Donald H. Handelsman

Donald H. Handelsman died August 16,2004 following a long illness.  He was 72.
Son of the late Rubin and Anne Handelsman, he is survived by his spouse, Sandra and her children and their
spouses Kimberly and Greg Pearce, Jennifer and Nicolas Green, Linley Willis and five grandchildren; a son
Scott Handelsman and daughter Debra Lowry.  He is also survived by his brother Robert Handelsman and
sister-in-law Linda Handelsman.
He retired from the Air Force as a command pilot with twenty-one years of service.  He was a veteran of the
Vietnam War, and a holder of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force
Commendation Medal, 2 Presidential Unit Citation Awards, National Defense Service Medal, combat Readiness
Medal and the Vietnam Service medal.
Following his military career, he entered politics in South Carolina. He held elected office until he was offered a
position in Altus, Oklahoma where he could continue his passionate love of flying as an Air Force pilot
instructor.  Employed by Hughes and Flight Safety, he instructed in the C-141. Just prior to his illness he was
employed by the The Boeing Company where he instructed in the C-17.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, October 2, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home
Chapel.
Funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on October 13,2004 at 2:30
P.M.
Local arrangements are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
Winona Joy (Billington) Hardy
Lifelong Jackson county resident Winona Joy (Billington) Hardy Winona Joy (Billington) Hardy passed
away Tuesday September 23, 2003, at Jackson County Memorial Hospital after a lengthy battle with
Congestive Heart Failure. A Celebration of Life Service, under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral
Home of Altus, are set for 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 27, 2003 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Don Hardy and the Rev. Boyd Whitehead will officiate and interment will follow at the Altus City
Cemetery. The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.

Joy was born September 5, 1932 to Albert Charles and Carrie Mary (Bailey) Billington at Warren, OK,
she lived her whole live within Jackson County. On March 23, 1950 she married Norman Hardy.

For the past 21 years she has devoted tireless hours to the Head Start Program of Southwest
Oklahoma Community Action Group, with centers in Mangum, Hollis, Elk City, Granite and Altus,
touching the lives of thousands of preschool children and their families.

Following bypass surgery in November 2002, her primary goal was to regain her health and resume
her position as Program Director. She returned to work in early May, but after only 6 weeks it was
evident that her dream was not to be. With a heavy heart she retired from her beloved Head Start
Program on June 25th. Joy was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and was a gifted cook.

She was preceded in death on September 23, 2000 by her husband of 50 years Norman Hardy, Sr.
Her parents, and her brother Jerry Billington.

She is survived by her children C.N Hardy, Jr. (JR), Virginia (Hardy) Herd and her husband David of
Oklahoma City. A single grandchild, Justin Herd of Oklahoma City. Her brother Sam Billington and his
wife Lea of Houston, TX, her sister Jan Schroeder and her husband John of Dallas, Tx., 5 nephews
General Frank Klotz of Cheyenne, Wy; Bryan Klotz of Colorado Springs, Co.; Don Hardy of Oklahoma
City, Dallas Weber of Dallas, Tx.; and Max Billington of Colorado Springs, Co.; 6 nieces Kathy Nelson
of Tyler, Tx; Gwen Holcombe of Oklahoma City, Jo Ann Goodfellow of Altus, Tammy Hughes of
Onieda, Tenn.; Kerry Spong of Houston, Tx.; and Lory Rankin of Dallas, Tx.; and numerous cousins.
Alton G. Hardy

