Benjamin Funeral Services

03/09/2026

Brian Darnell Curtis

Brian Darnell Curtis, affectionately known as “BC,” was born on March 21, 1980, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to Darnell Richard Curtis and Margaret Ann Peace Curtis. On Saturday, March 7, 2026, he peacefully entered eternal rest in Nowata, Oklahoma. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in God’s promise that those who trust in Him will find eternal peace.

Brian was raised in the Nowata community and remained closely connected to the people and the place he called home. As a young boy, Brian was energetic and full of life. He loved playing football and had a gift for talking with everyone he met. Brian certainly never met a stranger. Like many boys, he occasionally found himself in a little mischief, living out the familiar saying, “boys will be boys.”

For ten years, Brian worked at Matrix at the Port of Catoosa, starting as a laborer on the shop floor and later advancing to Leadman in the burn department. Throughout his time there, he formed many friendships and earned the respect of those who worked beside him. His dedication to his work and the genuine relationships he built left lasting impressions.

Brian lived life with great enthusiasm and was strongly devoted to his family. He enjoyed listening to music and proudly held the title of “Karaoke King,” bringing laughter and creating memories that will last a lifetime. He had a presence that naturally drew people in and a million-dollar smile that could brighten any room. Wherever Brian was, there was energy, thoughtful conversation, and a good time to be had. His vibrant spirit and generous hospitality brought gatherings to life and made everyone feel seen, welcomed, and important.

He found happiness in simple moments—grilling for family and friends, soaking in the tub for hours, and taking pride in keeping his truck clean. These everyday moments were some of the things he treasured most.

Brian shared a deep bond with the love of his life, Rhonda, whom he lovingly called “Baby.” Their time together was meaningful, whether they were taking rides or simply enjoying each other’s company. His children and grandchildren also held a very special place in his heart, who brought him endless joy and were among his greatest blessings.

Brian leaves behind a legacy of love. Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved “Baby,” Rhonda Darnell Mattix; his five children, Dante Hill of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Alexis Smith of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Calli Smith of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Brooke Smith (Dillon Bridges) of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Trenton Smith (Rylee Collier) of Nowata, Oklahoma; and his four grandchildren, Wrenlee, Lincoln, Lawson, and Ledger. He is also survived by his loving mother, Margaret Ann Peace Curtis, along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends whom he loved and adored.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Darnell Richard Curtis; his maternal grandparents, Leon and Annie (Wise) Peace; and his paternal grandparents, Larnell and Loyce (Owens) Curtis.

Brian’s unconditional love, infectious smile, and warm embraces will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and were truly blessed to know him.

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03/06/2026

Grief doesn’t move on a timeline and neither does healing.

Even in seasons of loss, something new can begin quietly, gently, and in its own time.

Wherever you are today, may you find comfort in knowing that hope still has room to grow.

03/03/2026

Ernest Tubb Kirby

Ernest Tubb Kirby, 77, of Nowata, OK went to his heavenly home on March 2, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 9, 1948 in Melbourne, AR to Joe Kirby Sr. and Nina (Rush) Kirby.Ernie moved with his family to Nowata as a child. There he met the love of his life, Wanda Ruth Belden. They were married on November 4, 1968 and had 5 daughters. He went to work at Fred's Fine Foods, Landers Grocery, and Turner Brothers as a meat cutter, retiring from Turner Brothers in 2002. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, cooking, and playing Pitch. He was well known in town for his remarkable vegetable gardens. He was a jokester and always had the room laughing with his quiet but ornery sense of humor. Most of all, he loved his family, his girls, and his grandkids from whom he was lovingly referred to as "Pa".Ernie is survived by his wife, Wanda, daughters Cindy Moss, Kris Frauenberger and husband Michael, Wanda Jackson and husband Christopher, bonus daughter Tonya Pinkston and husband Kevin, and son-in-law Joe Hindman Jr., all of Nowata, sisters Mary Kirby and Treva Belden of Nowata, brother Grady Kirby and wife Cindy of Claremore, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Nina and Joe Kirby Sr., brother Joe Kirby Jr., sisters Sina Pine and Henrietta Kirby, daughters Tami Hindman and Lori Theys, and grandson Daniel Frye.Services will be on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Reset Church with Pastor Matt Rowell officiating with graveside services following.

Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W. Cherokee Ave., Nowata.

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02/27/2026

Joyce Ann Ramey

Rev. Joyce Ann Ramey, 68-year-old Wann resident, passed away February 24, 2026, at Ascension Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville surrounded by family. She was born on January 3, 1958, in Coffeyville, Kansas to Rev. Jimmie Dale and Julia Maye (Chrisman) Shamblin. Joyce met and married the love of her life, Leslie Ramey, in Coffeyville, Kansas on June 17, 1976.

A homemaker all her life, Joyce was a true Proverbs 31 wife and mother. In addition, she loved to sing and was always breaking out in song. A licensed minister with the Independent Church of God, Joyce had a passion for sharing the Gospel and seeing others give their life to the Lord through evangelization. She also served as the Pastor of New Alluwe Church.

In her spare time, she enjoyed vacationing with her family in Branson, shopping at thrift stores, and playing glow in the dark football. She was full of love and zest and impacted the life of many throughout her life.

