Nakota Shane Ludlow, age 19, of Battiest, Oklahoma, passed away on July 16, 2026. He was born on Wednesday, December 6, 2006, in Talihina, Oklahoma.
Nakota was of the Christian faith and was a member of Battiest Baptist Church in Battiest, Oklahoma. He accepted Jesus Christ into his heart at the age of 11 and was baptized in a creek near Bethel, Oklahoma, on Sunday, November 11, 2018.
During his high school years, Nakota faithfully worked the concession stand throughout baseball and softball season. He was always willing to help and rarely turned down the opportunity. Even on the longest, hottest days, Nakota never complained.
Nakota found his greatest joy outdoors. During the spring and summer, he loved spending countless hours bass fishing with his best friend, Brexton. He never cared much about bringing fish home, his goal was simply to see how big of a fish he could catch. One of his proudest moments was harvesting his first deer during the 2021 youth season with his big sister and dad by his side. On the drive home, with his signature sense of humor, he looked at them and said, “Is that all y’all do?”, a story that has remained a favorite family memory.
Nakota also took great pride in his gaming setup. It wasn’t uncommon to find him in his game room, constantly upgrading and perfecting his system. His family often joked that his gaming system was his “baby” because of the time, care, and dedication he poured into it.
He was a young man who was still finding his way in this world. After graduating high school from Battiest in 2025, he immediately entered the workforce, where he worked as a stocker, among many other responsibilities, at Local 259 in Hochatown, Oklahoma. One memory that always brought laughter to his family was something he said when he was younger while talking about his future. He smiled and said, “I’m just going to live with Mom and Dad until I get on my feet.” Everyone knew exactly what he meant, that he planned on living with them forever. And in many ways, that’s exactly what he did.
Outside of gaming and the outdoors, you could almost always find Nakota with his best friends, Cinch and Brexton. If you were looking for one, the other two was never far away. It was rare to see them apart. The bond they shared was one of true brotherhood, a friendship that will continue beyond this life. Nakota wasn’t one to openly show affection, but when he did, you knew he meant it. He would do anything for the people he loved, and although his smile was seen only occasionally, it was one that could light up a room. Affectionately known as “Boy” by his family, Nakota’s kind heart, quiet love, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Nakota was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, J.L. and Betty Sullivan; Robert and Melissia Bohanan; Randall and Minnie Ludlow; Raymond Johnson, Sr; and by his beloved dog, Bubba Jo, who held a special place in his heart.
Nakota leaves to cherish his memory his dog, Copper; parents, Marvada and Herb Bohanan of Battiest, Oklahoma, and Nakisha Ludlow of Talihina, Oklahoma; grandparents, Clifford and Cathy Ludlow of Honobia, Oklahoma; great-grandmother, Thelma Johnson of Honobia, Oklahoma; brother, Montana “Pete” Mora of Atoka, Oklahoma; sister and brother-in-law, Madisson and RJ Watson of Talihina, Oklahoma; sister, Carmen Garcia of Talihina, Oklahoma; aunt, Keosha Ludlow of Honobia, Oklahoma; aunt, Angelia Gueli of Georgia; uncle, Jerry Ludlow of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; beloved niece, Amelia Faith Watson, who is expected to arrive in September; cousins, Jasmine, Josiah, Charleigh, Kyron, Kayden, Landon, Alyson, Athan, LJ, and Wrenley; and several great-aunts, great-uncles, and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his biological family, Nakota also leaves to cherish his memory two special friends, Cinch Tonihka and Brexton Ward, who were the brothers he never had, and JoLynn and Kirk Tonihka, who were like second parents to him and loved him as one of their own.