Author: Jim F

-Beverly (Walker) Richter
September 24, 1939-February 21, 2025

Beverly Richter (née Walker), 85, passed away on February 21, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. Born on September 24, 1939, in Enid, Oklahoma, Beverly led a life filled with love, learning, and laughter. Beverly shared a beautiful life with her husband, Karl Richter. Together, they
built a family that brought her immense joy. She was a devoted mother to Charlotte Gosrich (Thomas) and Bradley Richter (Kerstin Meyers) and took great pride in her six grandsons: Walker, Elliot,
Calvin, Noah, Luca, and Julian, whom she adored beyond measure. While raising Charlotte and Brad, she pursued her education with dedication, earning her undergraduate degree from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, before obtaining a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. Beverly found great happiness in her life with Karl. They enjoyed frequent trips to New Mexico and Colorado, weekend trips to Oklahoma City to visit family members and trips to Tucson, AZ, and Plattsburgh, NY, to visit their children and grandchildren. Her twin sister, Marjorie Nivison, held a special place in Beverly’s heart. Their bond was unbreakable, and their connection was one of deep love and companionship. Margie’s daughters, Karie, Tracie and Pam,
were especially dear to Beverly. The family enjoyed watching Beverly and Margie talk in “twin speak” and giggle nonstop. Beverly enjoyed her time as an active member of Saint Matthews Episcopal Church in Enid, Oklahoma. She loved spending time with the friends that she made there and was an active member of many church groups. Beverly’s education did not stop with her Masters Degree. She taught herself to quilt and showed her love by surprising family
members with homemade quilts and other beautiful art projects. She also taught herself photography and was awarded a scholarship to a photography retreat after winning first prize in a competition. Beverly’s beloved siblings, Marjorie Nivison and Eugene “Bud” Walker,
preceded her in death. Her much loved parents, Earl and Josephine Walker, also passed away before Beverly. Beverly’s warmth and humor were constants in the lives of those who knew her. She had an infectious laugh that could brighten any room and a spirit that made people feel welcome and loved.

Stovall, Artis Maxine
January 28, 1940 – April 16, 2024

Stovall, Artis Maxine, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Beloved wife of Floyd Stovall; loving mother of Toni McDonald and Kristi Nolley; cherished grandmother of Megan Nolley, George Nolley, Andrew McDonald and Joshua McDonald; dear sister of Doyle Sears, Calvin Sears and Michael Sears.

JIMMIE “JIM” EHARDT, a lifetime resident of Enid, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 3, 2025.
Jim was 85 and born on November 1, 1939 in Enid to Harvey and Evelyn Belle (Earhart) Ehardt. Jim was predeceased by his parents, brother Dean and son Douglas. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Pamela of 42 years; children David and wife Lori, Mary and husband Ben, Andrea and husband Jeff, and Paul and wife Lisa. Grandchildren: Chase, Shade, Joseph, Thomas, Courtney, Rylie and Parker. Three great grandchildren: Madelynn, Oliver and Kenedie. Brothers: Charlie and wife Martee, Orville and wife Debbie, Paul and wife Renee. Jim’s brother Rex and sister Darlene are already in heaven waiting on him.
Jim was reared and educated in Enid, graduating with the Enid High School Class of 1957. In early years, he was employed by Thurman Bridge and Block, Singer Steel and Dennis Plumbing Company. Jim spent most of his life in real estate rental properties.
Jim was a beloved husband, dad, grandad (B’Paw), great grand-father, brother and friend. He lived what he believed every day, even when times were difficult. Jim was a gentle man and tender of heart. He was strong willed and hard working.
On July 15, 1961, Jim and Kathryn Martin were united in marriage until her death on January 28, 1978. On November 27, 1982, Jim and Pamela Buller were united in marriage. Jim was baptized as an adult on April 5, 2000 and was committed to his walk with The Lord and a member of Family Life Missions Church.

Jean Ann (Yarborough) Hartsuck
July 18, 1939 – August 21, 2024

Jean Ann Hartsuck passed away peacefully at her home after a short, but intense, battle with abdominal cancer on August 21st, 2024. She was born in Enid, Oklahoma on July 18th, 1939 to Marcella and Joel Yarborough. Jean was a dear mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend who will be remembered for her exceptional intellect, dedication to science, leadership and service to the community, and, perhaps most of all, as the centerpiece of her family. After graduating as the valedictorian of Enid High School, where she was a State Champion in debate, she continued to excel academically by graduating in three years from the University of Oklahoma, where she met her husband, Dr. James Hartsuck. Jean was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study in
Germany, but declined it to instead continue her academic career at
Harvard University, where she earned a PhD in Physical Chemistry followed by a five-year postdoctoral fellowship in a Nobel winning chemistry laboratory. During her Boston years she married, had two of her three daughters, and published numerous scientific contributions. In 1970, she and her family returned to Oklahoma, where she further pursued her scientific career at the Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City. Joyfully, her third daughter was born in Oklahoma in 1974. After 20 years as a scientist, Jean then directed her energies toward community service, including as President of the Orchestra League, Chairman of the Board of the Philharmonic Society, a member of the Board of Trustees of Casady School and Board of Directors of Allied Arts, and, for 30 years, Treasurer of All Souls’ Episcopal Church. She and James Hartsuck married in 1962 and were fortunate to have had a beautiful partnership and loving marriage for 62 years. She is survived by her husband, James Hartsuck, her three daughters,
Rebecca Hulsey, Mary Fleischli, and Katie Kastner, as well as her
ten beautiful grandchildren and loving niece and nephew.

