Potter Co. TX - Obits: March 21, 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 Monday, March 21, 2005 Amarillo The Rev. Robert Patrick Hoffman The Rev. Robert Patrick Hoffman, 64, of Amarillo died Sunday, March 20, 2005. Vigil will be at 7:30 p.m. today in St. Laurence Cathedral. Mass of the Resurrection will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the cathedral with the Most Rev. Leroy T. Matthiesen, Bishop Emeritus of the Amarillo Diocese, officiating. Homilist will be the Rev. Ken Keller of Holy Family Catholic Church in Nazareth. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery by Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Martin Road Chapel, 1505 Martin Road. The Rev. Hoffman was born Aug. 29, 1940, in Childress, the son of William Eugene Hoffman and Zora Hazel Chewning. The family lived on a farm in the small community of Cee Vee, west of Childress. On a farm next to the Hoffmans lived a Mexican-American family. As a boy, Patrick worked and played with the children of that family and in the process picked up the Spanish language. Patrick's family attended the Baptist church and sometimes the Methodist church. The Mexican-American family who lived next to the Hoffmans was Catholic. The youngsters in that family invited Pat to go to St. Elizabeth Church in Paducah with them, and he continued to go because he very much enjoyed the parish dances held there. Eventually, attracted by the Mass, Patrick took instructions in his senior year of high school from the late Father Gerard Lynch and became a Catholic. After graduation from Paducah High School, he enrolled in Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, and there became active in the Newman Club. After his third year of college, feeling called to priesthood, he entered Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo., finishing his college education there under the direction of the Benedictine community. He then enrolled for theological studies in another Benedictine seminary, St. Procopius, in Lisle, Ill. It was in these two seminaries that Father Pat developed the love of good liturgy that remained with him throughout his priesthood. After Father Pat was ordained a deacon at the end of his third year of theology, St. Procopius Seminary closed. He then enrolled in Assumption Seminary in San Antonio for his final year of seminary training. Robert Patrick Hoffman was ordained to the priesthood May 25, 1968, by the late Bishop Lawrence M. DeFalco in First Methodist Church in Childress since Holy Angels Catholic Church was too small to accommodate those who attended. The next day, Father Pat celebrated his first Solemn Mass in the same Methodist church. His first assignment was as an assistant to the late Monsignor Jerome Vitek, pastor of St. Margaret Mary's Church and its mission, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, in Lamesa. The appointment was effective June 13, 1968, and was an assignment Father Pat loved. His 14 years of priestly ministry in Lynn County, which was then a region in the Diocese of Amarillo, was a period of time that shaped the remainder of his priestly life, giving him a love for the poor and marginalized that has marked his priesthood. It was in Lamesa that Father Pat found himself in the middle of controversy over the town's school system, which had gerrymandered the district's lines in order to segregate the barrio's elementary students from Lamesa's main elementary school. Barrio children were forced to attend a run-down school staffed by second-rate teachers. Refusing to accept this injustice, Father Pat waged a long and arduous campaign that resulted in the elementary schools being integrated and the children of the barrio being given the same opportunity to receive a good education as the district's other children. Because of the lack of response from the church to these issues, this experience molded his priesthood into a lifelong response to civil rights issues involving all cultures. On Nov. 15, 1972, Father Pat was appointed pastor of St. Pius X Church in O'Donnell and its mission, St. Jude Thaddeus, in Tahoka. He remained there for eight years. While in O'Donnell, Father Pat gained national recognition when his picture appeared on the front cover of the October 1979 issue of Extension, the monthly magazine of the Catholic Church Extension Society of America, and was featured in an eight-page cover story entitled "Lynn County Sanctuary." It was in O'Donnell in Lynn County that Father Pat gave full rein to his love for people, art, animals and landscaping. "My first look at this mission parish was overwhelming," wrote the author of the cover story. "It gave the impression of being an oasis in the Texas desert." "Father Patrick Hoffman," the writer continued, "believed in the sanctity of all people and of all living things. He has especially great empathy for his mostly Mexican-American flock." On Sept. 12, 1980, he returned to Lamesa, appointed pastor there by Bishop Leroy T. Matthiesen, Bishop DeFalco's successor. On July 1, 1981, Bishop Matthiesen added to Father Pat's responsibilities, naming him director of the diocesan office of spiritual renewal. Two years later, on July 1, 1982, Father Pat was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Plainview, with its mission, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. With the establishment of the Diocese of Lubbock in 1983, he became a priest of that diocese, but in 1987 returned to the Diocese of Amarillo to become administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish, Perryton, and its mission, St. Peter's Church, Booker, on July 1, 1987. Father Pat's last appointment came on June 30, 1990, when he was assigned to St. Laurence Cathedral Parish, first as parochial vicar with Fr. Ed Sweeney, next as pastor of the parish and finally as a member of an in solidum (in solidarity) team with Monsignor Arturo Meza. In the spring of 1999, Father Pat, feeling weakness and pain, was diagnosed as having multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. Although he battled his condition vigorously, his life was so changed by this disease it necessitated a request for medical retirement granted Dec. 1, 2000. His unwavering faith, his remarkable courage, strength and indomitable spirit during his lengthy illness have inspired and blessed the many lives of those who have been privileged to know him. Fr. Robert Patrick Hoffman died peacefully March 20, 2005. