Daniel De La Cruz
1/31/2012
(February 5, 1936 - January 31, 2012)
Daniel De La Cruz, 75, of Winters passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at a nursing center in Ballinger.

Rosary will be Thursday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home Chapel in Ballinger. Funeral will be Friday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ballinger with burial in Lakeview Cemetery in Winters.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Jose De La Cruz and Louis N. De La Cruz both of Winters, Marie Esparanza MeekLane of Houston, Susy Stamper of Coleman, and Raul De La Cruz of Aubrey.
 

 

Martin L. Forgey
1/29/2012
(February 22, 1927 - January 29, 2012)
Martin L. “Mel” Forgey, Jr. 84, of Lockhart and formerly of Ballinger died Sunday morning, January 29, 2012 in Luling Hospital.

He was born February 22, 1927 in Lubbock, Texas to Martin Luther, Sr. and Cordelia (Smith) Forgey. He graduated from Ballinger High School and attended the University of Texas at Austin after the war. M. L. and Jaunita Faye Bryan were married on February 17, 1951 in Ballinger. He was a marketing specialist for Lone Star Gas Company for over 40 years.

Mel was a World War II veteran, having served with the U.S. Navy in the south Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Prime. The ship was a mine sweeper, and Mel. specialized as sonar man and deep sea diver. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer, 3rd Class.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Juanita; and sisters, Dorothy Toney and Cordie Towey.

Mel is survived by his children , Randal Forgey of Flagstaff, Arizona, Debra Chamberland and husband, Eddie of Tyler, Steven B. Forgey of Alaska, and Michael K. Forgey of Lockhart; grandchildren, Stephanie and Alan Chamberland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, February 3 at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 4 at Lange Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.

Gladys Irene (Fry) Davis
1/29/2012
(September 7, 1915 - January 27, 2012)
Gladys Davis, 96, of Ballinger passed away Friday, January 27, 2012 at her home.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 31 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. The funeral service will be Wednesday, February 1 at 2:00 p.m. at Avenue B Church of Christ in Ballinger with burial following in Garden of Memories.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Ellen Breshears of Portales, New Mexico and Judy Perry of Belton, Missouri, and a brother, Jack Fry of Ballinger.

 

Henrietta Wilhelmina Borkholm
1/29/2012
(December 31, 1933 - January 27, 2012)
Henrietta Wilhelmina Borkholm, 78, of San Angelo passed away Friday, January 27, 2012 at Elsie Gayer Health Care Center at Baptist Retirement Community.

She was born December 31, 1933 in San Antonio to Herman and Clara (Kuehn) Will. She attended Texas Lutheran College where she received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She was married to Col. Christian A. Borkholm, Jr. and was a homemaker. Col. Borkholm preceded her in death January 31, 1975. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Col. Clement H. Will.

Henrietta is survived by a son, Clay Borkholm and his wife, Ella, of Dade City, Florida; a daughter, Cindy Litz and her husband, Rob, of Abilene; sister, Claribel Bierschwale of Fredericksburg; and Jack Houston of San Angelo and his daughter, Glenna Haney.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 29 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A graveside service will be held Monday, January 30 at 2:00 at Old Runnels Cemetery near Ballinger.

 

 

Pauline Johnson
1/29/2012
(March 23, 1924 - January 27, 2012)
Pauline Johnson (Memaw), 87, of Ballinger went home to be with our Lord on Friday, January 27, 2012 at Central Texas Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Pauline was born March 22, 1924 to Plez and Mary Round Sheppard in San Augustine, Texas. She married Oscar Johnson on August 17, 1946 in Ballinger. Oscar and Pauline had ten children, five boys and 5 girls, including a pair of twin girls and a pair of twin boys. Pauline was a homemaker and mother and a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Oscar preceded her in death in 1971.

Pauline was later blessed with her guardian angel, Mack Smith (DaDa). He has remained by her side all the way up to the end of her life. (We love you, DaDa, and are truly blessed to have you.)

Pauline’s family who preceded her in death include: her parents; husband, Oscar; sisters, Anna Ryan, Jeraldine Garret, Bobbie Davis; brothers, Roosevelt, Cleo, Clinton Ray and Clarence T. Shepherd; mother-in-law, Mary Johnson and sister-in-law, Carrie Hubbard.

She is survived by one sister, Annie Lee Murphy of Dallas; Mack Smith of Merlin, TX; five sons, Oscar W. Johnson and wife, Devise, of Dallas, Curtis Johnson and wife, Norma Jean, of Dallas, Claude Johnson and wife, Nancy, of Ballinger, Clifford Johnson and wife, Janet, of San Francisco, California, Larry Johnson and wife, Vetta, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; five daughters, Charlotte A. Smith and of Montgomery, Alabama, Jennifer Johnson of San Angelo, Jeanette Johnson of Ballinger, Evelyn Inez Johnson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Michelle Johnson of San Angelo. Also, surviving are a special adopted daughter, Annie Liddell of Ballinger; 42 grandchildren; 37 great, grandchildren; and 9 great, great, grandchildren. Pauline also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, special loved ones, relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers are Steve Brown, James Gray, Derrick Sneed, Charles Johnson, Charles Hutchinson, and Derikion Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are Oscar Johnson, Clifford Johnson, Claude Johnson, Curtis Johnson, Larry Johnson and Darryl Smith.

Visitation for family and friends is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Lange Funeral Home. Service is at 11 a.m. Thursday at Jesus Christ Church, Ballinger with burial in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.

 

 

William "Dub" Edward Robinson
1/22/2012
(June 17, 1937 - January 21, 2012)
William E. “Dub” Robinson, 74, of Ballinger passed away peacefully Saturday evening, January 21, 2012 at his home.

He was born on June 17, 1937 in Winters, Texas to Seth and Florence (Blount) Robinson. After graduation he worked in the oilfield in places like Africa and New Zealand before starting his construction business where he erected metal buildings all over the U.S. He married Jearretta Dupree on November 3, 1959 in Plaquemine, Louisiana and served with the US Army from 1960 to 1962.

The last of nine children, Dub was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Darrell; sisters, “Big Sister” Dorothy, Kate, and Mary; and brothers, J.P., Wallace, Shep, and Gordon.

He is survived by his wife, Jearretta of the home; son, Faustin Robinson and wife, Melinda, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; adopted son, Ricky Williams and wife, Angela, of Lafayette, Louisiana and grandchildren, Angie, Leigh, Rene, and Seth; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers-and sisters-in law, John Moore of Ballinger, Gary and Lila McClure, and J. W. and Vickie Dupree, all of Baton Rouge; numerous nieces and nephews in Louisiana and Texas, including special nephews, Ronnie Pollard and wife, Rhonda, and Freddie Lee.

Dub was liked and loved by everybody, respected for his knowledge and work, and will be missed by many. The family extends special thanks to Ballinger Home Health and Hospice of Ballinger for their concern and excellent care during the latter days of “Dub’s earthly life.

Visitation will be Monday, January 23 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 24 at 2:00 p.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church in Crews with Rev Ferris Akins and Rev. Gary McClure officiating. Burial will take place in the Crews Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be nephews, Ronnie Pollard, Freddie Lee, Douglas Robinson, Don Robinson, Edward Robinson, and Jamie Alexandrea.





Guadalupe Fonseca Picon
1/22/2012
(March 8, 1926 - January 21, 2012)
Guadalupe (Lupe) Fonseca Picon, Sr.of Ballinger passed away Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Central Texas Nursing and Rehabilitation at age 85.

He was born March 8, 1926 in Cameron, Texas to John, Sr. and Rosalea (Fonseca) Picon. He had lived in Ballinger nearly all his life and was a well-known barber in the town.

Lupe is survived by his wife, Juanita Picon of the home; children, Marie Picon Sesson, Lupe Picon, Jr., Tony Picon, Julie Escobar, all of San Angelo, Patsy Edwards of Breckenridge, and Rebecca Sims of Irving.

Rosary will be Tuesday, January 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home Chapel in Ballinger. Funeral service will be Wednesday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ballinger. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Ballinger.




Jewel Otelia O'Neal
1/22/2012
(April 20, 1925 - January 20, 2012)
Jewel Otelia O'Neal, 86, of Ballinger passed away on Friday evening, January 20, 2012 at Angelo Community Hospital.

She was born April 20, 1925 in Runnels County to Haden Key and Zula Otelia (Walden) O'Neal. She graduated from Ballinger High School in 1942. She was a bookkeeper for King Holt Furniture and later for Sheppardsons before going to the First National Bank in Ballinger and working in the bookkeeping department until retiring in 1991.

Jewel was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Alton Key O'Neal and a sister-in-law, Pauline O'Neal.

Survivors include her brother, Troyce O'Neal of Ballinger; niece, Diana Rozmen of Ballinger; nephews, Alton O'Neal, Jr. of Winters and Roger O'Neal of Burnet. Also surviving are great nieces and nephews, including her namesake Zoe Jewel McCall, and numerous cousins.

There will be a service of celebration at 2:00 pm Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger with Rev. Ferris Akins and Bro. Bobby Broyles officiating. Burial will follow at the Talpa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Ballinger Carnegie Library




Martha Bernice Schroeder - Bailey
1/22/2012
(October 29, 1930 - January 19, 2012)
Bernice left this earth on Thursday, January 19, 2012. She kept the faith.

She was born October 29, 1930 in the Schroeder farm house on the Concho River attended by Dr. Schiller. After her father, Theo Schroeder, died, she began school at the age of four in Lowake. Her feet did not touch the floor when she sat at her desk. After her mother, Martha, married Alfonse Wanoreck, they made their home on the Rowena farm. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in Rowena at the age of 16, then attended San Angelo Business School. She was working at Woolworths when she met her first husband, Robert. She had four children, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was an avid gardener and reader. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Gladys Hoppe; and one son, Mike Berch and daughter-in-law, Sharon Berch.

She is survived by her son Steve and wife, Ronda of Albuquerque, NM; son Gordon Berch and wife, Beverly of Albuquerque, NM; and daughter Terri McGee and husband, Glenn of Monahans, TX. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Glenn Hoppe of Winters, TX; nieces, nephew, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A graveside funeral will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger, TX. Pallbearers will be Gordon Berch, Steve Berch, Matthew Berch, Glenn McGee, and Glenn Hoppe. Honorary Pallbearers are Allen Andrae and Ty McGee.

 

Mary Jo Hoffman
1/18/2012
(September 12, 1921 - January 14, 2012)
     Mary Jo Hoffman, a longtime resident of College Station, died aged 90 on Saturday, January 14, 2012. She had lived a long life with courage, humor, and wisdom. Born in Ballinger, Texas, to Aurelia McKenzie Webb and John Earl Webb, she was a sixth generation Texan, but was also a true member of the “Greatest Generation,” living through tumultuous times and dedicating much of her life to overcoming the obstacles her generation faced. A child of the Great Depression, she spent her youth in the difficult years of the Second World War and helped build the post- war world. She remembered seeing elderly ladies driving horses and buggies and lived to see the age of space travel. A teacher herself, she emphasized the importance of education in personal advancement and community contribution. She never wavered in her sense of dedication and duty to her family, friends, and those around her.
     She graduated high school in 1939 with a scholarship to Mary Hardin Baylor and received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Spanish in 1943. In 1944, she married Oliver Joseph Jaros, Jr., of St. Louis, Missouri, a First Lieutenant in the Army Air Force, who was killed in action shortly before the birth of their son, Oliver Joseph Jaros, III (Joe) in 1945. She returned to Ballinger where she later met the recently discharged Garlyn Hoffman, also an Army Air Force pilot, who had been wounded in action and imprisoned by the Nazis in Germany. Garlyn completed his education at Texas A&M College (later Texas A&M University) in 1948, and they were married in June of that year in College Station. They moved to San Angelo, Texas, where he served in the Extension Service as Assistant County Agent and later to Sterling City, Texas, where he was County Agent. Recalled to military service during the Korean Conflict, they returned to San Angelo, where Garlyn was stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base. Their son David Garlyn Hoffman was born in 1951. During these years, Mary Jo moved house often, but worked tirelessly to prepare a home for her family.
     In 1953, the family moved to College Station, where Garlyn completed a master’s degree and began his life’s work in the Range and Forestry Department and the Texas A&M Extension Service. Mary Jo and Garlyn made many friends in the community and throughout the state. They were active members of the A&M Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder, and she belonged to numerous organizations, including the Newcomers Club, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Extension Service Club. She was a founding member of the College Hills Book Club, which may or may not have read the books assigned, but always regularly met for a lively time and was the center of many life-long friendships. She was a marvelous cook and an accomplished hostess.
     As her children grew older, she returned to her own educational aims and earned a master’s degree in English in 1971 at Texas A&M University, where she joined the faculty in the English Department and was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. She was a strong teacher, and her former students often wrote her and came to see her even after she retired. She was known for her humor and dedication, and she made many friends throughout the academic community. She also was involved with Texas A&M’s Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA) for many years, where she received - in Texas A&M’s all-male days - an award as a “leader of men,” an accolade she always treasured. After Garlyn’s death in 1980, she continued teaching for several years and retired in 1986. She remained an advocate of education and worked to enhance scholarships at Texas A&M in her husband’s memory. She was a long-time member of Chapter BG of PEO, which provided scholarships for women’s education. She also instilled that love of education in her sons and grandson, all of whom achieved graduate degrees. She truly believed that education liberates and enables a person. She spoke and read Spanish, loving to read Cervantes in his native language, but above all, she treasured the English language and its literature. Always a strict grammarian, even in her last weeks, she corrected people’s grammar. No one who knew her ever confused the use of the verbs “lie” and “lay” a second time.
     She believed in the benefits of travel and learning about other cultures and societies. She visited her son Joe and his family several times while they lived in London and traveled throughout the British Isles. She also visited her son David in Alaska and Iceland. Her travels also took her through much of the United States and Mexico. In the 1980’s, when it was still unusual, she achieved a childhood dream of visiting China.
     She became a member of Covenant Presbyterian church when it succeeded A&M Presbyterian. She frequently attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church with her family and was regularly visited by its parishioners during her last years.
She is survived by her son Joe Jaros and his wife Carolyn of College Station; her son David Hoffman of Fairbanks, Alaska; and her grandson Michael Jaros of Boston, Massachusetts. In addition, her survivors include her sister, Earlene Anderson of Houston; a niece, Carol Gregg, also of Houston; a nephew, James Anderson, of Dallas; as well as three grandnieces.
     The family wishes to express gratitude to Hospice Brazos Valley and the staff of St. Joseph Manor, especially Jonne Young, Keandra Johnson and Arlatric Gray. We will always be grateful to Lavern Cockran, Beverly Gooden, and Tyra Johnson, her caregivers during her last years, whom she came to dearly love.
      There will be a memorial service at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22nd in Bryan, followed by a reception in the parish hall. The interment will be private. The family asks that memorial donations be given to Hospice Brazos Valley, Covenant Presbyterian Church in College Station, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, or the charity of one’s choice.
 

Alfred Hugh Dallinger
1/17/2012
(August 23, 1917 - January 17, 2012)
Alfred Hugh Dallinger, long-time Ballinger businessman and civic leader, died January 17 , 2012 in Fredericksburg. He was 94.

Al was born Aug. 23, 1917, in Plainview, where he lived for the first 22 years of his life. In 1934, at 16, he graduated from Plainview High School and spent two years at Wayland College in Plainview before joining the local Foxworth Galbraith Lumber Co. In Aug. 1939, the company transferred him to Eldorado where he met his future wife, Bettye Jo Sanderson, a young high school teacher fresh from Daniel Baker College in Brownwood.

They were married Dec. 20, 1941, shortly after the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Al joined the U.S. Air Corps and was stationed at Kelly Field in San Antonio while Bettye continued teaching in Eldorado, driving to San Antonio on weekends.

Al was commissioned a Second Lieutenant with the flying rating of bombardier. In October 1944, he was promoted to First Lieutenant and assigned to a B25 bomber command in Greenville, SC, which left almost immediately for combat zones in the South Pacific where Al served until the end of the war. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Captain.

He returned to a position with Foxworth Galbraith in Sonora. In 1947, he bought an old hardware store in Ballinger and renamed it Dallinger Hardware and Furniture Co. He operated it for the next 43 years.

Al served two terms as Ballinger's mayor, during which time the city government adopted a new city charter, expanded the city council, added a new pipeline from the city lake to the water treatment plant and another water storage plant in town, signed an agreement to sell water to Rowena since it had no water source except contaminated water wells, expanded Ballinger's sewer lines, built a community center adjoining the city park and extended paving on streets previously unpaved.

He was a long-time and dedicated member of the Ballinger Pat Williams Post 8 of the American Legion and the Ballinger Lion's Club. He served several terms on the Ballinger Chamber of Commerce board of directors and, in 1967, took office as president of that organization.

He was a member of the Doss Bible Class at Ballinger First United Methodist Church and a 49-year member of the chancel choir. The choir room was named in his honor in 2002. Al was also a charter member of the Ballinger Community Choir in 1975.

Survivors include Bettye, his wife of 70 years; his son-in-law and daughter, Barry and Joanne Cheshier of Fredericksburg; a grandson and his wife, Jeff and Julie Cheshier of Lakeway; and three great-grandchildren, Kate, J.R. and Lillie. Al is also survived by two nieces, Kathy and husband, Jim Paige of Fredericksburg, and Ann and husband, Dan Tiscareno of Pittsburg, CA; and three nephews, Doug Wright and wife, Pat, of Lafayette, LA; Ralph Wright and wife, Linda, of Lubbock; and Dale Wright of Fayetteville, AR.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A public graveside service with military honors will be conducted on Friday, January 20 at 10:00 am at Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery. Immediately following the graveside proceedings, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 am at Ballinger First United Methodist Church with Max Pratt, minister of Ballinger Ninth Street Church of Christ officiating. The family wishes for all guests to please join them in the church fellowship hall after the services for a time of fellowship and a light lunch.

Al had memberships in the Plainview, Ballinger and Fredericksburg United Methodist Churches. Memorials may be sent to any of those congregations or to a favorite charity.





Myrtle Jane Whitlock
1/17/2012
(February 3, 1945 - January 16, 2012)
Myrtle Jane Whitlock, 66, of Abilene and formerly of Ballinger passed away Monday, January 16, 2012 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Wilson and Donna Whitlock both of Abilene; sisters, Dell Greenhill and Nanette Greenhill both of Hillsboro; and brother, Joe Odom of Brazoria.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 18 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral service will be Thursday, January 19 at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Ballinger with burial in Old Runnels Cemetery.




Virginia Arlette Cook
1/17/2012
(November 13, 1927 - January 16, 2012)
Virginia Arlette Cook, 84, of Ballinger passed away Monday, January 16, 2012 at her residence.

She was born November 13, 1927 in Albany, Texas to James Roger and Leslie Lee (Poe) Whitworth. She married J. L. “Bill” Cook on June 12, 1946 in Ballinger. He preceded her in death on November 29, 1999. She was a member of 7th Street Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and by a son, Jimmy Lee Cook in 1982.

Arlette is survived by her two sons, Stephen Cook and wife, Mary, and Alvin Cook all of Ballinger.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 17 from 8:00 to 9:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, January 18 at 2:00 pm in Old Runnels Cemetery near Ballinger




James "Jimmy" Harold Black
1/17/2012
(February 12, 1933 - January 15, 2012)
James Harold (Jimmy) Black, 78, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2012 at his home in Winters.

He was born on February 12, 1933, in Ballinger, Texas, to Ross M. Black, Sr. and Lola Allison Black. Jimmy attended Ballinger schools and worked some for his dad at Ballinger Dry Goods while in high school. After graduating from school in 1952, he served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War until January 1955.

He worked for O’Dell Howard Well Service, George Ford Motors as a car salesman, and co-owner of Broadway Gulf Service Station. After selling the service station in 1956, he worked as a salesman and later manager of American Supply Company in Winters until November 1982. At that time he became a partner and manager of Winters Oilfield Supply Company, retiring in March 1998. Jimmy married Virginia Ann Gideon of Winters on March 11, 1956, and they have lived in Winters since that time. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Winters. Jimmy will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, and he never met a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Douglas Black and Gerald Black of Ballinger; and two sisters-in-law, Vida Black of Ballinger and Joyce Black of San Angelo.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia of the home; one son, Greg Black and wife, Kim, of Plano; and one daughter, Kay Schwartz and husband, Richard, of Winters. Also surviving are five grandchildren, James Black and Pamela Black of Plano, Alicia Gray, Ambar Smith and Zachary Schwartz of Winters; four great-grandchildren, Katie, Alyssa, Matthew and Kendra Gray of Buffalo Gap; two brothers, Ross M. Black, Jr. and Bobby Black and wife, Susie, all of Ballinger; two sisters-in-law, Kay Black of Ballinger and Betty Sanders of Weinert; a cousin, Lorene Allison of Ballinger, and several nieces. Also remembering Jimmy are his caregivers, Dora Yanez, Karen Lara, Elena Torres, Nora Tischler, Lupe Esquivel, Nancy Moore, and Marta Olivas, who he called “his little angel.”

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 17 at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 18 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Winters with Bro. Heath Powers and Bro. Barry Taylor officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Freddy Richards, Carrel McKnight, Billy Harold Wilson, Henry Wheeler, Donny Killough, and Carlos Yanez. Honorary pallbearers will be Bert Humble, Ray Laughon, and Jack Parr. Burial with military honors will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Winters.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, Alzheimer’s Association, or the First Baptist Church of Winters.

 

Evelyn Laverne Richardson
1/9/2012
(July 21, 1936 - January 9, 2012)
Evelyn Laverne (Lisso) Richardson passed away Monday, January 9, 2012 at the age of 75 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born July 21, 1936 to Arthur and Julie (Kudlacek) Lisso in Runnels County, TX. She grew up in Lowake on the family farm and graduated from Paint Rock High School.

