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Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home, 500 S Main Street, Hennessey, OK (2025)

08/22/2025

The funeral for Betty Elaine (Melton) Choate will be at 10:00 AM Monday August 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Hennessey, officiated by Vernon Racer and Rev. Shane Bennett. Burial will follow at Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Betty was born at Hennessey on September 21, 1939, to Cris and Alice May Hannon Melton and died Wednesday August 20, 2025, at Hennessey Care Center.

Betty married L. D. Choate at the Methodist Church in Hennessey on June 21, 1957.

Betty accepted Jesus as her savior as a child and served him faithfully during her lifetime.
She was a charter member of 132 Bible Church where she taught Sunday School and helped start the food basket ministry and continued it for many years.

She worked as a painter, pumper, and babysitter, and was always ready to lend a helping hand. She enjoyed baking, sewing, crocheting, going to track meets, ballgames, and taking care of everyone.

Her love language was food, making popcorn balls for Halloween, to cookies for Valentines Day. She fed many students for lunch even if one of her grandkids were not there. Where there was a need, she was always willing to step up and help out in a Jiffy.

She is survived four sons, Cris Choate and wife Linda, Terry Don “Perk” Choate and wife Charlene, Shawn Choate, all of Hennessey, Victor Choate and wife Robin of Enid; one daughter-in-law Kelly Choate, and one son-in-law Ricky Pitts; one sister Barbara Streck, and one brother Troy Melton and wife Gayla, all of Hennessey; sixteen grandchildren, thirty-seven great-grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren, as well as all the bonus grandkids, nieces, nephews and cousins..

She was preceded in death by her husband L. D. Choate, two children Dale Choate, and Melody Choate Pitts, a great-grandson William Keith Choate, her parents, one sister Sue Smith, and four brothers Don Melton, Virgil Melton, Victor Melton, Willard Melton, and an infant sister Mary Fay Melton.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hennessey Care Center, and Valir Hospice. They became our new family and friends this past year, with many calling her.
Grandma Betty. We were so blessed and grateful for them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to 132 Bible Church Food Pantry with Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home serving as custodian of the fund.

08/22/2025

The funeral for Connie Lee Henning, 74 will be at 2:00 PM Saturday August 23, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Crescent officiated by Jimmy Berkenbile. Burial will follow at Oakland Knowles Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home. The casket will be open at the funeral home on Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and at the church one hour before the service. The family has asked attendees to wear OU Crimson and Cream in her honor.

Connie was born in Guthrie on July 19, 1951, to Norman and Irene Henning
and died Tuesday August 19, 2025, at Hennessey Care Center.

Connie graduated from Crescent High School and worked for Arco for many years and later worked at the Crescent Care Center. She loved OU Football!

She is survived by one brother Troy Henning of Crescent, one brother-in-law Steve Pollard of Hennessey; nieces and nephews Troy Dean Henning, Dana and Kent Rogers, Todd and Kristi Henning, Chad and Dee Henning, Brad Henning, Bryan Henning, Tiffany and Ray Rowen, Heather Pollard and Deric Staggs, Stephanie Pollard and Molly Ryel, and many great nieces and nephews.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents Norman and Irene Henning, brother Ken Henning, sisters Sharon Pollard and Alieda Hurst, sister-in-law Carol Henning, nephew Hayden Ryel, and her cousin and OU Football buddy Butch Henning.

08/19/2025

Mass of Christian Burial for Ramon Sepulveda, Jr., 30 will be at 10:00 AM Friday August 22, 2025, at St. Joeph’s Catholic Church, Hennessey officiated by Rev. Robert Miller. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Ramon was born in El Paso, Texas on November 13, 1994, to Ramon, Sr., and Rosa Piña
Sepulveda and died Saturday August 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City.

Ramon is survived by his parents Ramon and Rosa Piña Sepulveda of Stillwater.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

08/07/2025

Mass of Christian Burial for Adella Mary Roller, 84, will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday August 12, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Hennessey officiated by Rev. John Herrera. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home. Viewing will be Sunday and Monday August 10th and 11th at the funeral home.

Adella was born in Enid on December 25, 1940, to Frank J. and Rose Henrietta Fuxa Pacula and passed peacefully in her sleep Monday August 4, 2025, at Hennessey Care Center.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Adella married Jerry Roller in Hennessey October 1959. She later married Marvin Shire.

Adella is survived by her husband Marvin, two sons Dale Roller, David Roller and wife Carol, one daughter Cheryl Gilliland and husband Steve, all of Hennessey; five grandchildren Bree Roller, Ciara Eberle, Tori Roller, April Gilliand, Christopher Gilliland; ten great-grandchildren Lincoln, Gabriella, Remiel, Hudson, Aubrey, Lance, Lillian, Wesley, Aurora, Audyn; two sisters Angelina Pribil, and Agnes Zelnicek.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jerry Roller.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.

