As I pondered topics for this column I tried to think of what would be helpful. What would be insightful? What would be encouraging in the arena of utmost importance: the family. Then it struck me like a slap across my face. It was staring at me from my reading table. “The Man’s Guide to Women” by Drs. John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman. What could be more helpful, insightful or encouraging than explaining women to men? After all, didn’t I have some practical experience having been involved in an almost 40+ year marriage? Well, don’t ask my wife.

Kristy Lashbrook, 49, of Holdenville Oklahoma, was born on July 9, 1973 in Wetumka, Oklahoma to Bill and Charlotte (Hamilton) Nall. She won her final war with pain on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family after a brief battle with cancer.

Rape, sexual battery, forcible oral sodomy, and contraband charges have been filed against former Davis Correctional employee, Caitlin Brown, 39, of Wewoka after it was discovered she was engaged in a sexual relationship with a Davis Correctional inmate.

Gertie Darlene Brumley passed away at her home in Seminole, Oklahoma on Friday, February 3, 2023, at the age of 83 years. Gertie was the daughter of Guy and Gertie (Franks) Anderson, born on December 29, 1939, in Okemah, Oklahoma.

Nytosha Pauline ‘Tosh’ Lester passed away at her home in Holdenville on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at the age of 39 years. Tosh was the daughter of Marvin and Donna (Cole) Hart, born on February 22, 1983, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Michael Leonard Flanders passed away Monday, January 30, 2023 at his home in Sasakwa, Oklahoma surrounded with family and the life he loved. Michael was born December 21, 1946 in Hayden, Colorado to Leonard Flanders and Rosemarie (Vassek) Flanders.

Glenn Gerald Harjo Jr. passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at his home in Holdenville, Oklahoma at the age of 59.

Coy Morris West, 83, of Ada, Oklahoma passed away Friday, January 27, 2023 in Ada, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, February 3, 2023 at Richmond Avenue Free Will Baptist Church in Allen, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Atwood Cemetery in Atwood, Oklahoma.