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Billy Hoffman. Survivors include a sister, Judy Moore and husband, Franklin; his nephews, Michael and Dustin Moore; his niece, Ann Smith and husband, Doug; a sister-in- law, Laverne Hoffman; and a nephew, Brett Hoffman and wife, Christie. The family suggests memorials be to the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate, 4301 N.E. 19th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79107 or to the Amarillo Zoo to take care of his tortoises. Amarillo Globe-News, March 21, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loretta Boyd Loretta Boyd, 90, of Amarillo died Sunday, March 20, 2005. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Hansford Cemetery in Spearman with the Rev. Jim Medley officiating. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Mrs. Boyd was born in Spearman on June 19, 1914, to Ed and Ruby Wilbanks in Hansford County. She married Mallie Hoyt Boyd on Nov. 5, 1934, in Amarillo. He preceded her in death in 1945. After his death, she returned to Amarillo and lived here for the past 60 years. She was a loving mother and "father" to her children. She enjoyed spending time with her family and working in her yard. She retired from both Phillips Petroleum and Pantex. She was a devout Christian. She studied the word and prayed for her family daily. She was a member of First Assembly of God for more than 50 years. In later years, she joined San Jacinto Baptist Church. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and a brother. Survivors include a daughter, Sally David and husband, Troy, of Denison; two sons, Ron Boyd and wife, Cheri, of Amarillo and James Boyd and wife, Carol, of Bandera; a sister, JoAnn Hawkins and husband, Jeff, of Spearman; 11 grandchildren, Kyle, Joretta, Scott, Shannon, Melissa, Will, Andrew, Todd, Jason, Hilli and Abbe; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. The family suggests memorials be to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 2201 Civic Circle, Suite 514, Amarillo, TX 79109 or to Boy Scouts of America, 401 Tascosa Road, Amarillo, TX 79124. Visitation will be 6 to 7 p.m. today in the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, March 21, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ruth E. Martindale Ruth E. Martindale, 90, of Amarillo, died Saturday, March 19, 2005. Memorial services and inurnment will be in Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio, at a later date. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Mrs. Martindale was born in West Charleton, N.Y., on Nov. 21, 1914, to Edward and Elizabeth Milas. After graduation from high school, she served in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II. She was a homemaker. The family wants to give a special thank you to the staff of Georgia Manor Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Beldon Dewitt Martindale, and a daughter, Sarah. Survivors include two daughters, Catherine Martindale and husband, Dave Wohlfarth, of Amarillo and Lillian Chambers and husband, Dee, of Jamestown, Ohio; a son, David Martindale and wife, Leslie, of Miamisburg, Ohio; and three grandchildren, Marcy Martindale, Hannah Chambers and Rebekah Chambers. The family suggest memorials be to a favorite charity. Amarillo Globe-News, March 21, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Ross Boardman James Ross Boardman, 76, of Amarillo died Friday, March 18, 2005. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Southwest Church of Christ with Brent Adams, minister, officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Mr. Boardman was born in Santa Anna and married Modean Emfinger on Jan. 28, 1949, at Lamesa. He had lived in Amarillo for 14 years and was a member of Southwest Church of Christ. He was a wonderful husband and loving dad. Survivors include his wife; a son, Jesse Boardman of Dumas; a daughter, Alice Marie Sladek of Stratford; three brothers, Sanford Boardman of Lamesa, Nathan Boardman of Crosbyton and Bob Boardman of Amarillo; a sister, Mary Ada Alred of Roscoe; five grandchildren, Justin, Rebecca, Amy Lynn, Dalton and Alisha; and two great-grandchildren, Creed and Blakeley. The family suggests memorials be to High Plains Children's Home, 11461 S. Western St., Amarillo, TX 79118. Amarillo Globe-News, March 21, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Area Mickey Carranza DUMAS - Mickey Carranza, 76, died Saturday, March 19, 2005. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today in Morrison Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel with the Legion of Mary from St. Anthonys Catholic Church of Dalhart officiating. Mrs. Carranza was born Sept. 29, 1928, at Dalhart. She lived in Dalhart all of her life before moving to Dumas three years ago. She was preceded in death by her parents, Regino and Sarah Carranza and two brothers, Faustino Carranza and Naviez Carranza. Survivors include a son, Carlos Carranza of Minnesota; a daughter-in-law, Jeanette Carranza, of Minnesota; two sisters, Grace and Sally Carranza, both of Dalhart; two brothers, Bernade and John Carranza, both of Dalhart; four grandchildren, Carley Carranza, Nick Carranza and Eli Carranza, all of Minnesota, and Carlos Chavira of Amarillo; three great-grandchildren, Jonny Tolman of Minnesota and Carlos Isaih Chavira and Arianna Chavira, both of Amarillo; 20 nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Amarillo Globe-News, March 21, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere Virginia Lee Lening LAKEWOOD, COLO. - Virginia Lee Lening, 81, died Friday, March 18, 2005, in Arvada. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Hooker Cemetery in Hooker, Okla., with the Rev. Odie Nunley officiating. Arrangements are by Bunch- Roberts Funeral Home of Guymon, Okla. Mrs. Lening was born Sept. 7, 1923, in Hooker. Her family moved from Amarillo, Texas, to Lakewood in 1972. Survivors include her husband, Ed; a daughter, Clonnie Watson of Grand Prairie, Texas; two sons, Ridley Lening of Littleton, and Keith Lening of Lakewood; and five grandchildren. Amarillo Globe-News, March 21, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oklahoma Ralph Grounds HOOKER, OKLA. - Ralph Grounds, 88, died Thursday, March 17, 2005. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. John's Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Hooker Cemetery by Roberts Brothers Funeral Home. Mr. Grounds was in his home March 17, 2005,when Jesus called him to heaven.He was born in Hooker on Aug. 25, 1916, to Ralph and Lula Wilson Grounds. He attended elementary grades in Eureka and Hooker and high school in Adams. Ralph married Viola Lundgrin on Sept. 17, 1936, in St. John's Lutheran Church, Hooker. This loving union of 68 years was blessed with their son, R.G., and three daughters, Gloria Lee, Angela and Kathryn. Ralph was baptized andbecame a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in 1935, remaining steadfast in faith throughout his life.Ralph served in various church offices, and he and Viola were youth group sponsors and advisors for 17 years. He helped his father farm with horses from an early age and started in the cattle business at age 14, buying and shipping to Wichita, Kan. In 1960, he and his son R.G. formed a partnership and went into the feedlot business on a commercial and private basis. They were instrumental in building six cattle feedlots in the area: Grounds Land and Cattle, Hooker; Masters Feedlot, Hooker; Masters II, Garden City; Texas County Feedyard, Guymon; Supreme Feeders, Liberal; and Pride Feeders, Adams. Love of the land led him to become a very dedicated booster of the Panhandle, and he spent much time serving on local, state and national boards.He helped to protect its water resources andpromote growth in agriculture in the livestock industry. Ralph considered his family his greatest pleasure in life. A day never passed without a prayer and a blessing for them. He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant daughters, Gloria and Angela; a sister, Dorothy, and her husband, Otto Harke; a brother, Durad, and his wife, Laura Mae; and a brother-in-law, Virgil Montandon. Survivors include his loving wife; a son, R.G. and wife, Linda; a daughter, Kathryn Steinkogler and husband, Michael;six grandchildren, Anthony and wife, Jill, Sunny Shantel and husband, Max Crocker, Jamie Mundy and husband, Sean, Hally Grounds, Neilly Thomas and husband, Scott, and Shea Steinkogler; six great-grandchildren, Kasey and Lyndi Vanwey, and their father, Jon Vanwey, Craig and Jessie Grounds and Cole and Molly Mundy; two sisters, Hazel Montandon and Ethelyn Shaw and husband, M.G.; and many nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to Camp Lutherhaven, in care of St. John's Lutheran Church, and may be left at or sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 745, Hooker, OK 73945. Viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home. Amarillo Globe-News, March 21, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mayo G. Shults GUYMON, OKLA. - Mayo G. Shults, 87, died Friday, March 18, 2005. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Guymon First Baptist Church with the Rev. Derek Cox, pastor, and the Rev. Laddie Adams officiating. Burial will be in Elmhurst Cemetery by Bunch-Roberts Funeral Home. Mr. Mayo was born Oct. 20, 1917, in Finney County, Kan. He taught math for more than 40 years in Garden City, Kan., Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa and Panhandle State University in Goodwell. Survivors include a son, Terrance G. Shults of Odessa, Texas; a daughter, LaRie Hillman of Guymon; and three grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to the Oklahoma Panhandle State University Foundation Scholarship Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1112, Guymon, OK 73942. Amarillo Globe-News, March 21, 2005 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Mexico Wilda Nell "Todd" King CLOVIS, N.M. - Wilda Nell "Todd" King, 79, died Saturday, March 19, 2005. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in The Chapel with the Rev. John Rollinson officiating. Burial will be in Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens by Muffley Funeral Home. Mrs. King was born May 22, 1925, to Byrd and Bessie Nell Wiggins in Nowata, Okla. She married Weldon King on May 24, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas. Survivors include two daughters, Patricia Gartner and Phyllis Bryant, both of Clovis; a brother, Sonny Wiggins; seven grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to Little Miracles International, Orphan Relief Fund, Attn: Lori Scott, Executive Director, 4300 Teckla Blvd., Suite No. 6, Amarillo, TX 79109. Amarillo Globe-News, March 21, 2005 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------