She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Lisso; her brother, Erwin “Bud” Lisso; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary Kudlacek; paternal grandparents, William and Annie Lisso; uncles, Ed Kudlacek, O.C. Lisso, Werner “Pete” Lisso and Delbert Lisso; aunts, Ella Kudlacek, Gladys Lisso, Alma Lisso and Louise Lisso; and a cousin, Alton Lisso.

Evelyn is survived by her mother, Julie Lisso of Ballinger, TX; her daughters, Paula Reed and husband, Raymond “Bubba,” of Grape Creek, TX and Tricia Varquera and husband, Hector, of Saginaw, TX; grandchildren, Erin Jacobs of San Angelo, C.J. Lee of Odessa, Tony and April Reed of Grape Creek; and “her little angel,” the light of her life, a great-granddaughter, Emauri Vinson of San Angelo. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Frances Lisso of Lowake; nieces, Susan Harney and husband, Jerry, of Wolfforth and Betty Johnson and husband, Clark, of Saginaw, and their families—Wes Johnson and wife, Melanie, of Pearland, Greg Johnson of Saginaw, and John and Matt Harney of Wolfforth. Also surviving Evelyn are a very special long-time friend, companion and neighbor, Milby Sexton of San Angelo and his family; an aunt, Lorene Lisso of Rowena; cousins, Carol Stokes, Jo Hoffman, Diane Hadley, Barbara Allison, Gloria Stemm, Glenn Lisso and their families. She will be missed by lifelong friends, Dorine Jones, Jean Stone, Suzann Swanson and her dear friend, neighbor and “hockey buddy,” Judy Harper, as well as many other extended family and the friends she has made throughout her life.

There will be a visitation at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger on Wednesday, January 11 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 14 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Rowena with Ellen King, VistaCare Hospice Chaplain, officiating. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to a favorite charity.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Viki Forlano and Dr. David Cummings for their outstanding care over the past two years, as well as the Shannon Oncology staff and Out Patient Chemotherapy nurses who always welcomed Evelyn with their warm, wonderful smiles and whom she loved to harass with her every visit. The family would also like to thank VistaCare Hospice, especially Ellen, Jill, Barbara and Ann for all their love, care and support that have made the last weeks of Evelyn’s life comfortable and peaceful. May God bless and be with you all.

 

 

Roy Don Payne
1/5/2012
(April 5, 1939 - January 4, 2012)
Roy Don Payne, sometimes better known as “Spot” or “Poppie,” of Ballinger passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at his residence. He was 72.

He was born April 5, 1939 in Crowell, Texas to Roy Clifford and Glondon (Glover) Payne, both of whom preceded him in death. Don married Vickie Pleasants Witt on February 8, 1963 in Ballinger. He worked 53 years as a road construction superintendent, 37 of those years for Dahlstrom Corporation in Buda, Texas and then for Cherokee Bridge and Road in Junction. It was during those 53 years Don made friendships that lasted throughout his life.

Don was a hard worker, starting at the age of 18 in the road construction business. His work ethics far surpassed those of most men. He loved his work, always gave his best, and stayed on the job until the job was completed to his satisfaction.

Don was a man of few words. He listened, learned, and loved with his heart. He took great pride in his special haven—his back yard. He loved to garden, plant flowers, tend to the fish pond, and watch his two turtles that have lived in the back yard for 17 years. Don loved to go fishing and enjoyed the outdoors.

Preceding him in death was a brother, Michael Onton Payne.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of almost 49 years, Vickie, of Ballinger; daughter, Julia Duke and husband, Randy, of Red Oak; son, Michael Don Payne of Allen; and brother, Marian Payne of Quanah. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his beloved pet and best friend, Annabelle; a very special uncle, Son Glover of Crowell; and brother-in-law, Tommy Pleasants and wife, Judy, of Marlin.

Graveside services will be held Friday, January 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger with Bro. Bobby Broyles officiating.

 

 

Thelma Willine Gibbons Traweek
10/21/2011
Thelma Willine Gibbons Traweek of Ballinger, Texas passed away on December 15, 2011 after a hard fought year long battle with ovarian cancer.

Willine was born August 19, 1944 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Jack and Thelma Gibbons. She met the love of her life Curtis Traweek while attending West Texas State University and married him September 18, 1964.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Thelma Gibbons. She is survived by her husband Curtis; daughter Becky Traweek Rodriguez of Georgetown, and husband Tony, and their two children Alexandra and Matthew; daughter Tracy Traweek Moore of Round Rock, and husband John, and their four children Keaton, Breydon, Bryson, and Grayson; and son Michael Traweek of Cedar Park, and wife April, and their two children Jackson and Parker; sister Nancy Gibbons Gideon of Fritch, and husband Carl; and extended family and friends she loved greatly.

She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and a member of First Baptist Church in Ballinger. She will be remembered for treating everyone like family, being generous beyond measure, always encouraging never discouraging, witty and funny, always dressed to the nines – not a hair out of place, hugs that made everything better, and blind unconditional love for her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family and friends, good Mexican food (the Acapulco), the Dallas Cowboys and shopping - especially for shoes. She disliked getting wet, spiders and snakes (real or fake), and anything that started before 11:00 am.

In a last act of unselfishness Willine donated her body to medical research in hope that she could help one more person. Her family would like to offer its thanks and gratitude to Texas Oncology in Austin, TX and Ballinger Memorial Hospital for caring for her like she was one of their own.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 6, 2012 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Acapulco Restaurant, 607 Railroad Ave, in Ballinger, TX. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 11:05 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 400 N. 8th Street, Reverend Ferris Akins will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) at www.ovarian.org.

 

Mary Jim Currie
12-20-2011
(March 27, 1917 - December 20, 2011)
Mary Jim Patton Currie, 94, of Paint Rock, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at the home of her daughter, Carolyn Slaughter.

A celebration of her life will be held at First Baptist Church, Paint Rock, on Friday, December 23, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be her son, Dr. David R. Currie, her nephew, Dr. Charles C. McLaughlin. Arrangements are under the direction of Lange Funeral Home of Ballinger. Burial will follow in the Paint Rock Cemetery next to her husband and parents and many other family members. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on, Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the funeral home.

Mary Jim was born March 27, 1917 in her family home to James Manse and Ruth Crouch Patton. She graduated from Paint Rock High School in 1934, attended Hardin Simmons College for one year, and married Roy Currie of Paint Rock on October 15, 1935. They were married for 53 years, spending all but two of those years in Paint Rock, until he preceded her in death in 1989.

She was definitely a one-of-a-kind personality. full of life, love, passion and opinion. She lived alone in Paint Rock until she was 91, and then had three wonderful years at Baptist Retirement Home in San Angelo. Her last few months were spent with her daughter and son-in-law in Ballinger.

Mary Jim was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister Jewette Patton McLaughlin. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn and husband Danny Slaughter of Ballinger, son David Currie and wife Loretta of San Angelo, four grandchildren: Kimberly Drechsler and husband Steve of Coppell, Craig Slaughter and wife Kim of Sweetwater, Lance Currie and wife Rebecca of Dallas, and Chad Patton Currie of Fort Worth and his fiance' Jess Harrison. Also surviving are the joys of her life in her later years, her five great-grandchildren: Jack, Luke and Molly Drechsler of Coppell, Lexi Slaughter of Sweetwater, and Ashleigh Currie of Dallas.

Mary Jim is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Chuck Lipsey and wife Kelly of Bangs, Candi Rasberry and husband Kurt of San Angelo, and Scott Lipsey and wife Shanna of San Angelo and seven additional great grandchildren, Chelsy and Charly Lipsey, Brian, Brett and Brent Rasberry, and Payton and Luke Lipsey.

Numerous nieces and nephews and a whole host of loving and caring friends as well as Baptist friends she made all over America also survive.

Mary Jim invested her life in First Baptist Church of Paint Rock, as well as Baptist work and missions. She taught Sunday School over 60 years, and was very active statewide in the Woman's Missionary Union, Sunbeams and GA's. She played the piano for worship until she was 90. One of her most prized possessions is the painting of her church, painted by a church member and presented to her on her 90th birthday as a gift from the church. She loved and supported her son's work with Texas Baptists Committed, the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. She was especially proud NOT to be a fundamentalist and shared this conviction openly. She sincerely loved the time she spent with young women who sought her out for guidance and friendship. On her 85th birthday, many people expressed to her their appreciation for her encouragement and love shown them as they moved in to Paint Rock or as their Sunday School teacher.

She was instrumental in getting the Harry Crozier Library open in Paint Rock, and served as it's librarian for many years. She was also a member of the Paint Rock Study Club, and served in various ways in other school and community roles. She loved the semi-annual Paint Rock Reunions, where for many years she was the oldest member in attendance.

She was an incredible wife and mother, believing in her children and encouraging them to succeed and dream. She truly practiced unconditional love in family relationships, but was always willing to share a blunt corrective word.

She loved her endearing friendship with Mazie Fowler of Paint Rock, as well as June Dankworth, and her "Bank Girls." She considered Dean McIntyre her "adopted son" and sincerely loved his visits and calls. She quickly accepted Baptist Retirement Home as her home and enjoyed the friends she made there. She was especially close to many former pastors and liked to think she helped them mature and grow while they were serving in Paint Rock.

The family would like to thank the wonderful people of Paint Rock who truly helped her live her dream of living independently for so many years. We also thank Ballinger Home Health and Hospice of Ballinger for their loving and tender care, as well as Kathy Fritze and Marta Brock for their undying devotion.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Paint Rock, Crozier Library of Paint Rock, Paint Rock Cemetery, First Baptist Church Family Life Center of Ballinger, and Texas Baptist Committed, or a charity of your choice.

 

Lucille Erma Banfield
12/19/2011
(December 17, 1920 - December 18, 2011)
Lucille Banfield, 91, of Ballinger passed away Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Central Texas Nursing and Rehabilitation in Ballinger.

She was born December 17, 1920 in Millersview to Henry and Martha (Jones) Flippin. She was employed as a waitress, and she married Richard C. Banfield in 1971. He preceded her in death May 1, 2010.

Lucille is survived by her children, Barbara Banfield of Irvine, CA, Richard C. Banfield, Jr. of San Angelo, and Jerry H. Smith of Ballinger. Also surviving are five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m. at Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.

Tilda Alyne Holland
12/19/2011
(February 7, 1939 - December 14, 2011)
Tilda Alyne Holland, 72, of Miles passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at her residence.

She was born February 7, 1939 to Austin and Lounette (Rezzlle) Alexander and married Billie Holland in 1969. He preceded her in death May 27, 1987. She was a member of the Church of Christ. She was an “all around Granny” who lovingly cooked and sewed for her family. She loved and took care of everyone.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Buddy Hudson; and a brother-in-law, Don Heald.

Alyne (“Granny”) is survived by her son, Austin Holland and his wife, Terri, of Miles and daughter, Eppie Houston and husband, Jeff, of San Angelo; sisters, Pat Thomas and husband, Fred, of Tennyson, Jan Heald of Lake Ivie; brother, Ronnie Alexander and wife, Robin, of Lake Ivie; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Nikki Houston; Echo, Regan, and Billie Holland; great-grandchildren, Jayden and Jordan Houston and Kotie Holland. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, December 17 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A graveside service will be held Sunday, December 18 at 3:00 p.m. at Miles Cemetery.

 

Charles Clifton Finley
12/14/2011
(September 17, 1925 - December 12, 2011)
Charles Clifton Finley, 86, of Ballinger passed away Monday night, December 12, 2011 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

He was born September 17, 1925 in Hale Center, Texas to Luke and Mary (Clifton) Finley. He graduated from Loraine High School and attended Tarleton State University. He served his country honorably in the US Air Force during WWII. He married Dorothy Cope February 10, 1946 in Lubbock, and the couple had been married almost 66 years.

Charles was a hard-working farmer most of his life. He was named Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year during his time of farming in Mitchell County. He also received the high honor of National Farmer’s Degree through FFA. After retiring from farming, he had owned and operated Concho Park Marina at Lake Ivie since the lake opened in 1992. Charles greatly enjoyed landscaping his home in Ballinger where he and Dorothy had lived for13 years. He could often be seen on his tractor as he energetically mowed, planted, and beautified the property.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Alicia Finley.

Mr. Finley is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy, of Ballinger; sons, Gary Finley and wife, Margie, of Abilene, David Finley and wife, Nina, of Lake Ivie, Robert Finley and wife, Debbie, of Loraine, and Ronnie Finley and wife, Jerri, of Midland; sisters, Nelda Snow and husband, Bill, of Brenham, and Lois Johnson and husband, Johnny, of Levelland. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and special friend, Kay Smith.

Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, December 15 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. The funeral service will be held Friday, December 16 at 10:00 am at Lange Funeral Home Chapel. A private, family burial will take place at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Hendrick Medical Center and to Doctor Hirsch and Doctor Vega.

Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehab or the American Cancer Society.

 

 

Bobby Earl Curry
12/11/2011
(January 16, 1929 - December 8, 2011)
Bobby Earl Curry, 82, of Amarillo passed away Thursday, December 8, 2011 at an Amarillo hospital.

He was born on January 16, 1929 in Norton, TX to Aubrey and Jewel (Isabell) Curry. He served with the US Army Air Corp during WW II and upon returning he married Helen Reese on December 4, 1948 in Ballinger. She preceded him in death on June 6, 2003. He was also preceded by a grandson, Todd Christopher Curry.

Bobby and Helen moved to Amarillo in 1959 were he spent many years working for the FAA as an air and refrigeration engineer. His joys in life were motorcycles (Harleys) and fishing, his passion was cooking (anything and everything). He is survived by sons, Phil Curry and wife, Julie of Ft .Worth and Chris Curry of San Angelo and a sister, Audene Cope of Katy.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Ballinger.

 

"Tooter" W. F. Fenton
12/9/2011
(November 14, 1943 - December 7, 2011)
“Tooter” W. F. Fenton, III, age 68, of Miles passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

He was born November 14, 1943 in Coleman, Texas to Wanzer Fisher, II and Lucille Fenton, both of whom preceded him in death. Tooter lived and worked in the area all his life. He was a self-employed contractor for over 50 years.

He is survived by his two sons, Willy Fenton and wife, Rhonda, and W. F. Fenton, IV and wife, Tammy, all of Orange, Texas; his daughter, Weda Pyburn and husband, Doyle Wayne, of Lake Ivie; grandsons, Wayne Pyburn and wife, Jessi, of Orange, Fisher Pyburn of Lake Ivie, Hayden Fenton of Orange, Gage Fenton of Brownwood, and Zack Fenton of Orange; granddaughters, Scarlett Pyburn of Lake Ivie, Savannah Fenton of Brownwood, and Alex Fenton of Orange; one great-grandchild, Kimber Pyburn of Orange; and ex-wife, Charlotte Fenton of Lake Ivie. Also surviving is his dog, Square Jaws, who was Tooter’s sidekick, running partner, and constant companion.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Laura Campbell for being so supportive and a close companion to him.

Tooter will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

There will be a time of viewing and visitation on Friday, December 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral service will be Saturday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m. at Lange Funeral Home Chapel.

 

W. R. "Buddy" Gray
11/29/2011
(January 2, 1924 - November 28, 2011)
W. R. Gray, Jr., age 87, of Ballinger passed away Monday, November 28, 2011 at Central Texas Nursing and Rehabilitation in Ballinger after a brief illness.

Buddy was born January 2, 1924 in Ballinger. He was the son of Bud and Pansy Gray, long-time Ballinger and Bethel stock farmers. He married Esther “Mickie” Miksovsky August 2, 1947 in Eagle Pass, Texas. He graduated from Ballinger High School and attended John Tarleton. He served in the Army in World War II in the southwest Pacific. Buddy was the oldest member of the Ballinger American Legion, and also belonged to Ballinger Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Jaycees, holding offices in those organizations. He was a 33rd Degree Mason with a 50 year pin.

Buddy retired after 35 years of service with the USDA-ASCS as Runnels County Executive Director. He was also engaged in stock farming, spraying service, and farm radio programs. He was a member and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Ballinger.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, a brother, Bobby Gray, and a daughter-in-law, Mary Gray.

Buddy is survived by two daughters, Terry Parish and husband, Linn, of Lubbock and Jane Gray of San Angelo; two sons, Winton R. “Bo” Gray, III and Deb Parker of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Zane “Butch” Gray of Ballinger; grandson, Dr. O. L. “Bud” Parish, IV and wife, Dr. Deidre Parish of Lubbock; two great-granddaughters, Catherine and Isabella Parish; and sister-in-law, Della Gray of Austin. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, November 30 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 1 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ballinger with burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Pastor Wilma Harris will officiate. Pallbearers will be Gene Davis, Wendel Underwood, Winton Milliff, Chuck Kirk, Jim (Smiley) Walden, and Joe Don Murman. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Freeman, Lee Roy Muller, Dalton Lacy, and Gilbert Minzenmayer.

The family extends special thanks to Carol Jennings and the staff of Hospice of Ballinger, and to the staff of Central Texas Nursing and Rehabilitation. Memorials may be made to Runnels County Meals on Wheels, 627 Strong Ave., Ballinger, Texas 76821 or to a favorite charity.

 

Edgar Wayne Stafford
11/26/2011
(April 22, 1930 - November 22, 2011)
Edgar Wayne Stafford, 81, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2011 in Sienna Nursing & Rehabilitation in Odessa, Texas.

He was born April 22, 1930 in McLean, Texas to Austin Edgar and Dolly Mae (Wise) Stafford. Wayne married Barbara LaVerne Marshall on August 3, 1948 in Pampa, Texas. She preceded him in death May 17, 2009. During WWII, he proudly served his country in the US Navy as an Electricians Mate Striker, achieving the rank of Fireman First Class.

Wayne began his lifelong career in the oil production industry working in the oilfield for Skelly Oil Company. He later worked for Shamrock Oil & Gas for 10 years, Buttes Oil & Gas, and was a self employed contract pumper for seven years. He was employed with Creole Oil and went overseas to work for Crescent Petroleum in Sarjah, Arabia. Other employers were Jay Petroleum, U.R.C. Resources, Tescro Indonesia Oil & Gas, Jawaby, Tripoli, Lybia. As production foreman, his platform brought in the first barrel of oil in Sarjah and Dubi, Arabia.

He enjoyed his travels and work in the oilfield and offshore and was considered the gypsy of the family. In all his travels, he took his wife, Barbara, and their Chinese Pug, Jiggs, with him. He retired in Winters to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

Appreciating the oil industry, he helped his oldest son begin his own oilfield career when David was 16 years old. Wayne’s passions were working on family history with his brother, Don, and daughter, Susie, being with family and friends, gardening, and planting plants, lovingly assisted with planting the seeds by his grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and a sister, Mary Janice (Stafford) Cliett Anderson.

He is survived by his four children: daughter, Susie Kresta and husband, Dave, of Odessa; three sons, David Stafford and wife, Regina, of Midland, Marshall Lynn Stafford and wife, Echo, of Chula Vista, California, and Leslie Stafford of Quinlan, Texas; brothers, Donald Stafford of Chandler, Texas, and Jack Stafford of Skellytown, Texas. Six grand children and five great-grandchildren also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 

Virginia Lu Oliver
11/26/2011
(November 12, 1932 - November 20, 2011)
Virginia Lu Oliver, 79 of Livingston, TX formerly from Big Spring, TX passed away Sunday November 20, 2011 at Methodist Medical Center in Houston, TX.

She was born November 12, 1932 in Ballinger, TX to Walter F. Lange and Margaret R. (Smith) Lange. She graduated from Ballinger High School in 1949. She attended and graduated from North Texas State College in 1955 with Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. She taught school in Kermit, TX where she met her husband Robert Marvin Oliver of Monahans, TX. They were married August 20,1961 in Kermit, TX. She was a 46 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter #845 in Kermit, TX and Chapter #67 in Big Spring, TX. She was a past worthy matron in 1989 and 1994. She was active as a leader in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 29 years. 

She is survived by one brother, Walter F. Lange  and wife Sylvia of Midland, TX. son, Robert L. Oliver and wife Jackie of Ballinger, TX. daughter, Ruth Ellen Slate and husband Mark of Mandeville, LA and 6 grand children. 

Funeral arrangements were made by Integrity Funeral Care of Houston, TX.

 

 

Wilfred Emil Schniers
11/20/2011
(July 2, 1928 - November 20, 2011)
Wilfred Emil Schniers, 83, of Rowena passed away Sunday, November 20, 2011 in Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

He was born July 2, 1928 at Crossroads Community to Joseph F. and Emma Ullrich Schniers. He married Lorene Halfmann on November 18, 1952 in Olfen and together they spent 59 loving years together in their home near Rowena. He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena, a member of Knights of Columbus, and a charter member of Crossroads Gun Club. He was a lifelong farmer and loved playing dominoes and cards with his children and grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Joseph Schniers and his brother-in-law, C. J. Buxkemper.

Wilfred is survived by his wife, Lorene of the home; his 10 children; daughters Delores Schwertner and husband, Andy of Lowake, Sharon Young and husband, Bruce of San Angelo, Norma Sharp and husband, Roy of Rowena and Kathy Howard and husband, Mike of Rowena; sons, Kenneth Schniers and wife, Kathleen of Garden City, David Schniers and wife, Jennifer of Rowena, Stanley Schniers and wife, Barbara of Rowena, Maurice (Spider) Schniers and wife, Patty of San Angelo, Tom Schniers and wife, Monica of Miles, and Howard Schniers and wife, Shelly of Rowena; 23 grandchildren, Donnie Schwertner and wife, Danelle, Kyle Schwertner and friend, Brandie, Lynn Binder and husband, Brad, Tammy Padron, Bobby Young, Emily Young and friend, Michael, Amanda Bohannan and husband, Trevor, Kaycee Schniers and friend, Levi, Timothy Schniers and wife, Olivia, Brittany Schniers, Amy Gully and husband, Lance, Jared Schniers and friend, Janie, Erin Evans and husband, Chance, Jason Schniers and wife, Whitney, Marcus Schniers, Brandon Schniers, Randy Lacy, Bryan Lacy, Cassondra Mead, Allison Sharp, and Skylar, Kaleigh and Avery Schniers; and 14 great grandchildren, Alexa, Kameryn, Sawyer, Darrian, Annika, Joseph, Mikayla, Kambry, Randi T., Skylar, Tevin, Jayce, Krystin, and Keeley.

