Potter Co. TX - Obits from the Amarillo newspapers 9 May 2002 Thanks to http://www.amarillonet.com/ for permission to upload their obits to the USGenWeb Archives. Copyright, http://www.amarillonet.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/ *********************************************************************** All Obits - Text Only Area Ann Norman Ford MEMPHIS - Ann Norman Ford, 71, died Monday, May 6, 2002. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Neely Landrum officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery by Hughs Funeral Home. Mrs. Ford was born Aug. 5, 1930, in Memphis, to the late James "Bud" M. Norman and Ruby F. Stone Norman. She graduated from Memphis High School in 1947. She received her bachelor of science degree in psychology from Wayland Baptist College in May 1971 and completed work toward a master of science degree at West Texas State University. She married J.H. Ford on April 1, 1961, in Hall County. She moved to Memphis from Vernon in 1988. She retired in 1993 after a long career with the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation where she served as director of Childress Mental Health Center. She served on the board of directors of Childress Mental Health Center and on the State Board of Certification for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. She was a certified alcoholism and drug abuse counselor, certified chemical dependency counselor and certified in psychodrama. She was certified as a pilot in August 1969 and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Red Hatters Club, The 51 Club, The Medicare Group and First United Methodist Church where she served on the church board. She was preceded in death by her husband on Aug. 13, 1999; and a brother, Frank Norman. Survivors include three sons, Jimmy Dell Rich of Frisco, Norman John Rich of Midland and Danny J. Ford of New Home; a daughter, Judy Ann Erreca of Bakersfield, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Auxiliary Fund, 1800 N. Boykin Drive, Memphis, TX 79245. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Evelyn Crane PERRYTON - Evelyn Crane, 64, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002, in Amarillo. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Marlon Sparks officiating. Burial will be in Ochiltree Cemetery. Mrs. Crane was a member of Assembly of God Church. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Alvin; four daughters, Glenda Bohn of Fort Worth, Paula Holt of Trent, Debra Long of Perryton and Sammie Cunningham of Merkel; four sons, William Forehand, Jesse Castleberry and Kerry Crane, all of Perryton, and Richard Castleberry of Inman, Kan.; three stepchildren, Becky Gonzales of Perryton, and Karisa Crane and Kenneth Crane, both of Idabel, Okla.; four sisters, Ellen Singleton of Fort Worth, Virginia Gorley of Paris, Ann Wright of Tulsa, Okla., and Shirley Young of Skellytown; two brothers, Vestal Hackney of Quanah and Victory Hackney of Perryton; 21 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to American Diabetes Foundation, 8008 Slide Road, Lubbock, TX 79424; or a favorite charity. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Danny Glenn Nations CHILDRESS - Danny Glenn Nations, 52, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Parkview Baptist Church with Don McFarland, pastor, and Otis Medley, pastor of Freemont Baptist Church in Cold Creek, Colo., officiating. Burial will be in Childress Cemetery by Johnson Funeral Home. Mr. Nations was born May 9, 1949, in Childress. He married Johneen Turner on Sept. 30, 1972, in Meadow. Survivors include his wife; his mother, Mary Nations of Childress; a daughter, Tresha Ford of Childress; a son, Shane Nations of Childress; a sister, Salinda Medley of Cold Creek; and a brother, Dickie Nations of Erick, Okla. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Elaine Walker Ledbetter PAMPA - Elaine Walker Ledbetter, 84, died Wednesday, May 8, 2002. Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Todd Dyess, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mrs. Ledbetter was born May 28, 1917, in Tonkawa, Okla. She graduated from Blackwell High School in Blackwell, Okla. She received her B.S. degree from University of Oklahoma and her master's degree in education from North Texas State University. She did post-graduate work at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory at Oak Ridge, Tenn., University of California at Berkeley and University of Arizona. She married William M. Ledbetter on June 26, 1942, in Tonkawa. She taught science at Blackwell and Shidler High Schools in Oklahoma. She taught chemistry at Pampa High School from 1951 until her retirement in 1980, where she served as chairman of the science department from 1956 until 1980. She was past president of Pampa Classroom Teachers Association, director of the Pampa Science Fair for 10 years and she was a charter member and past president of Science