obituary

Dwayne Marvin Garrett of Ochelata, Oklahoma, was born June 26, 1945, and passed away November 16, 2025. Dwayne was born into a horse-loving family in California. They raised and raced championship horses in California and Oklahoma for many years, before moving to Oklahoma, where they continued their endeavors. Dwayne attended school at Nelogany, Oklahoma.

Elizabeth Ann Terrill, a longtime Tulsa resident whose quiet professional work helped preserve some of the Cherokee Nation’s most important historic sites, died Nov. 18, 2025. She was 73.

Janice Faye Dibble, age 70, was born on April 30, 1955. Although her birth certificate lists Tahlequah, Oklahoma, she was actually born in a cabin in Eldon, Oklahoma. She went to be with the Lord on December 31, 2025. Through her work with Indigenous peoples across the United States, Janie traveled extensively, visiting all fifty states multiple times. Her dedication, leadership, and tireless advocacy left a lasting impact on countless individuals and communities.

FORMER OOLOGAH MAYOR, JERRY HOLLAND, RECENTLY PASSED AWAY By: Carolyn Estes December 8, 1938- December 10, 2025 Jerry M. Holland graduated from Cascia Hall in Tulsa in 1957 and received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1961 from the University of Miami. He then served in the Navy from 1961 to 1965, including active duty in Vietnam. After his military discharge, he worked for Florida Gas Transmission Co. in pipeline construction. He also worked for Fluor Huxable Hammond Engineering Co

Joseph "Choogie" Leach- November 10, 1980 – December 22, 2025 Joseph was the beloved son of Lois Jean (Leach) Deason and the late Sylvester Eugene Watashe. He was a man with a gentle heart, a kind spirit, and a soul that naturally drew people in. Respectful, thoughtful, and well-spoken, Joseph had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. He was a friend to all, carrying himself with quiet strength and sincerity.

Dr. Tiffany Diane Smith of Blanchard, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous three and a half year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 43 years old. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Tiffany was an inspiration to all who knew her—a woman defined by her radiant spirit, passion for life and her tireless commitment to those she loved.