Potter Co. TX - Obits: February 9, 2005 ============================================================== 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 ============================================================== Amarillo Globe-News Obituaries Wednesday, February 9, 2005 Amarillo Donna Jeanine Custis Shell Donna Jeanine Custis Shell, 72, of Amarillo died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in N. S. Griggs and Sons Funeral Home Pioneer Chapel, 2615 Paramount Blvd., with Regi Fowler of Paramount Terrace Christian Church officiating. Mrs. Shell began her life on May 14, 1932, in the little community of Big Horn, Wyo., nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Her early life was blessed with a large, close, family that included many grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She learned to ride a horse, shoot a gun and hunt and fish with great skill. They were joyous years of running barefoot in the meadows and seeing God's handiwork all around her in the beauty that was her home. She was an accomplished classical pianist and at one time dreamed of going to Julliard School of Music. She grew up in the big band era and loved to put on her dancing shoes and wear beautiful dresses. She loved traveling and meeting new people. One of her delights was reading and she did it with a tremendous appetite for knowledge. She loved politics and loved to get into a friendly argument about her favorite or not so favorite candidate. In the late 1940s, she met the love of her life, Raymond Francis Shell from Sheridan, Wyo. They were married on July 26, 1950. Together and with three kids, a collie dog, a calico cat and all of their worldly possessions, they moved to the plains of West Texas to Canyon in 1957. There they owned Shell's Pharmacy on the square in Canyon. They were often quoted as saying, "They were not born Texans, but got here as soon as they could." They had a plaque by their front door that read "Texans by choice." They owned and operated the drug store for 35 years. Together they survived a fire, a tornado, and a flood. Mom often joked that all they needed to worry about now was an earthquake. They were a team that worked side by side until Francis died on March 16, 1986. She loved the birds and we often called her the "bird woman," because she had feeders all over the property. One of her passions was to watch sports, particularly football. She and her grandson always bet each other on the outcome of the game, mostly for a nickel. They each would take a different side to keep it interesting, but they both favored watching Notre Dame. She loved her grandchildren and they were a great source of pride to her. She loved to tell anyone that she could about them and how "extraordinarily special" they all were. She was their biggest fan and supporter. She loved people and they loved her. Her eyes would light up with love whenever a friend called or came for a visit. Her earthly life ended Feb. 5, 2005, but a joyous reunion celebration began in heaven. The book of Ruth says, "where you go, I will go, where you die I shall die, and there I will be buried," and the book of II Timothy says, "she has fought the good fight, she has finished the course and she has kept the faith." God saw you getting tired When a cure was not to be; So he closed his arms around you And whispered, "come to me." You didn't deserve what you Went through, and so he gave You rest, God's garden must be Beautiful, he only takes the best. And when I saw you sleeping, So peaceful and free from pain, I could not wish you back To suffer that again. The family wishes to thank BSA Hospice especially Ken, Maria, Tiffany, Ann, and Jenny. They also wish to extend their gratitude and love to the staff at Amarillo Nursing Center for their tender care. We feel as if you all are angels sent by God to help our family, especially Donna, through this difficult time. We want to thank all of you who have prayed for us and all of your phone calls. Mom, we all are blowing you kisses and loving you until we see you again. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, John Norman Custis and Helen Custis Townsend; and an infant son, Bradford Christopher Shell. Survivors include a son, Bruce Shell and wife, Kathy, of Round Rock; two daughters, Brenda Wilhite and husband, Jim, and Ann Jones and husband, Jerry, all of Amarillo; a brother, Dr. Ronald Custis and wife, Kirstin, of Dubois, Wyo.; a sister, Dorene Rise of Dayton, Wyo.; an aunt, Beatrice Schneider of Danville, Ky.; her grandchildren, Missy Nicks of Dallas, Bryan Shell of Colorado Springs, Colo., Elizabeth Wilhite of Austin and Brad Wilhite of Amarillo; and her special nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to American Heart Association, Panhandle Region, 6605 W. Interstate 40, Building A6, Amarillo, TX 79106; Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, 600 W. 11th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101; Paramount Terrace Christian Church, 4000 Mays St., Amarillo, TX 79109; or High Plains Children's Home, 11461 S. Western St., Amarillo, TX 79118. The body will not be available for viewing. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Murtice Leona Carroll Nesbitt Murtice Leona Carroll Nesbitt, 83, formerly of Amarillo, died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in Fort Worth. