Asa Smith Funeral Service

02/28/2026

Arney S Ellerbee

Arney Sam Ellerbee, 84, of Harrah, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on February 24, 2026, surrounded by his family and love. He lived a life defined by curiosity, courage, hard work, and an enduring devotion to those he loved most.

Arney was born on January 19, 1942, in Amarillo, Texas, to Samuel and Lahoma (Roberts) Ellerbee. His early years were spent moving wherever his father’s work took the family, eventually settled in Oklahoma City before making Harrah their home in 1957. It was there that he met a young woman named Judi Weller, who would become the love of his life. The two were married on March 24, 1962, in Edmond, beginning a partnership that would span 63 years 11 months.

An explorer at heart, Arney never stopped chasing the next adventure. In his younger years, that spirit carried him to California and Alaska, where he tried his hand at gold prospecting—drawn as much to the challenge as to the stories that came with it. A hunter, adventurer, and lifelong tinkerer, he even built his own metal detector and was always hopeful the next find would be gold.

Arney had a natural gift for building and fixing things. He attended drafting school and went on to work for Pitney Bowes, DeLongs, General Motors, and later as a construction supervisor for various companies. Over the years, he worked on countless homes and commercial projects, including the chapel at Asa Smith Funeral Service. After retirement, Arney and Judi started a vending company and continued working well into their 70’s.

His creativity and craftsmanship extended into his personal passions. Arney rebuilt a 1967 Mustang Fastback, a VW dune buggy, a 1940 Ford Coupe, and started to restore by hand a 1941 mahogany Chris-Craft—projects that reflected both his skill and his joy in bringing things back to life.

Arney was also a teacher in the truest sense of the word. If you needed to know how to fix something, he could explain it—or simply fix it for you. Through example, he passed down knowledge, resilience, self-reliance, hard work and a deep respect for nature. His wisdom was quiet but steady, shaped by experience and grit.

Above all else, Arney cherished his family. He loved his girls—his wife Judi and daughters Cindy and Missy—fiercely and faithfully. He was a devoted husband, a steady and loving father, a proud grandfather, and a joyful great-grandfather. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, always ready with a quick wit and an easy laugh.

Arney was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by the love of his life, Judi Ellerbee, married 63 years 11 months of the home; daughters Cindy Ellerbee of Harrah, and Missy and husband Don Richardson of Claremore; brother Dewayne and wife Souan Ellerbee of Washington; grandchildren Jarod Huggins Samantha and husband Jacob Barnes, Major Matthew Richardson, Aviator and Brigade Operations Officer, Oklahoma Army National Guard, and wife Erin Richardson, Megen and husband A.J. Rhine, and Mikala Richardson; and great-grandchildren Aidan Huggins, Riley Barnes, Waylon Barnes, Wylder Barnes, Max Richardson, Kate Richardson, Jack Rhine, and Baker Rhine.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel in Harrah. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery. Cremation has been effected.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net

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02/25/2026

Georgetta Vivian Souders

Georgetta Vivian Souders, 69, of McLoud, passed away at her home Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Georgetta was born October 1, 1956, in Topeka, Kansas, to Bernard and Oleta (Heston) Clark. She later moved with her family to Oklahoma City; she attended Taft High School. Georgetta was a hard worker and very organized. She worked in restaurants and cafés and in grocery stores.

She loved spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren. Georgetta may have had a little stubborn streak from time to time, but she was also the neighborhood mom that the kids in the area would flock to, knowing she had a personality to show great love and compassion. She kept snacks handy for her kids, grandchildren, the neighbor’s kids and everyone had the need.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters Charlotte Gingsberg and Bernadine “Cricket” Clark.

Survivors include her husband Bill Whalen of 37 years; daughters Candace and husband Ryan Branum of Harrah, Casey and husband Ryan Ashford of Newalla; brother Galen and wife Susie Clark of Newalla, sister Joleta and husband Martin Long of Choctaw; and two grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at Asa Smith Memorial Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Georgetta’s honor to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She was a firm believer in their work and donated to them often. She would be grateful to be remembered in your donation.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net

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02/12/2026

Join us for a Virtual Preplanning Seminar. RSVP using the link provided https://forms.office.com/r/183bgbHje3

02/09/2026

Robert "Bob" William Jones

Robert “Bob” Jones was born on July 18, 1933, in Canajoharie, New York, and passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, in Norman, Oklahoma.

Bob devoted much of his life to serving his country, a commitment he carried with great pride. He served 35 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Technical Sergeant, and previously served four years in the United States Navy. His nearly four decades of military service were marked by discipline, loyalty, and an unwavering sense of duty—values he carried into every part of his life.