08/05/2025

Mass of Christian Burial for Phyllis Shimanek, 84, will be at 11:00 AM Saturday August 9, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Hennessey officiated by Rev. John Herrera. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home. Viewing will be Thursday and Friday August 7th and 8th at the funeral home from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM.

Phyllis was born in Enid on April 2, 1941, to Dale and Lois Mitten Brown and died Sunday August 3, 2025, at her home.

She married Jim Shimanek in Hennessey on March 11, 1961. Phyllis was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

She worked at the Kingfisher County Health Department for many years and farmed alongside Jim throughout their working life.

Phyllis is survived by her husband Jim of the home, two daughters Laura Shimanek of Prague, Linne Shimanek of Mattawan, Michigan, and one honorary daughter Starla Wolf of Sapulpa; one grandson Justin Shimanek and Kiersten of Hennessey; three great-grandchildren Paityn Shimanek, Tate Edgar, Case Shimanek, and one brother Jimmy Dale Brown of Tulsa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son John Shimanek, and her brother Bill.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to MD Anderson Cancer Hospital with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.

07/30/2025

Anyone wanting to send cards to Jewel Babiak's family may send them to:

Babiak
612 Redfork Dr.
Hennessey, OK 73742

07/28/2025

Celebration of life service for Alieda “Leta” Ann Hurst, 72, will be at 2:00 PM Friday August 8, 2025 at Crescent VFW. Viewing will be from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM Tuesday July 29, and Wednesday July 30, 2025 at Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home in Hennessey. Following the viewing cremation will occur at Alieda’s request.

Alieda was born in Guthrie on December 2, 1952 to Norman and Irene Payne Henning and died Friday July 25, 2025 at Hennessey Care Center.

She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Crescent VFW where she enjoyed serving her community. Alieda loved bingo and Dr. Pepper!

Alieda is survived by one brother Troy Henning of Crescent, one sister Connie Henning, her brother-in-law Steve Pollard, both of Hennessey; nieces and nephews Dean Henning, Dana and Kent Rogers, Todd and Kristi Henning, Chad and Dee Henning, Brad Henning, Bryan Henning, Tiffany and Ray Rowen, Heather Pollard and Deric Staggs, Stephanie Pollard and Molly Ryel, and multiple great nieces and nephews and her best friend and cousin Brenda Booth.

She was preceded in death by her parents Norman and Irene Henning, one brother Kenny Henning, one sister Sharon Pollard, one sister-in-law Carol Henning and one great-nephew Hayden Ryel.

07/24/2025

Graveside services for Laryn Ann Fuksa, 39 will be at 10:00 AM Saturday July 26, 2025 at Calvary Cemetery officiated by Rev. John Herrera. Arrangements are by Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Laryn was born in Okeene on November 24, 1985 to Todd and Starla Cosper Fuksa and died Monday July 21, 2025 at her home in Hennessey.

She is survived by her parents Todd Fuksa of Sallisaw and Starla Fuksa of Hennessey, two children Taetym Ann, and Ayla Ruth, one sister Teysa Woodward, one nephew Sam and one niece Braelyn, her maternal grandmother Pat Cosper, and paternal grandfather Leroy Fuksa.

Laryn was preceded in death by her brother Bradyn Fuksa, her maternal grandfather Don Cosper, and paternal grandmother Ruth Fuksa.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to FURever Friends with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.

07/23/2025

Memorial services for Betty Theda Streck, 74 will be at 11:00 AM Saturday July 26, 2025 at First Baptist Church, Marshall officiated by Leland Streck. Cremation arrangements are by Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home, Hennessey.

Betty was born in Nowata on December 5, 1950 to Henry and Betty Jo Ingram Tucker and died Monday July 21, 2025 at Integris Bass Baptist Health Center in Enid.

She married Ronnie D. Streck in Marshall March 19, 1968. The couple made their home in Marshall where Betty was very active in the community. She served on the Marshall City Council for several terms and served two terms as mayor. Betty was also a member of Marshall Lions Club and was president of the club for two terms. She was an active member of Marshall Fire Dept. and EMS and served on the American Red Cross Board from 2000-2006.

Betty is survived by her husband Ronnie of the home; one daughter Rhonda Butts, one son Andrew Streck and wife Cherie, all of Marshall; two grandchildren Ashley Sharp and husband Chris, Charles Streck and wife Melissa, three step-grandchildren Emilee Cummings and husband Randy, Errika Gehay and husband Michael, Wyatt Spangler and fiancé Chloe; eight great-grandchildren Abigail, Brayden, Renn, Coulson, Coleman, Demilynn, Ellis, and Callen; four brothers Sonny Stewart, Joe Tucker, John Tucker, Jack Tucker, and one sister Jeanette Dobbs.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, one son-in-law Charles Bradley Butts, four brothers Henry, Jerold, Donnie, Albert, and two sisters Margaret and Shirley.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Senior Center of Marshall with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.

