Category: Bio

James G. Bo Gritz
January 18, 1939- February 27, 2026

Bo Gritz was known as an American patriot — a man of conviction, service, and uncommon leadership. To many, he was a hero in the truest sense: someone who stepped forward, took responsibility, and
lived by a code that never depended on convenience or popularity. He was widely recognized as the most decorated Special Forces combat soldier, and he became nationally known for his efforts in the 1980s to recover American POWs and those missing in action (POWs/MIA’s). He later entered public life, including a 1992 presidential run, and hosted a nationally syndicated radio show for many years. He was also an author, including the books “A Nation Betrayed,” “Called To Serve,” and “My Brother’s Keeper.” He served in the U.S. Army Special Forces from August 1957 to February 1979. Over the course of his military career, he received numerous awards for valor and service, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Purple Heart. Beyond his military service, Bo was a commercial pilot and flight instructor, held a 6th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and was fluent in Mandarin and Swahili — skills he carried into a lifetime of leadership, teaching, and service to others. Beyond his national profile, Bo was also known for stepping into difficult situations in service of
peace and resolution — including his involvement in efforts to negotiate an end to the Ruby Ridge standoff. To his Sandy Valley community, Bo was more than a public figure — he was their Bo. He loved the airport, community where he lived, invested himself in the people around him, taught karate to local kids, and was active with the American Legion. He believed in building strength, character, and independence, and he poured that belief into the place he called home. Bo is survived by his wife, Judy Kirsch Gritz; his children, Jim Gritz (Vicci), Jay Gritz (Janet), Mike Gritz, and Melody Gritz; his grandchild, James; and great-grandchildren, Nathan and Sophia. He is also survived by his brother, Mike Turby (Brenda) of Tucson, Arizona, and his nieces, Highland and Hillary. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Gritz, and his mother, Samantha Turby.

Robert Eugene Lakey, 86, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma on January 6, 1939, to Ray L. and Dorothy (Large) Lakey. He spent most of his childhood in Stillwater and moved to Enid, Oklahoma during his early teens. He graduated from Enid High School and entered college at Oklahoma State University majoring in chemical
and electrical engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in May 1964 and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Following graduation from college Bob entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and served initially as
a field artillery officer at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He subsequently transferred to Fort Wolters, Texas where he entered flight school for training and qualification as a helicopter pilot. Following completion of flight school and receiving his aviator wings, Bob served a tour of duty in Vietnam as an attack helicopter pilot with the 175th Assault Helicopter Company, 13th Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade. Following completion of duty in Vietnam, he was assigned
to Fort Wolters as an instructor pilot until his honorable discharge from active duty in November 1967. Bob married Nicky Lyn Whitely, his college sweetheart, also of Stillwater, Oklahoma, in New Orleans, Louisiana in October 1964. Together they raised two daughters, Stephanie and Michelle. He worked as an electronics design engineer for various engineering firms and attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He retired from McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Company) in 1990.He was a Registered Professional Engineer. His love of the military, aviation and particularly his love of helicopters led him to join the military reserves following release from active duty. He served in various units and positions as a pilot, commander and staff officer. He served a total of 28 years, both active and reserve, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was very proud of his military service and a true patriot. Bob also owned and flew his own airplanes and was particularly fond of his 1958 model Beechcraft Bonanza which he had restored to pristine condition. He was a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic and also held inspection authority for the inspection of aircraft. In 2014 he was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award by the Federal Aviation Administration in recognition of 50 years of accident-free flying as a rated pilot. He had
accumulated over 5,000 hours of flight time in both helicopters
and airplanes.He was a man of remarkable wit and mirth and brought much laughter to those who knew him. He was a great storyteller and
had a seemingly endless supply of jokes which he shared with his
many friends and acquaintances. He loved all things intellectual,
technical and mechanical. He spent much of his free time pursuing
his interests in music and guitar, computers, airplanes and flying.
He also was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist and
enjoyed camping and fishing. He loved traveling with and having
adventures with his granddaughters. More than anything else, he
cherished the time he spent with his wife, daughters and granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Roseda Hornberger.

Joyce Irene (Ball) Thompson
March 14, 1939 – April 07, 2025.