Above all else, Bob was a family man. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took great pride in his family and the life he built. He is survived by his children, Teresa Jones Stranczek and James “Jimmy” Jones; his grandchildren, Sarah Stranczek, Logan Corelli, April Jones, Amber Jones, and Rocky Jones; and his great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Cockrell and Nathan Corelli.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Laverne; his daughter, Carol; and his grandson, Patrick.

Those who knew Bob remember him as steady, dependable, and quietly strong. He was proud of his service, loyal to those he loved, and guided by honor and integrity throughout his life. His legacy lives on not only through his many years of military service, but through the generations of family who carry his values forward.

Robert “Bob” Jones will be remembered with deep gratitude and respect, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The Rosary will be recited 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St Teresa of Avila Catholic Church of Harrah, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial set to begin a 2:00pm. Burial and Military Honors will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Cemetery shortly thereafter.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Services of Harrah, Oklahoma. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net

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02/05/2026

Darla Kay Phipps-Cain

Darla Kay Phipps Cain was born November 13, 1946, in Oklahoma City to Bill Phipps and Frances Phipps Hawkins. She left this world to meet her Father in Heaven on February 1, 2026, at home in Oklahoma City surrounded by her family who loved her beyond measure.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her son Robert Dwayne Cain and her brother Dave Burress. She is survived by her husband of 48 years Sammy Cain and her daughters and sons-in-law Sheila and Don Imhoff, Tina and Galen Crabtree and Michelle and Steve Swearengin. She was a deeply proud and devoted Nana to 7 grandchildren and their families: Tabatha and Wesley, Ashlee and Clayton, Samuel and Season, Taylor and Taylor, Kalen and Abel, Shelbee and Matt, and Cassee.

Her legacy is beautifully reflected in her nine great grandchildren, Jaxon, Halle, Rylee, Levi, Naomi, Ledger, McCoy, Cash and Paige each of whom brought her immense joy.

To know Darla was to love her and to call her Nana. She was the kind of woman who created a sense of belonging wherever she went, whether in her home, her town or a school hallway. Harrah was not just her hometown; it was her heart. For 30 years, she served at Harrah Public Schools, loving and nurturing generations of young people as if they were her own.

Darla Cain’s name was synonymous with a spirited wit, a bold joy of life, and a warmth that radiated wherever she went. She laughed easily, lived colorfully, and never took life too seriously. She moved effortlessly between elegance and effort, finding joy in both freshly polished nails, sparkling rings and working in horse or pig pens.

Darla lived a life rooted in love, acceptance, and faith. Proverbs 31:28, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. “

Thank you, Mom and Nana, for every sacrifice, every laugh, and every act of love. Your presence is forever etched into our hearts, and your influence will be felt every time we choose to love, to laugh and to walk through hard times with grace.

Friends may greet the family 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the funeral home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, at the funeral home, followed by graveside services in Resthaven Cemetery of Oklahoma City.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Services of Harrah, Oklahoma. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net

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02/02/2026

Marvin Larry Higdon

Marvin Larry Higdon, 79, of Choctaw, passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Larry was born on August 24, 1946, in Harrah, to Mack Dugle and Lillie Opal (Beal) Higdon. He was raised in Harrah and graduated from Harrah High School in 1965. He married Kay (Sipes) Higdon on May 3, 1975, in Midwest City. They later moved to Choctaw in 1977. Larry served in the United States Army for two years, later beginning his 35-year-long career at Tinker Air Force Base. He started out at the bottom and worked his way up to be an aircraft mechanic. Larry loved spending his time with his family, especially teaching his grandsons to hunt and fish. He raised coondogs and loved being in the woods with them. He was a jokester and never met a stranger. He was a Master Mason of the Masonic Lodge.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Kay, and son, Shane, along with several siblings.

He is survived by his son Wayne and wife Karen of Norman, brother Joe Manek of Harrah, grandsons Cameron and wife Abbey of Newalla, and Colby of Norman, great-granddaughters Jayde and Olivia Higdon, niece Donita and husband Mike Tiller of Wagner, companion Carmen Lara of Oklahoma City, daughter-in-law Gina Higdon of Choctaw, and several family members and friends.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Asa Smith Memorial Chapel in Harrah.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net.

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01/29/2026

On Sunday, January 11, 2025, the halls of Asa Smith Funeral Service in Harrah, Oklahoma, were filled with a little more laughter and a lot more secrets than usual. The team gathered to pull off a monumental surprise for a man who has spent his life surprising others with kindness: John Bill Martin.

The occasion was twofold: John celebrated his 90th birthday on January 12, and he is simultaneously marking 25 years of unwavering commitment to Asa Smith Funeral Service—the last ten of which he has served in a full-time capacity.
The Man Known as “Mr. Harrah”
To the people of Harrah, John is much more than a staff member; he is a local institution. Known affectionately as “Mr. Harrah,” John is often the first face families see when they walk through our front doors. His presence is so integral to their home that the community room now proudly bears his name.

