Tom Green Co. TX Obits from the San Angelo Standard-Times June 29-30 2001 Thanks to the San Angelo Standard-Times for permission to put their obits and death notices in the USGenWeb Archives. http://www.texaswest.com/ Copyright ©2002 - The San Angelo Standard-Times is a E.W. Scripps newspaper ************************************************************************ 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/ *********************************************************************** 06/29/01 Funerals, Death Notices and Obituaries _________________________________________________________________ Funerals TODAY SAN ANGELO Shorty Pope, 98, at 11 a.m. in Robert Massie Funeral Home Chapel; burial in Fairmount Cemetery. ALPINE Michael Dee Foster, 43, memorial service at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church; arrangements by Geeslin Funeral Home. BIG SPRING Venice Cawthron, 68, at 2 p.m. in Myers & Smith Funeral Home Chapel; burial in Trinity Memorial Park. BRADY Leta Casey, 90, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church; burial in Rest Haven Cemetery; arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home. COLEMAN Velma Helton, 87, at 2 p.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel; burial in Coleman Cemetery. JUNCTION Bryan Gilliam, 81, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church; burial in Junction Cemetery; arrangements by Aubrey Fife Funerals. JUNCTION Allora McGuire, 87, of London, graveside service at 10 a.m. in Little Saline Cemetery; arrangements by Aubrey Fife Funerals. MASON Michelle Frazier, 45, of New Braunfels, at 3 p.m. in Mason Funeral Home Chapel; burial in Gooch Cemetery. MONAHANS Virginia Osborn, 81, of Crane, at 10:30 a.m. in Harkey Funeral Home Chapel; burial in Monahans Memorial Cemetery. WINTERS Virgil Wesley McDaniel, 80, of San Angelo, graveside service at 10:30 a.m. in Lakeview Cemetery; arrangements by Winters Funeral Home _________________________________________________________________ Deaths SAN ANGELO Rafaela S. Cortez, 91 of San Angelo died Wednesday, June 27, 2001, at her residence. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. today in Robert Massie Funeral Home Chapel. Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Survivors include daughter, Jamie Valdez of Irving; sons, Lupe Cortez of Lubbock, Emilio Cortez of San Angelo and Fred Cortez of Grand Prairie; and brother, Jose Solis of California. SAN ANGELO Norene Morgan, 89, of Miles died Thursday, June 28, 2001, at Baptist Memorial Center. Service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Johnsons Funeral Home with burial in Miles Cemetery. Survivors include numerous cousins. SAN ANGELO Arliene M. Bell, 92, died Wednesday, June 27, 2001, in a local hospital. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. today at Myrtlewood Estates. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. Survivors include daughter, Judy Steele of San Angelo. SAN ANGELO Minnie Ann Mrs. L.T. Merriman, 78, died Thursday, June 28, 2001, in a local nursing home. Service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in Shaffer Funeral Home Pioneer Chapel with burial in Pioneer Memorial Park. Survivors include sons, Ronnie Merriman, Duwain Merriman, Gary Merriman and William Merriman, all of San Angelo; and brother, Lewis Stewart of San Angelo. KERMIT Manuel Sonny Fierro , 55, died Wednesday, June 27, 2001, in a local hospital. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. today in Cooper Funeral Chapel. Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial in Kermit Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Delia Fierro of Kermit; daughters, Terri Pando and Leticia Alvarado, both of Kermit; brothers, Mike Fierro and Gabriel Fierro, both of Odessa; and sisters, Lupe Fierro of Odessa, Maria Dominguez of Fort Stockton, Margaret Berzoza of Kermit and Connie Astras of Irving. SWEETWATER Edgar Eddie Wade Proctor, 43, of Marble Falls died Thursday, June 28, 2001, at his residence. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Sweetwater Cemetery. Arrangements are by McCoy Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife, Tammy Proctor of Marble Falls, daughter, Tamera Proctor of Marble Falls; son, Kerry Wade Proctor of Marble Falls; brother, Bobby Jo Proctor of Georgetown; and sisters, Elaine Alls of Bridgeport, Carolyn Hull of Rotan and Vickie Petty of Breckenridge. ALPINE Herman Rothert, 92, died Thursday, June 28, 2001, in a local care center. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Elm Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are by Geeslin Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife, Pearl Cheek Rothert and daughter, Lois Robinson, both of Alpine. MINERAL WELLS Jacinto R. Tafolla, 91, died Wednesday, June 27, 2001, at his residence. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. today at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home. Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with burial in Woodland Park Cemetery. Survivors include sons, Leonard Tafolla of Cody, Wyo., Jacinto M. Tafolla, Renaldo Tafolla and Vincente Tafolla, all of Mineral Wells; and daughters, Natalie Samaniego and Erma Martinez, both of Mineral Wells, Amelia Garza of San Angelo and Rosa Prumeda of Grand Prairie. _________________________________________________________________ Obituaries LETA CASEY BRADY Leta White Casey, 90, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2001, in Brady. She was born May 30, 1911, in Broadmoor, Texas, to Jim and Leola White. The Whites came to McCulloch County from Llano County in 1908. After graduating from Pear Valley High School in 1927, Leta attended a business college in Abilene. Upon completion of her schooling, she married Wade Casey on Dec. 30, 1928. They returned to McCulloch County and lived in Pear Valley from 1932 to 1950. The Caseys moved to Amarillo where Leta worked as a bookkeeper/auditor for a department store while Mr. Casey was a real estate broker. Upon retirement, the Caseys returned to Brady in 1968. Mr. Casey passed away in 1972. Leta became very involved in volunteer work throughout the city, county and state. Leta was a board member of the McCulloch County Extension Homemakers Association, Twentieth Century Club, Family Living Committee, the Eastern Star (with which she received a fifty year pin), American Association of Retired People, the hospital auxiliary, Voca Quilting Club, McCulloch County Program Building Committee, Relay For Life, State Family Life and Resource Management Committee, Lohn Valley Improvement Association, East Sweden Community Development Association, Farm Bureau, Concho Valley Council of Governments, Sunset Center Advisory Board, Hillbilly Hits Fan Club, Heart of Texas Country Music Museum and the American Cancer Society. Leta was given many awards including McCulloch County Woman of the Year in 1990. She was also recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from the Brady/McCulloch County Chamber of Commerce in 1995. She also was presented the B.R. (Bert) Turner Humanitarian Award in 2000. Leta traveled all over the world visiting Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Egypt, Jerusalem, Scotland, Amsterdam, Yugoslavia, Switzerland, Greek Islands and several other foreign countries. Leta was a lifelong Methodist and attended the First United Methodist Church in Brady. Surviving cousins include Loree Pimm of Brady and Floy Otte of Lampasas; two nieces, Rilla Roots of Corpus Christi and Susan Riley of Buda; a sister-in-law, Jo White of Brady; her best friends, Hazel Maner and Tracy Pitcox; and her caretaker, Faye Collins. Her parents, two brothers and her husband preceded her in death. Service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 29, at First United Methodist Church with burial to follow in Rest Haven Cemetery. The family received visitors Thursday, June 28, at Heritage Funeral Home. Services are under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Billy Jackson, Darrel Cowen, Doug Avants, Donald Barley and Tracy Pitcox. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart of Texas Country Music Association/Hillbilly Hits Fan Club or the Sunset Center in Brady. MIKE HENRY WAGNER JR. Mike Henry Wagner Jr. (M.H.) passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2001. He was respected by many friends and loved ones. M.H. was born June 18, 1923, in Sherwood to M.H. and Leila Mae Wagner. He served proudly in the Navy and also had a welding business in Mertzon. M.H. was the kind of man that you would want to come along and help you out if you were stuck on the side of the road. In 1953 in Alberta, Canada, he met and later married Nancy Bishop. They moved to Mertzon and had four children, Roy Dan, Catherine, Joe Tom and Jim Bob. He was preceded in death by his parents, M.H. Sr. and Leila Mae Wagner, and one brother, Byrd L. Wagner. He is survived by two sisters, Betty Moon of Del Rio and Leona Owens of Austin; former wife, Nancy Ferriot of San Angelo; his sons, Roy Dan Wagner and Joe Wagner of Mertzon, Jim Bob Wagner and wife, Helen, of Lakewood, Colo., and his daughter, Catherine Owens and husband, Alvin, of San Angelo; grandchildren, Stephanie Baker and husband, Michael, Susan Yell, Amber Wagner and Aaron Wagner; great-grandchildren, Brian Baker, Shea Michael Baker, Hillary Schwab and Haley Yell. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. We are all better for having known M.H. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 30, in Sherwood Cemetery in Mertzon. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. A memorial fund for M.H. Wagner and donations may be made at Mertzon National Bank. EDNA L. WITCHER SHAFER Edna L Witcher Shafer (Mrs. Graves Leonard) passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2001, at the age of 94 years. Mrs. Shafer was born Sept. 16, 1906, in San Angelo to Charles and Marie Witcher. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved husband, Graves Leonard Shafer, who was a longtime merchant in McCamey. Mrs. Shafer and her husband lived in McCamey for many years where they were charter members of the First Christian Church. She also was preceded in death by her two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Parrott and Mrs. Georgia Rudd; and her only brother, W.A. Witcher. She is survived by her children, Mary Francis Gilliland and her husband, Doug Gilliland, of Livingston, Graves Leonard Shafer Jr. and his wife, Sharon Shafer of Midland, Kay Flahie and her husband, Mike Flahie of Austin and J. Don Shafer of Coppell. She had resided with her son, Don Shafer, in Coppell since 1979. Mrs. Shafer also is survived by five grandchildren, Brick A. Gilliland and his wife, Sheryl Gilliland of Mansfield, Donna Early and her husband, Richard Early of Houston, Holly Bean and her husband, Bruce Bean of El Paso, Stacy Shafer of Austin and Brandie Flahie of Austin; and her great-grandson, Tyler Early of Houston. She is survived by her niece, Carmen Behrens and her husband, Larry Behrens; her nephew, Tommy Parrott and his wife, Marcie Parrott; and a sister-in-law and special friend, Lois Wither, all of San Angelo. Mrs. Shafer suffered with arthritis for many years, but loved life and loved being with her many friends and loving family. Rest in peace, precious one; you will be missed. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 30, in Fairmount Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 29, at Johnsons Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity. Funeral arrangements are by Johnsons Funeral Home. ANGELA DENYSE TURNER Angela Denyse Turner, 35, passed into the hands of God, Tuesday, June 26, 2001, as a result of an auto accident in Marion, Montana. She was born Jan. 14, 1966, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Julia (Martin) Jones. She received her early education in Garland. She was the president and CEO of Nexstaff, an internet recruiting company which she started in Dallas four years ago. She was a member of the Saints Rest Baptist Church in Nacogdoches. Angela was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lois Irene Martin. She is survived by her husband, Billy Turner; her beloved children, Ricky, Alycia and Steven of Marion, who will now reside with their grandmother; Angelas mother, Julia Jones of San Angelo; a large loving family including aunts, uncles, cousins, friends; and numerous business associates. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at Anderson-Clayton Brothers Funeral Home in Terrell, with burial to follow in College Mound Cemetery in Kaufman County. The family will greet friends at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Crematory in Kalispell, Mont., and Anderson-Clayton Brothers Funeral Home. P.O. SHORTY POPE P.O. Shorty Pope, 98, of San Angelo passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2001, in a local nursing home. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 29, 2001, in Robert Massie Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. George Frasier of Coleman Church of the Nazarene and the Rev. Ray Thompson of First Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery. Arrangements are made by Robert Massie Funeral Home. Shorty was born March 29, 1903, in Long Beach, Miss., to George and Mary Pope. He married Catherine E. Smith on Sept. 16, 1930. They were married for 48 years. He was a retired journeyman carpenter and a charter member of Trinity Church of the Nazarene. Shorty was preceded in death by his former wife, Catherine E. Smith; and two stepsons, Clifford Meeks and O.D. Meeks. Survivors are his wife, Ruby Graham Pope of San Angelo; one daughter, Wanda F. Hocking and husband, Frank, of San Angelo; two stepsons, Charles Graham of Comfort and Paul Graham of Abilene; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 27 great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Danny