Hansen Sons: February 2011

Eugene Staton

Eugene Staton, 83, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, February 25, 2011 in Poteau. Eugene was born June 25, 1927 in Old Bokoshe, OK to Cecil A. & Rose Etta (Caricker) Staton. He was a veteran of the US Army & Air Corp, serving in WWII. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Cecil Staton and sister, Amelia Preston. Survivors include his wife, Vera Lee Staton of Poteau, OK; daughter, Rose Lee Ary of Santa Barbara, CA; son, David Eugene Staton of Orcutt, CA; 4 Grandchildren, Kelly Ary, Jared Staton, Jessie Campbell, & Shawnee Cook; 3 Great Grandchildren; special cousin, Charles Bailey of Bokoshe, OK; special niece, Sue Niven of Poteau, OK, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 1 pm, Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Old Bokoshe Cemetery, Bokoshe, OK. There will be a visitation from 6 to 8 Friday at Evans Chapel of Memories.

Lifelong Learning

While scrolling through my Facebook feed yesterday, I noticed that Vesterheim Museum is promoting their upcoming Lifelong Learning classes. I checked out their website and was really impressed to see the variety of classes they're offering this year. The museum offers classes in woodworking, metalworking, fiber arts, rosemaling, writing, and traditional Norwegian cooking and baking. Want to make a wooden bowl? Or a traditional Norwegian corner cabinet, including the metal hinges? How about improving your overshot weaving technique? Or learning the style of rosemaling from Rogaland or Valdres? You can even build your own Hardanger fiddle! It's a good thing I don't live any closer to Decorah. If I did, I would want to register for all of these classes—my family would never see me!

Several of Vesterheim's upcoming woodcarving classes are taught by Professor Emeritus Harvey Refsal, who recently retired from Luther College. Check out an interview with Harley in the October 2010 issue of Viking.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.
Photo courtesy of Vesterheim Museum.

Johnny Wayne Goff

Johnny Wayne Goff, 63, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2011 in Eufaula, OK. Johnny was born in Calhoun (Bennington), OK on December 25, 1947 to Velton & Alice Minnie (Garrett) Goff. He was a pawn shop owner and furniture builder. Johnny was a veteran of the US Navy. He was preceded in death by his father; and son, John Goff II. Survivors include his ex wife-reinstated, Linda Farwell of Spiro, OK; mother, Alice Goff of Poteau, OK, daughter, Tiffany Goff of Spiro, OK, son, Robert Barr of Baycliff, TX; 8 grandchildren, Bishop Goff, Heather Goff, Hailey Barr, Daniel Barr, Cheyenne Barr, Linda Barr, Josh Murry, Tony Murry; 6 great grandchildren, Daniel Barr III, Jaylynn Barr, Richard Paul Bell II, Rebel Murry, Ellie Murry, Sophi Murry; sister, Donna Orantez of Upland, CA, brother, Jerry Goff of Noble, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, March 2, 2011 graveside at Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment followed in Shady Point Cemetery.

Dorothy Anderson

Dorothy Anderson, 74, of Poteau, OK passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Dorothy was born in Wister, OK on April 21, 1936 to Fred & Dovie (McKim) Easley. She was a home health provider. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; son, Billy Anderson; and brother, Lloyd Easley. Survivors include her husband, Charles Anderson of the home; 2 daughters, Sharon Campbell of Calhoun, OK, Shelia Bunch of Poteau, OK; 7 grandchildren, Joseph Bunch of IL, Tasha Martinez of Ft. Smith, AR, Keisha Sanchez of Poteau, OK, Leightina Wright of Shady Point, OK, Michael Terry of Monroe, OK, Kevin Terry of Calhoun, OK, Melanie Anderson of IL; 13 Great Grandchildren, Taygan Bunch, Nathion Bunch, Jordan Martinez, Destiny Martinez, Aaliyah Sanchez, Damion Sanchez, Tobin Wright, Katrina Wright, Cody Terry, Jace Terry, Mercedes Terry, Gracie Terry, Britney Terry; brother, Johnny Easley of Poteau, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Saturday at Evans chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Roger Mattox officiating. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. Pallbearers will be Joseph Bunch, Michael Terry, Cody Terry & Ernest Terry Jr.

President's Grandparents' Day

Hooray for President's Day-- a little 3-day weekend right in the middle of February is just what we needed! And better yet, we had two fun visitors!