His sisters, Nadine Buxkemper, and Dorothy Frenzel and husband, Bennie, and sister-in-law, Clare Schniers all of Rowena and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, November 22 at 6:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church with Fr. Ariel Lagunilla officiating. Burial followed in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Cemetery Fund or to the American Heart Assoc., West Texas Rehab Center or a favorite charity.



Gloria Jenkins Grolla
11/20/2011
(July 13, 1929 - November 18, 2011)
Gloria V Jenkins Grolla, age 82, died at home on November 18, 2011, after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma. She was born in Uvalde, TX on July 13, 1929, but grew up in Ballinger, TX. After graduating as valedictorian of her high school class, she went on to the University of Texas in Austin and received her BA in Mathematics. She went on to work for Shell Oil Company as a computer on a seismograph crew. It was there that she met and worked with her future husband Dick. The two married in 1955. The two made many moves, but spent most of their lives in New Orleans and Houston. Gloria was always involved in the church and sang in the church choir. After Dick died in 2006, Gloria returned to west Texas to be near family.

Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, her parents, two brothers, Frank Duane and John David Jenkins. She is survived by her only daughter Diane Forsdale and husband John of Santa Fe, NM; brother Paul Jenkins and wife La Ruth of San Angelo; four nephews and two nieces; and many dear friends. The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Dory Robb and all of the many other caregivers that so lovingly cared for Gloria in the final year of her life.

A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church, 29 N. Oakes, San Angelo, at 3pm on Saturday, December 3, 2011. In lieu of flowers, Gloria requested donations be made to the First Christian Church or the charity of your choice.



Rose Marie Franke
11/20/2011
(December 22, 1929 - November 18, 2011)
Rose M. Franke, 81, of Ballinger, passed away Friday, November 18, 2011 at her home.

The oldest of eight children, Rose was born on December 22, 1929 in Olfen, TX to Anton J. and Leona (Niehues) Franke. She graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School and worked for a time at Keel Drug and Runnels County Tax Office. She then went to work for Ballinger ISD tax office for over 41 years before retiring as the Deputy Tax Collector.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Leon Franke, an infant brother, Anthony Franke, an infant sister, Leona Franke, a sister-in-law, Floy Franke, a brother-in-law, Duane Weller, and an infant nephew, Richard Rollwitz.

She is survived by her brothers, Wilfred Franke of Christoval, and Harold Franke and wife, Dolores of Rowena; her sisters, Eileen Weller of Merced, CA and Sylvia Rollwitz and husband, Billy of Rowena. Her aunt, Lucille Franke, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many cousins also survive.

Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Lange Funeral Home Chapel. A Christian graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21 at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Rowena. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Ariel Lagunilla officiating

 

 

Clovis Vernon (Snuffy) Smith
11/15/2011
(October 26, 1929 - November 12, 2011)
Clovis Vernon Smith, 82, of Ballinger went to be with the Lord Saturday morning, November 12, 2011 surrounded by his family.

He was born on October 26, 1929 in Coleman County to Joseph Edward and Alta E. (James) Smith. He attended schools in Norton and Crews. He farmed in the Crews Community before moving to the Ballinger area where he worked in the oil field industry, followed by the City of Ballinger and later for Irby Oil Company.

On February 27, 1953 he married Emma Lou Cowlishaw. He and Emma were long-time, faithful members of Seventh Street Baptist Church.

He is survived by Emma, his wife of over fifty eight years; their four children, Debbie Watts and husband, Alan, Larry Smith and wife, Sharon, all of Ballinger, Cynthia Preas and husband, Lyndon, of San Angelo and Ed Smith and wife, Lara, of Richland Springs. His beloved grandchildren, Jeremy Watts, Amanda Preas, Marshall Preas, Krystal Smith, and Emily Smith also survive. Additionally, he leaves behind several nieces and nephews who are dear to his heart and special family members, Fred Smith of California, Jimmy and Betty Cowlishaw of McKinney, Ruby and Charles Wearden of Ballinger, Martha and Charles Carter of Arlington, and Judy and Fred Lippe of Ballinger.

Clovis never met a stranger, always had a smile, and was ready for a conversation. A person had to work very hard not to be a friend, and he leaves behind many special ones, including Allen Cole and Jimmy Templeton.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, November 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 14, 2011 at the Seventh Street Baptist Church with Rev. David Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Runnels Cemetery.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Central Texas Nursing and Rehab for his care the past year and the friends he made during his stay. Thanks and gratitude to Dr. Bradly Bundrant and the staff of Ballinger Memorial Hospital and especially to Carolyn Parker who provided exceptional care and comfort to the family.

Memorials may be made to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018, or a favorite charity.

 

Weldon David Landers
11/8/2011
(February 22, 1927 - November 6, 2011)
Weldon David Landers, 84, of Ballinger passed away Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Senior Care of San Angelo.

He was born February 22, 1927 in Robert Lee, Texas to David Claud and Ethel Elizabeth (Wilson) Landers, both of whom preceded him in death. He proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII. He was employed as a crane operator for a Houston construction company.

Weldon is survived by two daughters, Linda Landers Larson of Austin, and Sharon Sellers of Leander; a son, Larry Don Landers of Pearland; and a brother, Wilborn Landers of San Angelo. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 9 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A graveside service conducted by his nephew, Walt Landers, will be held Thursday, November 10 at 2:00 pm at Sanco Cemetery near Robert Lee.

 

Abbie Mozell Wilbanks
11/8/2011
(August 30, 1921 - November 5, 2011)
Abbie Mozell Wilbanks, age 90, of Ballinger passed away Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Ballinger, Texas.

She was born August 30, 1921 to Cleveland and Annie May (Green) McMillan in Coleman County, about four miles northwest of Rockwood, in a little two-room house. She completed high school in Doole, Texas.

Mozell married Lloyd Allen Wilbanks, Sr. on February 27, 1941 in San Angelo, Texas. Lloyd and Mozell ranched in Doole until they moved their operation to Bethel Community, Runnels County on December 6. 1945. She continued their ranching operation after Lloyd’s death in 1963 and was assisted by their faithful foreman and long-time friend, Nick Picon.

After moving to Ballinger from Bethel Community, Mozell served three terms on the Ballinger Independent School District school board, from 1966-1974. She was the first female member of the board. During her tenure on the school board, the current high school was built, and she was proud to have been a part of that accomplishment; she was a true Bearcat fan.

Mozell loved her family and her circle of friends, and in later life she particularly enjoyed her button club. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Winters Chapter #80. After the Bethel Baptist Church disbanded, Mozell joined First Baptist Church in Ballinger.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; her son, Lloyd Allen Wilbanks, Jr.; a son-in-law, Grider Hays; and a sister, Florene Vickers.

Mozell is survived by her devoted daughters, Dixie Duke and husband, Carroll, of San Angelo; Ann Hays Jennings and husband, Ed, also of San Angelo; and Kay Parker and husband, Chester, of Corsicana; grandchildren, Rhonda Turpin and husband Dennis; Greg Duke and wife, Kelly; Kevin Duke, and wife, Jeanne; Kelly Ernst and husband, Jeff; Travis Parker, and Mason Parker; as well as 10 great-grandchildren. Mozell is also survived by a brother, Leroy McMillan and wife, Virginia, of Lubbock; and a sister, Margie Curry and husband, Bill, of Kingsland.

Visitation was Monday, November, 7 at 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger with Pastor Bobby Broyles officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger.

The family extends special thanks to the wonderfully skilled staffs of Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Center and Vista Care Hospice of San Angelo for the tender and loving care they provided.

 

Lela May Shelburne
11/8/2011
(February 29, 1924 - November 5, 2011)
Lela May Shelburne left this earthly home to join her loved ones in heaven on Saturday, November 5, 2011 surrounded by her family and loved ones. Lela May was born on February 29, 1924 in Hillsboro, Texas to William Hayes and Ethel Sparks Hayes. Lela May made a personal profession of faith in the Methodist Church early on in her life and continued her commitment to Jesus Christ, until the last day of her life. She worked the past few years on the Shoe Box Ministry through her church, and was looking forward to completing more boxes this year. Her fondness for children and her compassion to children that were handicapped or less fortunate were always top in her mind and heart.

She lost her father shortly after her birth and was raised by her cousin, Jewel Sparks. Lela May attended North Texas State Teachers College completing her degree in 1948. She was a part of the Greatest Generation, and while attending college, she worked in the Dallas-Fort Worth area building B-25 bombers during World War II. She joked about working inside the cock pits of the aircraft, soldering instrument panels. Later her skills would provide assistance to her husband on their farm. Following graduation, she began her teaching career in Norton, Texas, where she met a farmer, part-time school bus driver, named Milton Shelburne, and they later married on August 23, 1949, in Hillsboro, Texas. Lela May worked in the teaching field in Miles, Norton, and Ballinger before her retirement. She was especially fond of music and played the piano for several groups in the Norton-Ballinger area. She played for her family and the nursing facility until very recently and never lost her enthusiasm for music or people.

Lela May and Milton moved to San Angelo in 2007 following his personal illness, and she made her home with her son Harold and wife La Queta Shelburne, until she became ill and required additional medical support. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Milton Shelburne. Survivors, include her two sons and their wives, Harold Shelburne and La Queta, Kent Shelburne and Adela all of San Angelo, Texas. Others left to mourn her passing, include sister-in-law, Betty Stewart of Farwell, Texas, Grandchildren: Mercyla Fly and husband, Brad, Michael Dela Cerda and wife Jennifer, Kent Jr. and wife Lilly Shelburne, Rebecca Sparks, Meagan Hunnicutt and husband Tim, and Teri Shelburne, all of San Angelo, and Mesha Millsap and husband, Allen, of San Antonio, Texas. Additionally she is survived by eleven great grandchildren: Abigayle Shelburne, Amory Fly, Kemper Fly, Mackenzie Millsap, Wesley Sparks, Tommy Mendez, Michael Dela Cerda, Brandon Dela Cerda, and Brittany Dela Cerda, Dayanara Rueda, and Clarissa Rueda

The family will be receiving guests at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger on Tuesday, November 8th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 9that Garden of Memories Cemetery in Ballinger at 11:00 AM, with a memorial services to follow at 3:00 PM at First Methodist Church in San Angelo, Texas.

The family would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. John Harvey, Senior Care Nursing Center, and Vista Care Hospice for their support and care of Lela May during her illness. Ministers: Nathanial Hankins, Cheri Harris, Mark Deaton, and J.T. Tucker; special friends through First Methodist Church Senior Mature Adult Outreach, and special visitor Kay Peek. No words can express our special thanks for the many years of care by Floy Lumbley and to Maggie Zapata, and the Interim Health Care Services; friends of First Methodist Church that have ministered to our entire family, West Side Lions Club, and Xi Alpha Nu Members of Beta Sigma Phi; truly our lives have been touched by your compassion to our mother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, Westside Lions Club, or your favorite charity.

 

Jimmy Don Carpenter
11/1/2011
Jimmy Don Carpenter was born May 9, 1944 and raised in the Shep community in southwest Taylor County. He graduated Texas Tech University and served in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant including a tour of duty in Viet Nam.

Survivors include his wife, Jo Kathi Carpenter; son, Jason Williams and wife, Angie; grandchildren, Katelyn Danae and Braden Joe of Central Community and a sister, Nora Carpenter of Coleman.

A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Wednesday in Central Community Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to; Central Community VFD, Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, or Ronald McDonald House in Fort Worth.

Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Erika Smith
11/1/2011
(April 7, 1938 - October 28, 2011)
Erika Smith, 73, of Ballinger passed away Friday, October 28, 2011 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, Texas.

She was born April 7, 1938 in Germany to Max and Elsa (Faisst)Rimbach, both of whom preceded her in death. Erika and Jerry H. Smith were married October 16, 1970 in Santa Ana, California. She was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, and she especially enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and watching birds.

Erika is survived by her husband, Jerry, of the home; son, Everett Jackson of Garden Grove, California; daughters, Eva Gonzales of Perris, California, and Susie Mamola of Round Rock, Texas. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, great-grandchild, and the family dogs, Buddy, Michael, and Petey.

Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, November 2 at 10:00 am at Lange Funeral Home prior to the funeral service, which will begin at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Lynn Smith will officiate, and burial will be in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Ballinger Food Pantry, c/o Ballinger Ministerial Alliance, P. O. Box 21, Ballinger, Texas 76821.

 

 

Allene Blackmon Sherman
10/24/2011
(August 29, 1926 - October 24, 2011)
Allene B. Sherman, 85, of Ballinger passed away Monday, October 24, 2011 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Ballinger.

She was born August 29, 1926 to Alvie and Ollie (Green) Blackmon in Brown County, Texas. Allene and Dause Sherman were married May 4, 1944. He preceded her in death January 16, 2010. She was employed by Winn’s Department Store for over 16 years and was a member of Seventh Street Baptist Church.

She is survived by two sons, Dennis Sherman and wife, Martha of Abilene and Kenneth Sherman and wife, Ruth of San Angelo; five grandchildren, Kevin Sherman, Becky West, Michael Sherman, Tracy Randolph, and Kelly Tankersley. Seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild also survive.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 26 at the Old Runnels Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held prior to the service at 12:30 PM at Lange Funeral Home.

Special thanks to the staff of Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and the staff of Vista Care of San Angelo.

 

 

Werner Joseph Niehues
10/24/2011
(July 5, 1916 - October 23, 2011)
Werner Joseph Niehues, 95, of San Angelo passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at Shannon Medical Center.

Rosary will be recited Tuesday, October 25 in St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen, Texas at 7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Boniface Catholic Church at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Burial will follow in St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery. Werner was born July 5, 1916 in Olfen, Texas, the youngest of seven children, to Bernard John Niehues and Amalia Elizabeth Matthiesen Niehues, pioneer settlers of the Olfen community. Werner attended school and church in Olfen, and briefly attended school in Ballinger. He was a Boy Scout and later a charter member of the Knights of Columbus St. Boniface Counsel 2772, and he also served on many church and school committees.

During World War II, as the only male on the family farm, he obtained a farming exemption to raise food and fiber. He married Willie Mae Schwertner on January 27, 1942 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rowena. They lived on the Niehues home place in Olfen and later bought the adjoining farm, where they raised their five children. Werner retired from farming after the untimely death of Willie Mae in 1983. In May of 1992 he married Ruby Hoelscher Matschek and together they moved to San Angelo. He was preceded in death by his first wife Willie Mae, by brothers Arthur and Walter, and sisters, Adela Hoelscher, Alma Hirt, Leona Franke, and Olga Hoelscher. He is survived by his wife, Ruby, of the home; by sons Denis and wife, Linda; Kenneth and wife, Carol, all of San Angelo; daughters, Joan Campbell and husband, Forrest, of San Antonio; Doris Siebold and husband, Lynwood, of Spring Branch; and Cindy Stout and husband, Ralph, of San Angelo. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and l9 great-grandchildren (and one on the way), as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Other survivors include step-sons, Kenneth Matschek of San Angelo; Ralph Matschek and wife, Ruby, of Wall; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Werner was a very loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed his stock tank with its catfish, where children and grandchildren spent many happy hours. He didn’t seem to mind when they crawled on his hay bales on the farm. He loved working with his hands, and he made and gave rosaries to his children and grandchildren. He was also a very good woodworker, enjoying that hobby when time allowed. We shall long cherish his memory.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Matthiesen Seminary Burse, c/o St. Boniface Catholic Church, 1118 CR 234, Rowena, Texas 76875, or to a charity of choice.

 

Sherry Dawn Nitsch Carter
10/24/2011
Sherry Dawn Nitsch Carter unexpectedly passed away Saturday, October 15, 2011, at home with pneumonia, leaving behind a heart-broken family and many friends.

Sherry was born in Snyder, Texas on Feb. 19, 1960 to Beverly (Carter) Nitsch of Ballinger and the late Charles Nitsch of Winters. She grew up from the age of 2 with her mother and step-father Chuck Fredrickson.

She graduated from Alief Hastings High School, where her friends knew her as Sherry Fredrickson, and The University of Texas in Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Radio-TV-Film. She was on the Dean’s List.

She helped her mother start the “Fort Bend/Southwest Star” newspaper in 1978, and worked there several years, then spent 10 years in Hollywood Ca. working in the television and film industry. She was a finalist in the America’s Best screenwriting competition with her script, “Amazing Grace.” Her short story “The Euclidean Woman” was published in a regional literary magazine and she’s also been published in The Fort Bend/Southwest Star and the Fort Bend Business Journal. She’s written scripts for dozens of local TV commercials and several promotional videos and as Program Director for a local cable access channel, Sherry was responsible for overseeing production of over 3,000 hours of local television programming.

Sherry owned Star Video Digital Productions in Stafford for the past 10 years and was active in the business community as a member of several business networking groups.

She was president of the Investments Build Money investing club, an outstanding contributing member of BNI Post Oak where she served as Education Chairperson; politically active in the national Democratic party and early supporter of President Barack Obama; membership chairperson of Memorial Women’s Business Network; and generous and supportive of her colleagues in the Houston, Katy, and Fort Bend business communities.

She had a soft heart particularly for her niece, Kathryn Kluge and two nephews, Carter and Jack Fredrickson, and her two cats. She often said that Michael and Lisa had the children for her and she was just loaning them back to their mother and father.
One of her favorite hobbies was taekwondo with her seven year old nephew Carter and she was invited to test for her black belt this month but refused in order to wait for Carter so they could get their black belts at the same time.

Sherry was always tender and loving with her elderly grandparents, the J.C. Carters of Ballinger and the Alvin Nitschs of Winters, and spent much time with them over the years before their deaths. She was pre-deceased by them and her father Charles Nitsch and her uncle Vance Carter.

She leaves behind her mother, Bev Carter, her brother Michael Fredrickson and his family, wife Lisa Fredrickson and children Kathryn Kluge, Carter and Jack Fredrickson; her step-father Charles Fredrickson and his wife Maureen Fredrickson, all of Sugar Land, and her aunt, Joyce Carter of Memphis, Tenn. She will be missed by her Fredrickson step-sisters, Courtney and Nancy.
She also leaves other family: Uncle Alvin and Aunt Ann Nitsch of Rowena and her half-brothers Skyler and Spencer Nitsch.
Sherry’s life will be celebrated with a memorial reception on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Sugar Land Mortuary, 1818 Eldridge Rd. in Sugar Land.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to 281-302-6868.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

 

Eddie Dean Lopez
10/23/2011
(August 17, 1957 - October 22, 2011)
Eddie Dean Lopez, 54, of Paint Rock, died Saturday October 22, 2011 in a local nursing home. He was born on August 17, 1957 in San Angelo. TX to Raymond and Josie Arteaga Lopez. He worked in telecommunications. Visitation for family and friends will be from 7:00 to 8:00 pm Sunday, October 23 at Lange Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am Monday in the Eola-Mereta Cemetery.

He is survived by his sisters, Delia Lopez and Diane Lopez Gaitan both of Paint Rock; nieces and nephews, Meranda Ruiz, Michelle Hooper and husband Anthony, and Rudy Ruiz and wife, Jill; great nieces and nephews, Paradise Hooper, Purity Hooper, Parker Ruiz, and Michael Kennedy; and his cat, Frank.

 

Joseph Francis Schniers
10/20/2011
(August 7, 1934 - October 20, 2011)
Joseph Francis Schniers, 77, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2011 in Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

He was born August 7, 1934 in Miles, Texas to Joseph F. and Emma Ullrich Schniers. Joe was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena, a member of Knights of Columbus, and a charter member of Crossroads Gun Club. He was a farmer and operated Schniers & Sons Construction with his two sons, Duane and Curtis. His greatest joy in life was going to work every morning with his sons, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. On November 11, 1958 Joe married Deanna Kasberg, who preceded him in death April 23, 1980. He married Clare Droll Fischer on June 16, 1984 at St. Joseph Church in Rowena.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, C. J. Buxkemper.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Clare of Rowena; his sons, Duane Schniers and wife, DeeDee of Paint Rock, and Curtis Schniers and wife, Patty, of Miles; his step-children, Sandra Halfmann and husband, Mike, of Olfen; Janice Travis and husband, Tim; Charles Fischer and wife, Natalie; Alton Fischer, Jr. and wife, Lisa; Ken Fischer and wife, Amy, all of Ballinger; and James Fischer and fiancée, Amber Bateman, of San Angelo. Also surviving are grandchildren, Joseph, Austin and Lorie Kaye Schniers; Bradley and Leslie Schniers; step-grandchildren, Jessica King; Lori Chandler and husband, Jeff; Stacy Taylor and husband Clint; Amy Nixon and husband, Lance; Kelly Clifton and husband, Brandon; Tucker Travis; Jeannie, Jennifer and Julie Fischer; Zac, Joshua, and Kelsey Fischer; Matthew, Jeremy, and Rusty Fischer; step-great-grandchildren Katy, Hannah, and Halley Nixon; and Georgia Chandler. Surviving brothers and sisters are Nadine Buxkemper, Wilfred Schniers and wife, Lorene, and Dorothy Frenzel and husband, Bennie, all of Rowena. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Rosary will be recited on Friday, October 21 at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 22 at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph Church with Fr. Ariel Lagunilla officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Building Fund or to the American Cancer Society.

 

George Noriega Cavazos, Sr.
10/20/2011
(April 23, 1947 - October 20, 2011)
George Noriega Cavazos, Sr. went to be with his Lord on Thursday, October 20, 2011.

George was born to Alfredo and Benecia Cavazos on April 23, 1947 in Robstown, Texas. His family moved to Ballinger in 1961. On December 12, 1965 he married Mary Ellen Duarte and was blessed with three sons, one daughter, and a foster son. He worked at Rains-Seale Funeral Home and ran the East Side Texaco. The last 15 years he spent working with his sons at Cavazos Construction.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Freddy and Ramon Cavazos.