Eighty-six years ago, on March 14, 1939 in Enid, Oklahoma, Russell Franklin Ball and Dorothy Evelyn (Streck) Ball welcomed their second child, daughter Joyce Irene. Joyce’s early grade school years were spent in Enid at Woodrow Wilson Elementary. In 1951, Champlin Oil transferred her father’s work to Fulton, Missouri where Joyce
joined the Fulton schools as a 7th grader. She was an active young lady and kept busy in church, Blue Birds, and Camp Fire Girls. In 1955 a handsome man who frequently visited her waitressing station became her sweetheart. Norman Myron Thompson and Joyce eloped to Hernando, Mississippi on November 11, 1955. After marriage, Norman and Joyce began a family in Fulton, Missouri. Steven Ray was born in 1956, Gary Lynn in 1959, Sheryl LeAnn in 1964. The Thompson family moved to the Lake of the Ozarks area in 1966. Their
4th child, Corey Douglas was welcomed into the family in 1969. As the family grew up, they moved to different parts of the Lake finding residences in Sunrise Beach, Osage Beach, and Linn Creek. While at the Lake, Joyce began working in food service at the Star Restaurant
(Camdenton) and Roam’s Dari Creem (Osage Beach & Camdenton). She then joined Tan-Tar-A as a switchboard operator and was employed there for 11 years. Lake Regional Hospital  (Osage Beach) occupied Joyce’s life for the next 24 years as a Switchboard Operator,
a Certified Pharmacy Technician, and an Emergency Room Registration Clerk. Joyce loved keeping busy. During her Lake life she participated as a Girl Scout Leader and Bible School Teacher. She played the piano and organ for several Christian churches in
the area, served as a docent at the Camden County Museum, and volunteered at the Camden County Child Advocacy Thrift Shop. You could also find Joyce performing in local stage plays in the community. Crafting homemade items brought Joyce much happiness. She crocheted afghans, made ceramics, oil painted, wrote poetry, and loved to read. Norman and Joyce were married 46 years at his death
in 2001. 2017 proved eventful as Joyce moved to Hilo, Hawaii to live with her son, Corey. Island life suited her well, with pleasant weather, extraordinary plant life, ocean views, and wonderful new foods to try! She spent 4 years on the Big Island until the unexpected death of son Corey in 2021. Joyce returned to Lake of the Ozarks welcomed by many loving family members and friends. She claimed her passion and greatest accomplishment in life as her 4 wonderfulbchildren. She adored them all. Preceding her in death are her parents, brothers Wayne and Richard Ball, son Corey Thompson (2021), and grandson David Paul Thompson (2009).
Surviving family includes:
Sons:
Steven Thompson (Camdenton)
Gary (Ellen) Thompson (Osage Beach)
Daughter:
Sheryl (Rusty) Murdock (Camdenton)
Daughter-in-law:
Niki Dageenakis (CO)
Grandsons:
Shawn (Lindsay) Thompson (Camdenton)
Lucas Thompson (Camdenton)
Justin (Brittany) Murdock (Choctaw, OK)
Joshua (Whitney) Murdock (Chillicothe)
Oliver (Jordan) Thompson (Wentzville)
Granddaughters:
Riley (Tim) Tieber (St Peters)
Amanda (Phillip) Anderson (Chillicothe)
Granddaugher-in-law:
Lindsey (Matt) Dillon (Camdenton)
Great-grandchildren:
Meagan, Cooper, Kalie, Maddie, Reed, and Mathias

Joyce accepted Christ and was baptized at the Davis Park Christian Church in Enid, Oklahoma. Her Lord and Savior has guided her all through life. She has written in her own words that “she wishes to see all her friends and family and pets in heaven.”

Robert Wayne Sweatt
July 10, 1939 – October 11, 2019

HALTOM CITY- Robert Wayne Sweatt, 80, passed away Friday, Oct. 11, 2019.

Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He worked at Westgate Fabrics for over 25 years. His career led him to travel all over the world. He later worked for Trammell Crow Company as a protection officer until his retirement. He was a loving, caring family man who enjoyed spending time with his family above all.Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Sandra. Survivors: Son, Jason Sweatt and wife, Marjoe; brother-in-law, Gail and wife, Marcia; nieces, Amy, Lisa and Kelli; nephews, David and Russell; and other family and friends.

-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.