Alton Graham Hardy, long-time Altus resident and business man went to be with his Lord and His precious “Bea”
on Tuesday, February 3, 2004. He was 87 years, 10 months, and 2 weeks of age.
He was born in Terrell, TX on March 20, 1916 to Harry R. Hardy and Vada (Graham) Hardy.  At an early age he
moved with his family to Southwest Oklahoma settling in the Friendship area.  He attended and graduated from
Pleasant Point School.  After school he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the SW Pacific and the
Philippines specifically during World War ll.
When he was mustered out of the military, he went to Bethany, OK and began working at Baker Shoe Store in
downtown Oklahoma City.  It was while he was working I that store that he met and married (three moths later)
the light of his life, Bernice “Bea” Garrison, who was also working in another nearby shoe store.  They married
on June 14, 1947 and were together just shy off 55 years before Bea went to be with the Lord.
From that union, three children were born into this loving home, Gary Don, Mary Gwen, and Jo Ann. In 1952 he
and Bea moved to Altus where he opened his first restaurant, Hardy’s Drive In, at the corner of North Main and
A Street.
After 13 years at that location he moved his business to the Desert Winds motel on south Main Street in Altus.  
It was truly a family business with Bea, Don, Gwen, and Jo Ann all working together.  From time to time, others
were employed to help because he never lacked for customers.  He was known in the area for his fried chicken,
hamburgers, and Bea’s marvelous home-made pies.
He was there until he retired in 1977.  Not one to be idle, he began working for the Altus Public Schools as a
bus driver in August 1978.  He continued doing that until he turned 80 when the school’s insurance would no
longer permit someone of his age to drive a bus.  Well, that didn’t stop him.  Instead of driving, he began riding
on the bus as an aide where he helped special needs children on the off the bus and escorted them to and from
their homes and/or classes as needed. The children called him “Grandpa Hardy”.
The Lord Jesus Christ and his church were always passions in his life.  He was a charter member and great
supporter of Emmanuel Baptist Church where he was extremely active until his death.  He was music director for
many years


And taught Sunday school.  One of his passions was a mission in Mexico that he supported for many years and
even visited several times in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
Mr. Hardy was preceded in death by older twin sisters who died at birth, his sister, Treva “Sis” Klotz, his parents,
a brother Norman, and his beloved Bea.
He is survived by his son, G. Don and wife Deborah (Tinsley) of Oklahoma City; two daughters, Gwen Holcombe
of  Oklahoma City and Jo Ann Goodfellow and husband Dean of Altus. Grandchildren, Christy Holcombe of
Wichita, KS; Richard Holcombe and wife Erin, of Shreveport, LA; Sarah Miller and husband Kevin of Tahlequah,
OK; and Emily Hardy of Oklahoma City, OK. Four Great-grandchildren, Kristen McCallon, Brennan and Corbin
Holcombe, and Nichole Miller.  In addition there is a niece, Virginia (Hardy) Herd of Oklahoma City, and three
nephews J.R. Hardy of Altus; Maj. General Frank Klotz of Cheyenne, WY and Bryan Klotz of Colorado Springs,
CO.
He will be sorely missed by a host of friends he knew and the family he loved.   
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church – Mexico Mission.
Services will be Saturday, February 7, 2004 at 10:00am at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, with Rev Boyd
Whitehead & Ralph Chapman officiating.  Interment will follow at the Restlawn Cemetery under the direction of
Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
The Family will greet friends, Friday, February 6, 2004 at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home from 6:30pm – 8:00pm.
Tributes can be made at www.lowell-tims.com
Gerald Lavon Harris

Gerald Lavon Harris, Grace Living Center, went to meet his Lord on October 31, 2004, Gerald was born to the
late Clyde and Hazel Conaway Harris, on November 8, 1926, at Walters, Oklahoma.

Gerald lived in Jackson County most of his life and was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, having
accepted Jesus Christ at an early age.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Miles Lavern, Calvin, Delbert and Kenneth and one
sister, Juanita Coe.

He is survived by three brothers, Jesse Ray and wife Alma of Altus, Oklahoma, Joe and wife Ruth of Bixby,
Oklahoma and Willie Harris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a sister-in-law, Joyce Harris of Altus, Oklahoma and
several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, November 3, 2004 at 2:00 pm at the Altus City Cemetery with Dr.
Richard Ventonis officiating.

