returned to farming west of Ponca City. They raised seven children and made their living raising wheat, cattle, and sheep.Donna and Ray enjoyed traveling, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. Donna and Ray served as Kay Electric Minutemen and were very involved in the Oklahoma Farmers Union. Donna was a member of the Round Grove Extension Homemakers, Farmers Union Women’s Auxiliary, and American Dietetic Association. She spent many years as a 4-H Leader, taking the kids to many 4-H activities and contests. She was also a member of the Blackwell Friends of the Run of 1893 (Old Settler’s Club) for descendants of the settlers of the Oklahoma 1893 land run. Donna was a faithful servant of the Lord and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City, serving on the Altar Society. Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ray, parents Martin and Tressa Stuever, her sisters LouAnn Stuever and Dr. Rita Stuever, her eldest daughter, LouAnn Schiltz Ogden and her husband Wendell, and son-in-law John White.Donna is survived by her six children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family members include: Grandson Gregory and Jillian Ogden of Fishers, IN, and his step-mother Donna Ogden of Rockwall, TX; Raymond N. Schiltz and Debra Yeary of Ponca City, OK; Ashley and Jacob Haken of Morrison, OK; Susan White of Sand Springs, OK, Tressa and Ben Gislason of Charleston, SC; Megan and Michael Cabe of Sand Springs, OK, Brian White of Lafayette, CO; Paul Schiltz of Ponca City, OK; Dennis and Rene’ Schiltz of Tomball, TX, Makenna Schiltz of Indianapolis, IN, Brennan Schiltz of Dallas, TX and Maggie Schiltz of Tomball, TX; Cecilia and Mark Tarrant of Tonkawa, OK, Corbin and Danielle Tarrant of Yukon, OK, Chandler and Chris Fry of Oklahoma City, OK, Katherine and Blay Cantrell of Stillwater, OK and Kort Davis of Tonkawa, OK; Anita and Eric Simpson of Tonkawa, OK, Weslee and Eli Reese of Guthrie, OK, Reece and Megan Simpson of Tonkawa, OK and Owen and Dylan Simpson of Stillwater, OK. Donna was blessed with many great-grandchildren: Cale, Daci, Vera, Raef, Macey, August, Eliza, Everett, Emma, Avery, Robert, Ellis, and June.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Donna’s honor to the Ray M. and Donna M. Schiltz Scholarship, c/o Northern Oklahoma College Foundation, P.O. Box 310, Tonkawa, OK 74653, Give to NOC | Northern Oklahoma College . Contributions may also be made in Donna’s honor to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601.

10/10/2023

Bucs click on all cylinders in 43-0 drubbing of OK Union

Tonkawa did something rare this week. Offensively and defensively, the Bucs were clicking on all cylinders at the same time in a 43-0 win over Oklahoma Union Friday night.Adynn Ronald and Ryan Morgan were crowned 2023 Homecoming Queen and King.Offensively, Tonkawa rushed for 300 yards, running for four touchdowns and passing for two more.Defensively, well what do you say about this defense.Their third shutout and yet another goal-line stand.They just never cease to amaze.Four of the six Buc TD’s were set up by the defense -- a blocked punt, a fumble recovery, an interception and another when the Cougars started at their own 17 and were set back 14 yards forcing a punt at the three. OKU took the opening kickoff and drove from their own 25. Seven plays later they had a first and goal at the Buc 9,. The Cougars were faced with fourth and one, the 11th play of the drive. Derek Strong, Lucas Keith and Isaiah Lively were there to meet the runner at the endzone line, turning the ball to Tonkawa.After trading punts, the Bucs scored early in the second quarter on a 76 yard drive. On the sixth play, Ryan Morgan ran 12 yards for the TD. He then passed to Cayden Duvall for the two point conversion.Big plays in the drive were a pass from Morgan to Duvall for 23 yards, a 12 yard run by Lucas Keith and a 9 yard run by Clayton Lopeman.On Tonkawa’s next possesstion, they drove from their own 23 to the OKU 18 before fumbling the ball away, the Bucs’ only turnover of the night. The drive was set up by a Morgan interception.After trading punts, Lopeman ended a Cougar threat when he intercepted in the endzone on a fourth down pass at the 30.Tonkawa took an 8-0 lead into halftime.The Bucs scored three times in the third quarter.The first came on the opening drive of the second half. Lopeman crossed the goal-line after scampering 33 yards. Alexander Fink booted the PAT kick, the first of five for the game.Lopeman’s TD run was the sixth play in a 52 yard drive that included runs by Lopeman for 18 yards and Morgan for 21.Tonkawa went up 22-0 on a Morgan to Duvall pass of 11 yards. The drive covered just 11 yards and took only one play after defender Dominic Grein blocked an OKU punt. Fink provided the PAT kick.Grein, on OKU’s next possession, swarmed the Cougar quarterback, knocking the ball loose and Hayden Grell was there to cover it. The Bucs went 69 yards in 8 plays, scoring on a 15 yard pass from Morgan to Westyn Freeman. Lopeman had a 35 yard run in the drive and Morgan had one of 13. Both Lopeman and Morgan finished over 100 yards rushing for the night -- Lopeman with 154 and Morgan with 101. Fink booted the PAT to up the lead to 29-0 with just seconds left in the third period. On OKU’s next possession that began at their own 17 after Fink’s ensuing kickoff, the Cougars managed no positive yards. On first down Lucas Keith and Gavin Ward tackled the runner for a 1 yard loss. On second down, an errant hike pinned them back to their own 8. Then Grell tackled the quarterback for another five yard loss, forcing the Cougars to punt from their own 3.After a 9 yard return of the punt from the 30 by Morgan, the Bucs went up 36-0 on a 21 yard run by Lopeman for the touchdown. Fink provided the PAT point by kick.The final Buc TD came on a 14 yard run by Peyten Keith set up by an interception by Freeman. Fink, who was a perfect five for five in PAT kicks, provided the final margin of victory at 43-0.Morgan was 5 of 8 passing for 56 yards.Morgan, Lopeman and Freeman all had interceptions. Morgan and Freeman had near interceptions as well. and Morgan tipped another pass away.Isaiah Lively had four pass hurries and Grein three.Grell covered one fumble .Grein blocked a punt and caused two fumbles including the one covered by Grell.Lucas Keith led the defense with 12 tackles. Lively had 9 and Grein had 8.Tonkawa goes to Morrison in a must-win game Friday night. Kick off is at 7 p.m.