OBITUARIES
Helen Aliene Bledsoe
April 19, 1926 – January 30, 2022
OKLAHOMA CITY – Helen Aliene Bledsoe, 95, passed away Jan. 30, 2022 in Oklahoma City, OK.
Services are at 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Resthaven Funeral Home, Oklahoma City, followed by a graveside service in Cushing, OK.
Helen was born in Yale, OK on April 19, 1926 to Frank and Jenny (Caulkins) James. She married George Bledsoe on Sept. 8, 1946 and they shared a life together for 30 years until his passing on Nov. 17, 1976.
Ms. Helen was a member of Christian Life Fellowship Church in Moore, OK for many years where she served as mentor, Sunday school teacher and puppeteer through the King’s Kids program. She loved working in her flower beds, reading and attending the many activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her beautiful warm smile and helping hands. Helen was a down-home southern cook, and will always be remembered for her pineapple upside down cake and amazing chicken and noodles.
When Helen’s health declined in the later years, she traveled between Oklahoma City and Montague as her daughters stepped in as caregivers. While in Montague, Helen attended Montague United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church and First Free Will Baptist Church in Bowie, where she was loved and supported by all three church families. Many will remember her as the little lady at the front who rocked and clapped while singing all the words to the old hymns without a hymnal.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, George Bledsoe; parents, Frank and Jenny James, five sisters and two brothers.
She is survived by her daughters Sandy Owens and husband Chuck, and Saunda Ruff and Husband Rick; grandchildren Rich Owens and wife Amy, Scot Owens and wife Amanda, Chad Ruff and wife Andrea and David Ruff; great-grandchildren Olivia Lane and husband Evan, Noah Owens, Emerson Owens, Allie Ruff, CJ Ruff, Jayden Ruff and Jazmyn Ruff; special friends, Lanny Hunt and Ann Campbell, as well as many loving family members and friends.
Paid publication
December 26, 1942 – August 28, 2026
BELLEVUE – Jimmie Dale Johnson, 83, died on Aug. 28, 2026 in Wichita Falls.
A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 26 at the First Baptist Church of Bellevue Life Center.
He was born Dec. 26, 1942 in Fort Worth to James Jeffrey and Nellie Mae (Frazier) Johnson. He worked in the oilfield and for Robert’s Radiator Shop in Bowie for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; partner, Arlene Denton; brothers, Bill Lewis and Bob Lewis; sisters, Betty Huber, Mary Goodner, and twin sisters, Jessie Mayo and Peggy Ferrin.
He is survived by his stepson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
August 8, 1972 – September 5, 2026
BOWIE – LaDonna Mae Howell, 54, died on Sept. 5, 2026.
A funeral service took place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 10 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
She was born on Aug. 8, 1972. She was a graduate of Kinta High School in Kinta, OK where she graduated in 1990 as the valedictorian.
She continued her education at East Central University in Ada, OK earning her bachelor degree in accounting with honors in 1994. That same year, she became a certified public accountant.
She worked for Beverly Industries and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma before serving as vice president of business affairs at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. Later, she became the comptroller at North Central Texas College in Gainesville. She also served as the treasurer of the Bowie High School Mighty Marching
Maroon Band Boosters for many years.
She is survived by her son, Andrew Charles Howell, Longtown, OK; daughter, Amanda Rae Howell, Bowie; her children’s father, Michael Ray Howell, Saginaw and three grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
January 26, 2026 – September 4, 2026
NOCONA – Bobby (Jerry) Orrell, 87, died on Sept. 4, 2026.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
He born in Decatur on Jan. 26, 1939 to Elizabeth and Willie.
He was a United States Army veteran who served his country in Germany. He worked for ARCO National Supply in Gainesville as a supervisor. He worked for Bell Helicopter, Otis Elevator and General Dynamics. He also worked for Boeing as an engineer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Willie; sister, Norma Morby and brother, Bill (Buster) Orrell.
He is survived by his sons, Hannan and Caton; three grandchildren and brother, Leo Orrell.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
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