Obituaries

Gary Stinebring, Sr., 82, was born at Rosie’s Corner, Sefton Township, Ill., on June 3, 1942, to Elmer Forrest and Virginia Grace Turner Stinebring and died Thursday, March 6, 2025, at his home in Hennessey surrounded by his family.There will be no services at Gary’s request.

Emmitt Jay Branson, 90, died Feb. 26, 2025, from natural causes at his home in Crescent. He was born Dec. 20, 1934, in Cashion to Luther and Winifred Branson. Emmitt worked for Vieth Brothers as a farmhand and mechanic in high school before his military service in the U.S. Army.

The funeral for Frederick James Rourke, 89 was Tuesday, March 4, at First Christian Church of Hennessey officiated by Rev. Ish Engle and Rev. Grant Curtis.Burial followed at Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Kay Lynn Davis, 79, of Billings, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025. Born on Jan. 14, 1946, to Martin Daniel Kingery and Ellen Fern Holmes Kingery, Kay grew up in Billings, where she always maintained she had a perfect childhood.

Herman Joseph Rother died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at his home in Okarche.He was born March 5, 1941, in Okarche.Herman moved to Cheyenne Wells, Colo., in 1961 and was proud to serve as mayor of Cheyenne Wells from 1976 to 1984.He moved back to Oklahoma in 1990.

Betty J. McKinnis, 91, formerly of Kingfisher, passed away with her family by her side Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Moore where she had resided since September 2024.A memorial service was Sunday, March 2, at Kingfi sher Church of Christ and will be officiated by Ken Richter.

Iva Nell “Ivy” Wetzel, formerly of Kingfisher, died Feb. 10, 2025, in Woodward.Funeral services were held Feb. 18 in Walters.She was born Dec. 7, 1947, in Duncan to Ivan and Oneda Laverne (Howard) Tompkins.She grew up in Walters and married her high school sweetheart, Ronald W.

Connie Hackett passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City with family by her side.Connie was born July 30, 1963, in Guymon to Harland and Bethel Hackett.Connie started school at Apache, making longtime friends.She moved to Calumet where she finished grade school.

Recitation of the Rosary for Joyce Elaine Holder, 57, was Monday, Feb. 24, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday at St. Joseph’s officiated by Rev. Edward Menasco.Cremation will follow with Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home handling arrangements.

Louis “Luke” Bobby Kannady stepped into glory peacefully Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City.The oldest of three siblings, Luke was born Jan. 16, 1938, to Louis (Luke) V. and Wilma E. Kannady in Stapp/Zoe, Okla.