George is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Cavazos of Ballinger; his children, Daniel Cavazos and wife, Sandra, of Victoria; Ernest Cavazos and wife, Joy; Maria Lopez; and George Cavazos, Jr. and wife, Sheila, all of Ballinger. George had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, Michael Cavazos of El Paso; Loreana and D. J. Cavazos of Victoria; Tanner Cavazos of San Angelo; Jade Cavazos of Ballinger; Felisha Lopez of Plano; Phillip Lopez of Lubbock; Bryce Lopez of Ballinger; Gabriel, Carissa, and Korey Cavazos of Ballinger. His great-grandson, Chase Cavazos, brought him many laughs. Also surviving is a brother, Dale (Lepe) Cavazos; and sisters, Eloisa Chapa; Elva Lopez and husband, Paul, of Ft. Worth; Minerva Herrera and husband, Andres, of Austin; and Nellie Salinas and husband, Aldolfo, of Cleburne.

Rosary will be recited on Friday, October 21 at 7:00 pm at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 22 at 10:00 am also at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Bob Baden celebrating. Burial will follow in the Latin American Cemetery in Ballinger. Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Eldred, Shane Eldred, Benny Martinez, Gabriel Cavazos, Tanner Cavazos, Phillip Lopez, Ricky Gonzales, and Michael Cavazos. Honorary pallbearers will be Bryce Lopez, D. J. Cavazos, and Chase Cavazos.

 

Jacqueline Nancy Willborn
10/20/2011
(March 27, 1946 - October 17, 2011)
Jacqueline “Maw Maw” Nancy Willborn of Ballinger went to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, October 17, 2011. She was 65.

Jackie was born March 27, 1946 to Walther Anthony and Florence (Lukes) Szews in Chicago, Illinois, both of whom preceded her in death. After graduating from high school in Chicago, she married Norman Eugene Willborn on August 22, 1964 in Chicago.

She believed her best and most important work was being a devoted wife and fulltime mother. She loved her life and the people around her. She was employed by Electro Space for a time and also by Buddy’s Plant Plus.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Norman Willborn of Ballinger; sons, Brett Willborn and wife, Terri, and Jeff Willborn and Julie, all of Ballinger; and daughter-in-law, Jody Willborn also of Ballinger. Also surviving are sisters, Val Rauckmann of Denver, Colorado and Kathleen Wulf of Chicago; grandchildren, Brett, Jr., Greg, Blake, Rainey, Damian Michael, and Kenzie; great-grandchildren, Autumn and Trinity; and her dog, Shorty.

Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, October 20 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 21 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger with Bro. Bobby Broyles officiating. Burial will take place in Old Runnels Cemetery.

You will be missed, loving wife, mom, and friend. We loved, laughed, and cried with you. You were there to watch us grow. Now it’s time to let you go to the open arms of our loving Father. Miss you, “Rabbit.”

 

Virginia Eggemeyer DeShayes
10/18/2011
(July 13, 1934 - October 14, 2011)
Virginia DeShayes died peacefully in her home on Friday evening, October 14th, 2011 in Pasco, Washington. She was born Virginia Marie Gruber on July 13, 1934 in Rowena Texas. Virginia spent many of her years in the Olfen/Rowena area until she moved to Pasco, Washington where she resided the past 11 years.

Virginia loved her home in the Northwest. She spent much of her time outdoors in her garden and tending to her beautiful roses. She loved taking weekend trips with her son, Curtis, to the cheese factory, the farmers market, outdoor concerts, family trips to Orcus Island, and she especially loved visiting Leavenworth, WA. to attend the Christmas lighting festival.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lena and Frank Gruber, her brother Wilbert, and one son-n-law, Donald Van Tries.

Virginia is survived by her six children, Nick Eggemeyer and wife, Dallas, of Soddy Daisy,TN; Curtis Eggemeyer of Pasco, WA; Ty Eggemeyer and wife, Leslie, of Pittsburgh, PA; Rebecca Moyer of Dallas; Bonnie Favor and Gena Van Tries both of Houston. She is also survived by eight loving grandchildren: Joseph, Jasmine & Jimmy Eggemeyer, Erika & Kirsten Eggemeyer, John and Travis Favor, Adam Moyer, and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, TX, which will include a rosary service from 7:00 to 7:15 pm. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena, Texas with burial in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nick Eggemeyer, John Bateson, David Halfmann, John Favor, Travis Favor, and Adam Moyer.

 

Garry Lee Rains
10/16/2011
(January 16, 1946 - October 14, 2011)
Garry L. Rains, 65, of Ballinger passed away Friday, October 14, 2011 at his residence.

Garry was born January 16, 1946 in Synder, Texas to Dale W. and Millie Myrtle (Wade) Rains. He and Alice Candelaria were married August 29, 1997 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He worked most of his life as a rigger. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during the Viet Nam War. Garry loved his family and friends, and especially enjoyed motorcycling and the companionship of his dog, “Stinky.”

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William.

Garry is survived by his devoted wife, Alice, of Ballinger; three daughters, Wendy Hunter of Tulsa, Oklahoma, April King of Cantonment, Florida, and Gina Adams of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a step-daughter, Amy Morris of Lubbock; a son, Josh Rains of Austin; two step-sons, Glen and Brian Sledge both of Vidor. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and two great-grandsons; a sister, Jan Rains Cromleigh of Synder; and two brothers, Darrell Rains of Austin, and Jerry Rains of Thorndale.

Visitation for family and friends will be Sunday, October 16 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home in Snyder. A graveside service with military honors will be conducted Monday, October 17 at 11:00 am at Hillside Memorial Gardens in Snyder with Rev. John Wade officiating.

Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.

 

Ruth Lea Pape
(January 2, 1931 - August 26, 2011)
10/13/2011
Ruth Lea Pape, 80, passed away on August 26, 2011, in Fort Worth, Texas. She was born January 2, 1931, in Ozona, Texas. Ruth’s career as a teacher took her to various cities and school districts throughout the state during her lifetime. She was a fiercely independent native Texan who made friends wherever she lived. However, the place she loved the most was south of the border in Jerez, Mexico. She resided there for a few years before her Parkinson’s disease forced her to move back to Texas in 2006.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Bradley Pape (1998), and her eldest son, Clifton Lee Ueckert (2003). Ruth is survived by her five children: Serena Elaine Ruyle, Deborah Delores Horn, Jon Michael Craig, Alton Jack Craig and Shane David Craig. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at the Woodlands Community Church, 5401 Rush Haven, The Woodlands, Texas 77381.

Bettye Jane Travis
(April 16, 1927 - October 6, 2011)
10/6/2011
Bettye Jane Travis, 84, of Ballinger, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

Bettye was born on April 16, 1927 in Post, Texas to Reason Duke (R.D.) Sr. and Alvesia Matheny Travis. She received a Masters degree in education and taught for 38 years, retiring from Austin ISD in 1986 and moving to Ballinger. She was a member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society and the Ninth Street Church of Christ in Ballinger.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Charles M. Travis and R.D. Travis, Jr., and two sisters, Lydia Holley and Mary “Sis” Smith.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews, including her niece, Luanne Kirk and husband Bill, Jr.; her nephews, Mark Travis and wife, Dana and Tim Travis and wife, Janice all of Ballinger; numerous great nieces and nephews, including Kristy Andrews and husband, Richard and their children, Colter and Kyleigh; Kirk Workman and wife, Dana and children, Daniel, Mary, and Amelia; Kirk Travis and wife, Lindsey and children, Shelby and Logan; Jill Battle and husband, Jason and their daughters, Jenna, Jessa, and Jolee; Sara Manniger and husband, Josh and children, Hayden and Skylar; Amy Nixon and husband, Lance and their daughters, Katy, Hannah and Halley; Kelly Clifton and husband, Brandon; and Tucker Travis and Tara Williams.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Ninth Street Church of Christ in Ballinger with Max Pratt officiating. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Ballinger.

Memorials may be made to Ninth Street Church of Christ in Ballinger, Ballinger Education Foundation, c/o Ballinger ISD, or a favorite charity.

 

 

 

Johnnie Mea Organ
(December 27, 1931 - October 2, 2011)
Johnnie Mae (Clark) Organ was born on December 27, 1931 to the late Henry Clark and Flossie E. Copeland. She passed away on October 2, 2011 in Shannon Hospital.

Johnnie Mae graduated from George Washington Carver High School, Ballinger, Texas in 1951. She graduated from Nursing School in 1977 and worked at Ballinger Memorial Hospital and Canterbury Villa until 1989. She moved to Loma Linda, CA where she worked at Jerry L. Petis Veteran’s Administration Hospital until 1998 when she retired and moved back to Ballinger.

Johnnie’s siblings who proceeded her in death include: Gracie Mae Quarles, Virginia D. Davis, Henri F. Moore and Louis J. Clark.

She is survived by two sisters Dorothy B. Williams (Jimmy) of San Diego, CA and Helen Edwards (Walter) of Moreno Valley, CA.

She is proceeded in death by husband Charles Organ, Sr. and daughter Linda Marshall. She is survived by her children Henry LaDale Clark, Vinna Clark, Bonita F. Shields & Leon, Charles Organ & Terrye, Clara Organ all of Ballinger, Charlene Organ of Odessa, TX, Stephanie Organ of Brownwood, TX and Arthur Organ of Dallas, TX. And two adopted daughters Romesha Brewer and Jodi Watson. She also leaves behind 19 grandchildren , 16 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Jesus Christ of Later Saints Church at 2815 Christoval Road in San Angelo, Texas with burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger, Texas.

 

Irene Dierschke Bruchmiller
(November 15, 1918 - September 14, 2011)
9/16/2011
Irene Dierschke Bruchmiller, age 92, of the Bethel community near Ballinger, Texas, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at Ballinger Memorial Hospital in Ballinger. Irene was born in Bethel on November 15, 1918, the youngest of nine children born to Gustav H. and Elizabeth (Wilde) Dierschke. She attended Bethel school and graduated from Ballinger High School in 1936. Irene married Raymon J. Bruchmiller of Goliad, Texas, on October 15, 1940, in Olfen, Texas. From a young age, she was active in the farm and ranch operation. Irene took a big interest in her children’s school activities and the Paint Rock PTA. She attended many basketball and football games and was a lifelong sports enthusiast. She also enjoyed traveling, politics and caring for her pets. She lived in the Bethel community all her life except for 25 years that she and her husband and children lived on their farm near Paint Rock in Concho County. Irene and Raymon moved to her parents’ home at Bethel, the Gus Dierschke homeplace, which they purchased in 1964. In 2005, the farm was recognized by the Texas Family Land Heritage as being in continuous farming operation by the same family for over 100 years.

Mrs. Bruchmiller was a lifelong devout member of St. Boniface Catholic Church of Olfen. She was a member of the Christian Mothers Sodality and was a charter member of the Olfen Catholic Daughters. In later years, Irene was able to continue living at home due to daughter Linda being her caregiver.

Irene was preceded in death in 2007 by Raymon, her husband of 67 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents and all eight of her brothers and sisters and their spouses which included Nora and Hugo Braden, Arthur Dierschke, Isabel and Frank Lange, Otto and Annie Dierschke, Winnie (Earl Crockett) and Ray Vincent, Wolley and Rosalie Dierschke, Monroe and Regina Dierschke and Harry Dierschke and by her daughter-in-law Irene Dooley Bruchmiller and her brother-in-law M. J. Najvar.

Survivors include her four children Jo Ann Oman and husband David of Hutto, Barbara Bokor and husband Donny of Buda, Ronnie Bruchmiller of San Angelo and Linda Bruchmiller of Ballinger. Her seven grandchildren include Shawn Oman and wife Nicole of Taylor, Troy Oman of Taylor, Dawn Bokor Pearson and husband Curtis of Helotes, Lori Bokor Summers and husband Michael of Buda, Darren Bokor of Austin, Charlyn Bruchmiller Doyle and husband J. D. of Christoval and Randy Bruchmiller and wife Sarah of Humble, eight great-grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren, her sister- in-law Alice Najvar of Georgetown and many caring nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rosary will be recited on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 16, 2011, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity or to the Olfen Cemetery Fund in care of St. Boniface Catholic Church, 1118 CR 234, Rowena, TX 76875.

 

Velma Lee Hammer
(April 25, 1930 - September 13, 2011)
9/13/2011
Velma Hammer, 81, of Bronte passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at her residence.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 15 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be Friday, September 16 at 1:00 pm at New Life Refuge Church in Ballinger. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery in Bronte.

Survivors include her husband, A. C. Hammer of Bronte; children, Linda Knox of Bronte, Gary Hammer of Bakersfield, CA, Ronald Hammer of Ft. Worth, Peggy Hammer of Bronte, and Deborah Farquhar of Ft. Worth; and a sister Inez Mayfield.

 

James Franklin Steele
(January 6, 1934 - September 11, 2011)
9/12/2011
James Franklin Steele, 77, of Ballinger passed away Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

He was born January 6, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Elmer and Lena (Faucett) Steele. He received his college degree from the University of Miami. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. Jim and Bonnie Meninger were married in 1968 in Ashley, Ohio, and the couple has lived in Ballinger since 1981. He taught high school in Ohio for two years, then was employed as local service manager for Verizon, retiring after 30 years with that company.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Raymond Steele; and a sister, Pauline Wormeck.

Jim is survived by his wife, Bonnie Steele of Ballinger; sons, Phillip James Steele, Jonathan Andrew Steele and wife Sonia; a daughter, Kathleen Ann Crenshaw; and five grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, September 13th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger.

The family wants to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Ballinger Memorial Hospital for their care and concern.

Memorial donations may be made to Ballinger Carnegie Library, 204 N. 8th St., Ballinger, Texas 76821 or to Ballinger Humane Society c/o Angela Hoyle, 1708 N. 11th St., Ballinger, Texas 76821.

 

Kathryn Caroline McCoy
9/4/2011
(March 14, 1929 - September 1, 2011)
Kathryn Caroline McCoy, 82, of Ballinger passed away Thursday, September 1, 2011 at her residence.

She was born March 14, 1929 in Lubbock, Texas to Oscar F. and Hester (Padgett) Sensabaugh. Her parents preceded her in death. She attainted her master’s degree and made full use of it, as she was involved in education at all levels. In addition to several years of classroom teaching, she was an energy education specialist for western Tennessee. A woman far ahead of her time, she was active in the solar energy movement, even participating in some “sun ray-ces.”

Kathryn is survived by her children, Paul McCoy of Madison, Wisconsin, James McCoy of Fort Worth, Melissa Hartzell of Fort Worth, and Megan McCoy of Portland, Oregon. Also surviving is a brother Sam Sensabaugh of Port Lavaca, and several loving, local family members.

There are no services scheduled at this time. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 

 

Jessie Lee Bailey
8/28/2011
(June 13, 1939 - August 26, 2011)
August 26, 2011 was a great day when Jessie Lee Bailey stepped from this life to one rid of disease and pain when he stepped into glory for the eternal life he was promised. Jessie died at Central Texas Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Ballinger after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Jessie was born to Jim and Ruby Bailey in Crews, TX on June 13, 1939. He is the 5th of 6 children and learned the meaning of work at an early age. He farmed cotton between Winters and Ballinger with his dad. Jessie met the love of his life for the last 52 years on a blind date in Ballinger and later married Catherine Witt on June 5, 1959. After a few years of farming here in Runnels Co. and a short stint of oilfield work in Odessa, Jessie and Cathy moved to Arlington where he worked for LTV for 29 years. Jessie and the many others that worked there made parts for something and none of them knew what the parts were for. LTV had an open house and employees came with their families to a giant picnic. Governor Ann Richards directed the crowd to look to the north and a jet was almost over us. We could not hear it and we witnessed the first stealth bomber that was made that all those unknown parts had put together. He was just as surprised as any was to see what they had made and he was proud of what he had helped to build. He retired from LTV September 1, 1995 and he and Cathy returned to Ballinger to spend their retirement years. Jessie loved fishing, playing his guitar, farming on his little 5 acre spread and was one of the best small engine mechanics on the face of the earth. He loved to tinker on anything.

Jessie is preceded in death by his father and mother Jim and Ruby Bailey, His sister and brother-in-law Jim and Eloise Prine, sister and brother-in-law Tuffy and Christine Seals and sister-in-law Shirley Bailey.

Jessie has four children that he is so proud of. Kay Shaffer and her husband Ray of Ozona, TX, Michael Bailey from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla, Scott Bailey and his wife Jackie from Waxahachie, TX and Kristy Worthington and her husband Shane of Ballinger. He loved being involved in their lives as children and he remained an anchor into their adulthood.
Jessie has 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He enjoyed going to the grandkids football and baseball games, livestock shows and any other event that they were involved in.

Other survivors are his brother and wife Jim and Weezie Bailey from Buffalo Gap, brother and wife Wayne and Ginger Bailey from Abilene and his sister Billy Reel from Winters and numerous nephews and nieces.

Jessie taught us that things don’t make you happy. You depend on the ones you love to make you happy. He grew up a simple man, lived a simple man and he died a simple man.

The family wants to extend thanks to all the nurses and aides at the Care Center for being much more than the job description calls for. Many of them became more than just friends over the last 3 years. We also want to give a huge thanks to Connie, Cynthia and Carol of Hospice, who took such good care of Jessie in his final days and who gave Cathy and the rest of the family the understanding of what was going on and what to expect in the final months and moments of Jessie’s life here.

Services for Jessie will be held Monday the 29th at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger at 10:00 am with Reverend Robert Spence officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger with Brother Bobby Broyles officiating. The family will meet friends from 6:00-8:00 Sunday evening at Lange Funeral Home. Grandchildren and a Great-Grandson will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials are suggested to be made to Hospice of Ballinger.

 

 

Tillie Margaret Piel Moseley
8/23/2011
(August 9, 1916 - August 23, 2011)
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Tillie Margaret Piel Moseley, 95, of Ballinger passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at San Angelo Community Medical Center.

She was born August 9, 1916 in Rowena to Paul G. and Josephine (Pelzel) Sturm. Tillie and David W. Piel were married January 4, 1938 in Rowena. He preceded her in death October 5, 1962. Later she married Luke Moseley, who preceded her in death in 1974. She was employed by Ballinger I.S.D. as a cafeteria worker for 20 years and also worked as a nursery caretaker at the First United Methodist Church for 20 years. For her devotion and her sweetness in those duties, she will be lovingly remembered by many parents, students, and children of Ballinger. She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, flowers, and birds.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, David A.“Butch” Piel; daughters, Alice Piel St. John and Irene Piel Batts; sisters, Elizabeth and Mary Sturm, Louise Schwertner, Helen Matthiesen, and Josephine Schwertner; and brothers, Richard, Fred, Louis, and Henry Sturm.

Tillie is survived by sons, Gene Ray Piel and wife, Mary, of Del Rio, Larry Piel and wife, Glenda, of Bangs; daughter, Janice Kurtz and husband, Randall, of Ballinger; grandchildren, Amy Batts, Jason Piel and wife, Darci, Jeffery Piel and wife, Tymonee, Carrie Ramos and husband, Isaac, Jessica Piel, and Mac St. John, Jr .and wife, Bridgett; great-grandchildren, Rylan and Kasen Piel, and Mandee St. John. Also surviving are son-in-law, David Batts of Ballinger; sisters, Emma Kruppa of Miles, Freida Jansa of San Angelo, Lorene Cmerek of Miles, Dorene Matthiesen of Sugarland, Rosa Schwertner of Lowake, Julia Rohmfeld of San Angelo, Jerline (Patsy) Rohmfeld of Ballinger, and Florine Odell Kellermeier of San Angelo; and a special niece, Becky Rohmfeld of Ballinger.

Rosary will be recited Friday, August 26 at 7:00 pm at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 27 at 10:00 am also at St Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Hubert Wade officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Rowena.

 

David Wayne Burton
8/19/2011
(January 2, 1941 - August 18, 2011)
David W. “Tooter” Burton, 70, of Ballinger passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2011.

Mr. Burton was born January 2, 1941 in Winters to W. L. and Flora (Nelms) Burton. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from McMurry University and master’s degree from Abilene Christian University then taught physical education in the Ballinger I.S.D. elementary school for over 20 years. He enjoyed farming and raising livestock; but moreover he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Nona; son, Bret Burton and wife, Kathy, of San Antonio; daughter, Jana Herbert and husband, Garrick, of New Braunfels; grandchildren, Chandler, Marshall and Graham Burton of San Antonio; Madalyn and Garrison Herbert of New Braunfels. Also surviving are his brothers, Jack Burton and wife, Margaret; Tommy Burton and wife, Brenda, all of Winters.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, August 19 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A private burial will take place on Saturday, August 20 at Fairview Cemetery in Winters. There will be a service of celebration at 10:30 am Saturday, August 20 at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Ballinger Memorial Hospital, P. O. Box 617, Ballinger Texas 76821.

 

 

Heather B. Emel
8/18/2011
(February 22, 1983 - August 10, 2011)
Heather B. Emel, 28, of Hutchinson, KS passed away at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. She was born on February 22, 1983 in San Angelo, TX to Rev. Mark B. & Rebecca B. (Zimmerman) Emel.

She graduated in 2001 from Hutchinson High School and received her degree from Cowley County Community College in Sign Language Interpretation. She was formerly employed at Unified School District 308 for 4 years as a sign language Paraprofessional and at Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson. She was a confirmed member at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hutchinson and served as a table parent for the youth club at the church. She belonged to the Twisted Stitches Knitting Club and a local book club in Hutchinson.

She is survived by:
Mother & Stepfather – Mrs. Duane (Becky) Hatfield of Hutchinson
Sister – Crystal Emel of Topeka, KS
2 Brothers – Clayton Emel of Hutchinson & Mark Bryan (wife, Monica) Emel of Tulsa, OK
Maternal Grandfather – Virgil (wife, Doris) Zimmerman of Milford
3 Step Brothers – Adam (wife, Carmen) Hatfield of Wellington, KS; Michael (wife, Kristen) Hatfield of Chesapeake, VA; & Joseph (wife, Melissa) Hatfield of Brampton, England.

