Wanda Jo Aultman, 81, died January 20, 2023 in Oklahoma City. She was born September 9, 1941 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Joe and Christie (Long) Hance. She worked for Western Electric, and AT&T. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jimmy David Aultman; son, David Joe Aultman; and grandson, Travis Aultman. Survivors include her sons, Randy Aultman and wife Laura of OKC, Chris Aultman and wife Sarah of Holdenville, OK, and Gregory Aultman of OKC; 5 grandchildren, Rachel and husband Myles, Allyson, Chris, Cassie, and Christie Jo; and 6 great-grandchildren, Aspyn, Greyson, Ryan, Aubrey, Jadey, and Evalynn. Graveside services will be held in Long Cemetery, Hughes County, OK at a later date. The family wishes to thank Elara Hospice for their loving care of Wanda. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com

Margaret Elizabeth Simpson passed away Thursday, January 19th, 2023 at her home in Mounds, Oklahoma at the age of 91. Margaret was born November 18, 1931 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Charlie Owens and Clara Elizabeth (Womack) Owens.

Benjamin F. “Ben” Larney of Holdenville, Oklahoma went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. He was born June 13, 1936, in Holdenville to Louise Lowe and Jimmy Larney. He was raised by his aunt, Sally Lowe, and grandparents, Canuky and Tochee Lowe.

Arnold Louis Shores, 90, of McAlester, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023 in McAlester. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m.

Paula Gayle Pickett joined Larry in heaven on January 4, 2023. She was born to Pauline and Jack Jacobs of Holdenville on February 8, 1956.

Billie Lynn Leewright, lifelong Hughes County resident, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2023 in Edmond, Oklahoma at the age of 78. Billie was born June 25, 1944 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to William Odus Stringfellow and Thelma Gladys (Bernard) Stringfellow. Billie attended Moss Public School. Billie married Don Leewright on June 26, 1959 in Wewoka, Oklahoma. Billie was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Holdenville and served her church and community in every way imaginable. She was full of love and had a servant’s heart. Billie was always looking for opportunities to help those around her. From food pantries, to the Pink Ladies, community outreaches and even simply chauffeuring people around, she made serving and giving back to others the highest priority. Billie was also a great cook and baker. She welcomed shoppers at the Holdenville Sharpe’s Department Store for 18 years, and then was First Deputy at the Hughes County Treasurers Office for 15 years.

Erma Jeanne Hendon passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 at Atoka Medical Center in Atoka, Oklahoma at the age of 92. Erma was born June 23, 1930 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Rex Abbott and Alice Virginia (Jackson) Abbott.

Barbara Ruth Cullum passed away Saturday, December 24th, 2022 at SSM Health St Anthony Hospital in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the age of 88. Barbara was born September 15th, 1934 in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Virgil Cross and Estelle (Anderson) Cross.

Bonnie Sue Johnson passed away Monday, December 26th, 2022 at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the age of 71. Bonnie was born January 12, 1951 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to William Powell and Roseanna (Kanard) Powell.

Jose Alfredo Masso Velazquez of Shawnee passed away in Paden, Oklahoma, Thursday, December 22, 2022 at the age of 60. Jose was born July 24, 1962 in Benito Juarez Durango, Mexico to Jorge Masso Masso and Epifania Velazquez.