Jones-Harkins Funeral Home

04/06/2026

Rosalie Lillie Ardese passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026 at the Choctaw Nation Health Center in Talihina.

A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Mountain Station Cemetery in Higgins, Oklahoma. Her cremains were interred on the Ardese family burial site.

Rosalie was born on May 3, 1956, to Joseph Ardese and Agnes (Wade) Ardese in Talihina, Oklahoma.

Rosalie graduated from Panola High School where she was an exceptional basketball player. Her senior year, she made the All-State First Team Basketball Team and was the leading scorer in the State, averaging 33 points a game. Rosalie played as a Hutcherson Flying Queen from 1974 to 1976 in Plainview, Texas for Wayland Baptist College. She finished her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah.

Rosalie moved home to assist her mother following the death of her father. She had a 24-year law enforcement career and also served in the Oklahoma National Guard, 445th MP Unit. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. She retired to a 92-acre farm near Tuskahoma where she lived a quiet life with her recently late brother, Elmer, his son Nicholas, and 7 dogs.

Rosalie is survived by her brother, Mike Griffitts and wife Lisa; nephews and nieces: Trey, Joleta Brett, Christina, Annette, Eric, Buster, Angela, Crystal, Nicholas, Carri, Nicholas, Michael, Donnie, Chris, and Jeff; and cousins: Jim Ardese, and Katie Von; and other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Agnes Ardese; brothers, Jimmy Joe, Anthony, Carl, Vincent, Joseph, and Elmer Ardese; and nephews, Clayton Ardese and Joseph Ardese.

03/12/2026

Gregory Lee Houston, 64, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at Jones-Harkins Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Jones-Harkins Chapel with Stephen Yandell officiating. Burial will follow at Damon Valley Cemetery in Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Gwin, Dominick Thompson, Jeremiah Gullifer, Ronnie McBride, James Gwin, and Randy Moody.

Honorary pallbearers will be Eldon Gwin, Ronnie Wynn, Tex Allen, Lynn Shaffer, Joe Mack McAlester, Chad Swafford, Fred James and Johnny Jones.

Greg was born February 13, 1962, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Deroy Elmer Houston and Doris Ellen (Foster) Houston.

He graduated from Wilburton High School with the Class of 1980. Greg worked for many years at Franklin Electric Company in Wilburton, where he began in entry-level positions and, through hard work and dedication, worked his way up to become a supervisor.

Greg was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others. He was a talented handyman who enjoyed working on projects and helping family and friends whenever they needed it. Greg loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, especially dove hunting. He was also a devoted fan of OU football and OU softball. Greg was also proud to serve his community for several years as a member of both the West End of Wilburton Fire Department and the Veterans Colony Wilburton Fire Department, where he was dedicated to helping and protecting others.

One of Greg’s greatest joys in life was spending time with his family. He especially loved playing Frisbee and tennis ball with his dog, Ella and cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren.

Greg was a faithful member of First Assembly of God Church in Wilburton, where he proudly served as a deacon.

He is survived by his sons, Justin Bush and wife Samantha, and Dominick Thompson and wife Elizabeth; daughter, Haily Houston and husband Joshua Innis; grandchildren, Carter Houston, Paige Innis, Gemma Innis, and Holden Innis; brother, Kenneth Houston; nephews, Jeremiah Gullifer, and Wesley Clark; niece, Hannah Vaughn and Matea Clark; along with many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Greg was preceded in death by his son, Haden Houston; his parents, Deroy and Doris Houston; maternal grandparents, Dewey A. Foster and Minnie L. (May) Foster; and paternal grandparents, Claude and Elzie Houston.

Greg will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for his family, and his generous heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

03/10/2026

Ethelene Elizabeth (Phillips) Whitmore, 82, of Wilburton, passed Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Tidwell Living Center in Wilburton.

Ethel was born on January 15, 1944 to Hance and Mary Francis (Anderson) Phillips in Wilburton, OK. She was raised up with her siblings helping out in the farm fields in western Oklahoma picking anything from peanuts to cotton. When she got old enough, she decided farming wasn’t for her, so she married and remained in the Ardmore area for many years. After divorcing, she returned to Latimer County and began working in the nursing home and as a home health aide. Later in life, she met her husband, Denver Whitmore. They made their home in Wister, OK until his passing and she returned to the Wilburton area.

She was always the center of attention, and loved being in the middle of all her family. No children of her own, she became “Auntie” to a lot of nieces and nephews. She loved seeing them and always enjoyed her time with them. She loved going fishing, and spending time in the casino when she had the opportunity.

