Ector Co. TX - Obits from the Odessa American Online 25 Aug 1999 Submitted by Charlene Beatty Beauchamp cbodessa@classicnet.net Thanks to the Odessa American Online http://www.oaoa.com/ ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** OA Online Obituaries. August 25, 1999 Permian Basin Obituaries _________________________________________________________________ Mark Allen Hill MIDLAND -- Mark Allen Hill was born Jan. 22, 1962, in Amarillo to Walton Ray and Euna Fay "McKinney" Hill. Mark enjoyed riding motorcycles and doing different crafts, including making clocks for his family. Mark would do what he could to help anyone. Mark was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Mike Hill and his wife, Becky, of Gardendale; his stepfather, Carroll Pursley of Midland; 3 nieces and 1 nephew. He died Monday, August 23, 1999 as the result of an automobile accident. Graveside services have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at Fairview Cemetery with Donny Weimar, of Tanglewood Church of Christ, officiating. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home. _________________________________________________________________ Maria Elena Johnston ODESSA -- Longtime resident of Odessa entered into eternal rest on Aug. 24, 1999. She was born on Nov. 6, 1933, to Roman and Juana Hernandez of La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico. She devoted her entire life to those she loved. She began her enduring relationship with her husband, Elmer Milo Johnston, in 1960, who preceded her in death in June of 1982. She retired from Medical Center Hospital in Odessa after more than 10 years of service. All who knew her know that her heart was filled with love, pride and joy in her children, Juanita Valadez and Sandy Johnston of Rankin; Sharon Melendez of San Angelo; and Elmer A. Johnston of Houston. She equally held an infinite and unbounded love for her grandchildren, Heather Elaine, Seth, Marcy, Alfredo, Maria, Jesse, Ellie, Dante, Khan and Aztlan. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her sisters, Virginia Johnston and Lupita Flores; her brother, Raul Hernandez; and her father Roman Hernandez. She loved life. She liked to cook, dance, sing, laugh, and spend time with her loved ones. Her spirit and dignity were indestructible. Despite tremendous obstacles and with tenacity and sheer courage she provided a better life for her children. She faced her final days demonstrating true courage in the face of her sudden and brief illness. Though pain is felt in her departure, there is comfort in knowing that she at last is free of all struggles and is in the peace of God's kingdom rejoicing with the angels. Her family will receive friends at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. today. Graveside services will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 10 a.m. Thursday. Sunset Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. _________________________________________________________________ ODESSA -- Ruby Jewel Ridling, 91, of Midland, died Monday, Aug. 23, 1999, at Midland Memorial Hospital and Medical Center. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Sunset Memorial Gardens. She was born Aug. 24, 1907, in Taylor County. Mrs. Ridling moved to Odessa in 1949 from Midland. She was a "great" grandmother and enjoyed being with her family. She was a devoted Christian. She had been a caregiver. She was preceded in death by her husband, M.C. Ridling; daughter, Annie Lee Casey; and granddaughter, Robin Casey. Survivors include her sister, Emily Kiser of Midland; three grandchildren, Lee Casey, Mike Casey and Rodney Casey; seven great-grandchildren, Taylor Casey, Lindsey Casey, Tate Casey, Candice Casey, Brandon Casey, Christin Casey and Cheryl Casey. Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. _________________________________________________________________ Gladys Ethel Smith ODESSA -- Gladys Ethel Smith, 78, of Odessa, died Monday, Aug. 23, 1999, at Odessa Regional Hospital. She was born Dec. 7, 1920, in Orange County, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. today at Rose Hill Cemetery with Ken Black officiating. Mrs. Smith moved to Odessa in 1940. She married Henry Allen Smith Sept. 25, 1940, in Big Spring. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. Mrs. Smith is survived by her sons, Felton Smith and wife, Jane, and Gene Smith and wife, Penny, all of Odessa; daughters, JoAnn Fuller and husband, John, of Odessa, Mary Lou Smith and husband, Bob, of Glenline, Pa., Gay Nell Taravella of Pittsburg, Pa.; 12 grandchildren; and 1O great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. _________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 1999 Odessa American. All rights reserved.