Dellas Gene “Hotshot” Fluman, was born in Enid, Oklahoma, on September 21, 1938, and passed from this life on May 17, 2024, at Hennessey Care Center, Hennessey, Oklahoma. It was his wishes to be cremated, and Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory were trusted with his arrangements.
At the age of 17, Dellas joined the Navy, where he served one tour before leaving the Navy to join the Air Force. After his service, Dellas returned to Enid to work at Fluman Body Shop with his dad. Later he moved to Oregon for a short time before returning to Enid where he operated Gene’s Auto Sales until his retirement.
Dellas loved to camp, hunt and fish. He would make trips to the Gulf where he would fish with his life-time friends. He was also an avid bowler and played on the Fluman Bowling Team.
Survivors include: sister, Glenna Roder, of Hennessey; nephews, Glenn Roder and wife Treva, of Hennessey, Paul Lynn Roder, of Houston, TX, Ken Roder and wife Teresa, of Bulverde, TX, John Roder and wife Pam, of Waxahachie, TX, Phillip Roder, of Hennessey; niece, Teresa Semrad and Wyatt Smith, of Oklahoma City; and his Uncle Frank and Martha Gene Clark of Lebanon, OR.

Catherine Sue Stuteville Huitt
May 31, 1938 – January 29, 2023

Catherine “Cathy” Sue Huitt, age 84, died on Sunday, January 29, 2023,
at her home in Midvale, Utah, due to complications related to systemic scleroderma.
Cathy was born on May 31, 1938 to Mattie Stuteville (Jaide) and Dan Stuteville on her family’s farm outside of Seiling, Oklahoma. She married Earl L. Huitt on October 2, 1955 (divorced July 24, 1995). Cathy worked as the Vice President of the Claims Dept at
Pension & Group Services (insurance industry) in Portage, Michigan. She loved to travel, work in the garden, and was an avid reader, having read over 400 novels within the last year. Cathy was a devoted Christian who volunteered at her local food bank, drove senior citizens to doctor appointments, delivered meals on wheels, and valued her family and friends above all else. She also volunteered for the Red Cross and participated in several disaster relief missions. Cathy is survived by her daughter, Sheryl “Sherry” Donohue (Richard), grand-daughter,
Rene’ Smith, grandson, Sean Smith (Alison), and great grandson, August Smith. She is preceded in death by her brothers Mike Stuteville and Mickey Stuteville. At Cathy’s request, there will be no funeral service. However, in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Cathy’s honor to your local food bank.

James Donald Oberlender passed away peacefully on May 26, 2023 at his home, surrounded by family. James was born on March 14, 1939 in Lucien, OK to the late Roy and Lillie Oberlender. Jim’s early years were spent on their 80-acre farm near Covington before moving to Enid with his brothers, Fred Almon Oberlender and Garold (Gary) Dee Oberlender until finishing high school.

James started working at a Pepsi-Cola bottling company. From there, he worked at several filling stations in the area and S & Q Clothiers. In the summer of ’58, after his freshman year of college, he joined a wheat harvester crew starting in Texas up to Canada with his youngest brother, Gary, who was only 16 at the time. They slept in a school bus and worked their way up the Wheatbelt driving combines. Jim attended a trade school in Oklahoma City for mechanics and then decided to enroll at Oklahoma State University. He graduated in the fall of 1964, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

After college, Jim moved to Texas, and took a sales job with an electrical component manufacturer and designer, Thomas & Betts. He then was transferred to Elizabeth, NJ, where he would eventually become the Executive VP in 1985. After retirement, Jim was recruited as CEO to turnaround Insilco Technologies Group which brought him to NC. Following his success at Insilco, Jim led an investment group that acquired Fulton Bellows in 1999. Fulton was sold in 2003 and Jim went on to start a successful local transportation company, XpressOne Transport, with his son, Kerry Oberlender. Jim was an inspired business strategist and took pride in the many positions he held throughout his career.