Ethel is survived by her nephews; Ricky Phillips, David Taldon Phillips, Bobby Phillips and wife Courtney, Clifford Phillips, Gary Looper, JR and wife Delia, Frederick Phillps, John Phillips and Perry Phillips. Nieces; Tammy Phillips, Betty McCool, Candy Elwood and husband Donnie, Frances Brown and husband Tommy Joe, and too many great and great-great-nieces and nephews to count.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hance and Mary Francis (Anderson) Phillips. Brothers; Raymond, Bobby, Perry, David, John Henry and infant brother, Jerry Phillips. Sister; Mary Alice Looper. Nieces; Mary Ann Prock and Loretta Phillips.

She was laid to rest on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the North Rock Creek Cemetery near Red Oak, OK. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Jones Harkins Funeral Home.

03/08/2026

03/05/2026

Judith E. Barker, 79, of Wilburton, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026, at her home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Jones Harkins Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Willard Francis officiating. Burial will follow at Lutie Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Neering, Tony Smith, Jason Brown, Jerod Brown, Bubba Mathis, and Lance Mathis.

Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Smith, Landon Taylor, and Logan Pelt.

Judith was born on February 16, 1947, in Wilburton, Oklahoma. She devoted more than 20 years of service as a Dorm Mom at Eastern Oklahoma State College, where she became a steady and caring presence in the lives of countless students. After retiring in 2009, Judith found that staying home did not suit her for long. She soon returned to work as the cook for the Wilburton Senior Citizens Center, where she once again poured her heart into caring for others. At the age of 77, she finally stepped into full retirement.

Above all, Judith took care of her family. She was their steady presence, their helper, and their source of strength. Her love and devotion shaped their lives, and they will feel her absence deeply and be truly lost without her.

Judith is survived by her son, David L. Barker; her brothers, Larry Wayne Houston and Randall Houston and wife Conner; her nieces, Chrystie Houston, Molly Pelt, Samantha Houston, Tiffany Serro, and Holly Smith; her nephews, Keith Houston, Sean Houston, and Tony Smith and wife Carrie; and her pride and joy, great-niece Bridgette Pelt and great-nephew Logan Pelt.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Gena Barker; her father, Elmer F. Houston; her mother, Mildred (Claborn) Williamson; her brother, John O. Houston; her sister, Debbie Houston; and her nephew, Sean Smith.

02/26/2026

Bob Clint Noggle, 75, of Red Oak, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The family will greet friends on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Jones Harkins Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Red Oak, Oklahoma with Pastor Bob Cherry officiating. The burial will follow at Red Oak Cemetery under the direction of Jones Harkins Funeral Home

Pallbearers will be Chase Gibson, Michael Wyatt Gibson, Re*****on Doc Gibson, Ryland Edge, Tony Noggle, Lawrence Edge, and Michael Gibson. Honorary pallbearers will be Lawrence Noggle, Jim Noggle, Zane Noggle, and Patrick Kelley.

Bob was born on June 8, 1950, in Breckenridge, Texas, to James Noggle and Pearletta (Burkman) Noggle. He married Katherine Maley on August 4, 1973.

Bob moved to Red Oak, Oklahoma, when he was in the second grade. He graduated from Red Oak High School with the Class of 1968. He attended Eastern Oklahoma State College and later transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Education Administration.

Bob’s first year of teaching was in Antlers, Oklahoma, where he met the love of his life, Kathy. They soon married and returned to Red Oak, where he taught high school math for nearly 30 years.

Bob was a charter member of Beth-El Baptist Church of Red Oak.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine (Maley) Noggle; daughters, Kristen Edge and husband Lawrence of McAlester, and Danica Gibson and husband Michael of Durant; grandchildren, Jalyn Harley and husband Garret, Chase Gibson and partner Corey Little, Kiley Moore and husband Zachary, Michael Wyatt Gibson and wife Abbey, Re*****on Doc Gibson and fiancée Celesta Pryor, and Ryland Edge; great-grandchildren, Dalayli Gibson, Kennedy Harley, Maelynn Gibson, Gracelynn Harley, and Brightyn Moore; brothers, Lawrence Noggle and wife Pam, Jim Noggle and wife Sheila, and Zane Noggle and wife Lynn; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and a host of friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James Noggle and Pearletta (Burkman) Noggle

02/24/2026

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02/23/2026

Advantages of Planning Ahead
Free Seminar
10:00 am Saturday, March 7th, 2026 Call 918-465-2341 to reserve a space today!

02/21/2026

Stanley Stahlman, 74, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at his home.