Chris's other siblings all live in pretty large metropolitan areas where there are lots and lots of fun things to do on any given day. Although we love our hometown, we realized that Idaho Falls doesn't have a lot to offer on winter days-- especially federal holidays. The two museums in town were closed and it was too cold to venture out into the great outdoors, so the entertainment options were scarce.

Luckily, Grammuh and Grampuh are happy just to hang out with us and the kids were thrilled that their hotel had a pool. The boys had a great time swimming-- and I had fun sitting on the sidelines taking a few pictures.

After a tasty lunch, we took Gramm and Gramp to Sarah's Candy Cottage for a fun sample session. We loaded up on truffles and licorice, while the boys picked Lego candy and golf-ball-sized jawbreakers. My favorites are the sea salt caramels-- yum!

We enjoyed a quiet afternoon playing Wii and Carcassonne, eating some of Grammuh's sugar cookies (as if we didn't have enough sugar in our systems), and visiting. We loved having Grandparents' Day and hope they'll come again soon-- maybe when it warms up a little bit!

Not much to say….

Lately blogging has taken a backseat to writing deadlines for paying work and possible paying work. And, those who know and poke fun of my volubility will chortle uncontrollably, also lately I haven’t had much to say.

That alone should be worth writing about…but it’s not.

I was going back through old blog posts the other day to find a recipe I know by heart but still wanted the ‘written down’ version. Unlike some writers, I loathe reading anything I’ve penned once it’s done. So many words, so little time…why re-read mine? But I was struck by my sincere prolific-ness in earlier posts.

Why did I have so much to say previously and so little recently? The aforementioned work is one reason.

What drew me to writing and journalism initially is the love of other people’s stories. Even though I have the joy of making up all the stories my mom and I write now, once upon a time I was a reporter and taught reporting for umpteen years.

This week I’m playing ‘girl reporter’ and interviewing a friend of mine for the West Virginia Writers, Inc. spring newsletter about workshops he’ll be giving at the group’s annual conference this summer.

People are always sharing their tales with me. My older son, Erik, says it’s the invisible neon sign flashing on my forehead that certain folks can see. He’s got it too. So does my friend Karin Fuller, newspaper columnist extraordinaire.

But some stories are not mine to write.

Today a thousand miles away a memorial service was held for the father of one of Erik’s best friends. Paul Becker, father of Benny, Abby, and Nina, died at his home last week.

I knew Paul as an extraordinary father to an extraordinary son. My own son is moving through this week in a trance, wishing he could be with his friend. Another friend, Alex, just had to return to college. He wishes he could be with Benny too. Ironically, childhood friends Alex and Benny attend separate out-of-state colleges across the street from each other.

I got started thinking about all of this looking for a recipe for Alex, who’d planned to bake for his friend what the boys all used to call my ‘magical squares.’

I think today, as in the wonderful book “Like Water for Chocolate,” chocolate chips aren’t the only ingredient in those cookie bars, which I plan also to bake and send off to Rhode Island.

Today this is a tale about loss and love and wishing all stories only had happy endings.

Clarence William Hughes

Clarence William Hughes, 75, of Poteau, OK passed away Sunday, February 20, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Clarence was born August 24, 1935 in Hunt, TX to Everett & Sarah Frances (Mogford) Hughes. Clarence was a veteran of the US Marines and served in Korea. He was a retired truck driver. He like hunting, fishing, and gardening; and using his tractor. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Hughes, brother, Coleman Hughes & Paul Hughes; sister, Evelyn Anderson; granddaughter, Charlene Martin; great grandson, Christopher White. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of the home; 5 daughters, Debbie Teague of Ft. McKavett, TX, Judy Rice of Stockdale, TX, Frances Herzog of Sequin, TX, Janice Sasser of New Braunfels, TX, Gayla Ferbrache of Eunice, NM; 3 sons, Bill Hughes of Stigler, OK, Kennith Hughes of Eunice, NM, Craig Hughes of Deming, NM; 19 Grandchildren; 22 Great Grandchildren; 3 brothers, Warren Hughes of Eunice, NM, Dale Hughes of Eunice, NM, Howard Hughes of Willow Springs, MO; 4 sisters, Irene Hawkins of Kerrville, TX, Mary Ellen Loob of Lancaster, TX, Margaret Day of Avalon, TX, Charlotte Striker of Avalon, TX; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at Maxey Cemetery Pavilion in Wister, OK with Rev. Stephen Billy officiating. Interment will follow. The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Wally Baldwin - Jenn Blake

Renee & Bob Wilde

Ken Allred - Glenn Davis

Grace Lowe- Jone Orphanakis- Tucker Lowe

Don & Jean Reaveley

Virginia & Dean Jensen

Don & Myrna (Burgess) Wallace

Tom & Clone Neilson

John Barnett Jr.

