Billie “Bugg” Simpson, a resilient and spirited soul, born on March 14, 1928, in Grant, Okla., passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024, in Hugo, Okla. Known for her vivacious personality and kind heart, she lived a life full of love and laughter.

Funeral services with Military Honors for Haston Jess Boykin, Jr., of Soper, Okla., were held at 2 p.m. July 9, 2024 at Miller & Miller Funeral Home Chapel. Haston passed away July 4, 2024, at the age of 69. Haston Jess Boykin, Jr. was born on Oct. 25, 1954 in Oklahoma City, Okla., the son of Haston Boykin, Sr. and Mary (Albertson) Boykin. He was preceded in death by his parents; and beloved wife, Donna Jean Boykin. Haston was a lifelong resident of Choctaw County and a proud Veteran of the United States Navy. He married the love of his life, Donna Jean Black on Oct. 5, 1984 in Boswell, Okla. Haston enjoyed deer hunting with his son, Sherman, and photography. He loved sharing the Gospel and was a floating minister, preaching in various churches throughout the county. He enjoyed visiting with people and making them smile. Haston was a rodeo clown, bull fighter and all-around Jack of all trades. He will be missed by his family, friends and loved ones.

Shirley Maxine Bryant, a beacon of warmth and family devotion, departed this world on July 4, 2024, at the age of 82, in Hugo, Okla. Born in Grant, Okla., on Aug. 16, 1941, to the late J.N. and Maxine (Nelson) Rhodes, Shirley’s life was one marked by love, commitment, and the simple joys of togetherness.

Funeral services for Tonda Jo Young will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Apostolic Jesus Name Church of Boswell, Okla., with Pastor Ron Pickard officiating. Private interment will be at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Soper.

Kendyll Carter, of Wright City, Okla., passed away July 4, 2024 in Sherman, Texas, at the age of 40. Kendyll was born Oct.

Memorial services for Kim Marie (Webb) Bertelson, of Antlers, Okla., will be at 1 p.m. July 12, 2024 at Miller & Miller Funeral Home.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma celebrates five graduates from the Family Medicine Residency Program this summer. Doctors Henry Gutierrez, Zachary Cruse, Shanell Gray, Patrick McIntosh, and Daniel Stacy finish their threeyear residency with Choctaw Nation and four are remaining on as a physician with Choctaw Nation Health Services.

Publisher The rapid growth of “artificial intelligence” has made it almost impossible to make a determination as to whether a broadcast or recording is real... or fake.