Teachers Association of Texas. She was very active in National Science Teachers Association for 25 years, having served on numerous committees and boards and serving as president from 1972-1973. She was a member of the College Board Committee to write chemistry achievement tests from 1970-1976. She served as director of education with First United Methodist Church in Pampa from 1982-1987. Her awards included, Adult Leader of the Year of Pampa Key Club, Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year, Texas Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year honor roll. She received the Conant Award from American Chemical Society, Catalyst Award from Manufacturing Chemists Association, a citation for Distinguished Service to Science Education from the National Science Teachers Association and she was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her publications included two widely adopted high school science text books. She was the author of three volumes of poetry, "Triumphant Moment," "Enfold the Splendor," and "Candles at Noon." She published her autobiography, "Called to Teach: The Story of my Life." She was a member of First United Methodist Church and WinSome Sunday School Class. Survivors include her husband. The family suggests memorials be to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1981, Pampa, TX 79066-1981. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Abraham Doroteo "Sammy" Valdez DALHART - Abraham Doroteo "Sammy" Valdez, 81, died Wednesday, May 8, 2002. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday in St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Ron Hein officiating. Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the church with the Rev. Jim McGhee officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery by Horizon Funeral Home. Mr. Valdez was born Oct. 15, 1920, in Albert, N.M. He married Pauline Montoya on Dec. 23, 1948, in St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Dalhart. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Marie Dallas of Dalhart; a son, Lawrence Valdez of Hobbs, N.M.; three brothers, Alex Valdez of Miami, Tommy Valdez of Des Moines, N.M., and Leo Valdez Jr. of Grants, N.M.; two sisters, Erma Moreno of Las Vegas, N.M., and Beatrice Gallegos of Irving; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Aundria Lee Davis QUANAH - Aundria Lee Davis, 58, died Wednesday, May 8, 2002, in Wichita Falls. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Smith Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Quanah Memorial Park. Mrs. Davis was born Jan. 21, 1944, in Quanah. She and Jack Davis were married in 1963 at Quanah. Survivors include her husband; five sons, Heath Davis, Jeff Davis and Michael Davis, all of Dallas, Jon Davis of Vernon and Greg Davis of San Diego, Calif.; two sisters, Vera Jo Seaton of Bowie and Wanell White of Irving; a brother, Richard Duncan of Quanah; and eight grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Hospice Care Center of Wichita Falls. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Reba Ann Smith PERRYTON - Reba Ann Smith, 56, died Sunday, May 5, 2002, in Panhandle. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Danny Logan of Bell Avenue Baptist Church in Amarillo officiating. Burial will be in Ochiltree Cemetery. Mrs. Smith was a homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Buddy LaRue III of Perryton and Rick LaRue of Amarillo; a daughter, Casandra Holloway of Panhandle; her parents, Andrew and Bessie Longcor of Perryton; two brothers, Junior Smith and Charles Smith, both of Perryton; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The family suggests memorials be to Reba Smith Fund in care of Perryton National Bank, P.O. Box 969, Perryton, TX 79070. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Kenneth Lee Elsheimer PAMPA - Kenneth Lee Elsheimer, 76, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002, in Belton. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Memory Gardens Cemetery with the Rev. Jim Powell, pastor of Hobart Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Elsheimer was born Jan. 15, 1926, in Eureka, Kan., the fifth child of Charles L. and Viola Howell Elsheimer. He attended Phillips and Pampa schools and graduated from Phillips High School in 1944. Upon graduation, he immediately joined the Navy to serve his country during World War II. He had a strong work ethic. He owned and operated a Phillips service station in Pampa in the early 1950s. He was a partner in VE Wagner Well Service Inc. and the Wagner Companies for more than 25 years, retiring in 1980. He traveled extensively and leaves friends across the country. He was a member of Pampa Masonic Lodge No. 966 AF & AM, Blue Lodge and Khiva Shrine Temple where he served on the area Shrine Crippled Children Committee for a number of years. He was active in the VFW. He was a father, grandfather and friend, who passed away from complications from a long and courageous battle with cancer. He inspired many with his smile, courage, faith, love and sheer determination in facing his illness and treatments. His family would like to thank all those whose love and support sustained him and his family through his illness. Special thanks to M.D. Anderson Thoracic Clinic and Vista Care Hospice for their tender care. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles Elsheimer; and two sisters, Vernia Russell Liebau and Betty Hammerschmidt Groves. Survivors include two daughters, Vickie Moose and husband, Perry, of Belton, and Nancy Poole and husband, Robert, of Pampa; three grandchildren, Perry Lee Moose of Belton, and Mandy Poole and Meagan Poole, both of Pampa; three great-grandchildren, Matthew Moose, Daniel Moose and Kristi Moose, all of Belton; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 J.C. Butler CHILDRESS - J.C. Butler, 78, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in Johnson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Norman Rushing of First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Childress Cemetery. Mr. Butler was born Nov. 15, 1923, in San Bernardino, Calif. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army. Survivors include two sons, Randall Butler and Ross Butler, both of Childress; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Amarillo Audrey Ann Elizabeth Simpson Audrey Ann Elizabeth Simpson, 84, of Amarillo died Monday, May 6, 2002, in Wellington. Services will be at 10 a.m. today in Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 6969 E. Interstate 40. Mrs. Simpson was born Feb. 21, 1918, in Greenwich, England. As an only child, she survived the Second World War, and moved to the United States in 1947 to become the bride of William Deward Simpson. They were married in Dallas and moved to Lutie to reside with the family of Payton and Amy Simpson, his parents. After their first daughter, Laurel, was born in Wellington, they moved to Amarillo where he was employed with Amarillo Air Force Base. While in Amarillo a set of twins was born to them, Alix and Elsa. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband; and a grandson, Justen Keith Green. Survivors include three daughters, Laurel Amarie Lewis of San Antonio, Alix Kathleen Sanford of Little Rock, Ark., and Elsa Lisbeth Swint of Childress; and three grandchildren, Sy Christopher Swint and Angela Renee' Swint, both of Greeley, Colo., and Jaymie Kaylene Green of Little Rock. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 George Thomas Puckett George Thomas Puckett, 78, of Amarillo died Tuesday, May 7, 2002. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Llano Cemetery with Dr. John Bridwell, minister emeritus of First Christian Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Mr. Puckett was born Oct. 30, 1923, in Amarillo, to Dr. B.M. Puckett and Grace Fotheringham. He attended schools in Amarillo and Terrell. He and his sister, the late Grace Puckett Culwell, were co-owners of Puckett Place prior to its development. He was co-owner of Puckett-Culwell Ranch north of the city. He was mentally retarded from birth and was a worker at Amarillo State Center workshop for many years, retiring to their senior citizens program. Thereafter, he attended Jan Werner Adult Day Care Center. He enjoyed participating in Special Olympics. He was a member of First Christian Church. Special thanks and recognition is offered for his loving and devoted caregivers, James M. Brown, Elvira Granados, Rita L. Carpenter, Billie J. Stacey, Sandra G. Watkins, Curtis E. Watkins, Erma J. Briscoe, Qualic S. Carpenter and Cecile D. Smith; and especially to his companion of 11 years, Steven M. Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister. Survivors include two nieces, Grace Victoria Fidler of Durham, N.H., and Katherine Grace Fidler, a senior at Reed College in Portland, Ore.; two nephews, Michael James Culwell of the ranch and Christopher James Culwell, a senior at University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla.; and four cousins, Betty Weems, Grace Killough and Tom J. Fotheringham, all of Amarillo, and Jean Baldwin of Springfield, Mo. The family suggests memorials be to Jan Werner Adult Day Care Center, 3108 S. Fillmore St., Amarillo, TX 79110. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Rocky Lee McRoberts Rocky Lee McRoberts, 40, of Amarillo died Tuesday, May 7, 2002. Services will be at 4 p.m. Friday in Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors Bell Avenue Chapel, 5400 S. Bell St. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Mr. McRoberts graduated from Canyon High School in 1979 and attended West Texas State University before joining the family steel erection business. He married Barbara Bice from West Burlington, Iowa, in 1985. He worked as a pipefitter for Shamrock Gas Plant in Dumas for six years. Survivors include a son, Travis McRoberts of West Burlington; a daughter, Tiffany McRoberts of West Burlington; his parents, Garrett and Gwen McRoberts of Canyon; his grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Nepper of Amarillo; and a brother, Kelly McRoberts of Canyon. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Lesley Baker Lesley Baker, 36, of Amarillo died Sunday, May 5, 2002. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Believer's Way Church with the Rev. Scott Johnson and Jim Burgdorf, pastors, officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Warford-Walker Mortuary, 509 N. Hughes St. Mrs. Baker was born in Honolulu to the late Frank Thompson and Rita Henderson. She attended public schools in Lubbock and later graduated from Altus High School at Altus, Okla., in 1984. She was employed by Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the Clements Unit for six years. She was a member of Believer's Way Church where she was an active member of the praise team. Survivors include her parents, Carl and Rita Henderson of Amarillo; a son, Gary Washington of Amarillo; two daughters, Ashley West and Ebony Washington, both of Amarillo; a brother, Derek Thompson of Arlington; and three sisters, Robin Henderson and LaToya Jackson, both of Amarillo, and Ramona Banks of Lubbock. The family will be at 1713 Jennifer St. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Helen L. Dortch Helen L. Dortch, 73, of Amarillo died Friday, May 3, 2002. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Central Parkway Congregation, with Paul Wood officiating. Burial was Monday in Leib Cemetery by Rector Funeral Home, 2800 S. Osage St. Mrs. Dortch was born in Canadian and lived in Amarillo most of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Dortch in 1980. Survivors include two sons, Neil Dortch and Michael Dortch, both of Amarillo; and two aunts, Nina Bryson of Anadarko, Okla., and Gladys Hollowell of Pampa. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 New Mexico Lois Faye Jackson CLOVIS, N.M. - Lois Faye Jackson, 72, died Sunday, May 5, 2002, in Albuquerque. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in First Church of God in Christ with the Bishop W.C. Green and Bishop Jimmy Drain officiating. Burial will be in Mission Garden of Memories by Muffley Funeral Home. Mrs. Jackson married Booker T. Jackson on March 26, 1973, in Clovis. She was a professional cook and worked at many restaurants. Survivors include six daughters, Beverly Dickey, Gloria Green, Fayetta Green, Brenda Green and Rachel Drain, all of Clovis, and Vickie Smith of Virginia Beach, Va.; five sons, Harold C. Green and Emmanuel Green, both of Clovis, Larry Green of Albuquerque, Eldridge Green of Tucson, and Aaron Green of Concord, Calif.; two stepdaughters, Barbara Jackson and Dina Allen, both of Lubbock, Texas; a stepson, Bobby Jackson of Lubbock; three brothers, Charles Shaw of Silver City, Robert Shaw of Clovis and Gene Shaw of Alamogordo; three sisters, Dorothy Dawson of Clovis, Dessie Mallory of Alamogordo and Betty Shaw of Las Vegas; 21 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Betty Ann Earle AMISTAD, N.M. - Betty Ann Earle, 73, died Monday, May 6, 2002. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in Amistad United Methodist Church with the Rev. Billy Rammage, pastor of First Baptist Church in Clayton, officiating. Burial will be in Hayden Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton. Mrs. Earle was born June 15, 1928, in Amistad, to Clinton Bell and Thelma Steele Bell. She married Kenneth Earle Jr. on June 7, 1947. For the last decade she has served as the Amistad postmaster. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Norman Earle of Clayton and Leland Earle of Logan; three daughters, Kaye Pugh of Weatherford, Texas, Elaine Mungia of Stratford, Texas, and Lois Girard of Nara Visa; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Louise Wilson of Amistad, Lucy Madsen of Woodward, Okla., and Adella Jesse of Big Bend, Mont.; and three brothers, Houston Bell of Judsonia, Ark., Bob Bell of Salina, Kan., and Ben Bell of Big Bend. The family suggests memorials be to Twice Blessed House, 2723 Gaston Ave., Suite 19, Dallas, TX 75246; or a favorite charity. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 Elsewhere Gladys H. Read LUBBOCK - Gladys H. Read, 93, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Newlin Cemetery at Newlin with Neely Landrum officiating. Arrangements are by Hughs Funeral Home of Memphis. Mrs. Read was born Jan. 14, 1909, in Childress County. She married Charles T. Read Sr. on Aug. 16, 1924, in Newlin. Survivors include two sons, Charles T. Read Jr. of Lubbock and Paul E. Read of Canyon; Annie Margaret Clark of Lubbock; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, May 9, 2002 This story printed from the Amarillo Globe-News Online at amarillonet.com: http://www.amarillonet.com/stories/050902/obi_ob050902-19.shtml