Elaine Hampshire Jones

Gordon & Dianna Bingham

Attendees at Hiawatha Ladies Luncheon 21 Feb 2011.
Allred, Ken
Baldwin, Wally
Barnett, John Jr.
Bingham, Gordon & Dianna
Blake, Jenn
Davis, Glenn
Jensen, Dean & Virginia
Jones, Elaine (Hampshire)
Lowe, Tucker & Grace
Neilson, Tom & Clone
Orphanakis, Jone
Reaveley, Don & Jean
Wallace, Don & Myrna (Burgess)
Wilde, Bob & Renee

Criminal vigilante Barbara Farris hocking reality show

http://media.gulflive.com/news_impact/photo/farrisarrestjpg-89ef41ac1652d00a.jpg

I don't know what it is about the state of Florida and crazy female vigilantes like Judy Cornet, but that other notorious vigilante, Barbara Farris, is pimping her own reality show. Do we need another reality show after crazy idiots? After all, there's supposed to be a Judy Cornet reality show in the works, there's that idiot bed intruder clown from Alabama getting a reality show, and now, Barbara Farris? Geez. Maybe it will be in the "World' Dumbest" lineup on E!

Not one to let a little thing like her constant run-ins with the law deter her from hocking a reality show, Farris has created a You Tube account and a blog. As much as I hate giving this nutjob any degree of free publicity, I have to pick apart her blog post:

http://justbeeaware.blogspot.com/2011/02/blog-post.html

Barbara Farris is a woman who has dedicated her life to protecting children from being violated by pedophiles and predators. Barbara Farris was victimized by her step-father. As he preached the gospel under his big white tent, she and her brother became victims of his abuse, acting out with what Farris now calls the "ripple effect of sexual abuse".

Barbara now faces a war against her own family for speaking out against a rape against her mother by an uncle and her molestation by another uncle.

Barbara was arrested on a falsified warrant that was dismissed by the District Attorney of Coffee County in Alabama, yet the judge who has association with Farris's family decided to pursue this warrant and have her arrested solely to discredit Ms. Farris.

Barbara still stands strong with her organization after having to fight time and time again to keep her cause alive. It's unheard of to be arrested in another state for a misdemeanor crime then actually extradited for that misdemeanor by a sheriff and jailer, and held eight days without bond.

News flash Barbara, you live in the South. Being arrested for a violent crime is not uncommon, nor is being held in jail 8 days while waiting to be bonded out. Your story does not add up. By the way, no mention of her subsequent legal trouble for harassing a sex offender and posting the incriminating video on YouTube.

Just Bee Aware is NOT about Barbara Farris, it is a program that she created to help educate and defend against sexual abuse. Just Bee Aware is the first program of it's kind.

The reality show is about Barbara now, no longer living as a victim, but as a survivor.

It is not about her but it is about her. What, is she rewriting A Tale of Two Cities? It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. She can't make up her mind. By the way, her group is the "first" of its kind? So the NCMEC, The Jacob Wetterling Foundation, or Stop It Now! came after Just Bee Wary huh?

The staggering statistics of sexual abuse would not be as high as it is today if we could stop sexual abuse, and predators from their abusive acts an effective way. Some criminals live a life of crime that, perhaps if they had never been sexually abused, they would not be living. Abuse falls into 94% of the crime rate, which is primarily from assault, sexual, and mental abuse. It's a proven fact that sexual abuse has a tremendous impact on our crime rate today.

Can haz source material plz? Why is it people who make such crazy claims like Farris cannot quote a valid study? I'm trying to figure out what she's saying here. Is she saying that sexual abuse is responsible for 94% of all crimes? That makes no sense. Sounds more like she's trying to justify her own criminal history.

We wish to make it very clear that Farris is not requesting sympathy from her abuse nor has she asked anyone for anything except to stand behind the fight against predators and pedophiles. It's time to focus on her cause and not her individually.

Barbara Farris has never denied her past, and to this day she stands behind protecting and saving the children across America.

It sounds like not only is Farris trying to elicit sympathy, she's also denying her criminal past. It would be nice if others were given the same dignity Farris is demanding of people. If she wants to condemn others for their pasts then she deserves the same contempt.

