Potter Co. TX - Obits: June 02, 2007 ===================================================== Contributed by: Lola Withrow 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 - June 02, 2007 Area Bertha Eckles CANADIAN - Bertha Eckles, 92, died Friday, June 1, 2007. Services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday in First Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Golden officiating. Burial will be in Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery by Hughs Funeral Home of Canadian. Bertha was born Oct. 13, 1914, in Hemphill County to the late George Keahey and Eva Choat Keahey. She attended school in Hemphill County. She married Bryan Eckles on Oct. 12, 1933, in Wheeler. He preceded her in death on Feb. 22, 1996. Bertha was a lifelong resident of Hemphill County, where she ran the school lunch room for Canadian ISD for 15 years until retiring. She was also a member of the 50s Plus Club and First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters. Survivors include two sons, Sparky Eckles and wife Barbara of Spur and Benny Eckles and wife Colleen of Plano; a daughter, Joy House Dreyer and husband Robert of Amarillo; nine grandchildren, Larry House of Dallas, Denise House Ward and husband Lindsay of Kingwood, Sheri Paloma of North Carolina, Dedra Eckles Driggers and husband Trent and Audra Eckles Bryant and husband Todd, all of Snyder, Melissa Eckles Burson and husband Jimmy and Jennifer Eckles Bridges and husband Stacy, all of Haskell, and Jamie Eckles and Nicole Eckles, both of Plano; and 19 great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be to the Abraham Edward Memorial Home, 803 Birch, Canadian, TX 79014; or Hemphill County Hospice, 1020 S. Fourth St., Canadian, TX 79014. Sign the online guest book at www.hughsfuneralhome.com. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alice "Sue" Smith STRATFORD - Alice "Sue" Smith, 82, died Wednesday, May 30, 2007, in Amarillo. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. today in First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gene Weinette, pastor of the church, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Jeff Messer, chaplain of Bivins Memorial Nursing Home. Arrangements are by Morrison Funeral Directors. Alice "Sue" Smith was born June 1, 1924, in Meade, Kan. On Nov. 13, 1947, she married Joy Smith who preceded her in death on April 9, 1995. She had been a resident of Stratford since 1947 and loved gardening and reading. She was a homemaker and a member of First United Methodist Church in Stratford. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Bivins Memorial Nursing Home in Amarillo for the wonderful care they gave to our Mother and Grandmother for the past three years. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Jean Smith, on July 2, 1964. Survivors include a daughter, Debra Cornelsen and husband Gary of Amarillo; two grandsons, Justin Cornelsen and wife Kimberly of Amarillo and Ryan Cornelsen and wife Jamie of La Crosse, Kan.; a great-grandson, Kade; and two great-granddaughters, Kinley and Kaylee. The family suggests memorials be to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1289, Stratford, TX 79084 or a favorite charity. The family will be at 412 Pearl in Stratford. Sign the online guest book at www.morrisonfuneraldirectors.com. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeanene Johnston CHILDRESS - Jeanene Johnston, 67, died Friday, June 1, 2007. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Childress Church of Christ with Trey Morgan and Dr. Mike Henderson officiating. Burial will be in Childress Cemetery by Johnson Funeral Home. She went to be with the Lord after surviving breast cancer for 20 years. She was a Childress Church of Christ member for 40 years and a Sunday school teacher for 35. Jeanene Riddell was born March 13, 1940, to Arnold and Leoma Riddell in Burbank, Calif. She was raised in Cee Vee, and graduated from Paducah High in 1958. She and "Coach" Charlie Johnston married in 1961. After graduating from Draughon's Business College of Lubbock, she worked as an assistant hospital administrator in Durant, Okla. While living in Almagordo, N.M., for three years, she enjoyed homemaking. After Charlie became head football coach of Childress in 1967, she worked as high school secretary for 10 years. During this time, Girl Scouts, 4-H, Cub Scouts and Modern Home Club were her activities, along with sewing and painting. From 1981 to 2001, Jeanene owned and operated Childress Greenhouse and Florist. The Gazebo Gift Shop was her pride and joy, and her creations still bring pleasure to many homes. Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, births, weddings, funerals, sorority meetings, Chamber and All-Sports banquets, and prom were given her "just right" personal touch with perfection. She was a member of the Childress Womens Council, Chamber of Commerce and served on many boards to better her community. Childress honored her several times as "Business Woman of the Year." Jeanene and her husband were childhood sweethearts, best friends and "buddies." She was the wind beneath Charlie's wings, and his right arm for 46 wonderful years. Those years were filled with love, enjoyment of family, fun, travel and attendance to thousands of Bobcat ball games at home and away. She brought friendship, encouragement and inspiration to hundreds of Childress Bobcats. She was so proud and loved most her daughter, Jeana, son, Boyd and his wife, Camille. Spending time with her grandchildren, Skyler, Kensli and Kameron was valued, and was always important to impress a positive outlook and Christian inspiration. In 2004, the Paducah Class of 1958 created the Coach's Wife Scholarship Award. Since that year, $500 has been awarded to a student at Paducah High. This scholarship was created to honor Jeanene Riddell Johnston, wife of Coach Charlie Johnston. Both were graduates of Paducah High and were active in sports and academics. Through many years of battling cancer, Jeanene has shown much faith, courage, dignity, spirit, and inspiration. We thank her for her ministry and exemplary Christian life that will forever live in our memories. She was preceded in death by her parents; and an older sister, Vana Tobias. Survivors include her husband, Charlie; a daughter, Jeana Littlefield of Amarillo; a son, Boyd Johnston and wife Camille of Amarillo; three grandchildren, Skylar and Kensli Littlefield of Amarillo and Kameron Johnston of Amarillo; her twin sister, Charlene Smith of Childress; a brother, Troy and wife Charlotte of Cee Vee; her mother-in-law, Helen Johnston of Paducah; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to the Coach's Wife Scholarship fund, the Cancer Society, CRMC Hospice, or Childress Church of Christ building fund. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Sign the online guest book at www.johnsonfunerals.net. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nadine Weaver OLTON - Nadine Weaver, 95, died Thursday, May 31, 2007. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today in Olton Cemetery. Arrangements are by Ramage Funeral Directors of Olton. Mrs. Weaver was born Oct. 28, 1911, and was a lifetime Olton resident. She was married to Bill Weaver for more than 50 years. Survivors include a brother, Curtis Malone of Colorado; a sister, Jometa McLain of Hart; three grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alice Faye Miller SPEARMAN - Alice Faye Miller, 63, died Friday, June 1, 2007. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Hansford Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Elder officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman. Mrs. Miller was born March 22, 1944, in Spearman. She married Bill L. Miller on Feb. 9, 1957, in Raton, N.M. She was a lifetime Spearman resident and a caregiver. Survivors include her husband, Bill L. Miller; two daughters, Cynthia Burton of Spearman and Patricia Wyrick and husband James of Amarillo; a son, Billy L. Miller II and wife Martina of Spearman; three brothers, George Rex and wife Tina of Spearman, Gene Rex and wife Ada of Canadian and Ronald Rex and wife Joy of Pampa; two sisters, Brenda Vera and husband Johnny and Sybil Vera and husband Ruben, all of Spearman; a sister-in-law, Lola Durfey of Joplin, Mo.; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and lots of friends. The family suggests memorials be to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131; or Hansford Hospice, 707 Roland, Spearman, TX 79081. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas June Rhoton BORGER - Thomas June Rhoton, 89, died Thursday, May 31, 2007. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Gateway Baptist Church with the Rev. Chris Rawlinson, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery by Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger. Mr. Rhoton was born Dec. 17, 1917, in McCaulley. He was a chemical operator for Phillips Copolymer Plant until his retirement in 1980. Survivors include his wife, Maurine; a son, James Rhoton and wife Jan of Borger; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Helen "Ruth" Brunson QUITAQUE - Helen "Ruth" Brunson, 78, died Thursday, May 31, 2007, in Lockney. Services will be at 10 a.m. today in Quitaque Church of Christ with Earl McDonough and Elgin Conner officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery by Chancellor Funeral Home. Mrs. Brunson was born June 18, 1928, in Quitaque to Henry and Bertha Logan. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; two brothers; and a sister. Survivors include two sons, David Brunson and wife Dianne of Muleshoe and Perry Brunson and wife Marsha of Silverton; two daughters, Patricia Maupin and husband Jerry and Mary Ward, all of Amarillo; a sister, Betty Harrison of Muleshoe; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elsewhere Zaelie Rose Gerken ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - Zaelie Rose Gerken, infant daughter of John and Jennifer Gerken, died Thursday, May 30, 2007. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Kemmerer Cemetery in Kemmerer. She was preceded in death by an aunt, Annie Hughes; and her paternal great- grandparents, Jim and Cecelia Hughes. Survivors include her parents; a brother, Alexavier Gerken of Rock Springs; a sister, Nazalie Gerken of Rock Springs; her paternal grandparents, Dan and Geneva Gerken of Amarillo, Texas; her maternal grandfather, Randy Hughes, and maternal grandmother, Bonnie Hughes of Ellsworth, Kan.; three aunts; and two uncles. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Mexico Otis "Yogi" Foster CLOVIS, N.M. - Otis "Yogi" Foster, 91, died Wednesday, May 16, 2007, in Farwell, Texas. Burial will be in Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe by Muffley Funeral Home. Mr. Foster was born Oct. 11, 1915, to Otis Adell and Carrie L. Peyton Foster in Kirvin Frees, Texas. He married Arenetta Moore in 1935, and they came to Clovis in 1958. Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Wilma Kay Cooper and Pearl Bryant, both of Clovis, and Jean Chandler of Waco, Texas; 30 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shirley Rea Humble CLOVIS, N.M. - Shirley Rea Humble, 82, died Thursday, May 31, 2007, in Lubbock, Texas. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Muffley Funeral Home. Mrs. Humble was born Jan. 5, 1925, to Shirley and Nora Ellen Clark Phipps in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Carrizozo. She was a member of Central Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Ellen Seales of Lubbock; a son, Pierce Albert Humble of Edgewood; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Services Services Pending Carla Bradley, 44, of Dimmitt died Friday, June 1, 2007. Colonial Funeral Home. Tommie Helen Cummings, 82, of Borger died Friday, June 1, 2007. Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger. Federico Mireles, 41, of Amarillo died Friday, June 1, 2007. Angel Funeral Home, 2209 S. Arthur St. Willard Vernon Reeves Jr., 65, of Borger died Thursday, May 31, 2007, in Amarillo. Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger. Services Scheduled Elsie Catherine Amacker Cherry, 98, of Amarillo died Thursday, May 31, 2007. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Polk Street United Methodist Church. Private burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Matthew McEwan, 81, of Amarillo died Thursday, May 31, 2007. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Thomas E. Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center Chapel. Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S. Osage St. Robert O. Miller, 82, of Lubbock, formerly of Amarillo, died Thursday, May 31, 2007. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Sanders Funeral Home Chapel. Masonic graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Happy Cemetery in Happy. Zilda Jo Ricketts, 72, of Dumas died Friday, June 1, 2007. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in First Baptist Church. Private burial will be in Northlawn Memorial Gardens. Morrison Funeral Directors. Services Today Helen "Ruth" Brunson, 78, of Quitaque. Services will be at 10 a.m. in Quitaque Church of Christ. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery. Chancellor Funeral Home. Alene "Dee" DeVoter, 81, of Clovis, N.M. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. in Mission Garden of Memories. Muffley Funeral Home. H.D. "Pokey" Fowler, 72, of Memphis. Services will be at 11 a.m. in First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Hughs Funeral Home of Memphis. Corina Gauna, 98, of Clovis, N.M. Rosary will be said at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be at 3 p.m. in Fort Sumner Cemetery in Fort Sumner. Muffley Funeral Home. Froilan Mendoza, 75, of Dimmitt. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in Castro Memoiral Gardens Cemetery. Colonial Funeral Home. Ada Beth Oldham, 75, formerly of Amarillo, Texas. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. at Oldham Circle at Ute Lake, N.M. Pitts Chapel Funeral Home. David K. Patton, 76, of Ozone, Ark. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. in Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel. Richard G. "Porkchop" Pokrinchak Sr., 75, of Amarillo. Services will be at 10 a.m. in Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors Bell Avenue Chapel, 5400 S. Bell St. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Jesse Rayford "Ray" Pope, 78, of Amarillo. Services will be at 2 p.m. in North Amarillo Church of Christ. Burial will be in Llano East Cemetery. Blackburn- Shaw Funeral Directors Martin Road Chapel, 1505 Martin Road. Alice "Sue" Smith, 82, of Stratford. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. in First United Methodist Church. Morrison Funeral Directors. Alice Bell Spencer, 83, of Amarillo. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Betty Nita Stapp, 86, of Bonham. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. in Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock. Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home. Leo E. Thompson, 84, of Amarillo. Services will be at 11 a.m. in Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery. Martha J. Wall, 73, of Clovis, N.M. Graveside services will be 3 p.m. in Lawn Haven Memorial Garden. Muffley Funeral Home. Nadine Weaver, 95, of Olton. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. in Olton Cemetery. Ramage Funeral Directors of Olton. ---