John’s touch is everywhere you look. He meticulously decorates the "John Bill Martin Community Room" to reflect the changing seasons and oversees the fountain in front of the funeral home, changing its colors periodically to brighten the day of every passerby.
The Heartbeat of the Front Office
While many at 90 are looking to slow down, John’s daily "to-do" list would tire someone half his age. Every morning, John is the one who:
• Unlocks the doors and lights the candles.
• Brews the coffee and prepares the cookies.
• Makes the daily bank deposits and collects the mail.
• Ensures the flags from the local post office are delivered to the cleaners for pressing.

Perhaps most impressively, because John knows nearly every soul in town, he continues to write approximately 60% of the obituaries for the funeral home, ensuring each life story is told with the personal touch it deserves.
A Voice That Carries
John’s influence extends far beyond our doors. A retired educator of 55 years, he remains a prolific writer. His weekly column, which covers local sports, is syndicated in 37 small-town Oklahoma newspapers. If you’ve attended a Harrah High School football, baseball, or softball game, you’ve likely heard his voice over the speakers, as he still serves as the local announcer during sports seasons.

How does he stay so sharp? John credits his faith and his fitness. He is a weekly churchgoer and, weather permitting, walks two miles in the local park every single day.
A Celebration for "The Man, The Myth, The Legend"
The surprise luncheon and two-hour "meet and greet" held this past Sunday was a testament to the lives John has touched. Friends, neighbors, and his "funeral home family" filled the room to celebrate the man who has spent a quarter-century taking care of them.

John Bill Martin, you are truly the "Man, the Myth, and the Legend" of Harrah. Thank you for 25 years of service, for your tireless work ethic, and for showing us all what it looks like to live a life of purpose.

Happy 90th Birthday, John!

01/18/2026

Please help us in celebrating the Life of Gracie Mae Brzozowski.

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01/13/2026

Robert Brent Bartlett

Robert “Brent” Bartlett went to his Eternal home on Monday, January 12, to be with the Lord.

Brent was born on February 10, 1960, in Midwest City, Oklahoma, to Jerry Donald Bartlett and Willie Ruth “Hucks” Bartlett. He was raised in Midwest City and graduated from Star Spencer High School in 1978. Later that year, in August, he met his beautiful bride, Rhonda Brewer. Won over quickly by her nurturing spirit and signature Southern cooking, Brent and Rhonda were married in March of 1979.

Brent worked at WW Steel and General Motors before beginning a 41-year career at Tinker Air Force Base. He spent much of that time in the fabric shop making and packing parachutes—a role he took great pride in.

An avid sports fan, Brent cheered faithfully for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the University of Oklahoma, but his greatest passion was dirt track racing. For more than 20 years, he spent countless weekends watching and filming races and became a familiar and beloved presence at dirt tracks throughout Oklahoma and southern Kansas.

Brent was a man of God. We confidently rest in the comfort of knowing Brent is with his Savior, made new and healthy!

Brent was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Peggy Bartlett; his brother, Jerry “Brother” Bartlett; and his unborn son, Baby J.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Bartlett; his children, Jodie Bartlett, Jonah Bartlett, Jenna Roberts and husband, Sean, Janae Bartlett, and Jason Bartlett; his brother, Nathan Bartlett and wife, Shannon; his grandchildren, Andie Roberts, Selene Avila, and Pierson Roberts; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held Thursday, January 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with funeral services on Friday, January 16, at 10:00 a.m., both at Asa Smith Funeral Home in Harrah, Oklahoma.

The family asks that you come wearing whatever makes you comfortable; Brent loved a ball cap and sports T-shirt!

Arrangements under the care of Asa Smith Funeral service of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net.

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01/12/2026

Imogene Baker

Imogene Baker, of Luther, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully, having lived a life devoted to family and service. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin Stevens and Nellie Mae Wallace; her spouses, Harold White, John Bayliff, Bobby Wayne Edwards, and Tommy Eugene Baker; her daughters, Linda White (Mott), Brenda “Johnnie Sue” Newby, and Bobbie Jean Edwards-Hernandez; and her granddaughter, Shawna Nelson.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Paul-Daniel Bayliff and his wife, Tammy Bayliff, and Margaret Denise Robertson and her husband, Erick Robertson; her grandchildren, Brandi Limbaugh, Brandon Newby, Lauren Hernandez, Thomas Kidd, Ethan Maese, Brandon Bayliff, Blue Diven, Summer Cox, Krystal Lambert, and Matthew Bayliff; as well as numerous great-grandchildren and extended family members who will cherish her memory.

Imogene found her greatest joy in her home, her garden, and caring for those she loved. Her legacy of devotion, creativity, and strength will be cherished by all who knew her.

Services will be held Saturday, January 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Grace Bible Church, located at 15020 SE 29th Street, Choctaw, Oklahoma 73020.

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01/06/2026