Gary L. Cannon

Gary L. Cannon, 69, of Cameron, OK passed away Thursday, February 17, 2011 in Cameron, OK. Gary was born February 22, 1941 in Cameron, OK to Jess & Ruby (Murray) Cannon. He was a cattleman/rancher. Gary was a member of Calhoun Baptist Church. He was a member of the Oklahoma/Arkansas Angus Association and the American Angus Association. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Cary Cannon; brother in law, Frank Shiflett; and a wife, Bernice. Survivors include his wife, Esther of the home; son & daughter in law, Tim & Susan Cannon of Knothole (Cameron), OK; daughter & future son in law, Janeann Denny & David Ostrowski of Crowder, OK; sister, Ruthann Shiflett of Ft. Smith, AR; grandchildren, Nikki & Mark Brown,k Dustin & Paige Cannon, Terry Cannon, Tyler Cannon, Blake Denny, Jade Ostrowski, & Josiah Ostrowski; great grandchildren, Ethan Brown, Dalton Brown, Chloe Brown, Triston Cannon; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Kelly Shiflett, Rev. Jim Cook, and Tina Kensinger officiating. . Interment will follow in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Pallbearers will be Jimmie Kay Archey, Brian Murray, Jerry Murray, Jerry McAlester, Mark King, Keith Murray, & Dewey Shoup. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jerry Hensley & Josh Ryan Watts (Lance Corporal US Marine Corp) .

Marvelous Mythology

If you're a fan of Marvel Comics' take on Norse mythology, you're soon in for a treat. The trailer for the movie "Thor" was released this week, and the film is scheduled for release May 6, 2011. Here's a synopsis of the film from the Marvel website:

"Thor spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin and is forced to live among humans. ... It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth."

In the meantime, if you'd like to brush up on your Norse mythology as told by a master storyteller, get one of Dag Rossman's six books on the subject, including "The Dragonseeker's Saga: New Tales of the Nine Worlds," (Skandisk, 2009) or "The Northern Path: Norse Myths and Legends Retold...And What They Reveal" (Seven Paws Press, 2005). Rossman, who got his start as a storyteller at District 5 Masse Moro language camp, is a member of Valdres 1-503 in Decorah, Iowa, and was featured in the February 2010 issue of Viking.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

James Kearns obit

Close up

I should have knocked on wood when I gloried in that Spring yesterday. Winter is back and it sounds like it's blowing down the house! Ah, well. It's February and in Idaho, February means Winter.

Here are a few sweet little pictures of the boys up close. They are cute, aren't they? Don't say otherwise.

Thomas is currently reading a book called 101 Ways to Bug Your Parents, and he is perfectly thrilled that the book includes the list of 101 ways at the back. I've been hearing giggles coming from his room for the past 20 minutes.

William Bernie Hale Jr.

William Bernie Hale Jr. 88 of Poteau,OK passed away February 12,2011 in Poteau,OK. William was born April 16,1922 in Poteau,OK to William Bernie and Lona(Gibson)Hale.William was a Mason. Mr. Hale was a veteran of the US Navy. He served in WWII between 1942-1945. Survivors include his 2 sisters Lucille Gregory of Poteau,OK and Kathleen Hale of Poteau,OK; 3 Nieces Judy Miller & husband, Louis of Monroe,OK and Renee Fout & husband,Dale of Monroe,OK and Sharon Geyer of Poteau,OK; 2 Nephews Rick Hale & wife,Esther of Rackeby,CA; Great Nephews Ryan Gregory & Wife Audrey of Rackeby,CA and Wesley Hale & Wife Marie of Fullerton,CA and Chris Hale,Eric Hale,Cody Hale of Fullerton,CA and Justin Fout of Tulsa,OK; Great Nieces Lisa Newman & Husband, Derick of Sapulpa,OK, Tiffany Fout of Monroe,OK and Callie Geyer of Orange County,CA; Great Great Nephews Jaden Gregory of Rackeby,CA and Riley Hale of Fullerton,CA; Great Great Niece Kelsey Hale of Fullerton,CA. Many other Relatives & Loved Ones a Host of Beloved Friends. Services will be held 10am Friday,February 18,2011 graveside at Vaughn Cemetery in Gilmore,OK. Evans & Miller Funeral Home,Poteau,OK

Michael Andrew Alire Grim Jr.