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S. Osage St., with the Rev. Robert Field, retired Baptist minister, officiating. Burial will be in Llano East Cemetery. Mrs. Nesbitt departed this world from The Long-Good-bye illness on Sunday. She was born Oct. 31, 1921, in a small community near Plainview, the fourth child of Susie and Monroe Carroll. Since her birthday was on Halloween, it became a special celebration for Murtice that she always shared with her family and many friends. She was a graduate of Plainview High School, Draughn's Business College in Amarillo and Powell Cosmetology School in Lubbock. She enjoyed several professional careers before her retirement. She worked in sales, management and was an instructor in cosmetology. She loved the sport of baseball and was an outstanding softball pitcher herself. She enjoyed gardening and canning fresh vegetables to share with her family. It was not Sunday unless Murtice had a roast beef dinner prepared for lunch after church. And she did it with all the trimmings plus chocolate pie or cake for dessert. Nothing gave her more joy than cooking for her family. She taught Sunday School and worked in the outreach programs at First Baptist Church in Abernathy, where she lived for many years. Murtice had a charismatic personality and a "can do" spirit, and was a wonderful role model for her three children and her students. She was tenacious and hard working and refused to give up on any person or any job. She was always there with an encouraging word and truly believed, just like the children's story of the little red choo-choo train going up the hill, that if you just kept saying, "I think I can, I think I can" then you could do it. She had a deep and unshakable faith in God and believed "things always worked out for the best". She shared 57 years with her husband and partner in life, Paul Nesbitt. Paul died on their 57th wedding anniversary, Dec. 21, 1997. She will be missed each and every day by her children and grandchildren, who she was so proud of, and her extended family and friends. Murtice's family gratefully acknowledges the loving and devoted care given to her by the direct care givers at City View Care Center, Trinity Terrace, James L. West and the sensitive and professional care of Vitas Hospice staff. She was preceded in death by her loving sisters, Nell Cosby and Helena Hembree. Survivors include a daughter, Shirlee J. Gandy and husband, Taylor, of Fort Worth; two sons, Dwain Nesbitt of Fort Worth and Mickey Nesbitt and wife, Lisa, of Cabot, Ark.; her grandchildren, Kirk and Mark Nesbitt, Ashlee Jung, Erica Riddle and Michelle Nesbitt; her great-grandchildren, Campbell and Claudia Jung, Lindsey and Lydia Riddle; three brothers, James, Willis and William Carroll; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to Alzheimer's Association of North Central Texas, 101 Summit Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76102. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bishop Walter Jones Bishop Walter Jones, 77, of Amarillo died Friday, Feb. 4, 2005. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in St. John Baptist Church with the Rev. Grover Neal, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Warford- Walker Mortuary, 509 N. Hughes St. Mr. Jones was born Feb. 4, 1928, in Fate to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jones. He attended school in Childress and moved to Amarillo in 1944. He was a true solider of Jesus Christ. Beginning his ministry at an early age, his first pastorial assignment was at The Free Church of God in Christ in Jesus Name in the 1960s. In 1982, he founded the Who So Ever Will Let Him Come in Jesus Name. He was a lover of gospel music and promoted the growth of several gospel groups. He was known for his extraordinary singing gift from God. He was also known for his incredible talent as a "Shoe Shine Man" which he exhibited from age 16. For more than 60 years, he worked at various barber shops, but his longest tenure was a Tascosa Barber Shop, where he had many friends and supporters. Survivors include his wife, Senetta; five sons, Walter J. Jones, Devlon Jones, Robert E. Jones and Paul A. Jones, all of Amarillo, and Arven Jones of Denver; five daughters, Cathy Jones of Long Beach, Calif., Judy Jones of Salinas, Calif., Menosha Jones Carter of Lawton, Okla., and Debra House and Cynthia Jones, both of Amarillo; 20 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ryan Shane Martin Ryan Shane Martin, 19, of Amarillo died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in Tascosa Road Fellowship with Jay Roberson, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery by Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E. Interstate 40. Mr. Ryan was born in Ponca City, Okla., on Sept. 25, 1985, to Samuel and Kimberly Martin. Ryan was a second year student at Amarillo College. He was an avid sports fan and had millions of people he called friends. Ryan was a beloved son to his parents and an awesome brother to his sister, Kenzie Dawn. He was such a kindred spirit and would give up the shirt off his back. The brightest star in the sky appeared the day that Ryan left from here. Ryan we will love you and miss you so much. Survivors include his parents of Amarillo; a sister, Mckenzie Dawn Martin of Amarillo; his grandparents, Bob and Sandy Mitchener of Amarillo and Sonny and DeDe Jump of Fairfax, Okla.; and a host of aunts, uncles, and loving family and friends. The family suggests memorials be to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 411 S. Fillmore St., Amarillo, TX 79101. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sarah K. Harp Sarah K. Harp, 83, of Amarillo died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Hollywood Road Community Church with the Rev. George Haddox, pastor, officiating. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home Coulter Chapel, 8310 S. Coulter St. Mrs. Harp was born in Childress, where she lived until she joined the Army in 1943. She served in the WACS during World War II until 1946, and then moved to Chicago. She moved to Amarillo in 1994 from Chicago. She was a charter member of Hollywood Road Community Church. Survivors include a sister, Von Lill of Amarillo. The family suggests memorials be to Hollywood Road Community Church. Sign our online guest book at WWW.RECTORFUNERALHOME.COM. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connie Mack Pelley Connie Mack Pelley, 81, of Amarillo died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday in Childress Cemetery in Childress with the Rev. Norman Rushing of Childress First Baptist Church officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors, 5400 S. Bell St. Mr. Pelley was born Jan. 10, 1924, in McClain County, Okla. He married Thelma Boggan in 1942 in Hollis, Okla. He and Thelma moved to Amarillo after World War II. Connie was employed by Burris Grain Elevators and Cargill Elevators until his retirement in 1989. He was preceded in death by his wife in 2002. Survivors include a son, Tommy Pelley of Amarillo; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home in Amarillo and from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at Johnson Funeral Home in Childress. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mae Dorsey Seth Mae Dorsey Seth, 97, of Amarillo died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in Llano Mausoleum Chapel. Arrangements are by Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive. Mrs. Seth was born July 13, 1907, in Little Rock, Ark. She married W.R. "Bill" Dorsey in 1928 in Conway, Ark. He passed away in 1964 in Lubbock. She married A.D. Seth in 1972 in Amarillo. He passed away in 1976 in Amarillo. Mrs. Seth moved to Amarillo in 1950. She was employed by radio station KLYN. After moving back to Lubbock in 1954, she was employed in television with KDUB, Channel 13, and KCDB TV, Channel 11, doing programming and continuity. She became a licensed real estate agent and worked with several brokers until her return to Amarillo in 1972. She was preceded in death by her husbands; a brother, Ira Stewart of Little Rock; a son, Michael Dorsey of Lubbock in 2004; and a grandson, Jason Seth. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Seth of Amarillo; a daughter-in-law, Vivian Dorsey of Lubbcok; a brother, Charles Stewart and wife, Libby, of Crowley, La.; a sister-in-law, Celeste Stewart of Little Rock; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to Vivian's Nursing Home, 508 N. Taylor St., Amarillo, TX 79107. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area Mary Kathrine Race Mathis LOCKNEY - Mary Kathrine Race Mathis, 83, of Amarillo died Monday, Feb. 7, 2005. Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday in First Baptist Church in Lockney with the Rev. Danny Lucas and Dr. Carl Moman officiating. Burial will be in Lockney Cemetery by Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home. Mrs. Mathis was born July 5, 1921, in Bonham. She was a homemaker and enjoyed being around her grandchildren. Survivors include three sons, Bill Race of Lockney, James Race of Plainview and Shelby Race of Fairfield; two daughters, Stacie Layton of Irving and Mary Jones of Amarillo; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to BSA Hospice, 600 N. Tyler St., Amarillo, TX 79107. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peggy Moss MEMPHIS - Peggy Moss, 78, died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in Hughs Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Mrs. Moss was born March 9, 1926, in Hall County. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Memphis. Survivors include a son, Larry Moss of Abilene; a daughter, Laura Sue Stevens of Groom; and four grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to a favorite charity. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maurice Norman DUMAS - Maurice Norman, 97, died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in First Street Church of Christ with Art Lynch, minister, Tim Norman, minister of the Church of Christ in Searcy, Ark., and DeWayne Gion of 14th and Meredith Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in Northlawn Memorial Gardens by Morrison Funeral Directors. Mr. Norman was born March 18, 1907, in Weatherford, Oklahoma territory. He was a Dumas resident since 1970. He was a member of 14th and Meredith Church of Christ in Dumas. He married his first wife, Veola Lyon, on Aug. 25, 1928, in Sayre, Okla. She preceded him in death on Feb. 17, 1991. He married Reba Chandler on July 2, 1991, in Clayton, N.M. He taught school at Dumas Junior High and coached girls basketball at Friona, Stratford and Dalhart. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Joan Spivey of Dumas; two sons, Thomas Norman and wife, Sue, of Fredericksburg and John Norman and wife, Glenda, of Dumas; a brother, Dennis Norman of Amarillo; two sisters, Ann Thurman of Fort Worth and Lucille Cadell of Lubbock; a stepson, Mack Meade of Amarillo; four grandsons, Stanley Norman and wife, Denise, of Dumas, Pete Schuman and wife, Debra, of Sunray, Robby Schuman of Amarillo and Tim Norman and wife, Tammy, of Searcy; two granddaughters, Johnette Clark and husband, Brent, of Dumas and Ronda Hodges of Houston; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great- grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to High Plains Children's Home and Family Services, P.O. Box 7448, Amarillo, TX 79114-9990. The family will be at 1101 Mills St. and 507 Bradley St. in Dumas. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oklahoma Robert Gregory "Robby" Birdsill GUYMON, OKLA. - Robert Gregory "Robby" Birdsill, 38, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005. Prayer vigil will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in St. Peter's Catholic Church. Mass will be 2 p.m. Friday in the church with the Rev. Kenneth Hein and the Rev. Stephen Hamilton officiating. Burial will be in Elmhurst Cemetery by Henson- Novak Funeral Directors of Guymon. Mr. Birdsill was born May 15, 1966, in Torrance, Calif. With his parents, Robby started Midwest Machine & Welding in 1982 and was employed there for six years. Survivors include his mother, Edith Birdsill of Guymon; a son, Chase Thompson of Hot Springs, Ark.; six sisters, Judy Masse, Vicki Stelzer and Carla Huckins, all of Guymon, Christine Poterbin of Tonganoxie, Kan., Karen Smith of Hutchinson, Kan., and Laura Morris of Omaha, Neb.; and four brothers, Michael Birdsill of Chico, Calif., Tim Birdsill of Lawrence, Kan., Kenneth Birdsill of Windsor, N.Y., and Larry Birdsill of Oklahoma City. The family suggests memorials be to Panhandle Area Sheltered Workshop in care of Henson-Novak Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73942. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jay B. Clothier SAYRE, OKLA. - Jay B. Clothier, 86, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2005. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday in Wellington Cemetery in Wellington, Texas, with Roy Hardesty, Ray Don Jackson and Rick Popejoy, all ministers, officiating. Arrangements are by Rose Chapel Funeral Service. Survivors include three daughters, Beth Shelton of Wheeler, Texas, Alice Neece of Sayre and Kathleen Leonard of Prescott, Ariz.; and three sons, Chris Clothier of Oklahoma City, Paul Clothier of Crowley, Texas, and Kerry Clothier of Orlando. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere Rachel Catherine Bettis MINERAL WELLS - Rachel Catherine Bettis, 93, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2005. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Church of Christ in Canadian with Mike Heatwole officiating. Burial will be in Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery by Hughs Funeral Home of Memphis. Mrs. Bettis was born Sept. 18, 1911. She was married to Charles Bettis and was a member of the Church of Christ in Canadian. Survivors include two sons, Floyd Bettis and Doyle Bettis, both of Mineral Wells; three sisters, Gertie McCarley, Hazel Crudwig and Idell Peterson, all of DeQueen, Ark.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great- great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Palo Pinto Hospice, 400 S.W. 25th Ave., Mineral Wells, TX 76067. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Anton Bisely THE COLONY - Robert Anton Bisely, 77, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005. Vigil will be at 7 p.m. today in Ted Dickey Funeral Home. Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Plano. Mr. Bisley was born June 10, 1927, in Kewaunee, Wis., the son of the late Conrad M. and Pauline (Sinicky) Bisely. He was a graduate of Kewaunee High School in 1945. He was a World War II veteran, having served in Germany with the occupation forces. After the war, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1952. Following graduation, he was employed by Pan American Airways in Miami. While in Miami he met his wife Mary Sobolowski, and they were married in 1961. In 1962, they moved to New York where Robert was employed as a teacher until his retirement in 1997. After retirement they relocated to Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren. An avid sports enthusiast, he was a supporter of the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. The family would like to give a special thanks to the excellent staff and caregivers at Heritage Manor, Health South, Medical Center of Plano, and Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, and especially to Dr. Hashemipour, Dr. Lavery, and Dr. Nguyen. Survivors include his wife; a son, Jeffrey Bisely of Arlington; a daughter, Denise Hays of The Colony; his grandchildren, Paige and Nick Bisely, and Sydney Hays; his mother-in-law, Helen Sobolowski of Herkimer, N.Y.; his siblings, Esther Pazdera of Two Rivers, Wis., Edward Bisely of Kewaunee and Donald Bisely of Algoma, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Sign our online guest book at www.MEM.com. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Woodrow "Woody" Reding DENTON - Woodrow "Woody" Reding, 88, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2005. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday in New Hope Baptist Church in Crossroads with Albert Green, Bud Looper and Elmer Cummings officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery by Goen-Hudgens Funeral Home. Mr. Reding was born Aug. 1, 1916, in Aubrey to Grover and Lavina Elizabeth (Blackwell) Reding. He married Edna Ann Sessions on May 21, 1940, in Colbert, Okla. Mr. Reding retired in 1978 after 30 years with Southwest Public Service Electric Co. in the Amarillo area. He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church in Crossroads. Survivors include three sons, Dale Reding of Liberal, Kan., Dean Reding of Tyler and Jay Reding of Aubrey; a brother, Ross Reding of Denton; a sister, Geneva Baugh of Denton; and eight grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 9, 2005 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------