The family will greet friends at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Jones Harkins Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the visitation.

Stanley was born on September 22, 1951, in Prescott, Kansas, to Ralph R. Stahlman and Martha J. (Morrow) Stahlman. He married the love of his life, Wanda Thompson, on September 7, 1996, and together they shared 29 years of marriage.

Stan, as he was known to family and friends, enjoyed spending his free time hunting and fishing. He had a simple, grateful outlook on life. When asked how he was feeling, he would often reply with a smile, “It’s going to be a good day, I woke up and stood up!” — a reflection of his appreciation for each new day.

He was preceded in death by his son, Stanley Joe Stahlman; his parents, Ralph R. and Martha J. Stahlman; and his brothers and sisters: Herschel Stahlman, Raymond Stahlman, Floris Leatherman, Anna Lucero, Rose Leatherman, Russell Stahlman, Rex Stahlman, Robert Stahlman, Roberta Stahlman, Max Stahlman, and Ralph Stahlman.

Stanley is survived by his loving wife, Wanda (Thompson) Stahlman; his faithful service dog, Goldie; his children: Justin Stahlman, Nathaniel Stahlman, Amanda Rammage and husband Dustin, Joshua Stahlman, and Casey Watkins; his cherished grandchildren: Chance, Kyle, Adalynn, Caitlyn, Calli, Curtis, Talladega, Gunner, Payton, Sawyer, Landon, and Cambree; his sisters, Bonnie Evans and husband John, and Jane Davis and husband Darrin; his brother, Ronald Stahlman and wife Kristi; his sister-in-law, Ellen Stahlman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

02/13/2026

Plan on attending our free seminar entitled, “The Advantages of Planning Ahead,” explains how prearranging funeral plans works and, more importantly, how it can be a thoughtful and meaningful gift to the family members and friends who will be left behind.

The seminar will be held at Jones-Harkins Funeral Home, 201 North Central Ave. in Wilburton on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, offered at 10:00 a.m.

02/09/2026

Elmer Louis Ardese, affectionately known as “Moose,” passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Pushmataha Hospital in Antlers, Oklahoma.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Mountain Station Cemetery in the Higgins Community, Oklahoma. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Jones Harkins Funeral Home. A meal for family and friends will be served at noon at the Choctaw Community Center in Wilburton.

Elmer was born on August 27, 1952, in Talihina, Oklahoma, to Joseph and Agnes (Wade) Ardese. He attended Haskell Indian School and Panola High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.

He worked in the oil and gas industry for over 40 years, including assignments in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, and throughout the United States. He also worked as a truck driver and served for several years as a Latimer County Sheriff’s Deputy.

He is survived by his son, Nicholas Ardese; brother, Mike Griffitts and wife Lisa; sister, Rosalie Ardese; cousins, Jim Ardese and Bob and Kate Stancliff; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Agnes Ardese; brothers, Jimmy Joe, Anthony, Carl, Vincent, and Joseph Ardese; and nephews, Clayton Ardese and Joseph Ardese.

02/02/2026

Maryellen Mooney
Born March 19, 1949, in Syracuse, New York. Maryellen Mooney, 76, passed peacefully on January 28, 2026, in McAlester, Oklahoma. Maryellen lived a life defined by faith, service, and an unwavering love for family and community.

Maryellen was a graduate of Putnam City High School and the University of Central Oklahoma, where she was an Alpha Gamma Delta alumna. She dedicated her professional life to education, serving as a kindergarten teacher and elementary guidance counselor. After retiring from teaching, she continued her commitment to service as the Main Street Program Manager of Wilburton, earning awards for her leadership and impact. She also was the leading force for the Latimer County Tourism Authority, 20th Century Club, served on Kiwanis & the School Board as President. She lived a life of love and stewardship.

On April 3, 1971, she married the love of her life, Mike Mooney, beginning a devoted partnership of 54 years. Together, they made their home in Wilburton, a place Maryellen served wholeheartedly and proudly.

A lifelong servant to others, Maryellen was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a faithful presence in her community. She enjoyed weekly bridge games, volunteering throughout the community and cherished time spent with friends and family. She will be remembered for her bright smile, joyful laugh, and generous spirit.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Mooney; son Gary Mooney and spouse Elveda; granddaughters Stormie, Madison, Hanna, and Hanna’s spouse Daniel; great-grandchildren Elias, Trace, and Aidan; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Maryellen’s life was one of purpose, compassion, and giving. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply.

Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 9th, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Wilburton, Oklahoma.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Wilburton, Oklahoma.