Michael Andrew Alire Grim Jr., 14, of Poteau, OK passed away Saturday, February 12, 2011 in Bokoshe, OK. Michael was born April 17, 1996 in Hayward, CA to Michael Andrew Alire and Darla Beth Grim. He was preceded in death by his cousins, Kenny Anderson, Ryan Anderson; aunts, Gail Martinez, Lori Fields; uncle Frank Enderlin; special grandmother, Linda DeBorba. Survivors include his mother, Darla Grim of the home; 2 sisters, Amberlynn Cornet of Stigler, OK, Kayla Pulver of Hayward, CA; 2 nephews, Isaac Ruis and Florty Ruis; 1 niece, Sophia Ruis; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held 2 pm, Friday, February 18, 2011 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Poteau OK with Jason Waymire officiating. Pallbearers will be Jacob Anderson, Santori Jones, Leo Martinez, Daniel Hogan & James Bunch. The family will be at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Kaleb Brandin Needham

Kaleb Brandin Needham, 17, of Pocola, OK passed away Saturday, February 12, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. Kaleb was born on October 27, 1993 in Clarksville, AR to Douglas Ray & Kimberly Jayne (Russell) Needham. He was a member of the Pocola High School Band. He attended culinary classes at Kiamichi Technology Center. He as a member of "Spiro Fuel Band" and "This Constant Struggle Band". He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Neman E. Russell. Survivors include his mother and father, Doug & Kim Needham of Pocola, OK; 2 brothers, Bradley & Tina Maulsby of Van Buren, AR, Ryan Needham of Pocola, OK; nephew, Cooper Maulsby; paternal grandparents, Ray & Sharon Needham of Ozark, ART, Patsy Needham of Clarksville, AR; maternal grandmother, Mickey Russell of Ozone, AR; special cousins, Nathan Ray Stewart and wife, Jennifer - 188th Fighter Wing, Van Buren, AR, Evan Stewart; aunt and uncle, Larry & Roberta Shoemaker of Rayville, MO; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives & loved ones; a host of beloved friends. Services will be 2 pm, Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the Pocola High School Gym with Rev. Shane Waldrop and Rev. John Ward officiating. Interment will follow in Macedonia Cemetery, Pocola, OK. Pallbearers will be Justin Smith, Antonio Largo, Grant Jones, Terry Rowland, Isaac Boardman, Nathan Stewart, Brad Maulsby, Ryan Needham. Honorary pallbearers will be Tyler Limbocker, Tyler Smith, Taylor Smith, Cory Hayes & Cody Hayes. Contributions may be made at Arvest Bank in Kaleb's name. The family will be at the funeral home in Pocola on Friday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Funnies

Happy belated Valentine's Day! We didn't do much-- Chris took the boys to Sarah's Candy Cottage where, out of all of the delicious candies to choose from, Gordon and Tom chose candy buttons. Gross.

Chris and I did have a very fun pre-Valentine's Day weekend-- we ate A LOT, which is our favorite activity-- and spent some quality time together and with my newlywed brother and sister-in-law. I think I gained about four pounds over the weekend, so I'm trying to dedicate this week to losing that. Hmph.

I am in a very good mood this evening for two reasons: 1) our taxes are finished and we're getting a refund. Hooray! Even if you are expecting a refund, which we were, there is always a certain amount of anxiety that comes with tax preparation. I've been thinking/stressing about it for a couple of weeks now, and after a kind of brutal three hours today, I can push taxes out of my brain for another year. Another hooray! 2) Today we had a tiny taste of spring here in the frozen tundra that is Idaho. Now, I'm not saying that winter is over-- the snow has not relinquished its grip on our lawns or roads, we're all still wearing coats and hats, and I could still see my breath when I stepped outside. Despite all of this, that painfully icy bite is gone from the air, and I could smile outside without hurting my teeth. Ahhh. Spring. Soon.

Usually people post their most adorable pictures of their children on their blogs. I don't have any of those ones to share today. While I do think that my boys are darling, especially when they are really smiling, I'm pretty sure Tom could win some kind of ugly photo contest with this face. Scary.

He thinks he's so funny.

