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November 18, 1991
Sapulpa Herald
Sapulpa, Creek County, Oklahoma

WRECK CLAIMS THREE
By Steven James, Herald Staff Writer

Three Sapulpa teenagers were killed on a rain-slick highway Saturday afternoon, Police said.

Ptl. Robert Hightower said Ketra Chiles, 15, 513 E. Line; Amadi Guess, 17, 1902 S. Oklahoma; and Nikki Moore, 16, 109 N. Burnett; were killed when the car in which they were riding was struck by an oncoming pickup at approximately 4 p.m.

The 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit driven by Guess hydroplaned on the wet pavement as it was southbound on ?H 66 near 91st street, said Hightower.

The car crossed into the northbound lane into the path of a 1960 ford pickup driven by Pat McDaniel, 52, of rural Tulsa.

“There was not a way in the world” McDaniel could have avoided striking the teenagers’ car, Hightower said. “he did everything he could”

Hightower estimated Guess’ car was traveling at or below the posted 55 mph speed limit.

The policeman said it took about 30 minutes to extricate the victims from the wreckage. Sapulpa firefighters had to use the “jaws of life” prying tool to open a door and free the three girls.

Hightower said Chiles, the front seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene. Guess and Moore were taken by Creek County Ambulance to hospitals in Tulsa, where the died several hours later.

McDaniel was taken to Saint John Medical Center, where he is listed in stable condition.

Seat belts were in use in the teenagers’ car, said Hightower, McDaniel’s pickup was not equipped with seat belts.

Chiles and Guess were member of the Sapulpa High School track team according to coach Dwight Pickering.

“It’s a tragedy” he said. “I just... The rest of this article is missing


November 16, 1991
Sapulpa Herald

KETRA CHEREE CHILES

Life came to an end, but her loving and fun spirit will always be remembered by everyone she touched and loved.

When a child is born, a race begins, it is from the cradle to the grave. Each must run their course, be it long or short. So it was for Ketra Cheree Chiles. We thank God for loaning us Ketra for 15 beautiful years.

Life sometimes seems at its lowest ebb and sorrow fills everyday. Yet the heart from the addest hardest trail will once again find its way. And peace returns after suffering. God’s love will assuage all pain, for after earth comes Heaven and out of our lost our gain.

SAFELY HOME

I am home in heaven, dear ones, oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed: I am now at peace forever.

Safely home in heaven at last. Did you wonder why I so calmly trod the valley of the shade? Oh! But Jesus’ love illumined every dark and fearful glade. And He came himself to meet me in the Valley so hard to tread; and with Jesus’ arm to lean on, could I have doubt or dread.

Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still; Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, pray to trust our Father’s will. There is work still waiting for you so you must not idly stand: do it now, while life remaineth you shall rest in Jesus’ land. When the work is all completed He will gently call you home: Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh the joy to see you come.

Mother, Anita Powdrill; Sister, Syriah Chiles; grandparents, Alvin and Maxine Jones; Great Grandparents, Jessie and Florence Powdrill; Many other relatives and friends.


November 19, 1991
Sapulpa Herald

Ketra Chiles, 15, of Sapulpa, died Saturday in an auto accident.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sapulpa High School auditorium with the Rev. Ervin Ruth officiating.

Burial will follow at North Heights Cemetery under the direction of Dyer Memorial Chapel, Tulsa.

Miss Chiles was born Dec. 30, 1975, in Sapulpa. A junior of Sapulpa High School, she was a member of the track team.

Survivors include parents Anita Powdrill and Mark Chiles, both of Sapulpa; sister Syriah of Sapulpa; and grandparents Alvin and Maxine Jones of Sapulpa and Pete Chiles and Louise Ivy, both of Tulsa.