Potter Co. TX - Obits from the Amarillo newspapers 20 June 2003 Thanks to http://www.amarillonet.com/ for permission to upload their obits to the USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved. Amarillo Globe-News http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------ All Obits-Text Only Publication Date: 06/20/03 Elmer L. Hunter Sr. BORGER - Elmer L. Hunter Sr., 87, died Tuesday, June 17, 2003, in Lubbock. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. today in Westlawn Cemetery with D. Jay Lewis, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Brown Funeral Directors. Mr. Hunter was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army. He was a pumper for J.M. Huber before retiring in 1978. Survivors include his wife, Irene; a son, Elmer Hunter Jr. of Houston; two daughters, Helen Klassen of Houston and Rita Karvas of Lubbock; two brothers, Bill Hunter of Corpus Christi and Joe Hunter of California; a sister, Mary of Port Aransas; and a grandson. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Kenzy Benton Turner LIPSCOMB - Kenzy Benton Turner, 69, died Tuesday, June 17, 2003. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today in Lipscomb Cemetery with the Rev. Floyd Thiessen, pastor of Lipscomb Union Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Stickley-Hill Funeral Directors. Mr. Turner was born July 27, 1933, in Lipscomb County. He lived in Wichita, Kan., from 1953 to 1996, when he returned to Lipscomb. Survivors include three sons, Clayton Turner and Clinton Turner, both of Wichita, and Kendall Turner of Towanda, Kan.; a brother, Kay Turner of Lipscomb; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Mary Elizabeth Sammons Wall PERRYTON - Mary Elizabeth Sammons Wall, 89, died Wednesday, June 18, 2003. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in First Baptist Church with the Rev. Geary Martin and the Rev. Richard Laverty officiating. Burial will be in Ochiltree Cemetery by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home. Mrs. Wall was a nurse from 1940 to 1972 at Sanford Hospital and Ochiltree General. Her hobbies were gardening, yard work and flowers. Survivors include two sons, Arvel Wall of Amarillo and Jess Wall of Perryton; two daughters, Len Roberson of Belton and Beckie Rundle of Deer Park; a sister, Rebecca Daniell of Georgetown; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Boys Ranch/Girls Town, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79174; or to the Museum of the Plains, 1200 N. Main St., Perryton, TX 79070. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Rogelio Jimenez Valenzuela PAMPA - Rogelio Jimenez Valenzuela, 33, died Tuesday, June 17, 2003. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Fairview Cemetery with Lucio Moreno, Baptist missionary, officiating. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Valenzuela was born July 4, 1969, in Durango, Mexico. He married Norma Rodriguez on April 28, 2001, in Pampa. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Viviana Valenzuela of Durango; a stepson, Aaron Rodriguez of Pampa; her parents, Jose Valenzuela of Durango and Josefina Valenzuela of Canadian; six sisters, Irma Valenzuela and Beatrice Valenzuela, both of Durango, Margarita Valenzuela of Juarez, Mexico, Adela Vasquez, Amparo Lopez and Linda Vigil, all of Canadian; five brothers, Jayme Valenzuela, Jesus Valenzuela, Oscar Valenzuela, Juan Valenzuela and Pablo Valenzuela, all of Canadian. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Amarillo Opal Wheeler Opal Wheeler, 86, of Amarillo died Thursday, June 19, 2003. Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. today in Memory Gardens Cemetery with Don R. Watson, elder, and R.A. Tindall, elder, officiating. Arrangements are by Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street. Mrs. Wheeler married Coy Wheeler in 1946 in Montgomery County, Tenn. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1999. Survivors include her loving family and friends. The family suggests memorials be to Amarillo Primitive Baptist Church, 914 Colorado St., Amarillo, TX 79108. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Linda Renee Villasenor Romero Linda Renee Villasenor Romero, 43, formerly of Amarillo, of Long Beach, Calif., died Monday, June 9, 2003. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2820 Virginia Circle. Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Monsignor Rex Nichol officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery. Mrs. Romero was born May 15, 1960, in Amarillo and was a homemaker. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Survivors include two sons, Manuel Isaac Romero and Joshua Matthew Romero, both of Amarillo; two daughters, Ula Blossomanne Romero and Crusita "Cross" Eutenia Gonzales, both of Long Beach; two brothers, Jesse Villasenor and Abraham Villasenor, both of El Paso; three sisters, Velma Villasenor, Jenice Villasenor and Julie Cantu, all of Long Beach; her parents, Pedro Villasenor of El Paso and Andrea Cantu of Long Beach; her grandparents, Alfredo and Esquiel "Lita" Gonzales of Amarillo; and four grandchildren. The family will be at 1934 S. Woodland St. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Isidra Castillo Isidra Castillo, 71, of Amarillo died Thursday, June 19, 2003. Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in Iglesia Bautista Arden Road with Alfonso Meija, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery by Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street. Mrs. Castillo was born April 4, 1932, in Villa Morelos, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. She was married to Ramon Castillo for 50 years. Mrs. Castillo was a retired seamstress and homemaker. She was a dedicated member of Iglesia Bautista Arden Road. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Maria G. Lopez and husband, Arnold, of Amarillo; two sons, Ramon Castillo and Arturo Castillo and wife, Helen, of Amarillo; five sisters, Virginia, Onesima, Maria Luisa, Ruperta and Norma Alicia; two brothers, Jesus and Enrique; five grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The family suggests memorials be to Iglesia Bautista Arden Road, 6701 Arden Road, Amarillo, TX 79109. Visitation and service will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Cindy Francine Hills Melancon Cindy Francine Hills Melancon, 54, of Amarillo died Wednesday, June 4, 2003. Her celebration of life service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Polk Street United Methodist Church. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Cindy was president and founder of "CONVERSATIONS" the International Ovarian Cancer Connection, a Not for Profit Corporation, with the mission to provide support for those fighting ovarian cancer with circulation to over 4,000 women, advocacy groups and health care providers in the USA and Canada and over 40 foreign countries. She was also a founding board member and vice president of Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, based in Washington, D.C., and "Foremother" and founding member of National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and member of Allied Support Group Panel formed by Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and Society of Gynecologic Oncologist. She served on consumer and scientific panels for the Department of Defense, National Cancer Institute and California Research Panel. Cindy received several awards. She received the Public Service Award by the Gynecologic Organization and Society of Gynecologic Oncologist in March of 2002, the Cancer Volunteer of the Year 2000 award by "Coping" magazine, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, Catherine Logan Service to Survivorship 2003. She was selected Community Hero to carry the Olympic torch in Fort Worth on May 21, 1996. Cindy created or participated in numerous research projects and had published many articles. She was a national speaker on Ovarian Cancer issues. During her 33-year career as a registered nurse, she was an assistant professor and worked in other numerous nursing fields. Cindy graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and received her Master of Nursing degree from Emory University. Cindy also held a commercial pilot's license and her favorite activity was scuba diving. Everyone attending the celebration is asked to wear red or other bright, glorious colors. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl F. Hills. Survivors include her husband, Donald James; a daughter, Angela "Angel" Michele Melancon of Amarillo; her mother, Mary Hills Gruben of Pampa; a sister, Virginia Sicola of Amarillo; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews of Louisiana, Maryland and Mississippi. The family suggests memorials be to "CONVERSATIONS" the International Newsletter for Those Fighting Ovarian Cancer, P.O. Box 7948, Amarillo, TX 79114; or to Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Polk St., Amarillo, TX 79109. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 The Rev. Carter Vernon Smith The Rev. Carter Vernon Smith, 72, of Amarillo died Monday, June 16, 2003. Wake will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today in Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Mount Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Jess Cortez officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Warford-Walker Mortuary, 509 N. Hughes St. The Rev. Smith was born Feb. 22, 1931, in Honey Grove. Elder C.V. Smith was the only child of Henry and Dorothy Lillian Smith. He attended grade school in Honey Grove and later moved to Bonham, where he attended Booker T. Washington High School. He left Bonham and moved to Quanah and continued his education. Elder C.V. Smith was saved in Childress under Elder L.C. Laster in 1946. This is where he met Missionary Alice Ellis Smith and was later united in holy matrimony on Nov. 22, 1947. From this union God blessed them with five children, Dorothy M. Smith-Lewis, Linda A. Davis, Carter V. Smith Jr., Glenna Smith and Kaven Smith. Elder and Sister Smith lived in Corsicana before moving to Amarillo in September 1951. After moving to Amarillo, they attended Langston Memorial Church of God in Christ under the late Elder J.L. Langston. Elder Smith served as the local Sunday school superintendent and was later appointed district Sunday