Ruby Nell Coggins

Ruby Nell Coggins, 87, of Poteau, OK went to meet her Lord Jesus Christ Saturday, February 12, 2011 in Shawnee, OK. Ruby Nell was born September 7, 1923 in Williams, OK to Otto & Mittie (Howard) Nummy. She was a graduate of Cameron High School and Eastern Oklahoma A&M College in Wilburton, OK. In September 1941 she married Paul Coggins and they had one daughter, Karen Ann. Ruby & Paul lived in Poteau, OK for the majority of their marriage and were members of the Poteau First Baptist Church. Together they were landlords to many tenants throughout the years, often providing free housing to those who had fallen on hard times. Ruby Nell worked 20 years for Shanahan Finance Co. She was a proud employee of the Community State Bank for 30 years. Working full-time until she was 83 years old. She was most proud of her two grandsons, Jay and Jeff Sample, whom she helped to raise. She enjoyed her great grandchildren and always kept a strong sense of humor to the end. After she lost her husband to Parkinson’s Disease in 1990, she became very close to her good friends and was grateful for their companionship, especially Pat Hunt and Janet Marler. She left behind saddened hearts but her family awaits the day they will be reunited in heaven with their sweet and sassy “Mamma”. Survivors include her grandsons, Jay Sample & wife, Terri of Lexington, OK and their children, Anna, Adam & Abigail, Jeff Sample & his wife, Jenny of Moore, OK and their son, Kyden; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Roger Mattox & Rev. Jim Cook. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK. The family will be at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

John Foken

John Foken, 55, of Poteau passed away February 13, 2011. His services will be under the direction of Millsap Funeral Home in Muskogee, OK

Norma June Smith

Norma June Smith was born March 11, 1926, in Lovell, OK to H. C. and Ruby (Elrod) Wehrenberg. She passed away on February 13, 2011, at home in Poteau, OK.

Norma Smith was retired from 30 years of teaching, with 25 of those years at Poteau High School. She taught English, Literature, Speech, and Drama. She sponsored, supervised, and directed students in theatrical productions, speech and debate contests, and mock trial contests, often advancing to area and state competitions. She was awarded Teacher of the Year and a Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Norma was active in several organizations, including the Good Times Community Theatre League which she founded, Seniors Only where she served as a hostess for several trips, AARP, LeFlore County and Oklahoma Retired Teachers organizations, Delta Kappa Gamma, Friends of the Library, and the Red Cross. Her volunteer work for the Red Cross has been both local and statewide when necessary. In all of these organizations, she held leadership positions and volunteered on numerous committees. She delivered Meals on Wheels and was the camp secretary for Modern Woodmen for many years.

A member of the First Presbyterian Church, she served as an Elder, a Commissioned Lay Preacher, Hunger Action Enabler, and was honored with a Lifetime membership in the Presbyterian Women. She served as a delegate to the Presbyterian General Assembly and the Presbyterian International Women’s Gatherings. Through the Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Norma traveled to Alaska and to Mexico to teach Bible School and work on renovation projects in these areas.

Norma is survived by five daughters and their husbands, Becky and Bill Harned, Bethany, OK, Sharon and George Crawford, Muskogee, OK, Rosemary and Carl Underwood, Charleston, AR, Beth and Richard Peck, Poteau, OK, and Shera and Jim Garber, DeQuincy, LA; grandchildren Bill Harned Jr.(Paula), Kim Cox (Aaron), Brian Crawford (Crystal), Clint Crawford, Amber Vreeland (Travis), Zachary Underwood (Kerry), Joshua Underwood (Jessica), Tyler Underwood, Amanda Townley (Michael), Steve Peck (Regina), Lauren Peck, Preston Jowers, Summer Sea, Tammy Thompson (Koley), and Brandon Sea (Ashley); 13 great-grandchildren; sister Shirley Deter, Guthrie, OK; extended family and many friends.

Services are under the direction of Evans-Miller Funeral Home with Rev. Zachary Underwood and Brother George Crawford officiating. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 16 at 10 a.m. at Evans Miller Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be contributed to The Good Times Community Theatre League, 207 S. McKenna Poteau, OK 74953.

Kaye Fannin Elmore

Kaye (Fannin) Elmore, 58, of Wister, OK passed away Saturday, February 12, 2011 in Wister. Kaye was a court clerk. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Wister, a member of Eastern Star. Kaye was preceded in death by her parents, John Fannin & Ada Lee (Bryan) Lee; grandmother, Neva Bryan; and brothers, Johnny Fannin & Bryan Lee. Survivors include 2 daughters, Crystal Elmore & Mandy Goforth of Oklahoma City, OK, Paula Elmore Harper of Oklahoma City, OK; 1 son, Paul Elmore Jr. of Oklahoma City, OK; 1 grandson, Jayse Goforth; 1 sister, Brenna & Dail Smith of Flower Mound, TX; 1 brother, Brent Lee of Oklahoma City, OK; 1 Nephew, Drew Smith; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be held at 2 pm, Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Wister, OK with Rev. Keith Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in Maxey Cemetery, Wister, OK. Pallbearers will be Dustin Vaughn, Paul Elmore Jr. Lint Harmon, Bud Hammons, Steve Bryan & David Donoley. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.