Memorials can be made at www.lowell-tims.com
Elvira Harris


Elvira Harris, age 89 of Altus, passed away March 24, 2003.          Elvira was born August 30, 1914 at
Tuskahoma, Oklahoma.  She grew up in Tuskahoma and was united in marriage to Ernest Harris in the
1920’s.  For many years they lived in Lawton.  Elvira was a member of the Union Baptist Church of Lawton.  
She also enjoyed gardening and working around her home.  In 1989 Elvira moved to Altus, to be near
relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ernest in 1975 and her sons, Otis, Ernest Ray, Joshua and
Edward.  Elvira is survived by one son, Claude Henry Harris of Altus; one daughter, Mazie Dove and
husband Jewell of Vacaville, California; grandchildren, Sean Hicks of Houston, Texas, Brian Sanders of
Arizona, Demetrius Cephas, Sheila Harris, Deborah Harris, Jackie and Donna.  She is also survived by
three Great Grandchildren
Iona Pearl Hatfield


Iona Pearl Hatfield, age 81 of Altus, passed away March 31, 2003.  Services, under the direction of
Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus, are set for 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 2, 2003 at the Emmanuel
Baptist Church.  The Rev. Boyd Whitehead will officiate and interment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery.
Iona was born July 9, 1922 at Roosevelt, Oklahoma to parents Thomas and Sarah Burrows.  She grew up
and attended school in the  Roosevelt area.  She was united in marriage to Richard Hatfield on August 15,
1939 at Hobart, Oklahoma.  In 1950 they moved to Altus.  She worked as a homemaker and was active at
the Emmanuel Baptist Church.  She was a Sunday School teacher and loved flowers and working in the
yard.  
She was preceded her in death by her husband Richard in March of 1998 and twelve brothers and sisters.  
Iona is survived by three children, Mary Dittmer of Fairfax, Minn., Helen Allen of Altus, Carol Jackson, of
Bellview, Nebraska; nine grandchildren, Mr. And Mrs. Bobbie Dittmer, Jeff Dittmer and wife Sonya, Paul
Dittmer and wife Mary Ellen, Debbie Graham and husband Kurt, Floyd Allen Jr. and wife Brenda, Sabrina
Von Wert, Regina Ross and husband Warren, Candie Synoiski and husband Dennis, Kyle Jackson; sixteen
great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, Jason Von Wert.
Roy Haynie

Services for Roy Haynie have a been scheduled for 2:00pm, Monday, January 26, 2004, at the Emmanuel Baptist
Church with Reverend Boyd Whitehead officiating.  Interment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery.  Arrangements
are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
Roy Haynie was born September 28, 1925, in Sherman, Texas.  He was the son of Ezra and Ora (Barber) Haynie.  
He went to be with his Lord on Thursday, January 23, 2004.
Roy and Faye Virginia Baldwin were united in marriage in Sherman, Texas, on February 14, 1954.  They moved to
the Altus area in 1990 for North Edward, California to be near their children.  His dear wife preceded him in death in
1992.
Mr. Haynie is a Veteran, having served with the United States Marine Corp for six years. He had been in school
maintenance for many years before his retirement.  He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist church where he
served as a Deacon and also taught Sunday school.  Roy was a wonderful father and grandfather and loved nothing
more that spoiling his grandchildren.  He also enjoyed working in his yard and trying to make his flowers grow.  
Another of his pastimes was fishing.  He will be deeply missed by the loving family and friends he leaves behind.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Faye; two step-sons, Johnny and Jerry; five brothers and one
sister.
Roy is lovingly survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Dorothy and Robert Bence of Macon, Georgia and Donna
and Allen Mortimer of Altus, Oklahoma; one brother, Marvin Haynie of Sherman, Texas; eleven grandchildren and
several great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.,
Homer Lee Helton

Homer Lee Helton, age 81 passed away Friday, April 16, 2004 at Jackson County Memorial Hospital.  He was born
May 15, 1922 in Altus, Oklahoma to Walter Counts Helton and Nettie Prudence (Scraper) Helton.
On July 24, 1943 in Altus, Oklahoma Homer and Norma Jean Shook were united in marriage.  
He worked for Yates Implement and farmed in the Jackson County area for many years. After retirement he
enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He was a member of the Church of Christ.
He is lovingly survived by his wife Jean Helton of the home in Altus, Oklahoma, one son, Kenneth Helton and his
wife Jo of Altus, Oklahoma, three daughters, Neoma Linares and husband Eddie of Port Neches, Texas, Nelda
Linares and husband Henry of Aberdeen, South Dakota, Cathy Baker and husband Kennith of Rapid City, South
Dakota. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Larry Linares, Kerry Linares, Stacie Wasem, Suzi Frost, Dawn
Cupps, Duane Baker, Jared Helton and Whitney Fauth and ten great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Harley Helton, one sister, Bernice Lakin.
Funeral Service for Homer Helton is scheduled for Monday, April 19, 2004 at 1:00 P.M. in the Lowell-Tims Funeral
Home Chapel with Tom Bailey and Bill Osborne officiating. Interment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the
direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
The family of Homer Helton will receive friends Sunday, April 18, 2004 7:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. at Lowell-Tims
Funeral Home.
Tributes can be made at www.lowell-tims.com
Effie Eula Henderson