06/24/2025

The funeral for Barbara Platt, 93 will be at 11:00 AM Saturday June 28, 2025 at First United Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Sandra Shepherd. Burial will follow at Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Barbara was born in Hennessey on July 2, 1931 to Ernest Frakes and Vivian Dixon Frakes and died peacefully Thursday June 19, 2025 at her home in Hennessey with her family by her side.

She married Lester Platt in Hennessey on July 15, 1948. Barbara was a member of First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Hennessey Mother’s Club, and was very active in the Hennessey Senior Citizens Center where she delivered many meals to shut-ins.

Barbara is survived by one son Harold Platt and wife Terrie of Justin, Texas, one daughter Rita Ferguson and husband John of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; two sisters Linda Pribyl of Hennessey, Norma Unger of Boston, Massachusetts, ten grandchildren Lori Jackson, Darrell Platt and wife Tressie, Jennifer Platt, Joe Platt and wife Tiffany, Kadi Davenport and husband Ryan, Jeromy McAlister and wife Kendra, Chad McAlister and Casandra, Amy McAlister and Will, Angie Grimes, Lucas Ferguson, and twenty-one great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lester, one son-in-law Dennis McAlister, and stepmother Mary Hoffman.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Hennessey Senior Citizens Center with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.

06/13/2025

Eugene Paul Smith, known as ‘Gene’ and better known to many as ‘Peaches,’ departed this world peacefully June 10, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.

If you knew Eugene, you knew a friend and you always received a warm smile. It’s certain you shared a laugh; likely many more than one! He will surely be missed.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held Friday, June 20, 2025, at 2:30pm in the Hennessey Public Schools Auditorium located at 213 N. Walnut, Hennessey, Oklahoma.

The family extends sincere appreciation to the caring staff of Path of Care Hospice, with special thanks to Chaplin Jack Wellman.

Gene was born in Hatch, New Mexico July 12, 1946, to Robert Grady Smith and Thelma (Horn) Smith. Gene was the third of four children of Grady and Thelma – Emily, Johnnie, Eugene, and Alvin. Eugene spent most of his childhood in southern Oklahoma. Eugene married Ruby Tomlinson November 1, 1964, and they had two children – Tina Michelle and Allen Dale. Shortly after their marriage, they moved their young family to Hennessey, Oklahoma, during the oil boom in the late-60s. ‘Peaches’ quickly became a fixture in the oil industry in northwest Oklahoma. Gene established Lightning Services, Inc. in the early 80s, and successfully owned and operated that business until his retirement.

After Gene and Ruby’s divorce, Gene met his soulmate, Pat Evans, in Enid, Oklahoma. They spent over four decades together as life partners and Pat was a committed, loving partner to Gene through his final stages of life.

Gene is survived by his partner Pat of Enid; daughter Tina Gilliland and her husband Ronny of Hennessey, Oklahoma; son Allen Smith and his wife Jamie of Yukon, Oklahoma; brother Alvin Smith of McLoud, Oklahoma; and sister Emily Smith of Oklahoma City.

Additionally, he is survived by bonus children Christi Evans of Canton, Oklahoma; Terri Schultz and husband Troy of Canton; and Joe Evans of Canton.

Gene was an amazing, ‘iconic’ Papa to Katrina Hertensen and husband Trevor of Kingfisher, Oklahoma; and Alyssa Gilliland of Hennessey.

Gene extended his Peach-ism lessons to bonus grandchildren Brady Evans, Kylee Thompson, and Kaden Thompson, all of Enid; Zane Evans and Amelia Evans, both of Canton; Kyle Gilliland and wife Jenna of Luther; and Tanner Culver of Wilburton.

Gene was Papa Peaches to great-grandsons Zayne Hertensen and Blayne Hertensen.

Gene leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loved ones who had the privilege of experiencing first-hand his humor and orneriness, along with a special group of close friends and travel partners that will certainly miss Peaches and his crazy antics.

Gene is proceeded in death by his parents R.G. and Thelma Smith; brother Johnnie Smith; Ruby Smith – the mother of his children; his special running buddy and best friend, Sam (his blue heeler); many close friends and extended family members; and some close friends that some might call the wild bunch – they were definitely his people and they formed their own community. (If you know, you know!)

Celebration of Life services are being arranged by Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home of Hennessey.

06/02/2025

JOHN D. HARNSBERGER

John Dee Harnsberger, 61 was born in Enid on March 11, 1964 to Jim and Carolyn Taggart Harnsberger and died Friday May 23, 2025 at Integris Hospice House in Oklahoma City. Cremation arrangements are by Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hennessey.

John was a driller and worked on wells across the country and abroad.

He is survived by his mother Carolyn Deaton of Hennessey.

John was preceded in death by his father, Jim Harnsberger, one brother Tony Deaton, and one sister Joyce Holder.

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