She was preceded in death by her father, paternal grandparents – Cletus & Donna Emel, and maternal grandmother – Nancy Zimmerman.

Graveside services were held on Sunday, August 14, 2011 at the Milford Cemetery in Milford, IN with Rev. Joshua Bess M.D. officiating. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2011 in the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave. Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Memorial bequest may be given to Ronald McDonald House, 435 Limestone St., Indianapolis, IN or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave. Hutchinson, KS 67501. Envelopes will be available at the Church. To send condolences to the family in the memory of Ms. Emel please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com

Dennis Lester Schaefer
8/16/2011
(October 20, 1955 - August 15, 2011)
Dennis Lester Schaefer, 55, of Norton passed away Monday, August 15, 2011 at his residence.

He was born October 20, 1955 in San Angelo to Lester and Edna (Lange) Schaefer. He graduated from Ballinger High School in 1974 and attended Angelo State University. A lifetime member of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger he was also a member of Ballinger Knights of Columbus, Ballinger Young Farmers, and Catholic Life.

Like many of his family, Dennis farmed and stock farmed in the Norton area, and he also dealt in the oil business. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, but one of his greatest joys was spending as much time as possible with his nieces and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his mother and a sister, Karen Ann.

Dennis is survived by his father, Lester Schaefer of Ballinger; sisters, Laverne Yarborough and husband, Jeff, of Sweetwater, and Brenda Alexander and husband, R. B., of Prosper; brothers, Ralph Schaefer and wife, Billie, Alton Schaefer and wife, Marla, all of Ballinger, Bernard Schaefer of Norton, and Greg Schaefer and wife, Misti, of Graham; nieces and nephew, Charlotte Schaefer of Roswell, New Mexico, Kristen and Olivia Alexander of Prosper, Brandon and Allison Schaefer of Ballinger, Emily and Lauren Schaefer of Graham. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Roy Schaefer, Jr. and Baldwin Halfmann, his special domino-playing cousins; and special friends and partners in the oilfield, John, Ricky, and Kevin Stewart of Abilene.

Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 17 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 18 at 10:00 am also at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger.

 

Terry Switzer
(July 5, 1955 - August 14, 2011)
8/15/2011
On August 14, 2011 Kenneth “Terry” Switzer went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer.

Terry was born on July 5, 1955 in San Angelo to Dawse and Wanda (Green) Switzer. He grew up in Miles. He married Terre Horton on Friday, June 13, 1975. Terry was a trucker for many years. He retired from trucking in 2006 due to a disabling trucking accident.

Terry’s main passion in life was his family. Becoming a Papa was his greatest accomplishment and joy. He had a heart of gold and was always ready and willing to help others.

He was preceded in death by his father and by his mother-in-law, Dorothy Horton.

Terry is survived by his wife, Terre of Mereta; son, Daron Switzer and wife, Jennifer Mason, of Cabot, Arkansas; daughter, Morgan Hansen and husband, Gary, of Sweet Home, Oregon; mother, Wanda Switzer; father-in-law, Jim Horton and wife Karen; brother, David Switzer and wife Nancy; grandchildren, Mirenda Mason, Cheyenne Hansen, Peighton Switzer, Avery Hansen, Saxton Hansen, and Savannah Cook. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Sherre Trunk and husband Greg; niece, Katy Switzer and son Cooper; nephew, Seth Switzer and wife Cerina and children Gracie and Micade; nephew, Greg Trunk, Jr. and wife Shannon; and best friend, Bill Hilliard and wife Patsy.

Visitation will held at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger on Tuesday, August 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Anyone wishing to wear shorts to the visitation is welcome to do so to honor Terry’s memory. Funeral service will be held at Ninth Street Church of Christ in Ballinger on Wednesday, August 17 at 1:00 pm. with graveside service to follow at Mereta Cemetery.

The family would like to give special thanks to Connie, Carol, and Reyna of Ballinger Hospice for the excellent care they provided to Terry and the rest of the family during Terry’s last weeks, and to Dr. John Harvey and Dr. Robert Prieto for their wonderful care.

Memorials may be made to the Mereta Cemetery Fund, Hospice of Ballinger, or to a favorite charity.

 

 

Berneta Kay “KK” Sparks
(June 17, 1949 - August 15, 2011)
8/15/2011
LUEDERS- Berneta Kay “KK” Sparks, 62, of Lueders, passed away Monday, August 15, 2011. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 18, 2011 in Kinney-Underwood Funeral Chapel with Dr. Robert Wingrove officiating. Interment will follow in Clearfork Cemetery, Lueders, Texas under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford. The family will receive visitors from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at the funeral home.
Kay was born June 17, 1949 in Imperial, Texas, the daughter of the late Robert H. and Estie Florence (Staggs Mosier) Jeter. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Osh Kosh, Nebraska. She married David Sparks on June 7, 1971 in Winters, Texas. David and Kay moved to Lueders from Winters in 2004. He preceded her in death on April 15, 2004. Kay had previously been employed as a caregiver. She was a Baptist.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; a brother, Alvin Lynn Jeter; and a sister Cleo Louise Miller.
“KK” is survived by three brothers, Robert and wife Dorothy Jeter of Stamford, Garland Jeter of Lueders, Roy and wife Theresa Mosier of Lueders; a sister, Judy Jeter of Aransas Pass; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Online condolences may be made at
www.kinneyunderwoodfuneralhome.com

 

Victor Alphonse Hoelscher
(April 19, 1934 - August 5, 2011)
8/6/2011
Victor Alphonse Hoelscher, age 77, of Olfen passed away Friday evening August 5, 2011 in an Austin, TX hospital.

Victor was born on April 19, 1934 to Ed and Josephine Hirt Hoelscher in Olfen. He married Germaine Kalina on July 14, 1956 in Rowena. He farmed and ranched in the Olfen area all of his life. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and served as a board member and past president of the Olfen ISD for 20 years.

He enjoyed making sausage and processing deer. He was an avid reader of history books, especially western books. His greatest love was friends and family and playing checkers with the grandkids.

Victor was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Reynold Hoelscher, Sarah Halfmann, Isidore Hoelscher, Andy Hoelscher, Norine Kujawski and Mary Buxkemper; and a brother-in-law, Harry Kalina.

He is survived by his wife, Germaine, three sons, Rick Hoelscher and Judy McKinney of Ballinger, Galen Hoelscher and Leslie of Talpa and Scott Hoelscher and Samantha of Norris, IL and a daughter, Denise Zak and husband, David of San Angelo; grandchildren, Amanda Foster and Mark, Aaron Hoelscher and Amber, Stephen Hoelscher, Bryce Zak, Shelby Zak and Emily Hoelscher; and great grandchildren, Katelyn Foster, and Raylea Hoelscher. A brother, Joe Hoelscher and wife, Elvera and three sisters, Colette Schraeder, Lorine Braden, and Genevieve Halfmann also survive.

Rosary will be recited Sunday, August 7, 2011 at 7:00 pm at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 8 at 10:00 am also at St. Boniface Catholic Church. Burial will take place in the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery.

 

L. C. Rose, Jr.
(October 13, 1942 - August 5, 2011)
8/6/2011
L.C. Rose, Jr., 68, of Ballinger passed from this life on Friday, August 5, 2011.

He was born on October 13, 1942 in Ballinger, to L.C. and Mobeaty (Thomson) Rose. He retired from the US Navy after 20years of service and retired fron the Dept. of Defense after 15 years.

L.C. is survived by his son, L.C. Rose III of Longbeach, CA and 2 brothers and a sister.

Services are pending

 

Dalton Earl Crockett
(July 23, 1925 - July 27, 2011)
7/28/2011
Dalton Earl Crockett, 86, of Ballinger passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas.

He was born July 23, 1925 to D. M. (Buster) and Bertha Crockett in Norton, Texas. He lived in Norton until he joined the Army in 1944 to serve during WWII in the Pacific Theater. After the war he returned to Ballinger where he was elected to serve two terms as Runnels County Tax Assessor-Collector and was nationally recognized at the age of 26 as one of the youngest Democrats to hold a public office. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ballinger. As an avid fisherman, he spent many days and nights with family and friends on the Rio Grande and Pecos Rivers. Dalton was a farmer and owner/operator of the Crockett Gin in Norton from 1959 until 1988. After retirement he could be found most mornings and afternoons at the Texas Theater shuffling dominoes or drinking coffee at Keel Drug. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, D. B. Crockett and W. A. Crockett.

Survivors include Billie, his wife of 52 years; three daughters, Paula Easter and husband, Jack, of Duncanville, Texas; Dana Rich and husband, Jim, of San Antonio; and Patty Esposito and husband, Roddy, of Abilene; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, July 29 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home. Services will be held Saturday, July 30 at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Ballinger with Rev. Buddy Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Ballinger.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Johnson, Robert Hambright, Mike Herron, and grandsons Jay Easter, J. D. Rich, and Justin Leifeste. Honorary pallbearers will be Lester Schaefer, Kelly Chapman, Curtis Jennings, and Lanham “Mac” Carter.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Ballinger or to a favorite charity.

Lyle Jay Currie
7/25/2011
(June 30, 1921 - July 24, 2022)
Lyle Jay Currie, Jr., 90, of Ballinger passed away Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

He was born June 30, 1921 in Ballinger to Lyle and W. Bea (McClure) Currie. He proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII. Lyle and Patricia Bilger were married in 1985 in Ballinger. He was an area rancher for many years and lived a full, active life.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 27 at 9:30 am at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger.

He is survived by his children and his wife, Patricia, of Ballinger.

Jimmie Durwood Tabor
7/25/2011
(November 16, 1942 - July 25, 2011)
Jimmie Durwood Tabor, 67, of Miles passed away Monday, July 25, 2011 at his residence.

He was born November 16, 1942 in Brownwood to John D. and Ina V. (Elkins) Tabor. He was employed as a truck driver and general contractor.

Jimmie is survived by his wife, Mildred, of Miles; children, Ricky Ratliff and wife Sheila, Jimmie D. Tabor, Jr., Becky Garrison and husband Chris, Donna Elkins and husband Jerry, Phil King and wife Sandy; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 4:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger.

Trinidad (Trine) Soliz Nunez
7/25/2011
(July 20, 1920 - July 23, 2011)
Trinidad (Trine) Soliz Nunez, 91, of Ballinger passed away Saturday, July 23, 2011 at her residence surrounded by her loved ones.

Trine was born July 20, 1920 in Rowena to Tirso and Precilliana (Velasquez) Soliz. As a young girl, she lived in Pearvalley and in Brady where she met and married Juan Nunez on October 5, 1940.

Trine was known as Ama to all her grandchildren and their spouses, and even some of her friends. She was a homemaker, a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and a friend to many.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; a son, Johnny Nunez, Jr.; sisters, Petra Rendon, Vica Cortez, Martha Garcia, and Juanita Talamantes.

Trine is survived by daughters, Alice Galvan and husband, Julio, of Ballinger, Mary Mata and husband, George, of San Angelo, Delia Hernandez and husband, Raymond, Kay Jaramillo and husband, Conrad, all of Ballinger, Julie Flores of San Angelo, Hopie Gonzales and husband, Jimmy, of Rowlett; sisters, Gabriella Martinez of Brownfield, and Petra Pena of Plainview. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Danny Nunez, Michael Mata, Jimmy Galvan, Randy Hernandez, Patrick Gonzales, and Jeremiah Galvan. Honorary pallbearers are Ben Albarado, Michael Cantu, Juan Sanchez, Arturo Armendariz, Ric Palma, Isaac Albarado, Chris Galvan, D.J. Nunez, Anthony Sanchez, Dorian Aussenac, Tony Clark, Lawrence Jaramillo, Justin Carrillo, Julian Hernandez, Abram Cantu, Devon Jackson, Aidan Jackson, Aidan Gonzales, Jayden Sanchez, Chase Galvan, and Christian Aussenac.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Ballinger Hospice and the staff of Ballinger Home Health, especially Carol Jennings, Connie Davenport, Cynthia Martinez, and Cecilia Galvan for the devoted time and care they showed to our mother.

Rosary will be recited Tuesday, July 26 at 7:00 pm at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger. A celebration of the mass of the resurrection will be Wednesday, July 27 at 10:00 am at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church with Fr. Hubert Wade officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Ballinger.

We love you, Ama, and we miss you dearly. May God be with you and may you rest in peace.

 

 

Veronica Cuellar
(July 10, 1976 - July 20, 2011)
7/21/2011
Veronica Cuellar, 35, of Ballinger passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011 as a result of an automobile accident.

She was born July 10, 1976 in Lubbock to John and Joelda (Galvan) Cuellar and graduated from Ballinger High School in 1994. Veronica was currently employed at the John Middleton Detention Center/Transfer Facility near Abilene. She was full of laughter and life. Family, friends, and co-workers described her as a beautiful, special person who always had a smile and a kind word. She enjoyed walking, dancing, barbeque, and even cleaning house. People easily recognized that she was a loving, devoted mother, but she also displayed sweetness and caring ways to many others.

Preceding her in death were her maternal grandparents, her paternal grandfather, and her brother, John Henry Cuellar, Jr.

Veronica is survived by her parents; her children, John Isaac, Mykaela, and Maryssa, all of Ballinger; special aunt and uncle who acted as second parents, Belinda “Nana” and Frank “Tonto” Mata of Ballinger; siblings, Rebecca Cuellar and husband, Mohamed Hussein, of Clearwater, Florida; Melinda Duffy and husband, Justin, of McKinney; John Gabriel Cuellar and wife, Cari, of Ballinger; and Elizabeth Cuellar of Ballinger. Also surviving are grandmother, Irene Cuellar of Hondo; grandfather, Jose Gomez of Ballinger; a special friend, Hector Martinez and daughter, Kasey; and numerous, deeply-loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Sunday, July 24 at the First United Methodist Church in Ballinger with burial in the Latin-American Cemetery. The Cuellar Family will have viewing and visitation at their home, 507 Sealy, Saturday and until noon on Sunday. Donations may be made to Veronica’s memorial fund, “Mama’s Dream,” established at Ballinger National Bank.

Rose Marie (Becky) Brown
(September 25, 1928 - July 16, 2011)
7/17/2011
Rose Marie (Becky) Brown was born on September 25, 1928, to Helen and John Beckenholdt. In December of 1946, she married Elwood Brown and moved to Ballinger to live in the country and raise her family of four children, Ed Brown, Susan Brown Mansell, Roy Brown and Linda Brown Duggan. She had these children within the span of six years. She must have realized life would be an adventure when she returned home with her first born only to find the bassinet filled with eggs gathered while she recovered in the hospital.

Becky and Elwood loved to travel and took many trips in the United States and overseas. The continent of Africa was one of the few places Becky loved enough to return to a second time. Trips to Big Bend and rafting the Rio Grande were always enjoyed

She was a grand cook, an excellent shot, delightful traveling companion, avid reader and she loved her pets. Family was foremost in her thoughts, and she will be missed.

Her son, Ed Brown, preceded her in death. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Elwood Brown, her daughters Susan Mansell and husband Chauncey, Linda Duggan and husband Dale of Ballinger, and son Roy Brown and wife Kathleen of New Mexico, six grandchildren, Brandy Jo Underwood, Genie Brown, Amy Mansell Patterson, Brandon Mansell, Ben Brown, Andrew Brown, Will Duggan and Katy Duggan, plus eight great grandchildren.

Graveside services were held July 17, 2011 at 2:00 pm Memorials can be made to the Crews Cemetery, 5601 FM 382, Ballinger, Tx 76821, Carnegie Library, 204 N. 8th, Ballinger Tx. 76821 or a favorite charity.

Her grandchildren, Brandy Jo Underwood, Amy Mansell Patterson, Brandon Mansell, Katy Duggan, Ben Brown and Andrew Brown served as pallbearers.

 

Mary Elva Campbell
(August 1, 1923 - July 15, 2011)
7/17/2011
Mary Elva Campbell, 87, of Ballinger passed away Friday, July 15, 2011 at Central Texas Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ballinger.

She was born August 1, 1923 in Albany to William Edgard and Mary Jane (Simpson) DeVore. She worked as a waitress and was a member of Oak Street Baptist Church in Abilene.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, and a brother.

Mary is survived by a daughter, Virginia Brewer, a son, Earl Brown and wife, Peggy, all of Ballinger; and a sister, Barbara Ann Tucker of Lubbock.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 17 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral service will be held Monday, July 18 at 11:00 am at Seventh Street Baptist Church in Ballinger with burial following in the Ballinger Garden of Memories.

 

 

Mildred Addie Hallmark
7/13/2011
(March 20, 1925 - July 12, 2011)
Mildred Addie Hallmark, 86, of Ballinger passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Part of a large family of ten children, she was born March 20, 1925 in Melvin, Texas to I. N. and Minnie (Peel) Hallmark. Mildred was a homemaker and a member of Seventh Street Baptist Church in Ballinger. She especially enjoyed feeding and riding horses.

Preceding her in death were her parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Claudeen and Bracey Feeler, Mae and Ralph Koenig, Novalene and Dudley Atwood, and Gladys and Curtis Patton; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Hallmark and Margaret Hallmark; and brother-in-law, Eugene Baker.

Mildred is survived by brothers, Herman Hallmark, Clarence Hallmark and wife, Margie, and Daniel Hallmark and wife, Nancy, all of Ballinger; sisters, Wilma Baker of Ballinger, and Billie Holland and husband, Raymond, of San Angelo. Numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, July 14 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 15 at 10:00 am at Seventh St. Baptist Church with Rev. David Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Old Runnels Cemetery.

 

 

Hank Allen Smith
7/12/2011
ABILENE – Hank Allen Smith, 2 day old infant son of Nathan and Marsha Smith, went to be with Jesus on July 5, 2011. Hank’s service was held at 6:00 pm Wednesday July 6th, 2011 at the Jim Ned Valley Church of Christ with interment at McBee Cemetery in Ovalo.
Hank was born on Sunday, July 3rd 2011 at Abilene Regional Hospital. At the end Hank was able to bring together a loving family, a loving church family, and many of his parent’s friends. Hank’s service was a testament of the good will of so many.
In the last paragraph of a letter written for Hank, Nathan and Marsha wrote, “You looked at us for the first time with your beautiful, loving eyes, and we knew you loved us too. And though it is hard to believe, we love you even more now. You are in heaven as our little angel. You have our hearts for forever.”
Hank is survived by his parents, Nathan and Marsha Smith of Abilene, paternal grandfather Alan and wife Teresa Smith of Burnet, paternal grandmother Jana and husband John Foster of Ballinger, paternal great grandparents Bobby and Sharon Smith of Ballinger, Ray and Barbara Knight of Ballinger, maternal grandparents Allen and Merry Crawford of Sweetwater, maternal great grandmothers June Crawford of Sweetwater, Erma Tomlinson of Sweetwater, uncles Blake and wife Kenzie Smith, Ryan and wife Robin Smith, and David Crawford, aunt Nancy and husband Alex Espinoza, three cousins Wyatt, Walker, and Paiton. Fry ~ Bartlett Funeral Home

Dorrace Josephine Beach
(February 16, 1925 - July 5, 2011)
7/6/2011
Dorrace Josephine Engbrock Beach, 86, of Millersview left this earthly life for her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 5, 2011. She was born on February 16, 1925 to Leo and Oleva Engbrock in Cyclone, Texas. She is survived by Deacon Leroy Beach, her devoted husband of 64 years.

Dorrace was the mother of eleven children, two of which preceded her in death: a son, Michael, and a daughter, Monica. Her surviving children are Loretta Burgess and husband Kenneth, Gary Beach and wife Theresa, Damien Beach and wife Geralyn, Theresa Lemke and husband Tinker, Mary Adkins and husband Bubba, Joseph Beach and wife Dora, Johnny Beach and wife Elaine, Patricia Rogers and husband Kerry, and James Beach and wife Robin. Also left to cherish her are 28 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren with another on the way. She has three living brothers: Charles, Eugene, and Leonard Engbrock.

Dorrace was a true servant for the Lord. She fed many people, both in body and spirit. She prepared endless meals for visiting priests, senior citizens, friends, and her ever-growing family, all with a joyful spirit. She absolutely loved life. Her name, “bountiful one,” showed in her care of children, gardening, sewing, canning, or whatever she put her hands and heart to. She was gracious and hospitable, showing warmth and value to all she met. She has impacted countless lives for four generations.

As a family, we express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Dr. John Stevenson, Dr. Michael Blanc, and Melanie and her staff at Angelo Kidney Connection. Their caring and expertise are a true testimony for their medical profession.

Rosary will be recited Thursday, July 7 at 7:00 pm at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 8 at 10:00 am also at St. Boniface Catholic Church. Burial will take place in the Millersview Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Millersview Cemetery Fund, P. O. Box 124, Millersview, TX 76862 or to the Concho County Nutrition Program, c/o Shawn Walston, Box 121, Paint Rock, TX 76866.

 

Marilyn Kay Burelsmith
(January 13, 1952 - June 26, 2011)
Marilyn Kay Burelsmith, 59, of Winters passed away Sunday, June 26, 2011 at her home.

She was born January 13, 1952 in Clovis, New Mexico to Foy and Betty Jo (Jackson) Thompson. Marilyn and Gary Burelsmith were married August 17, 1971 in Levelland. She earned her B.A. Degree in Education from ENMU in Portales, New Mexico. She taught for 13 years at Tatum, New Mexico and for 11 years at Ballinger Elementary School where she was respected and admired as an excellent teacher by her co-workers and especially by her students. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ballinger. A devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother, Marilyn’s special “hobbies” were her three grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her father, Foy Thompson, and a sister, Carolyn Thomas.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Gary of Winters; son, Marty Burelsmith and wife, Kelly, of Ballinger; daughter, Paige Baker and husband, Lee, of Millsap; mother, Betty Jo Kincaid of Smyer; and grandchildren, Kayden, Ellee and Ike. Also surviving are brothers, Foy Thompson, Jr. of Wolfforth, and Buddy Wayne Thompson of Levelland; and sister, Brenda Rackler of Smyer.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 28 at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Services will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger with Bro. Bobby Broyles officiating. Burial will follow in the Whispering Springs Cemetery on the family property near Hatchel. Pallbearers will be G. R. Worden, Scott King, Rusty Henard, Marty Frey, Roeneal Boles, and Allen Jones.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a favorite charity.