Effie Eula Henderson, 89, of Eldorado, passed away Friday, June 6, 2003, at the Ranchwood Nursing
Home in Yukon.

Effie was born December 12, 1913, in Eldorado, Oklahoma, to John C. and Virginia Elizabeth (Braker)
Weddle.  She married Truman Sullivan            Henderson February 17, 1929, in Quanah, Texas.  The
couple moved back to the Jackson County area in 1930 from Chillicothe, Texas.  Effie helped her
husband in his farming and ranching operation and they owned and operated a retail and wholesale
Magnolia service station in Eldorado for fifteen years.  She was also a homemaker and loving wife,  
mother, and grandmother.   She was a member of the Lion’s Club and a faithful member of the First
Baptist Church in Eldorado.

Effie is survived by two daughters, Mona Malone and her husband Jack of Mustang, Oklahoma, and
Jerrye Gilliam and husband Wayne, also of Mustang; three grandchildren, Lynn Malone and wife Marlene,
Carolyn Day and husband David, and Tonya Dickman and husband Ronnie, all of Yukon, Oklahoma; eight
great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her
husband, one sister, and nine brothers.


FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE 2:00 PM MONDAY, JUNE 9, AT  THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN
ELDORADO WITH REVERND BILLY HALL OFFICIATING.  INTERMENT WILL FOLLOW AT
ELDORADO CEMETERY UNDER THE DIRECTION OF LOWELL-TIMS FUNERAL HOME.
Cynthia  Aline  Hand



Cynthia Aline Hand was born July 10, 1969 in Biloxi, Mississippi .  She died Sept. 30, 2003 in Altus, Okla.
 Cynthia was a life-time resident of Jackson County. She was a member of the Blair First Baptist Church.  
She graduated from Blair High School in 1987.  She was employed with the Altus Cleaners, where she
was in Customer service.  She enjoyed crafts and was very talented.

Survivors include:

Father, Bill and Rose Gray  Blair, Ok ,Mother Nan and Earl Reynolds, Blair, Ok, 3 Children; Richard
Reynolds Blair, Ok ,Melynda Ruiz, Altus, Ok , Dena Joy (DJ) Ruiz   Altus, Ok,  Grandparents; Lupe &
Juliana Marquez   Warren,Ok , Brother  Billy Gray & Christy   Blair, Ok  Sister    Alicia Lenard   Altus, Ok ,
2 Nephews    Tyler & Brayden Gray   Blair,Ok
A host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends
She was preceded in death by her grandparents
Services for Cynthia Aline Hand are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3, 2003, at 10 AM at the Lowell-Tims
Chapel with Rev. Ruth Atterberry officiating. Interment will follow at the Blair Cemetery under the direction
of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.

The family of Cynthia Hand will greet friends, Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003 from 6:30PM-8:00PM
James Lewis Harris, Jr.


James Lewis Harris, Jr., 72, of Sweethome, Oregon, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at his
residence in Oregon.

James Harris was born January 3, 1931, in Phillipsburg, Montana, to James Lewis Harris, Sr. and
Edna (Craddock) Harris.  He served in the United States Army for 14 years from 1947 to 1961 where
he received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Medal of Honor.  He retired from the army as a
Master Sgt.

After retiring from the army, he worked for the saw mills in Yreka, California, and then in 1963, started
working for Boeing, where he painted airplanes.  James married Betty Lou Simi June 17, 1963, in
Yreka, California.  He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

James is survived by his wife, Betty Harris, of Altus; five children, Andrew Porter and wife Aileen Harris
of Altus, Bobby Porter and wife Barbara of Huntington, Tennessee, Louella Barnes and husband Ralph
of Turners Falls, Massachusetts, Sunshine Brown of Huntington, Tennessee, and Sheri Bateman of
Altus; a daughter-in-law, Paulette Porter of Portland, Oregon; two sisters, Sally Crawford and husband
Jim of Sequmin, Washington, and Betty Harris of Helenton, Montana; 23 grandchildren, 14
great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.  James was preceded in death by his parents and
one son, Sam Porter.


FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE 2:00 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 7, AT THE CHURCH OF JESUS
CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, 1515 SAN ANN DRIVE IN ALTUS WITH BISHOP DENNIS
BROWN OFFICIATING.  INTERMENT WILL FOLLOW AT ALTUS CEMETERY UNDER THE
DIRECTION OF LOWELL-TIMS FUNERAL HOME.
SUSAN JEAN HEUSS

Susan Jean Heuss was born January 30, 1950 in Toledo, Ohio.  She was the daughter of the late Robert William
Bogner and Haleida Floi (Lynn) Bogner.  Susan died December 11, 2004, at her residence in Altus, Oklahoma.

She loved to play the piano, auto harp and her favorite musical instrument was the organ.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Donald Bogner.

Survivors include:
4 Children  -  William C. Heuss and wife Angela of Vernon,  Texas.
            Amanda Bailey of Vernon, Tx
            Elaina Reitenour and husband Laurence of
            Killeen, TX and
            Isaac T. Heuss and wife Tiffany of Altus, Ok

1 Sister  -  Elizabeth Benner and husband John of Flagstaff,
         AZ
2 Grandchildren  -  Laura Jean Freeman of Vernon, TX
                      Kylan Bryce Reitenour of Killeen, TX

And a host of other relatives and many friends.

A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. at the Altus City Cemetery under the
direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
Hallie Hokett

Funeral services for Hallie Hokett have been scheduled for 10:00 am, Thursday, May 6, 2005 at Lowell-Tims
Chapel with Rev. Jason Duree and Rev. Alvin Funkhouser officiating.    The family will receive guests from 6:30
to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, at Lowell-Tims.  All local arrangements are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral
Home.  Interment will follow on Monday at 1:00 pm in the Twin Oaks Memorial Park in Artesia, New Mexico under
the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary in Artesia.
Hallie Lucille Hokett was born September 3, 1914 near Granite, Oklahoma to Gabriel Ardell and Delilah Ann
Elizabeth (Howard) Sewell.  When she was about four years old, the family moved by wagon across what is now
Lake Altus to the old homeplace next to Mt. Tepee.  Hallie attended the little one-room Mt. Tepee school house
just down the road.
At school, Hallie met her future husband Johnnie Albert Hokett when she was nine years old.  She said, “That’s
the boy I’m gonna marry!”  They were married October 11, 1931 by Uncle Bert Winters on the Red River with
mules Kate and Beck as their witnesses.  To this union were born six children who survive, David Lee Hokett
and wife Winn of San Antonio, Texas, Ray Lynn Hokett of Del City, Oklahoma, Anson Ardell Hokett and wife
Judith of Tuscon, Arizona, Judy Ann Signorelli and husband George of Altus, Oklahoma, Janice Hokett of
Magdelena, New Mexico and James Allen Hokett and wife Cat, also of Magdelena, New Mexico.  Also surviving
are 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson; and numerous nieces, nephews,
other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband,Johnnie; five brothers, Vadus, Gorman, Bailey,
Clarence and Anson; and three sisters, Winnie, Nannie and Rosalee.
Hallie never knew a stranger and was ready to help anyone who needed help.  She baked animal cakes for her
grandchildren and many other children.  She taught Sunbeams and worked with children in Sunday School and
Church for many years.  Hallie made doll clothes, animal pillows and quilts for so many people.  Her handiwork is
scattered around the world.
Hallie loved her Lord, accepting Him as her Savior as a young adult.
Hallie loved to bake BNB (banana nut bread) for her friends and neighbors.  She took food to the sick,
bereaved and the unfortunate.  Hallie was a good mother, wife, friend and Grandmother.  She helped on the
ranch, farm and even at the service station with her husband.  She was an exceptional homemaker and was
ready to “pitch in” on any job or chore to take care of her family.  She loved everyone and everyone loved her
back.  Hallie will be sorley missed by the many who knew and loved her.