Jim had many passions such as cars (especially the fast ones), trout fishing, tractors, boating, riding horses, and trips to his farm in Chase City, VA. He loved nothing more than sharing these experiences with his family and friends. Throughout his life, he made lasting impressions on those around him. He was a charismatic and unforgettable man. He will be truly missed by all.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved oldest brother, Fred Almon Oberlender. He is survived by his younger brother, Gary Oberlender, as well as his children, Kimberly Ann Carrigan and husband Jason Carrigan, Kerry Oberlender and wife Lisa Oberlender, Karen Stark, John Giampolo and wife Diana Giampolo, and Elaina Shipman and husband Cory Shipman. Jim is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Donna Faye Nelson died on July 25, 2022 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was born in Enid, Oklahoma to John O Neill and Mamie Catlett. She met the love of her life, Jim Nelson, early in life, but they lost touch when their families moved around the Midwest. They found each other again and married on June 15, 1957 shortly after her graduation from Enid High School. They eventually settled in Oklahoma City to raise their children, where she was involved with girl scouts, band boosters and school activities.
She loved working with the ladies at Putnam City West High School Cafeteria for many years. She also thoroughly enjoyed her time as a clerk at J.C. Penney, which provided new friends and the chance to visit with her many customers. When Jim retired, they both worked as greeters at J.C. Penney. She always enjoyed the social benefits which came with the job, more than the income she received. She continued working there for many years following Jim s death. She also enjoyed the weekly ladies luncheons until dialysis prevented her from meeting with her cherished friends. She also loved being able to follow the growth and adventures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren on Facebook.
Donna was an avid reader, and a book was never far from her reach. She also loved cooking. Holiday celebrations were always a special time filled with an abundance of family favorite foods. She loved watching movies and sewing. The thing she enjoyed most, was spending time with Jim, until his death in 2005.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Pat O Neill.
She is survived by her sister, Rose Stursa of Choctaw, Oklahoma; brother, John O Neill (Annekelley) of Denver, Colorado; daughter, Shelly Baggett (Kent) of Katy, Texas; son, Mike Nelson of Oklahoma City; son, David Nelson (Jeana) of McKinney, Texas; nieces and nephews, six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 30, 10:00am in Bethany Cemetery.

Sandra Lee Walters Dierksen
January 5, 1939 – August 5, 2022

A Memorial Service for Sandra Dierksen will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2022, at Enid First Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Bruce Johnson officiating. Cremation arrangements and services are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
Sandra was born January 5, 1939, in Enid to Lester and Genevieve (Ludwick) Walters, and passed away August 5, 2022. She loved flowers, canning and gardening. Sandra took great pride in her yard and enjoyed being outside tending to God’s creation. She was an exceptional cake decorator, cookie-maker, and cook. Most of all, Sandra was a DEVOTED mom and wife. She loved Jesus and her church family. Sandra dedicated her life to activities involving the church.
Sandra is survived by her husband of 60 years, Donovan; daughter, Carrie Rudd and husband Chad; son, Casey Dierksen; siblings, Rose Marie Bectold, Gary (Butch) Walters, Karen Kay Curtis, Patricia Griffin; and a host of nieces, nephews and loving friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Doris Quarve.
Memorial donations may be made to Enid First Church of the Nazarene, with Ladusau-Evans serving as custodian of the funds.

After graduating in 1957, attended Phillips University for one year then I transferred to Oklahoma State for the remaining time graduating in 1962 with a bachelors degree in chemistry. In the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at OSU with Jim Butts, Don Pierce and Tom Sailors. In 1962 I started training at James Connally AFB (Waco) TX as a Navigator. As a navigator I flew the T-29, KC 135 and B-52 aircraft. Applied for pilot training and assigned to Vance AFB, OK. After pilot training I was assigned to the new F-111A at Nellis AFB NV, but when the aircraft was grounded we returned to Vance and flew in the T-38. Next went to Florida to train on the A-1 “Skyraider”  with end assignment at Pleiku Vietnam. After one year in Southeast Asia returned to Webb AFB in TX and flew the T-38. At Webb also served as the Executive Officer to the Operations Commander. Next selected to attend school at Maxwell AFB, AL and also completed work on my Masters degree from Auburn University. Next was a move to Sheppard AFB, TX where I was the Director of Stan Eval and a squadron commander. In 1978 we moved to Elmendorf AFB AK and I was the Director of Safety for Alaskan Air Command. I was attached to the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (F-4E and T-33) for flying while stationed in AK. Recall flying several sorties where we could see Russia airspace. In 1981 reassigned to Vance (after pilot instructor training in San Antonio TX) where I flew in the T-37 aircraft again and served as the Deputy Commander for Operations. In 1984 moved to Keesler as a Group commander and later the Wing Vice Commander. In 1988 we moved to Randolph AFB, TX as the Director of Training Programs. Retired from the Air Force in 1991 and went to work for Northrop Grumman as a T-37 simulator instructor pilot at Vance AFB, OK . In 1995 the company changed to LSI, but work stayed the same–in 2005, I converted to the new T-6 Texan II. In January 2016 retired from civil service and started working as a volunteer at Vance AFB in the retired activity office. Married to my wife Sharon since 1961. While in the Air Force, we lived in 25 different homes in 29 years. Sharon took care of our two kids when I was on temporary duty assignment or on a remote overseas assignment. Our son (also and OSU Grad) is an architectural engineer and runs his own business in San Antonio TX area. Our daughter (also and OSU Grad & OU certified legal assistant)) works for the Law Firm in Enid OK.