school superintendent under District Superintendent L.C. Laster. While under the leadership of Elder J.L. Langston, he was ordained a deacon. Elder Smith accepted his calling of the Lord under the leadership of Superintendent W.C. Thirlkill. Elder Smith founded and became the pastor of Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ on March 18, 1976. He cared so much for the Lord's house that renovations of the church were started in the spring and finished in the summer of 1997. This church was an addition to Amarillo District No. 1 under the leadership of Superintendent W.C. Thirlkill. He served on the executive board of the Texas Northwest under the direction of Bishop W.H. Watson, Prelate of Texas Northwest. Elder C.V. Smith was installed as superintendent of Amarillo District No. 1 by Bishop Watson on May 26, 2001. He also served on the local Ministerial Alliance, where he served as vice-president and president. Elder Smith was employed by Shook Tire Co. for 33 years. He had an interest in radio and started in the radio business. "The Gospel Train" started rolling in July 1964 and continued for almost 39 years. He appeared in a Best Buy commercial and as an extra in "Leap of Faith" and other films. Supt. Smith was a man full of love and compassion for the word of God and loved working for the people of God until the Lord called him home on June 16, 2003. He was preceded in death by his father; mother; daughter, Dorothy M. Smith-Lewis; and a grandson, Javay Davis. Survivors include his wife; two sons, Carter V. Smith Jr. and wife, Jane, and Kaven Smith and wife, Cindy; two daughters, Linda Davis and Glenna Gilbreath; three grandchildren he helped raise, Rodney Smith, Cherry Lewis and Shawn Lewis; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Irene Ellis; a sister-in-law, Lillian Brandon; a brother-in-law, Aubrey Ellis; and many other nieces and nephews, along with a host of relatives and caring friends. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Verdis Jo Moore Verdis Jo Moore, 89, of Amarillo died Wednesday, June 18, 2003. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Martin Road Chapel, 1505 Martin Road, with Glen Walton of Bell Avenue Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Mrs. Moore moved to Amarillo in 1947 from Rochester. She was a member of North Amarillo Church of Christ and had worked as a waitress for Bob Dowell's Cafe for more than 20 years. She married Bill Moore on June 30, 1949. She was the greatest MeMe and mama in the whole wide world. She was preceded in death by her husband on Nov. 12, 2001. Survivors include three daughters, Dianne Breazeale and husband, Larry, of Amarillo, Bobbie Fuqua and husband, Glenne, of San Antonio and Bettie Gafford and husband, Floyd, of Pampa; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Oklahoma Louella Mae Andrews GUYMON, Okla. - Louella Mae Andrews, 70, died Wednesday, June 18, 2003. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Victory Memorial United Methodist Church with Mike Chaffin, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Elmhurst Cemetery by Bunch-Roberts Funeral Home. Mrs. Andrews and her husband, Marvin, made their home in Guymon in 1956. She was a member of Victory Memorial United Methodist Church. Survivors include her mother, Esther Dahl of Gruver, Texas; her husband; two sons, Randy Andrews of Guymon and Kenny Andrews of Elkhart, Kan.; four grandchildren; a sister, Mavis Floyd of Gruver; and two brothers, Robert Dahl and Loren Dahl, both of Gruver. The family suggests memorials be to Guymon Home Health and Hospice and may be sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 1112, Guymon, OK 73942. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Margarita M. Rodriguez BOISE CITY, Okla. - Margarita M. Rodriguez, 36, died Monday, June 16, 2003. Services were at 7 p.m. Thursday in Good Shepherd Catholic Church of Boise City with the Rev. Rusty Hewes officiating. Burial will be in Durango, Mexico, by Cimarron Mortuary. Mrs. Rodriguez was married to Jose Rodriguez and they made their home in Boise City. She worked for Seaboard Farms in Guymon. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Jose Jr. and Uriel, both of Boise City; a daughter, Adriana of Boise City; her parents, Fidel and Irene Moreno of Mexico; three brothers; and seven sisters. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Kalie Vargas GUYMON, Okla. - Kalie Vargas, 13, died Wednesday, June 18, 2003. Vigil will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Peter's Catholic Church. Mass will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the church with the Rev. Rusty Hewes officiating. Burial will be in Elmhurst Cemetery by Bunch-Roberts Funeral Home. Kalie was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church and attended school in Guymon. Survivors include her parents, Julian and Jennifer Vargas of Guymon; two brothers, Colton Vargas and Jalen Vargas, both of Guymon; and her grandparents, Joe Madrid and Julio and Erlinda Vargas, all of Guymon. Amarillo Globe-News, June 20, 2003 Click here to return to story: http://www.amarillonet.com/stories/062003/obi_allobitstext.shtml © The Amarillo Globe-News Online