 

Kathy Smith
6/25/2011
Kathy Smith, age 51 of San Antonio passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. After her retirement as a Master Sgt. in the Air Force, she continued to work in Civil Service. Kathy was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, James Smith; children, Sara Smith, David Smith and Leah Smith; grandson, Landon Scott; parents, Mary and Duncan Wheeler; sister, Nancy Davis and husband, Mike; sister, Jennifer Walker; brother, John Wheeler and wife, Rebecca and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday June 24, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Porter Loring.

SERVICE
SATURDAY
JUNE 25, 2011
9:00 A.M.
PORTER LORING CHAPEL

Rev. Ron Hill officiating.
Interment to follow.

 

Linda Darlene Doll
(July 6, 1950 - May 31, 2011)
6/12/2011
Linda (Darlene Doll; 60, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 in San Angelo. Linda Darlene was born July 6, 1950 in Colorado City, TX to Andrew Jackson Follis, Jr and Jean Vaughn Follis. Darlene loved people and helping others. She was a great caretaker and also loved children. She loved the beach and being around other people all the time. Linda Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, and one brother, Morris Follis. She is survived by her Brother, Tom Follis and his wife Gloria, of Odessa, TX, her Sister, Tammie Jenkins and her husband Jimmy, of Mingo Junction, OH, One Niece, Denise Oakley, of San Angelo, her Great Niece and Nephew Justin Aldridge and Elayna Boyd; her Aunt Beth Doty, 2 Special friends, Dorothy and Tenisha, and her precious dogs, L.B. and Lucy.

 

Timothy Leon Hilliard
(June 2, 2011 - June 2, 2011)
6/5/2011
Timothy Leon Hilliard, infant son of Brandi Herridge and Timothy Hilliard of Ballinger, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2011 at San Angelo Community Medical Center.

A graveside service will be held Monday, June 6 at 10:00 am at the Latin-American Cemetery in Ballinger.

He is survived by his parents; three brothers, Julius, Jalen, and Joseph; maternal grandmother, Sylvia Jalomo; paternal grandmother, Denise Hilliard; and great-grandmother, Jean Hilliard.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Van Lyndon Bednar
6/2/2011
(December 23, 1948 - June 1, 2011)
Van Lyndon Bednar, 62, of Eden passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Concho County Hospital in Eden.

Van was born December 23, 1948 in San Angelo to Ed C. and Margaret (Williams) Bednar. He married Betty Tinkler, and the couple lived in several places before settling in Eden. He was a hardy, hard-working man, working long hours as a truck driver and in the oil field.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carlene, and a granddaughter, Cheyenne Bednar.

Van is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; five children, Vanzant Bednar and wife, Bridgett, of Vancourt; Vince Bednar of Fort Worth; Vanessa Bednar of Granbury; Tracie Halter and husband, David, of Denver; and Sherrie James, and husband, Dwaine, of Canyon Lake. A sister, Lavelle Bednar Oxley of Levelland; 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren also survive.

A graveside service will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, June 3 at Live Oak Cemetery near Eden.
Van Lyndon Bednar, 62, of Eden passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Concho County Hospital in Eden.

Van was born December 23, 1948 in San Angelo to Ed C. and Margaret (Williams) Bednar. He married Betty Tinkler, and the couple lived in several places before settling in Eden. He was a hardy, hard-working man, working long hours as a truck driver and in the oil field.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carlene, and a granddaughter, Cheyenne Bednar.

Van is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; five children, Vanzant Bednar and wife, Bridgett, of Vancourt; Vince Bednar of Fort Worth; Vanessa Bednar of Granbury; Tracie Halter and husband, David, of Denver; and Sherrie James, and husband, Dwaine, of Canyon Lake. A sister, Lavelle Bednar Oxley of Levelland; 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren also survive.

A graveside service will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, June 3 at Live Oak Cemetery near Eden.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

 

Imogene Akin Machotka
1911 - 2011
6/1/2011
ODESSA Imogene Akin Machotka, 99, a longtime Odessa resident, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, May 20, 2011, at a nursing home in Ballinger, Texas, with her daughter, Carla Massingill, by her side.

A memorial service took place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas, with the Rev. Harlan Hall officiating and Mary Hall assisting. Funeral arrangements were by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.

Imogene was the daughter of Carl and Pearl Akin, and was born Aug. 13, 1911, in Odessa. She grew up in a house on the northwest corner of Seventh Street and Grant Avenue, known as the fifth house on main before there were street numbers. Her dad had come to Odessa as a teenager with his parents in 1896 and he later became the county clerk in November 1918 and served until November 1944.

Imogene grew up with two parents who had a deep faith, love and trust in God and helped found First Baptist Church in Odessa, which was also a very big part of her life. She came to know Christ at a young age. As Imogene’s faith grew and she watched the example of the founding pioneers of the church overcome obstacles through prayer, she became aware of places she could serve her Lord in the church as well. She understood that the church is not a place, but the people, and Imogene was active in many areas. She served by playing the piano at Vacation Bible School and in children’s Sunday School as well as singing for many years in the Chancel Choir. She was also well known for the cookies and ice cream she would frequently bring to church.

In her later years when she was homebound, she would always ask how the church was doing. At the time of her death, she was the oldest and longest living member of First Baptist Church.

Imogene graduated from Odessa High School in 1928, a year ahead of her class. Her mother wanted her and her older sister, Onita Ruth Akin, to go off to college together, so Imogene took extra classes so she could graduate in 10 years instead of the normal 11 years at that time. When Imogene was 98, she had the honor of being recognized in September 2009 as being the oldest graduate present at the OHS Centennial Celebration and she was delighted to be in the parade.

She met her husband, Slavomir Machotka, known as Slav, in Odessa and they married on Oct. 20, 1932, and they enjoyed 65 years together. During their early years of marriage, they lived in Rowena near his parents’ farm and later moved back to Odessa. During World War II, Imogene worked on the draft board in Odessa but resigned to join Slav who was serving as a radio operator in the U.S. Army. Later on, she would work as a clerk for the tax office and the school district. After the war, Imogene gave birth to her only child, Carla Machotka Massingill.

She lived to see the birth of her two great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her Gigi, and she was always happy to see them.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Carl and Pearl Akin, sister, Onita Ruth Smith; and husband, Slavomir Machotka.

She is survived by her daughter, Carla Machotka Massingill of Ballinger; grandson, Benjamin Adams and his wife Nichole both of Odessa; two great-grandchildren, Braden Adams and Gillian Adams both of Odessa and sons-in-law Bill Adams and Danny Massingill.

The family would like to express thanks to Meals on Wheels of Odessa, Bill Adams for his faithful care and service and the First Baptist Church of Odessa Food Service Ministry.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FBC Odessa Food Service Ministry or the FBC Odessa Building Fund at 709 N. Lee Ave. Odessa, TX, 79761, and Meals on Wheels of Odessa, 1314 East 54^th St., Odessa, TX, 79761.

We love and miss you.

 

 

Erma Alice McCarty
(September 12, 1942 - May 28, 2011)
5/30/2011
Erma McCarty, 68 of San Angelo, TX went to be with the lord on Saturday after a long illness. Erma was born in Ft. Worth, TX and has been a resident of San Angelo for 38 years. She is survived by four children Renea Martinez, Alton Simmons, Jerrel Lee Martinez and Cindy Reid. Only one granddaughter Michelle and husband Justin Houk; two great granddaughters, Mariah and Brittany Houk and ten great grand sons, one sister, Doris; and three brothers, Jackie, Don and Ronnie Lemons; best friend Glenda Whitlock; special friend Al Eaton, as well as Gene Taylor a friend of thirty-five years, best friends forever.

My mother is dancing with the angels and walking with Jesus with a smile on her face, pain free. Mom I will miss you always. You will always be in my heart. I will meet with you one day and we will dance.

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding”

(P.S. Mom you are my best friend, and I am going to miss you. Love, Darletta Renea Martinez)

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Ruby Louola Johnson
(December 1, 1932 - May 26, 2011)
5/30/2011
She was born December 1, 1932 to Willie and Elizabeth Belk of Winters, Texas, both of whom preceded her in death. Ruby married L. V. Johnson of Winters in March of 1947. The family moved to Ballinger in 1957. L. V. preceded Ruby in death August 3, 2010. They had eight children, six of whom have preceded Ruby in death, Phillip, Bobby, Larry, Paul, and two who were stillborn. Also preceding her in death was a sister, Willie Rene, and twin brothers who were stillborn.

Ruby was a faithful wife, mother, and member of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and Jesus Christ Church. She sang in the choir, worked with the youth, was one of the mothers of Jesus Christ Church, volunteered at Head Start, and was a member of VFW Auxiliary.

Ruby leaves to cherish her memory one son, Charles Johnson and his wife, Onnie, of Ballinger; one daughter, Rosalee Smith and her husband, Kenneth, of Grand Prairie; one brother, Willie Belk, Jr. of Winters; one sister-in-law, Louise Shaw of Dallas; and an adopted son, Gene Clack and his wife, Sandra, of Ballinger. She also leaves to cherish her memory many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and associates.

Visitation for family and friends will be Monday, May 30 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 31 at 2:00 pm at Jesus Christ Church in Ballinger with burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Charles Hutchings, Christian Hutchings, Corey Calvin, Larry Carson, Jimmy Carson, and Wayne Juarez. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Owens, Steve Vasquez, and Michael Manley.

Ruby was loved, and she will be missed, but God loved and needed him more. We love you, Ruby.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Bitsie Marjorie Mame Williamson
(March 16, 1920 - May 20, 2011)
Bitsie passed away on May 20, 2011. She was born March 16, 1920 to Marguerite and Harry Lynn. Mr. and Mrs. Lynn were lifelong residents of Ballinger where Mr. Lynn served as president of First National Bank, having been associated with the bank for 65 years until his retirement in 1974.

Bitsie graduated from Ballinger High School as salutatorian of her class. She was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Hardin-Simmons University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Art and Elementary Education and minoring in English. She spent twenty-nine rewarding years teaching in Texas Public Schools.

It was at Hardin-Simmons that she became a member of a close-knit group of friends known as “The Sewing Club.” After graduating in 1941, this group of 12 friends met regularly for over 60 years.

She married Jim Williamson on May 20, 1951 in Philadelphia, Mississippi. They lived in Ballinger, Kingsville, Taft, and Kermit, Texas, returning to Ballinger in 1994 to spend their retirement years. Members of their family hosted a celebration of their fiftieth wedding anniversary on May 20, 2004 at Carnegie Library.

Bitsie was active in Presbyterian Women’s work in towns in which she lived. It was with great pride that she served on the Advisory Board of Kermit Community Church and as Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Ballinger.

While residing in Kermit she became a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, International Society for teachers. She was a docent for Medallion Hostesses of The Medallion Home, Kermit’s Texas Historical Landmark Museum. She was a member of the Winkler County Historical commission and a long time member and past president of Kermit Garden Club. She worked with the first Kermit October Affair Arts and Crafts Show which originated in 1973, and she continued as a board member for twelve years, serving as board president in 1984.

Survivors include beloved son, Wes Williamson and wife, Jan, of Euless, Texas; three beloved grandsons: Michael Williamson and wife,Terri, of Burbank, California, Matthew Williamson of Austin, Texas, and Trey Williamson of Euless, Texas; a very special niece, Rebecca Nicholson and husband, Dick, of Horseshoe Bay; niece, Wendi Wright of Austin; nephew, Heath Wright of Marble Falls; beloved sister-in-law, Sue Williamson of San Angelo; and daughter-in-law, Suzanne Cox and husband, Don, of Austin.

She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents; a beloved son, Fred Lynn Williamson; sister, Dorothy Hall; and close cousin, Charlie Tibbs of Los Angeles, California.

Visitation for family and friends will be Sunday, May 22 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 23 at 1:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church with burial in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.

If desired, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, Carnegie Library, or a charity of your choice.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

Ronnie Wayne Lange
(December 26, 1954 - May 14, 2011)
5/19/2011
Ronnie Wayne Lange, 56, of San Angelo, died Saturday, May 14, 2011 at his home from complications of diabetes. He was born December 26, 1954 in Ballinger to Walter O. Lange, Jr. and Mollie Jansa Lange. He attended school at Olfen and graduated from St. Joseph High School in Rowena in 1973. After completing his studies at TSTI in Waco, he received an associate of applied science certification in 1975 and was employed since then at San Angelo Community Medical Center, most recently as Chief Engineer. Ron’s family appreciates and thanks the Community Medical Center family of Ron’s co-workers who were a big part of his life.

A vigil service to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, in St. Boniface Church, Olfen. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, at St. Boniface Cemetery, Olfen, with his brother, Deacon Stanley Lange, conducting the services.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Walter and Ida Lange, Sr. and Louis and Amalia Jansa. Surviving Ronnie are his brothers, Stanley and wife, Janice, of Miles and Carl and wife, Deanna, of San Angelo, as well as his loving nieces and nephews: Amy and Bill Fuchs, Michele and Pat Dierschke, Michael and Melanie Lange, Alison and Brad Romike and Mark Lange and their families. Ron was a beloved uncle who enjoyed the company of his nieces and nephews and their children at family gatherings.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the American Diabetes Association or your favorite charity.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Billie Pauline Lee
(September 14, 1924 - May 16, 2011)
5/16/2011
Billie Pauline Cunniff Lee, age 86, of Ballinger passed away Monday, May 16, 2011 in Ballinger, Texas. Billie was a fine Christian woman who knew “she was right with the Lord.”

She was born September 14, 1924 in Ballinger and lived in Ballinger or the Ballinger area all of her life. Her parents were Ira and Daisy (Green) Cunniff.

Billie graduated from Ballinger High School in 1942 and joined the US Army, Women’s Air Corps, in December 1943, serving for the duration of World War II. After returning home, she married Harvey D. Lee on February 14, 1946. They were approaching their 62nd wedding anniversary when Harvey passed away in 2008.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; one brother, Carlos Cunniff; and one sister, Delores Clark Hall.

Billie is survived by one brother, Harley Cunniff and wife, Geraldine, of Irving; one sister, Cecilia Clark Janssen of Carrollton; brother-in-law, Ray Hall of San Angelo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 18 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral service for Billie will be at 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 19 at Lange Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Hospice of Ballinger and to special friend and caregiver, Becky Kresta, for their kind and loving care of Billie during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society or a favorite charity.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

Lovey Lee "Bub" Caffey
(April 14, 1940 - May 13, 2011)
5/15/2011
Lovey Lee “Bub” Caffey, 71, of Winters passed away Friday, May 13, 2011 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

Bub was born on April 14, 1940 in Ballinger to Willie T. and Martha A. (Muncy) Caffey. He served with the US Army prior to marrying Carolyn Witt on June 14, 1968 in Ballinger. He was a general contractor in the oilfield and later retired from the Texas Dept. of Corrections. He was a member of Bluff Creek Cowboy Church in Drasco.

Bub was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Earlene Alexander.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Caffey of the home; a son, Mitchell Caffey; daughter, Marci Campopiano and husband, Paul; grandson, Jack; and granddaughters, Jill, Julia and Jamie. A brother, Bill and wife, Doris and a sister, Jean O’Dell and husband, Kenneth and many nieces and nephews also survive.

There will be a time of visitation for family and friends at Lange funeral home on Sunday May 15, 2011 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday May 16th at the Lange Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Morcy Grun officiating. Burial will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial be made to the American Heart Assoc. or a favorite charity.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

Michael Bernard Ocker
(June 25, 1948 - May 8, 2011)
5/9/2011
Michael Bernard Ocker, 62, of Rowena passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo from complications of diabetes.

He was born June 25, 1948 in Ballinger to Gilbert and Leona Matilda (Lange) Ocker. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Rowena and attended Angelo State University. Michael lived and farmed in the Rowena area all his life. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Rowena Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Tommy Ocker; and a sister, Sharon Wilde.

Michael is survived by brothers, David Ocker and wife, Gwen, of Ballinger, and James Ocker and wife, Charlyn, of San Angelo; sisters, Janet Minzenmayer and husband, Dennis, of Rowena, and Joyce Cmerek and husband, Eugene, of Miles. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Rosary will be recited Tuesday, May 10 at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Ariel Lagunilla celebrating. Burial will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Ocker, Steve Ocker, Darrell Cmerek, Paul Minzenmayer, Stephen Ocker, and Fred Lippe. John Minzenmayer will be honorary pallbearer.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

John Lee Stuart
5/7/2011
SAN ANGELO ~ John Lee Stuart, 84, passed away on Thursday, May 5 , 2011, at local hospital.  There will be a memorial service held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Shaffer Funeral Home Chapel.  Arrangements are by Shaffer Funeral Home/Sherwood Way.
     He is survived by his wife, Addie Stuart of San Angelo; his son, David Stuart of San Antonio; his daughters, Patti Bryan of Pleasanton, and Lisa Matlock of Lamesa; his brother, Troy Stuart of Yorktown; his sister, Barbara Hart of Bangs.

 

George Mack Mosier, Sr.
5/1/2011
Born March 2, 1936, in Ballinger, TX, the son of L.A. and Beatrice Mosier, deceased April 30, 2011. George graduated from Howard Payne University & Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served in the Marine Corps from 1954-1958 . He was active in Baptist youth-led revivals across Texas, served in Baptist Student Ministry on three campuses & Pastored University Heights Baptist Church, Stillwater, OK, First Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, TX, and various churches in Dallas. He served on the executive board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, was active in Baptist affairs, and a Southwest Dallas Real Estate Agent. Survivors are his wife, Sue James Mosier; children, Mack Mosier and wife Colynn, Keren Mosier, and David Mosier and wife Vickie; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Doug Mosier and wife Dory; and sister, Mary Frances Gonnion and husband Joe. Memorial service is 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 820 E. Wintergreen, in Cedar Hill. A reception will follow the service. Interment will be at a later date in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Mt. Lebanon Baptist Encampment, 1701 Texas Plume Rd, Cedar Hill, TX, 75104, or the Ballinger Indian Statue.

Julie R. Pospichal
5/1/2011
(July 22, 1920 - April 30, 2011)
Julie Pospichal, 90, of Rowena, died early Saturday morning, April 30, 2011 at the Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

She was born on July 22, 1920 in Rowena to Vaclav and Theresa (Strakos) Recinsky. She served with the Army Air Wacs as a medical corpsman during WWII. She married Ed Jim Pospichal in Ballinger on August 12, 1946. He preceded her in death on February 6, 1982.

Julie was also preceded by sisters, Annie Smith, Mary Mucha, and Christina Recinsky; and brothers, Willie and Emil Recinsky.

She is survived by her daughter, Patsy Hilliard and husband, Bill of Ballinger, her son, Jerry Pospichal and wife, Jackie of Rowena, and sister, Blanche Gesch of Lake Whitney. Her six grandchildren, who will serve as honorary pallbearers, Tammy Poole, Theresa Fuentes, Dawn Alvarado, Jason Pospichal, Laura Pospichal and Ashley Riley also survive along with 15 great grandchildren

Graveside service for Julie Pospichal will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, in Rowena Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Robert (Bob) L. Tyree
4/25/2011
(July 6, 1927 - April 20, 2011)
Robert (Bob) Tyree passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at the Colfax County Nursing Home in Springer, New Mexico. He was 83.

He was born July 6, 1927 in Ballinger, Texas to Roy and Allie Tyree. He was a farmer/rancher all his life and loved to take care of his cattle. He married Jean McAden of Ballinger, and they were together until her death in 2008.

Bob and Jean were members of the Valley View Baptist Church until it disbanded. He was the song leader in that church for many years. After the little church disbanded, they moved to the Seventh Street Baptist Church where he also led the singing for a few years. Music was a constant joy for him, and he instilled his love of music in his daughter, Tracee. They sang together and performed many special songs at churches they attended. Bob was a kind and gentle man who loved his family, and he was a very special "PAWPAW" to his two grandsons and one granddaughter.

He is survived by his daughter Tracee Craig and her husband, Dwayne, of Las Vegas, NM and by his only brother, Fred Tyree and his wife, Brenda, of Ballinger. He leaves behind his three grandchildren, Jason Craig and wife Trish, Adam Craig and wife Lacy, and Kellee Jean Lee Craig all of Las Vegas, NM. He also has four great-grandchildren, Cole, Cody, Cade, and Tyler Craig all of Las Vegas, NM. His love, laughter, smile, and sweet, wonderful spirit will be missed by all.

Visitation will be Monday, April 25 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, April 26 at 10:00 am at the Old Runnels Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his wife and his parents. Pallbearers will be Sammy Brown, James Rosser, Jason Craig, Adam Craig, Bobby Jennings, and Morgan Brown. Honorary pallbearer will be Jay Weatherby.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Dolly Lee Kitchens
4/17/2011
(April 24, 1916 - April 16, 2011)
Dolly Lee Kitchens, 94, of Columbus GA, formerly of Ballinger, TX died Saturday afternoon April 16, 2011 at Magnolia Manor.

Dolly was born on April 24, 1916 in Leroy, TX to Joe Payne and Dolly Lee (Smith) Briley. She married Albert E. Kitchens in Junction, TX on March 16, 1940. They moved to the Ballinger community in 1948. Dolly was a civil servant during WWII working as a dental hygienist at Camp Patrick Henry, VA. She later worked for Dr. E.W. Stasney as a dental hygienist until retiring in1955 and becoming a rancher’s wife, helping Albert on an active ranch until his death on July 4, 1977. She was also preceded by her parents; a sister, Sleeda Wright; and brothers, Alton, Joe (Buck), Vernon and Herbert Briley.

