Obituaries

Jaqueta Colleen Connell of Dover, who was known and loved by all as Jackie, departed this world at her home Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.Jackie was born in Midland, Texas, on Oct. 23, 1937, to Lee and Iva Franks. She was raised in Bristow and graduated from high school there.

Robert Ellsworth Shafer was born Dec. 4, 1938, in Eloy, Ariz., to his parents George Bani Shafer and Nettie Marie Sparks.He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 13, 2025, in Kingfisher.He married the love of his life, Mary Ellen, on July 17, 1971.

The funeral for Carolyn Maddox, 82, was Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Dover Christian Church officiated by Jimmy Berkenbile and Vernon Racer. Burial followed at Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of Cordry- Gritz Funeral Home.

Laurnell Eleice (Meyer) Lenz was born Nov. 29, 1930, and went to be with the Lord on Dec. 9, 2025.She was a devoted mother and grandmother and sister and friend to many. She grew up on a farm two miles east and one-quarter south of Okarche.Laurnell was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church.

Clark Daniel Rother of Okarche passed away peacefully on the evening of Dec. 1, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.Clark was born on Nov. 4, 1963, in Okarche.

Garett Josef Wittrock entered this world perfectly on April 26, 2002, and returned to God’s loving embrace on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2025 – his very favorite holiday.He left behind the love of his life, Dejanna Harjo, and precious daughter, Aurora Layne.

Grace Ellen Rogers, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend, passed away surrounded by the love she so freely gave throughout her life on Nov. 27, 2025.She was born on June 10, 1958, in Wichita, Kan.

The funeral for Fred Elmer Jones, 74, was Saturday, Nov. 29, at Dover Christian Church officiated by Colt Melrose.Private burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements were by Cordry- Gritz Funeral Home, Hennessey.Fred was born in Perry, Iowa, on Feb.

Larry Eugene Smith was born on Jan. 26, 1952, in Sacramento, Calif., to Norman Harold Smith and Zella Delores (Mitchell) Hill. He passed away Nov. 20, 2025, at the age of 73. He proudly served in the United States Army and later attended trade school.

Tommy Joe Parrish, 67, of Hennessey, died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at AMG Specialty Hospital in Oklahoma City.He was born Oct. 4, 1958, in Oklahoma City to Kenneth Parrish and Alice Stribel.Tommy was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Steven Parrish and Johnny Parrish.