Billy Sue Holt

Billy Holt, age 66, of Proctor, Oklahoma, passed away December 3, 2025, at home. She was born in Siloam Springs, Arkansas to Lester Calvin (Leck) Holt and Audrey May Downing Holt on September 2, 1959. Billy grew up and graduated high school in Westville, Oklahoma and earned her degree in journalism at the University of Arkansas. Her career in journalism included working for the Cherokee Advocate, The Westville Reporter, Lincoln Leader, and The Herald Democrat in Siloam Spring, Arkansas. She went on to earn her Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant degree working in Northwest Arkansas and Northeastern Oklahoma. Her special love was working with children with physical therapy needs, and she was active in the Oklahoma Special Olympics for many years. Billy was an avid outdoor enthusiast and loved cycling, hiking, running, gardening, and everything nature. She also loved art, music and was a talented photographer. She was proud of her Cherokee heritage and was the outgoing president of the Goingsnake District Heritage Association. Billy leaves behind a large circle of family, friends and special people in her life. Billy was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Vivian Cox; her brother Ted Thurman; her niece Terry Yeargain. She is survived by her husband, Ben Ross of the home; her sister, Cindy Kane of Oklahoma City; sister-in-Law, Carrie Thurman of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; best friend Bill Gibson of Westville, Oklahoma; special friends, Shelia Gibe and Eileen Wright; nieces, Tracey Terrel of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Terri Durand (Walt) of New Jersey, and Debbie Brown of California; her nephew Max Jones (Vicky) of Watts, Oklahoma; her stepdaughters, Star Brooks (Marshall) of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Cherika Ross of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; stepsons; Alex and Evan Sellers of Minnesota; cousins, Jack Baker, Marjorie Hill, Kenny Critteden (Katie); as well as many step-grandchildren of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She went on to earn her Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant degree working in Northwest Arkansas and Northeastern Oklahoma; her special love was working with children with physical therapy needs and she was active in the Oklahoma Special Olympics for many years. A visitation is scheduled from 6:00 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. A Funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Wasson Funeral home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas with interment to follow at Sands Cemetery in Chewy, Oklahoma. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oklahoma Special Olympics, 6835 S. Canton, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74136.

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Billy Sue Holt

September 2, 1959 - December 3, 2025