Tributes can be made at www.lowelltims.com
Duane Houck

Kenneth Duane Houck, father and fun-loving friend, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 20,
2004.  Duane was born on September 23, 1924, to Austin and Meda Houck.  He was a caring and devoted son
to his parents, a loving father and granddad, and a lifelong friend to his brother Merlyn.
After graduating from Eastview High School he enrolled at Mangum Junior College.  He served as a Seabee in
the U.S. Navy during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946.  
His farming career began in 1946 when he acquired the homestead of his grandfather, W.P. Houck.  After 48
years of farming he retired in 1994.  The homestead remains in the family.
He worked at Tim’s Funeral Home.  He provided 28 years of loyal service for Altus Production Credit Association
before retiring.  
Duane was a member of the Altus Chamber of Commerce and served for 20 years as superintendent of the
Altus Livestock Show.  Duane was a 50-year member of the Kiwanis Club with 30 years perfect attendance.
In 1952, Duane moved his church membership to the Elm and Hudson Church of Christ in Altus where he was a
loyal and faithful member.  
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Meda Houck; his beloved and cherished wife, Wanda;
his stepson, Chad Jones; and his brother, Merlyn Houck.  
Duane has left behind his children, Brenda Price and husband John, of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Joel Houck, of
Albuquerque, New Mexico; Doug Jones and wife Jana, of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Mary McCue and
husband John, of Overland Park, Kansas; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Duane was a trusted and faithful friend, an avid golfer, and a hard worker who loved shopping for a good deal.  
He was a man of great character and unfailing faith and integrity who loved his church family.  
Funeral services for Duane Houck will be Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Lowell-Tims Funeral
Home Chapel.  Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22 at Lowell-
Tims Funeral Home.
Duane will be missed and always remembered with loving affection by all.
Memorials may be made in memory of Duane Houck to Westview Boys Home in Hollis, OK.  
Ronnie Lee (Hinkle) Hughes

Ronnie Lee (Hinkle) Hughes, age 92, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2004 at Jackson County Memorial
Hospital.  Ronnie was born August 11, 1911 in Hess, Oklahoma to James Wiley Hinkle and Lula Ann Winn Hinkle.

Ronnie was a lifelong resident of Altus and Jackson County.  She married James Alfred Hughes June 28, 1926
in Marietta, Oklahoma.  Ronnie and Alfred owned and operated Hughes Drive-In Cleaners for many years.  In
1949, Jackson County Memorial Hospital began serving patients and Ronnie was among the very first
volunteers that served.  Known at the “Pink Ladies”, because of their pink uniforms, they served and still serve
sandwiches, chips, drinks and snacks to the patrons and patients of Jackson County Memorial Hospital.  Not
only did Ronnie volunteer, she helped organize the “Candy Stripper” program for young girls to also volunteer.  
One of her proudest accomplishments was in helping to organize the scholarship to one girl seeking to become
a nurse.  Ronnie consistently worked as a Pink Lady from 1949 until October 2003.  In addition, Ronnie was a
member of the First Baptist Church where she taught five year olds for over fifty years.  She was also a member
of American Business Women’s Association, Rebekka Lodge, and was awarded the Woman of the Year Award.

Ronnie is survived by one son; Tom Hughes and his wife Donna of Midwest City, Oklahoma, one sister; Marie
Balthrop of Springfield, Oregon, one daughter-in-law; Kay Hughes of Midwest City, Oklahoma, seven
grandchildren; Kent Hughes, Scott Hughes, Brent Hughes, Paul Hughes, Brad Hughes, Ryan Hughes and Kris
Thompson and nine great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons;
James Laverne Hughes in 1940 and Dr. Quillen Hughes, M.D. in 2003 and five brothers and sisters.

Services for Ronnie Hughes are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2004 at Lowell-Tims Chapel with Dr. Jeff
Moore officiating.  Interment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral
Home.

The family of Ronnie Hughes will greet friends, Sunday, June 6, 2004 at Lowell-Tims Funeral from 2:00 PM - 3:
00 PM.                                                                                                                      
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