Dolly was a member of the First Christian Church in Ballinger and a former member of Ballinger Woman’s Club. She was an active bridge player in Ballinger and Columbus. She was a former member of Ballinger Country Club and Green Island Country Club in Columbus.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Kitchens Perkins and husband, Bill of Columbus and nieces and nephews, Marion Coffey and wife, Joanne, Pat Potts, Paul Price and wife Suzanne and Pam Murfee and husband, Joe.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Graveside funeral services will be held at 9:00 am Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger with Lynn Smith officiating.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the following: the Green Island Ladies Bridge Group for being such a special part of Dolly’s life; the staff of The Veranda; the Vista Care staff; Care Matters; and the staff at Magnolia Manor.

Memorials may be sent to Carnegie Library, 204 8th. Street, Ballinger, TX 76821; PAWS Humane Society in Columbus, GA or a favorite charity.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Barbara Lynn Wheeler
4/10/2011
(August 16, 1944 - April 7, 2011)
Mrs. Wheeler was born August 16, 1944 in Portales, New Mexico to John C. and Lela (Nanney) Bell. She attended school in Ballinger graduating from Ballinger High School in 1962. She married Harley Wheeler, July 21, 1962 in San Angelo. They moved to Clyde from Ballinger in 1963. She was an accountant, having worked for the commissary at Dyess AFB, Abilene Farm and Ranch, Baird Motor Inn and Girling Home Health. Mrs. Wheeler was a member of First Assembly of God, Clyde.

Barbara is survived by her husband Harley; children she housed and borne, Dennis Wheeler and wife Lou, Betty Beck and husband Brian, John C. Wheeler and wife Connie, Jackie Wheeler, Brandon Wheeler and wife Sherri, Jason Wheeler and wife Lee Anne, Diania, Amber, and Crystal Sporisky, Aleigha Wheeler, Harley Wheeler, Diane Wheeler, Dixie Wheeler, Brody, Billy, and Brice Beck, Ariel Banks, Catherine and Jonathon Davis, McKynzi Marie Wheeler, Jasmine, Lillian, and Violet Wheeler, Bryan Wheeler, Jocilynn “JoJo” and Darian Hazelwood, Matthew and Alonzo Cerda; Brothers, Houston Malone and John C. Bell; Sisters Jean Scott and Billie Whitehead, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by one grandson, Jonathon Troy Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hendrick Hospital 1900 Pine, Abilene, Texas 79601 in her memory.

Bailey-Howard Funeral Home - Clyde, TX

Staci Lea Belk
4/7/2011
(November 9, 1971 - April 6, 2011)
Staci Belk, 39, loving wife and mother, passed on to her eternal home on Wednesday afternoon, April 6, 2011 as the result of an automobile accident near Rowena, Texas.

Staci Taylor was born November 9, 1971 in Houston, Texas. She was a 1990 graduate of Ballinger High School and received her teaching degree from Angelo State University. She had taught at Paint Rock ISD and more recently was a favorite substitute teacher at Miles ISD.

She married her soul mate, Heath Belk, on July 6, 1990. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Heather Eryn Belk (who preceded her in death in 2006) and Harli Elyse Belk of the home.

Staci will be remembered for her tireless efforts as a 4-H Adult Leader in Concho County where she was actively involved with Harli’s 4-H projects and the livestock shows as well as for her desire to bring out the best in her students. Her calming demeanor made her a favorite among the children. She was instrumental in reforming the Eola 4-H Club and loved to be called “Mom” by all the kids she helped. She was a member of the Concho County Jr. Livestock Board.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Heath, their daughter Harli, her parents, Bobbie and Doug Conley of Paint Rock, as well as a very special aunt and uncle, Ann and Kenny White of Ballinger. Also, her brother, Mack Henry of Paint Rock, a sister Kim Coghlan, and special cousins, Kelli White Franke and her husband Craig and their children, Tyler, Bryce and Chase; Kevin his wife Kristi and their children Kody and Kaitlyn, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Also surviving are her in-laws, Allen and Elsie Belk of Norton, Harley and Michelle Belk and their children Colton, Ashton, Macy, Braden and Beau of Norton, Barbara and Keith Newland of Bryan, and Armer and Barbara Earwood of Sonora.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, April 8 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral service will be at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Ballinger, and burial will follow at Eola Cemetery in Eola with Matt Miles officiating.

Pallbearers will be John Hoermann, Larry Book, Russell Hampton, Jeremy Taylor, Mike Taylor, Jeremy Sharkey, Craig Hill and Ronald Niehues.

Donations may be made to Eryn Belk Scholarship Fund, c/o Paint Rock Bank or a favorite charity.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Frank Clifford Rodriguez
4/7/2011
(July 4, 1958 - April 6, 2011)
Frank Clifford Rodriguez, 52, of Ballinger passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

He was born July 4, 1958 in Ballinger to Cleofas and Herminia (Esquivel) Rodriguez. Frank and Nelda Patino were married in Ballinger in 1984. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Guadalupanos of the church. He also served on the Knights of Columbus Council and was a CCD teacher for 11 years. He belonged to USSSA in San Angelo, an association for umpires.

Always a hard worker, Frank was employed at Gerber Manufacturing for 14 years, wore several caps (baseball the favorite) at Ballinger ISD for 10 years, and drove for CARR for three years. As a hard-working volunteer, Frank served the community well and often in many ways such as umpiring baseball and managing the BHS Band Booster’s concession stand for several dedicated years. It goes without saying that he was an avid and loyal Bearcat fan. Frank had a smile and a kind word for everyone in everything he did. He will be missed by family, church, school, friends, and all of Ballinger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jessie De la Cerda; and sisters, Olga Alambar, Lupe Salas, and Betty Rosales.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Nelda; daughter, Betty Rodriguez, son, Alzado Rodriguez, all of Ballinger; and Rocky and Nikki Rodriguez of California. Also surviving are siblings, Lydia Escobar, Sylvia Flores, Mary Ortegon, Margret Rios, and Clifford Hernandez; several other family members, and a very good friend, Ernest Guevara.

Rosary will be recited Sunday, April 10 at 7:00 pm at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ballinger. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, April 11 at 10:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Hugh Wade celebrating. Burial will take place in the Latin-American Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Thomas Rico, David Esquivel, Arthur Alvarado, Pete Guebara, Johnny Reyes, and John Escobar. Honorary pallbearers will be members of USSSA Umpires of San Angelo.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Hiram Calvin Watkins
4/4/2011
(June 16, 1931 - April 4, 2011)
Hiram Calvin Watkins, 79, of Mimbres, New Mexico passed away Monday, April 4, 2011 at a nursing center in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

He was born June 16, 1931 to Joseph Robert and Margaret Elizabeth (Carlile) Watkins in Roscoe, Texas. Calvin married Mae Dell Paschal on May 31, 1951 in Runnels County.

Calvin is survived by his wife, Mae Dell of Mimbres, NM; four daughters, Linda Gayle Nousianen of Jackson, WY, Diane White of Buda, Gloria Applegate of Marfa, Teresa Burke of Apple Valley, CA; and two sons, Randy Watkins of Banning CA, and Paul Watkins of GA.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be Friday, April 8 at 10:30 am at First United Methodist Church in Ballinger with burial in Old Runnels Cemetery.

For out-of-town guests who need overnight accomodations, there are no more vacancies in Ballinger. The family is providing the follwing information regarding motels in San Angelo (36 miles from Ballinger):

Inn of the Conchos, 325-658-2811, $49.95+tax, any room if you ask for funeral rate, children stay free, 2 queens or 1 king, free full, hot breakfast

La Quinta Inn, 325-949-0515, $59-$79 + tax; free continental breakfast

Ramada Limited, 325-653-8442, $79.95 + tax; if we book more than 3 rooms together it’s $69.95; free continental breakfast

Rodeway, 325-944-2578, $68 incl tax; 1 king or 2 dbl; free continental breakfast

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Anna Lee Mueller
4/3/2011
Anna Lee Mueller, 50 of Roscoe, TX died Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital in Sweetwater.

Anna was born on May 29, 1960 in San Angelo, TX to Roy and Judith Shiller. She graduated from Miles High School in 1978 and attended San Angelo State University for two years. On June 12, 1982 Anna married the love of her life, David Mueller and moved to Ballinger. She and David moved to Sweetwater in 1992 and later moved to Roscoe and Highland Communities in 1996. Anna was a member of and very involved with the Holy Family Catholic Church and also with the Highland School. She will always be remembered as a wonderful loving mother, grandmother, and wife.

Anna was preceded in death by her father, Roy Shiller, a brother, Michael Shiller, and a sister, Janice Shiller.

Survivors include her husband: David Mueller of Roscoe; two sons, Kevin Mueller of Atlanta, GA and Todd Mueller of Roscoe: daughter, Stefanie Howard & husband Jake of Bakersfield, CA two grandsons: Cody Gene Howard and Nickolay Lane Howard both of Bakersfield, California; mother, Judith Shiller of Miles and sister, Joan Neagle & husband Dale of Midland.

A Rosary will be recited by Jim Petrie, Monday, April 4, at 7:00 P.M. at McCoy Chapel of Memories in Sweetwater. Holy Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sweetwater with burial following at Roscoe Cemetery. Memorials may be made to West Texas Children’s Advocacy Center, 317 Oak St., Sweetwater, TX 79556.

Arrangements are with McCoy Funeral Home, 401 E. Third. Street, in Sweetwater.

 

Oscar Jesus Ruiz
4/3/2011
(December 10, 1954 - March 31, 2011)
Oscar Jesus Ruiz, 56, of Paint Rock passed away Thursday, March 31, 2011 at his residence.

He was born December 10, 1954 in Zaragoza, Coahuila, Mexico to Pedro and Julia (Lucio) Ruiz. Oscar and Norma Yolanda Mata were married in Zaragoza on April 15, 1978. For 23 years he had been employed as custodian and bus driver for Paint Rock ISD and was easily recognized by all the kids because of his cap that he always wore and his infectious smile.

Oscar is survived by his wife, Norma Ruiz of Paint Rock; and his sons, Oscar Ruiz, Jr. and wife, Toni, of San Angelo, Juan Carlos Ruiz, Sr. and wife, Sara, of Ballinger, and Rudy Ruiz of Paint Rock. Also surviving are siblings, Jose Ruiz, Argelia De Luna, Isabel Morado, Pedro Ruiz, and Rejinaldo Ruiz; grandchildren, Dominic, Isabel, and Juan Carlos, Jr. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Rosary will be recited Monday, April 4 at 6:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home Chapel in Ballinger. Funeral service and burial will be held at a later date in Zaragosa, Mexico.

Oscar was a devoted husband, father, and grand father and was a great friend to all. He was a strong presence in Paint Rock and will be dearly missed.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Vicky Ray Long
3/28/2011
(June 5, 1955 - March 25, 2011)
Vicky Ray Long, 55 of Ballinger passed away Friday evening, March 25, 2011 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born June 5, 1955 in Ft. Stockton, TX to Jim and Mary Loyce (Burks) Ray.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Charlotte Shaw.

Vicky is survived by her daughters, Tiki Shaw and husband, David, of Edmond OK, Samantha Bryant and husband, Eric, of Wylie, TX and Sky Ashcraft of Ballinger; and by a grandson, Brayden Dulaney. Also surviving is a brother, Jimmie Ray and wife, Ann, of Piedmont, AL; sisters, Tammy Drummond of Ballinger, Belinda McAlister of Ballinger, Kim Ray and Joann Pruitt of Mesquite; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011 at Norton Cemetery in Norton.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

Anna Mae Frenzel
3/22/2011
(July 1, 1934 - March 21, 2011) 
Anna Mae Frenzel, 76, of Rowena passed away late Monday evening, March 21, 2011 at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

Rosary will be Friday, March 25 at 7:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 26 at 10:00 am also at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Doyle Cole Rinn
3/21/2011
(April 7, 1964 - March 20, 2011) 
Doyle Cole Rinn, 46, of Ballinger passed away Sunday, March 20, 2011 at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 7, 1964 in Littlefield to Doyle Lee Rinn and Ann (Barnhill) Beisel. Doyle had lived in Ballinger since 1967 and was a purchasing agent for Muellers, Inc. One of his special interests was motorcycles, and he dreamed of owning a Harley-Davidson.

He is survived by his wife, Debra, and son, Cole Edward Rinn, both of Ballinger; step-children, Courtney Harrison of Cedar Park, and Robbie Bryan of Houston; his mother, Ann Beisel and his father, Doyle Rinn and wife, Dorothy, all of Ballinger; sisters, Sherry Wheeler and husband, Charles, of Ballinger, and Joyce LaPorte and husband, David, of Del Valle. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a time of visitation for family and friends on Tuesday, March 22 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 23 at the First United Methodist Church in Ballinger with Rev. Buddy Moore officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Irmatha Haliburton
3/16/2011
(June 18, 1918 - March 16, 2011) 
Irmatha Haliburton, 92, of Ballinger passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at Runnels County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

She was born June 18, 1918 in Henderson County, Texas to Ira Lee and Nora Bell (Wood) Talley. Irmatha and Billie Jack Haliburton were married March 14, 1942 in Green Cove Springs, Florida. He preceded her in death December 7, 1995. She became a licensed cosmetologist, but her working career took a different direction. For several years she was employed as a bookkeeper at the First National Bank of Ballinger, retiring at age 65. Irmatha loved to fish, especially trotline or Gulf Coast fishing.

She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters, Hortense Morris, Odessa Norris, Juanita Godwin; and brother, Chester Talley.

Irmatha is survived by several nieces and nephews, including local nieces, Marsha Blair and Elaine McDaniel.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, March 18 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 19 at 2:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Virgil Paul Cornett
3/6/2011
(December 24, 1926 - March 6, 2011)
Virgil Paul Cornett, 84, of Ballinger passed away at his residence on Sunday March 6, 2011.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara of Ballinger, his sons, Ron Cornett of Ballinger and Terry Cornett of Oregan and a daughter, Cindy Dahlberg of Ballinger

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Belvedere Memorial Park Cemetery in San Angelo.

 

 

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Dorcie L. Green
2/28/2011
(November 4, 1919 - February 27, 2011)
Dorcie Green, 91, of Ballinger passed away Sunday morning, February 27, 2011 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Center.

She was born on November 4, 1919 in Ryan, Oklahoma to Carey S. and Nellie (Lee) Fowler. She married Glen Doyle Green on November 2, 1940 in Floydada. They moved to Ballinger in 1951, and he preceded her in death on November 16, 1985.

Dorcie worked as a nurses’ aide and was a long-time, faithful member of Seventh Street Baptist Church and will be fondly remembered by church members.

A time of visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, February 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. at Seventh Street Baptist Church with David Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and all her brothers and sisters.

Dorcie is survived by her daughters, Pam King and husband, Kelly, of Ballinger, Janice Biddy and husband, Gary, of Marble Falls, JoAnn Green of Sunset, Mary Cook and husband, Steve, of Ballinger, and Glenda Ward of Bowie. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 17 ½ great-grandchildren, and 1 ½ great-great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehab or to World Hunger c/o 7th St. Baptist Church, P. O. Box 663, Ballinger, Texas 76821.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

S.C. "Jack" Chrisco
2/24/2011
S.C."Jack" Chrisco,85, of San Angelo, left this world on February 21,2011, after a brave battle with Alzheimer's. He was preceded in death by his parents S.C. Chrisco, Sr., and Bertha Lillian(Boswell) , his sister's Mary Lee "Sis", Edna Earl "Tommye" and Clara Mae"Johnnye". He was raised in Izzard County Arkansas and Ballinger.

He leaves his beloved wife of 66 years, Juanita (Culwell) Chrisco, his son, Frank Chrisco and wife Ingrid, his daughters Jeanette Findlay Truehardt and April K. Stout, his grandchildren , Zachary Chrisco, Joel Chrisco, Scott Stout, Tina Peters and husband David, Christopher Findlay and wife Jillian, John Findlay and Michael Truehardt, great- grandchildren Priscilla, Phylisha, Preston , Cale, and Me2, and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends .

He served in the Marines, the Army Air Corps and the Air Force for more than 20 years. Tours included Guadalcanal and the South Pacific- rifleman, Japan -military police 1948-51, special guard duty to President Roosevelt, Hitchcock AFB - blimp hanger , Hanscom AFB -cook and electronics engineer. Upon retirement in 1963, he worked as a meteorological technician for Lincoln Laboratories and M I T as a civilian Air Force employee.

His lifelong passion, farming, included 300+ acres in north eastern Maine where he raised Belted Galloway cattle for 20 years. He returned to Texas where he worked with his nephew, Jessie Merrifield in the construction business in Midland and San Angelo. He and his family owned The Olde Park Hotel in Ballinger, Juanita's birthplace and family business since the early 1920's . They operated a restaurant, bed and breakfast and antique shop.

He will be remembered by all as a generous man, funny, loving, and a friend to all. He will be sorely missed.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 6-8 PM at the funeral home and Sunday 10 AM till funeral service time. Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday at Heritage Family Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Reception to follow the burial at the funeral home.

Our sincere thanks go to Park Plaza Nursing Home, VistaCare and Heritage Family Funeral Home for their care and support.

Richard "Dick" Y. Thorpe
2/24/2011
(February 22, 1931 - February 20, 2011) 
Richard “Dick” Y. Thorpe, 79, passed away February 20, 2011, at Community Hospital in San Angelo. Private family graveside was held at the Mesa T Ranch Cemetery in Winters. Services were under the direction of Heritage Family Funeral Home.
Richard was born in Nashville, TN to Moneta Allison and Richard Y. Thorpe Sr. on February 22, 1931. He attended The Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville and then served two years in the US Air Force. After a honorable discharge, Dick attended Vanderbilt University and graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina. He held management positions with L.D. Brinkman, Jones Mills, Galaxy Carpet Mills and was CEO of Landmark Carpet Mills. After retirement he was a philanthropist for handicapped children and children in need in the Wimberley area.
Survivors include: his former wife, Sara Elizabeth Thorpe of Ballinger, two sons, Dr. Richard Thorpe III and wife Karen, of Winters, Arthur Benjamin Thorpe and wife Alison of Wingate, a daughter, Allison P. Thorpe of McKinney, and one brother, John Thorpe and wife Nancy of Nashville, TN.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

Patsy Wood
2/23/2011
(August 15, 1941 - February 22, 2011) 
Patsy J. Wood, 69, of Ballinger passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born August 15, 1941 in Runnels County to R. Patrick and Clara May (Chrisco) Leggett. She was employed for a time as a baker for Mrs. Baird’s Bread.

She is survived by a daughter, Theresa Larson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and sons, Walter John Funk and Patrick Wood both of Ballinger. Other survivors include granddaughter, Christina Skinner, and stepchildren, James Wood and Larry Wood, Jr.

A gathering of family and friends will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, February 28 at Carnegie Library, 204 N. 8th Street in Ballinger.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Leota Enid Boothe
2/20/2011
(February 23, 1921 - February 18, 2011) 
Leota Enid Boothe passed from this life on February 18, 2011, five days short of her 90th birthday.

She was born in Enid, Oklahoma on February 23, 1921 to Alexander and Anne (Latham) Odom. They moved to the Ballinger area that same year and she was raised in the Blanton and Crews areas on the family farm and ranch. She married Bob Pete Boothe on October 10, 1940 and they farmed and ranched in the Ballinger and Norton area. They retired in 1990 and moved to San Angelo to be with the loves of their lives, their grandchildren, Emily Rose and Robert Cameron Boothe. Bob Pete preceded her in death on August 13, 1994.

Leota won many cooking awards in the Ballinger area. Her cooking career began at the ripe old age of 14 at the Runnels County jail. For many years she was the dietician at Ballinger Memorial Hospital. Her motto was “No one will leave our home hungry.”

We are eternally grateful that Leota passed Christian values, work ethic, wit, and wonderful recipes to her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Robert Q. Boothe, his wife, Jane and their children, Emily and Cameron all of San Angelo.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 21, 2011 at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger with Fr. Charles Greenwell officiating. The family will be receiving friends at Robert’s home at 1421 Ranch Court, San Angelo, starting at 6:00 PM on Monday evening.

The family extends a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Baptist Memorial Center.

Before she became disabled in 2006, Nee Nee loved to travel with the family around the state of Texas to watch her grandchildren participate in sporting events. In lieu of flowers, please make a generous donation to Bobcat Baseball, c/o Robert Q. Boothe, P.O. Box 60130, San Angelo, TX 76906 or to West Texas Boys Ranch.

“We love you and will miss you. What an honor to have had a mother and grandmother like you.”

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Henry G. Fuentes
2/16/2011
(March 13, 1941 - February 14, 2011)
Henry G. Fuentes, 69, of Ballinger passed away February 14, 2011 at Runnels County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

He was born in Acuna, Mexico on March 13, 1941 to Manuel V. and Juanita (Guerrero) Fuentes. He and Elvira Escobar were married April 27, 1959 in Rowena. Henry was employed by Mueller Supply as a pre-fab machine operator for many years. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and a past member of the Rowena Council of Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Manuel and Ray Fuentes, and a grandson, Joey Fuentes.

Mr. Fuentes is survived by his wife, Elvira Fuentes, of Ballinger; his children, Henry Fuentes, Jr., Edward Fuentes, Theresa Jackson, David Fuentes, all of Ballinger, Melinda Lopez and Raymond Fuentes, both of San Angelo; sisters, Rosa Albarado, Lucy Fuentes, Josie Castillo, and Irma Cappuchino; and a brother, Tony Fuentes. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 18 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ballinger. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m. at St Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Hubert Wade celebrating. Burial will take place in the Latin-American Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Edward Fuentes, Jr., Christopher Fuentes, Matthew Fuentes, Justin Lopez, David Fuentes, Jr., and Anthony Fuentes.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Mary Lou Whitworth
2/14/2011
(December 28, 1925 - February 12, 2011) 
ARLINGTON -- Mary Lou Whitworth, 85, passed away Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, in Arlington.
       Funeral: 12:30 p.m. Thursday in Wade Family Funeral Home Chapel, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, with Dr. Eugene Robertson officiating. Interment: 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas. Visitation: The family will receive friends 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
       Mary Lou was born Dec. 28, 1925, in Ballinger to Lemuel Davis and Rosa Corbet Davis. She had resided in Arlington since 1953. She enjoyed cooking and always had a smile on her face.
       She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Allen Whitworth, on March 28, 2005.
       Survivors: Son, Robert Davis Whitworth and wife, Virginia; sisters, Annie Tate and Bonnie Corbin; granddaughter, Christine Mensi and husband, Brian; great-grandson, Brian Mensi Jr.; and great-granddaughter, Mia Mensi.

Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-274-9233
View and sign guestbook at
www.star-telegram.com/obituaries    www.wadefamilyfuneralhome.com 

 

Dawse E. Switzer
2/13/2011
(September 5, 1922 - February 12, 2011) 
Dawse E. Switzer, 88, of Ballinger passed away Saturday, February 12, 2011 in Ballinger.

Dawese was born September 5, 1922 in Ballinger to William David and Ethel Birdie (Redman) Switzer in McCauley, Texas. He was a faithful member of the 9th Street Church of Christ. While serving in the Army in WWII he was in a unit that received two Presidential Citations and was personally awarded two Bronze Stars.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a twin brother; Daron Switzer, a brother; Redman Switzer, and a sister; Thelma Brannum.

Dawse is survived by his wife; Wanda of Ballinger, sons; David and wife Nancy Switzer of Ballinger, Terry and wife Terre Switzer of Mereta, grandchildren; Daron and wife Jennifer of Cabot, AR; Seth and wife Cerina Switzer of San Angelo; Katy Switzer of Ballinger, Morgan and Husband Gary Hanson of Sweethome, OR; sisters-in-law; Juanita Bowman and Margaret Green, eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be at Lange Funeral Home Chapel, Tuesay, February 15 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The funeral ceremony will be at 9th Street Church of Christ on Wednesday, February 16 at 10:00 am; burial to follow at Mereta Protestant Cemetery, with Max Pratt, Portis Ribble, and Van Pendergrass to officiate.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Keva Lou Hays Holley Hancock
2/9/2011
BIG SPRING- Keva Lou Hays Holley Hancock, 83, formerly of Tuscola passed away Sunday February 6^th, 2011 in a local nursing facility.  Funeral Services for Keva will be held on Wednesday 10:00am February 9, 2011 at the Forsan Baptist Church, a visitation will be held Tuesday evening at Myers & Smith Funeral Home in Big Spring from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, an additional visitation will be held in Tuscola at the Fry~Bartlett Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, with a graveside service 11:00am Thursday,  February 10^th, 2011 in the Tuscola Cemetery, directed by Fry~Bartlett Funeral Home, Tuscola, Texas.   

The following was written by Keva Hancock.

Keva Lou Hays Holley Hancock was born in Borden County March 24, 1927, to C. B. (Blair) and Gladdie (Hardegree) Hays. She attended schools at O’Donnell and Ballinger, TX, then continued with college courses for a number of years while working full-time. In 1946 she married Eldon Holley of Ballinger, TX. For 17 years, she was employed by churches as a secretary, youth director, or educational director in Childress, Wellington, and Ballinger, TX. During the late 1950s, she received Woman of the Year award for her work with youth in the community and also was granted a life-time membership in the Methodist WSCS organization.  

After moving to Abilene, TX in 1965, she began working for Hardin-Simmons University and soon became Director of Student Financial Aid. In this position, she was a member of the state, regional, and national associations of Student Financial Aid Directors. After retiring from HSU, she became a member of the Fellowship of Former Faculty and Staff of Hardin-Simmons. Mrs. Hancock was also a member of the Abilene Woman’s Club for 20 years, the Gideon’s Auxiliary, the 33 Study Club, the Self-Culture Club, the Highland Garden Club, and three dinner clubs. She served for several years as a Texas Ombudsman. 

In 1966, two HSU students introduced Keva to their dad, Jack Hancock of Tuscola, TX. She quickly discovered Mr. Hancock was even greater than his daughters had said, for he was a Christian gentleman and a good man. They were married on January 6, 1967 and were blessed with 44 wonderful years together. For many years the Hancocks lived on a farm/ranch near Tuscola. Her favorite task on the ranch was going to the cattle auctions and to buy calves to put in the feed lots or on their ranch. The Hancocks later lived in Abilene, Sweetwater, Forsan, and Big Spring, TX. While in Abilene they traveled to Brazil with a group from Abilene First Baptist Church on a fact-finding mission trip. Mrs. Hancock went as an educational missionary and Mr. Hancock as an agricultural missionary. While living in Sweetwater, the Hancocks resided at Camp Booth Oaks, working with the West Texas Girl Scouts. Mrs. Hancock’s favorite part of this was the summer resident camps for the girls. The Hancocks received the Thanks Badge, the highest award given, for their work at Camp Booth Oaks. Mrs. Hancock’s husband, children, grandchildren, and grandchildren meant so much to her, as did her siblings and their families. She loved family gatherings and cooking for everyone. Her grandchildren loved spending time with their Mema and Poppa. 

In her latter years, she was a member of the Forsan Baptist Church where she was a member of the Dorcas Sunday Class and served on the Benevolence Committee. She taught Sunday School classes for 50 years in the churches she attended and was a dedicated prayer warrior. She was also an avid reader before losing her eye-sight. The Hancocks traveled world-wide, visiting Africa, Greece, South America, Mexico, Canada, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Israel, Egypt, Switzerland, and 42 of the 50 United States. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bill and Dr. John Hays, sister Peggy Hays Robertson, and son-in-law Tom Henry.

 Surviving her are husband Jack Hancock; daughters Dena Ivie and husband Charles of Tatum, NM; Joy Vazquez and husband Ernesto of Laredo, TX; and Jackie Henry of Big Spring, TX; brother Gordon Hays and wife Lenell of Ballinger, TX; sister-in-law Dorothy Hays of Ballinger, TX; brother-in-law Dr. Eugene Robertson of Arlington, TX. Also surviving are six grandchildren and nine great-children: Tim Griffin, wife Dina and their children Bailey, Emma, and Seaver Hancock Griffin of Abilene, TX; Kim Turner, husband Chris and their sons Jordan and Hunter Jack Turner of Topeka, KS; Sam Griffin, wife Stacy and their daughter Isabel Griffin of Levelland, TX; Mandi Lewis, husband Eric and their son Hadley of Sherman, TX; Carlos Vazquez of Laredo, TX and his sons Carlos and Andres of Spain; and John Paul Vazquez of Sacramento, CA; also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews who were all very special to her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Jack and Keva Hancock Endowed Scholarship, Hardin-Simmons University, Box 16100 Abilene, Texas 79698 or to the Jim Ned FFA, P.O. Box 9  Tuscola, TX 79562

 

Ida Faye Hill
(August 6, 1918 - February 2, 2011) 
2/5/2011
Ida Faye Hill, 92, of Ballinger passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

She was born August 6, 1918 in Runnels County, Texas to Perry A. and Mattie (Brookshear) Pullin. Ida and Cecil Chester Hill were married December 21, 1935 in Ballinger. He preceded her in death June 24, 1980.

Seamstress Extraordinaire, Mrs. Hill was always willing and able to provide her skills in sewing projects and alterations. She worked at Heidenheimer’s Department Store in Ballinger from 1957 to 1978. For a time she owned and operated her own shop in downtown Ballinger, then gladly and cheerfully continued to sew and alter at her own home for whoever needed her assistance until health problems forced her retirement just a few months ago. She was a member of Business and Professional Women (B&PW) and Avenue B Church of Christ.

Ida Faye is survived by her son, Marion and his wife, Virginia, of Ballinger; her daughter, Joyce McFadden and husband, Guy, of Abilene; and sisters, Anna Beth Whitley and Ruth Davis, both of Odessa. Also surviving are four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, February 5 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Avenue B Church of Christ in Ballinger with Max Pratt officiating. Burial will take place in Garden of Memories.

The family suggests memorials be made to Hendrick Hospice in Abilene or a favorite charity.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

 

Lilly A. Schwertner Schraer
(October 20, 1920 - January 29, 2011) 
Lilly A. Schwertner Schraer of Rowena passed away Saturday, January 29, 2011 at a nursing home in Brownwood at age 90.

She was born October 30, 1920 to Frank and Adala (Ernst) Schwertner in Runnels County. She grew up in Rowena/Lowake, and was a lifelong resident of the area.

Lilly married Arnold Schraer on October 28, 1941, just two days before her twenty-first birthday. She and Arnold worked on their farm. She was a member of Farm Bureau, St. Ann’s Society and of the Christian Mothers.

Her family and her faith were very important to her, she loved to play dominos and her family loved for her to make kolaches.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; her brothers, Ludwig and Victor; and her sisters, Katherine Werner and Dora Techacek

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Eugene of Eden, and Dennis and wife, Nancy, of Brownwood; and a daughter, Joyce and husband Frank Evridge of Midkiff; her grandchildren, Wesley Schraer, Kyle Schraer, John Evridge, Marty Schraer, Angela Lange, Jodi Evridge, Jenny Newland, Rebecca Schraer and Kristie Stone; her brother Robert and wife, Dorothy Ann; a sister-in-law, Lillie Schwertner; also surviving are numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Rosary will be recited on Monday, January 31, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Rowena.

The family extends special thanks to Hannah, Karen, Patricia and the rest of the staff of Lighthouse Hospice.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Edward Douglas "Doug" Cox 
(February 9, 1923 - January 27, 2011) 
Knowing he was well loved, Edward Douglas Cox died peacefully in a local hospital on January 27, 2011, following a brief illness. Cox was born in Paint Rock, Texas, February 9, 1923 to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sterling Cox.

Cox married his lifelong sweetheart, Winnie Merle Adair, on June 12, 1943, forming a partnership filled with abiding love, laughter, song, friendship, family, community service, and commitment to their solid Christian faith which was reflected in their mutual love of God, country, family, and friends.

Throughout a busy, productive, and joyous lifetime, Cox was showered with honors, awards, and celebrity. He began his career as a student leader, football standout at Ballinger High School, Southern Methodist University, and McMurry College. These years launched a storied lifetime for a perpetually charming, humble man, who never stopped serving, giving, teaching, and achieving. In 1994 Cox was inducted into the Texas High School Hall of Fame, and in 2004, he was inducted into the McMurry University Hall of Fame.

At the age of 14, Cox lost his father and moved into premature manhood where he worked numerous jobs. He was sustained by his devoted mother whose courage and love made it possible for him to achieve his goals. Likewise, during these difficult years, aunts and uncles, coaches, and teachers helped frame his future and ingrained in him the solid values by which he lived.

College days were interrupted by WWII during which time Cox flew 24 missions over Germany as a waist gunner on a B-17 with the 8th Air Force. He returned to civilian life with a zest for learning and love of country. Upon return he completed his bachelors degree at McMurry followed by a Masters in Education. Cox began his coaching career at Colorado City, then returned to Ballinger, eventually becoming head football coach. He coached the legendary 1953 state Bearcat team, but he also found time to serve on the board of the First Methodist Church, take an active role in community service, and continue his life as was a devoted father and husband.

In 1954, Cox became the athletic director of McMurry College where he led the team to a record-winning season. The lure of public education and high school sports pulled him from the college ranks and took him to Brownfield where he continued to coach high school football before becoming the high school principal. While in Brownfield he was a board member of the First United Methodist Church, member of both church and community choirs, president of the Lion’s club, director of the Texas High School Coach’s Association, chairman of the Children’s Home in Kerrville, and member of the Masonic Lodge among other activities.

In 1968, the Cox family returned to Ballinger where he became the high school principal, assistant superintendent, and ultimately superintendent of BISD before his retirement from public education. Upon retirement, Cox and his wife, Winnie Merle (also a lifelong educator), continued their careers as volunteers and mentors.

In Ballinger, Cox was on the library board, the president of Lion’s Club, president of the Chamber of Commerce, on the board of Methodist Church, a founder and vice president of the Ballinger Exes Association, president of the Texas Teacher’s Association, in addition to numerous other committees, foundations, and organizations. He spread his optimism, shared his laughter, and gave generously of his time and talents for the communities he loved and who loved him in return.

Doug Cox was preceded in death by two sisters, Minnie Cox Ayers and Sybil Cox Gregory; a dearly loved brother-in-law, Dillard Adair; and a special sister-in-law, Midge Adair Neumeier. He is survived by his beloved wife, Winnie Adair Cox; his three children: Gena Cox Bonds of Midland; son, Sterling Cox of Conroe; and Lela Cox Kelly of Austin; three grandchildren: Amanda Cox Jeter of Kansas City; Rainey Kelly of Austin; and Gena Cox Ettinger of Baltimore. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren; other survivors include nieces, Shelia Gregory Dankworth, Kay Tinkler, Jan Kurtz, and a special niece, Cyndi Neumeier of Chicago.

Services will be on Wednesday, February 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Ballinger. The Reverends Buddy Moore and Lynn Smith will officiate; lifelong friend, Ebb Grindstaff, will deliver the eulogy, and interment with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Doug Bonds, E. Sterling Cox, Matt Cox, Joe Bonds, J.J. Kelly, and Luke Kelly. Honorary Pallbearers include Pinky Byers, Ebb Grindstaff, Tom Lee, T.G. Rose, and Morris Sweeney.

The family is especially grateful to Darlene McDaniels for her sustained faithful care and devotion, along with other caregivers, including Juanita Jackson, Judy Dean, Eva Villarreal, and Eloise Lopez.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Harvey Coleman McCoy
1/24/2011
(December 1, 1935 - January 21, 2011)
     Harvey Coleman McCoy SR, 75, of Belton, Texas will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2011, at Heritage Family Funeral Home Chapel with Duane McCoy officiating, burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger.  Visitation will be 6-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.
     Harvey McCoy SR died of cancer Friday, January 21, 2011 at his home. He was born December 1, 1935, in Georgetown, Texas to Lloyd and Amalita McCoy. He grew up in Amarillo, Texas. He served with the United States Marine Corps in Korea, Japan and the Philippines and the United States Army in numerous locations. After his military career he resided in Ballinger, Texas for twenty three years and east of Dallas, Texas for twenty two years.
     Survivors include two sisters, Betty Glen and Shirley Cook both of Amarillo, Texas. He has two daughters, Teresa McCoy Gill of San Angelo, Texas and Tina McCoy Boone of Dallas, Texas. Five sons, Harvey C. McCoy Jr. of San Antonio, Texas; Steven C. McCoy of Abilene, Texas; M. Duane McCoy and Stuart A. McCoy of Belton, Texas; Douglas A. McCoy of Midland, Texas.
     He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his first wife Ethel Firestone McCoy, and his second wife Carol Winters McCoy; one sister Stella McCoy and two sons Larry Neil McCoy and Nathan Wesley McCoy.
Pallbearers will be Harvey C. McCoy, Jr., Steven C. McCoy, Stuart A. McCoy, Douglas A. McCoy, J. Lee Gill, and Marvin Cook.       

www.heritagefamilyfuneralhome.com

Juanita T. Godwin
1/11/2011
(June 12, 1916 - January 10, 2011) 
Juanita went to be with the Lord on January 10 in Dripping Springs, Texas, after living many years in Ballinger. She was born in Henderson County, Texas, to Ira Lee and Norah Bell Talley on June 12, 1916, and married R. H. (Bob) Godwin in 1937. Known as Aunt Nita to some, Mimie to the grandkids, Sophie to others, and servant to all, Juanita was a loving wife for the years God gave her and Bob. She gave birth to two sons, Rob, of Dripping Springs, and Clark, of Vancouver, Washington. They gave her four grandchildren to spoil, Scott Godwin of Dripping Springs, Brian Godwin of Houston, Kathy Lockhart of Waco and John Robinson of Little Elm, and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Bob, sisters Hortense and Odessa, and brother Chester, and is survived by her sister Irmatha, of Ballinger. Juanita was a life member in Eastern Star for over 50 years, serving in many officers’ positions, including multiple terms as Worthy Matron. She attended Methodist churches in Robert Lee, San Angelo and Ballinger, teaching Sunday School at times and working in United Methodist Women’s groups. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 14, at the Ballinger United Methodist Church, with graveside services immediately following at Lawnhaven Memorial Cemetery in San Angelo. Viewing and visitation will be at the Lange Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 13. Special thanks to Joelda Cuellar and family, who cared for Juanita in her time of need, and to the wonderful staff of Senior Care of Dripping Springs, who gave her a wonderful home in her last years. The Methodist churches in Robert Lee or Ballinger would be fitting recipients of memorials.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

Hilda Faye Owens Bradley
1/9/2010
(March 9, 1929 - January 6, 2011) 
     Hilda Faye Owens Bradley, 81, died on Thursday morning, January 6, 2011, at her home surrounded by loved ones. Hilda was
born in Eden, Texas on March 9, 1929. Viewing for Hilda was held on Friday, January 7, 2011, from 5 PM to 7PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Her funeral service will be held at 10 AM Saturday, January 8, 2011, at North “A” St. Church of Christ, with Pastor Greg Fleming, and special friend, Pastor Jim Everidge, presiding. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM at Fairview Cemetery in Pecos.
     Hilda was owner of Hilda’s Beauty Den for 23 years in Pecos, Texas. She was one of 13 children and married Ralph Bradley on November 6, 1948, in Pecos, where they made their home. Ralph brought one daughter to the family and they added 3 more children. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening and was a member of North “A” Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Bradley; her parents, Thomas and Josephine Owens; numerous brothers, Clint, Milton,: Alton, Tommy, Ervin, Sonny-Boy, Damon, and Guy Owens; and a sister Lottie.
     Hilda is survived by her loving children: Scarlotte Mikeska and husband Brent of San Angelo, David Bradley and wife Sandy of Joshua, Donny Bradley and wife Donna of Pecos, and Becky Perkins and husband Charlie of Mertzon; 16 grandchildren and 27 great  grandchildren; brothers Jerry Owens and wife Kathy of Tahoka, Bill and Ruby Owens of Havre, Montana; special sister- in-law, Margie Bradley and niece Joyce Waterfill.
     The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to North “A” Church of Christ, Service Building, the fund started by Hilda Bradley, 505 San Angelo St, Midland, Texas 79701. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle &  Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

Manuel A. Mendiola
1/9/2010
(March 20, 1921 - January 8, 2011) 
Manuel A. Mendiola, 89, of Ballinger passed away Saturday morning, January 8, 2011 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Nursing Facility.

He was born on March 20, 1921 in Talpa, Tx to Juan and Ricarda (Armendariz) Mendiola. He proudly served in the US Army during WW II. Upon his return, he married Gabriela Jaques on June 12, 1948 in Ballinger. She preceded him in death on March 1, 1983. He was also preceded by his brothers, John, Eddie, Alex, and Joe and his sisters, Elia, Mary, Josephine and Mela.

He was a ranch foreman on the Barr Ranch for many years and was a member of St. Mary Catholic church.

Manuel is survived by his son Johnny and wife Jackie Mendiola of Miles; two grandchildren, Billy Michael Mendiola and wife, Heather of Miles and Erika Moore and husband, Omar of San Angelo and five great grandchildren, Cameron, Kennedie, Morgan, Mya and Sydnee.

Rosary will be Monday, January 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of the Christian Burial service will be Tuesday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Rowena.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

David Sims Duke
1/3/2011
David Sims Duke, 60 passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2011. He was born on April 15, 1950 in Ballinger, Texas. Surviving are his wife, Jeanie Duke of Odessa, son; Tony N. Duke and his wife Candice, and their son, Gavin Sims Duke of Del City, Okla.. sisters; Wilma Duke of San Angelo, Nita Stubbelfield of Abilene, brother; John W. Duke of San Angelo. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday from 9 am until 9 pm at Odessa Funeral Home. Services have been set for 9 am on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Odessa Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Martin of MidCities Church, officiating. Graveside will follow at 2 pm at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger, Texas.

Services by Odessa Funeral Home. For online condolences visit www.odessafuneralhome.com

 

Sybil Cox Gregory
1/2/2011
(January 13, 1918 - January 1, 2011) 
Sybil Cox Gregory, 92, of Ballinger, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, January 1, 2011 in her home, surround by family, faith, love and prayer. She was born January 13, 1918 in Baird Texas to Edward Sterling and Minnie Mae (Houston) Cox. She married James T. Gregory on September 3, 1934 in Winters. He preceded her in death on October 24, 1984. She was also preceded by her parents and a sister, Minnie Ayers.

Sybil was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ballinger and taught Sunday School there. Active in the community she was a Girl Scout leader and did volunteer work at the nursing homes. She had a passion for golf and a special love for her family and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her daughter, Shelia Dankworth and husband, Dan of Abilene; granddaughter, Danise Dankworth Wills of Abilene; grandson, Gregory Dankworth and wife, Laura of Amarillo; great grandchildren, Krissy Dankworth, Kyla Dodgin and husband, Dustin, Maegan Wills, Orrin Dankworth, Riley Wills, and LeAnna Wills; and 1 great great grandchild, Anna Sanders.

A brother, Doug Cox and wife, Winnie of Ballinger and her dog Orphan Annie also survive.

A prayer service will be held at 6 p.m Tuesday, January 4th at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 pm Wednesday January 5, 2011 at the First Baptist Church with Bro. Bobby Broyles officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family request that memorials go to the Hospice of the Big Country in Abilene or a favorite charity.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/

 

Milton August Redman
1/2/2011
(May 30, 1924 - December 31, 2010) 
Milton August Redman, 86, of Ballinger passed away December 31, 2010 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday, January 2 at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, January 3 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Ballinger with burial in Old Runnels Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Mamie “Jo” Redman of Ballinger; son Dickie Redman of San Angelo; daughter, Kay Mansell of Ballinger; and brothers, Curtis Redman of Abilene, and Edward Redman of Odessa.

Lange Funeral Home  http://www.ballingerfuneralhome.com/