Samuel Irving Hellman, celebrated for his unwavering integrity, boundless love, and profound kindness, passed away peacefully on March 22, just six days shy of his 84th birthday. Born March 28, 1940, in Chandler, Oklahoma, to Victor and Mildred Hellman, he deeply absorbed the small-town virtues of friendliness, charm, and unpretentiousness that he exhibited to everyone who crossed his path - no matter their station in life. Like the famous Oklahoman Will Rogers, he never met a person he didn’t like, and there was no person who instinctively failed to like him.

Theressa Mae Ledbetter, of Meeker, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, in Meeker, Oklahoma, at the age of 89. Theressa was born on April 26, 1934, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. She was the daughterofEddus“ED” and Lela Mae (Burge) Carter. Theressa grew up in Oklahoma City and was a graduate of Southeast High School in Oklahoma City. Theressa married Jim Ledbetter at Bethal Church of Choctaw and the couple were happily married for 27 years. The couple made their home in Meeker.

Donald Wayne “Don” Hodde, longtime Chandler, Oklahoma, resident was born on July 3, 1949, in McLoud, Oklahoma. Don departed this life on March 16, 2024, in Chandler, at the age of 74 years.

Joseph Laurice Jolley, known more frequently by his middle name, Laurice, was born on December 10, 1933, in Hopewell, Alabama, to Joseph Ashton Jolley and Allie Lofton Jolley. He departed this life at his home with his wife nearby on March 18, 2024, at the age of 90.

Jewell Delphene (Gallaher) Spence was born September 3, 1929, in Wellston to William Franklin and Olive Gertrude (Woodside) Gallaher. She passed away March 17, 2024, in Midwest City at the age of 94. Jewell was the oldest of nine children, a registered nurse, Methodist and a Republican. She married Rex Spence in 1945 and they raised three sons together.

Earl Jones, a Tupelo resident, passed away Friday,March15,2024, at the age of 90. Born on April 9, 1933, north of Walters, Oklahoma, on Cache Creek. Earl was the son of Claud and Willie (Lovelady) Jones. In 1951, he married Ruth Turnpaugh, and together they raised three children.

Ashley ShaNae Wilson was born August 14, 1998, and passed away March 11, 2024, at the age of 25. Ashley spent most of her life in Shawnee.

Brenda Sue Rambin (Speer), 67, of Rockport, Texas, passed away at her home peacefully on February 11, 2024. Brenda was born on August 7, 1956, in Cushing, Oklahoma.

Chester Irvin Leach, 85, passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2024, at his home in Tryon, Oklahoma. Chester was a life-long resident of Lincoln County, Ok.

Grace May Wilson was born August 17, 1939, in Hominy to Jim and Beulah (Martin) Gaines. She passed away March 4, 2024, in Oklahoma City at the age of 84.