Joyce is survived by her husband of almost fifty years, Leslie Ramey of the home; children, Chris Ramey of Wann, Julie Ramey of Copan, Rebecca Shepard and husband, Tommy, of Wann, and John Jester of Wann; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Ramey, Nathan Ramey (Abigail), Dakota Ramey (Jentri Huggins), Gracie Shepard, and Daxion Shepard; and one great grandson, Cashton Dale Ramey on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Jimmie Dale and Julia Shamblin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Riding for The Brand Cowboy Church in Wann with Rev. Jimmy Harrington officiating. Interment will follow in Robbins Cemetery, Coffeyville, Kansas. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or on the funeral home page.

Arrangements are in the care of Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata.

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02/18/2026

We want to recognize the caregivers who show up every day with patience, strength, and compassion — offering comfort in the hardest moments and love in the smallest details.

To every caregiver: thank you for all you do.
You make a difference more than you know.

02/17/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Mardi Gras!

02/16/2026

Some love stays with us forever.
And what we’ve shared deeply can never be lost, it becomes part of who we are.

If you’re missing someone today, may their memory bring you comfort in quiet ways.

02/14/2026

Have a happy Valentine's Day!

02/13/2026

Joyce Kay Hollister

Joyce Kay (Sellars) Hollister passed from this life to her Heavenly Home on Thursday February 11, 2026, at the Journey Home in Bartlesville, OK after a four-year courageous cancer battle at the age of 78. Joyce was born in Bartlesville, OK on March 25, 1947, to loving Newton John and Dorothy Jean (Paisley) Sellars. Joyce graduated from College High School in Bartlesville, OK.

Joyce was a devout Christian and credited her Aunt Flora Gordin (Tootie) for introducing her to the Church of God as a young child. Her faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, never wavered!

Joyce was married to Fred Wayne Tole, and from that marriage came Pamela Kaye (Tole) Pearsall and Christopher Wayne Tole. She later married Kellis Wayne Pierce and had a son, Jason Wayne Pierce. Joyce found another chance at love when she met Gene Hollister, a Nowata rancher, and they married in 2017, adding two bonus children to the family, Kyle Hollister and Kristen Topping.

Joyce and Gene enjoyed dancing, dining, and thrift shopping (Joyce more than Gene) but their greatest joy was family get-togethers! Joyce and Gene were inseparable until his passing in 2023. Joyce was best known for her caring and loving spirit and her desire to help family members. She was creative like her Aunt Fay (Paisley) Cook, a family wedding or other special event was planned down to the last detail and decorated beautifully. Joyce also enjoyed quilting and crocheting and produced many extraordinary pieces. Joyce worked in retail for many years and retired from Walmart/CMI.

Joyce is survived by her children: Pam (Tole) Pearsall (Donnie), Christ Tole (Ron), Jason Pierce (Amanda), Kyle Hollister (Janet), and Kristen Topping (David). Joyce is also survived by her grandchildren: Zac Pearsall, Brittany Pearsall, Bryce Tole, Madison Tole, Josh Pearsall, Patty Pearsall, Caleb Pearsall, Connor Pierce, Kipton Pierce, Jacob Topping, Adam Topping (Jessica), Kyla Sellars (Josh) and Jayce Hollister (Jennifer); Great Grandchildren Abigail and Zayden Pearsall; Drew, Dawson and Raigan Parrett; Rebekah and Re*****on Topping; and One Great-Great Grandchild, Hudson Parrett. Proceeding Joyce in death were her parents Newt and Dorothy Sellars; Spouses Fred Tole, Kellis Pierce and Gene Hollister; and Grandson Garrett Tole.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests remembrance to The Journey Home in Bartlesville, www.thejourneyhomeok.org.Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com.

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02/12/2026

Kevin Merle Gorby

Kevin Merle Gorby, 65, of Buckner, MO, passed at his home on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. Kevin was born in Nowata on Dec, 23, 1960, to Kenneth and Velda Marie Hilta (Finney) Gorby. While he was at Nowata high School, he was a member of the FFA and enjoyed showing his calves at the county fair. He graduated from Nowata High School in 1979, and as he grew older; he participated in field trials with his bird dogs, winning many awards. "Jet" was his favorite dog he owned. He worked for many years in Tulsa and in 1988, moved to Buckner, working for the Watco Manufacturing Company for over 30 years. His primary duties were as a machine operator and a fork lift driver.

Kevin is survived by a sister, Glenda Robb and her husband, Charles B. of Chelsea; a brother, Kenny Gorby Jr. and his wife Diane of Collinsville; his nephews and nieces whom he held very dear, Martha Harper, Becky Hardesty, Josh Peak, Phillip Peak, Greg Peak, Jonathan Most, Jared Gorby, and Ryan Humphrey; as well as 20 great nieces and nephews, a host of other relatives and friends, and a lifelong friend, Randy Anderson, He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Linda Peak.

Funeral Services for Kevin will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the Benjamin Funeral Chapel with Brother Wendell Abbott officiating. A privated family Interment will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Nowata, at a later date. Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com of the Benjamin Funeral Service page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 w. cherokee, Nowata.

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02/12/2026

Valentine’s Day can feel different when someone you love is no longer here.
This season, you can still honor their memory in meaningful ways.

There’s no right or wrong way to remember.

Read more: https://1l.ink/LSSQHHH

02/10/2026

Love means planning ahead.
Taking time to start the conversation now can ease the burden on the people you care about most and ensure your wishes are known.

Call or visit us today. We’re here every step of the way.