Meeks, Arnold Meeks, Michael Hocking, Phillip Ballard, Michael Nystom, Bryan Ballard and Eugene Hires. Honorary pallbearers will be Joshua Hocking, Jacob Hocking and Hank Chaney. FREDRIC E. FIELDS AUSTIN Fred Fields passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2001, at the age of 60. He was born July 3, 1940, in San Angelo. His parents, Justine Weatherby and William John Fields, preceded him in death. Fred spent his youth in Sonora and achieved accomplishments such as an Eagle Scout. He was from a family of pioneer ranchers that was recognized by the state of Texas as a member of the Family Land Heritage Program of Texas. He attended the University of Texas and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Fred was a certified public accountant and rancher for many years. He was active with Austins Aqua Festival, The Faulkner Center and St. Davids Episcopal Church. Fred was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He is survived by daughters, Michelle Fields Hutcheson and husband, Mike, and Millicent Fields Hamann and husband, Maurice (Mo); grandchildren, Merrill Shea Melanson, Fredric Madden Hutcheson and Micah Kay Hutcheson; and sister, Francine Hardeman of Sonora. Also very dear to him were Barbara K. Fields, husband, Ron Wagenfuehr, and sons, James and Trey Mebane. Michelle and Millicent wish to thank all of the staff of Hospice Austins Christopher House. The family received friends Thursday, June 28, at Amey Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, June 29, at St. Davids Episcopal Church at 7th and San Jacinto. Contributions may be made to Hospice Austins Christopher House, 2820 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78702. Arrangements are by Amey Funeral Home, 7811 Rockwood Lane, Austin, (512) 452-4001. 06/30/01 Funerals, Death Notices and Obituaries _________________________________________________________________ Funerals TODAY SAN ANGELO Rafaela S. Cortez, 91, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church; burial in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens; arrangements by Robert Massie Funeral Home. SAN ANGELO Minnie Ann Merriman, 78, at 3 p.m. in Shaffer Funeral Home Pioneer Chapel; burial in Pioneer Memorial Park. SAN ANGELO Edna L. Witcher Shafer, 94, graveside service at 11 a.m. in Fairmount Cemetery; arrangements by Johnsons Funeral Home. SAN ANGELO Mike Henry Wagner Jr., 78, graveside service at 3 p.m. in Sherwood Cemetery in Sherwood; arrangements by Robert Massie Funeral Home. ALPINE Herman Rothert, 92, graveside service at 10 a.m. in Elm Grove Cemetery; arrangements by Geeslin Funeral Home. KERMIT Manuel Fierro, 55, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church; burial in Kermit Cemetery; arrangements by Cooper Funeral Chapel. SWEETWATER Edgar Wade Proctor, 43, graveside service at 10 a.m. in Sweetwater Cemetery; arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home. MONDAY SAN ANGELO Norene Morgan, 89, of Miles, at 10 a.m. at Johnsons Funeral Home; burial in Miles Cemetery in Miles. _________________________________________________________________ Death Notices SAN ANGELO Danny Carson, 41, of Carlsbad died Friday, June 29, 2001, in a local hospital. Services are pending at Gutierrez Funeral Chapels/Knickerbocker. SAN ANGELO George Bob Clark, 60, died Thursday, June 28, 2001, in San Angelo. Services are pending at Johnsons Funeral Home. SAN ANGELO Cynthia Ann Lear, 54, of Austin and formerly of San Angelo, died Thursday, June 28, 2001, at her residence. Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Johnsons Funeral Home. Survivors include her parents, Tom H. and Myrtle Lear of San Angelo; and brother, Tom M. Lear of Austin. SAN ANGELO Edward Clifton Ellis, 80, of San Angelo died Friday, June 29, 2001, in a local care center. Service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church with Masonic graveside rites following in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Johnsons Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife, Sue Ellis of San Angelo; and daughters, Nancy Wagner of Austin, Carol Ann Stokes of San Antonio and Rebecca Gambs of Red Oak, Iowa. BIG SPRING G.W. Murphy, 86, of Oak Creek, died Friday, June 29, 2001, in a Sterling City nursing home. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. today in Garden City Cemetery. Arrangements are by Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Survivors include daughters, Mary Lee McBrayer of Las Cruces, N.M., Anita Calverley of Garden City, Jane Hutchings of Brownwood and Ruby Nell Jones of Marysville, Calif.; and son, Bill Murphy of Garden City. SONORA Jeff Stanley Harris Jr., 31, died Wednesday, June 27, 2001. Service will be at 11 a.m. today in Kerbow Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Sonora Cemetery. Survivors include his parents, Stanley and Donna Harris of Lawton, Okla.; daughter, Melinda Harris of Killeen; sisters, Michealla Dixon of San Antonio, Jeannie Acosta of Marina, Calif., and Bethany Roberts of Lawton. FORT STOCKTON Ethel Jean Williams, 89, died Friday, June 29, 2001, at her residence. Graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in East Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are by Fort Stockton Funeral Home. Survivors include daughters, Jean Frink of Tulsa, Okla., and June Nowlin of Fort Stockton; and twin sister, Edith Heron of Fort Stockton. CARTA VALLEY Sarah Elizabeth Newman, 90, died Friday, June 29, 2001, in Del Rio. Graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in Carta Valley Cemetery. Arrangements are by G.W. Cox Memorial Funeral Chapel. Survivors include her husband, York Newman of Carta Valley; and daughter, Iveylea Grubb of Carta Valley. COLEMAN E.W. Sonny Hennig, 82, of Coleman County died Thursday, June 28, 2001, in a San Angelo hospital. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. today in Coleman City Cemetery. Arrangements are by Stevens Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife, Jo Hennig of Glen Cove; sons, Bill Hennig of Glen Cove and Andy Hennig of Abilene; brother, Clarence Hennig of Lowake; and sisters, Vera Braun of Reno, Nev., Leora Herring of Grosbeck and Marie Hennig of Austin. BIG SPRING Mildred F. Dugan, 88, of Big Spring died Thursday, June 29, 2001, at her residence. Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Mount Olive Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Myers & Smith Funeral Home. Survivors include sons, Wayne Dugan of Midland, Randall Dugan of Wichita Falls, Larry Dugan of Dallas and Johnny Dugan of Big Spring; daughters, Wanda Wasson, Shirley Hodges and Mary Miller, all of Big Spring; and sisters, Hazel Gunnerson of Abilene, Bernice Goforth of Pasadena, Cassie Goforth of Wichita Falls and Gloria Kellogg of Chattanooga, Tenn. FREDERICKSBURG Cleo Vina St. Clair Weber, 66, of San Antonio and formerly of Fredericksburg died Friday, June 29, 2001, in San Antonio. Service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Marys Catholic Church with burial in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery. Survivors include her husband, William Gene Weber of San Antonio; sons, Matthew Weber of Katy and David Weber of Plano; daughter, Janice Schiffer of San Antonio; brothers, M.B. St. Clair of San Antonio, Logan St. Clair of Kayenta, Ariz., and Waymon St. Clair of Fredericksburg; and sisters, Barbara Zoeller of Comfort, and Cynthia Whitehead and Carolyn Light, both of Fredericksburg. STANTON Reva Koonce, 94, died Friday, June 29, 2001, in Stanton. Services are pending at Gilbreath Funeral Home. SWEETWATER J.T. Palmer, 78, of Roby died Friday, June 29, 2001, in an Abilene hospital. Services are pending at McCoy Funeral Home. _________________________________________________________________ Obituaries NORENE MORGAN Norene Morgan, 89, of Miles died Thursday, June 28, 2001, at Baptist Memorials Center. Service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 2, at Johnsons Funeral Home with the Rev. Eddie Tingle officiating and burial in Miles Cemetery. Norene was born April 25, 1912, in Miles, Texas. Her parents, John and Olive Hicks Morgan, preceded her in death, as well as her only sister, Johnnie Morgan. Norenes formal education included the Miles school system, Howard Payne University and the University of Texas at Austin. As a lifetime resident of Miles, she was a member of the First Baptist Church. Her 45-year teaching career began at Hagan, followed by Sealy, Norton, Mertzon and the Odessa public schools. During that time, she took a total of six days sick leave. Norene often said, What I liked most about teaching was being interested in everything the students were interested in. From agriculture to art, from band to choir, from baseball to football, I trailed after them. She enjoyed keeping in touch with former students and teachers. Most of the time she could remember where a student sat in her classroom even if the name escaped her. Norene loved teaching and never considered any other profession. Norene is survived by many cousins, including Reba Hicks Eubank, Robert Eubank, Mary Dell Eubank Barron, Alene Hicks Ellis Batty, Lowell Ellis, Mrs. J.D. Hicks, Harold Hicks, Mrs. C.A. Hicks and Robert C. Hicks, all of San Angelo; as well as Mrs. Roy C. Hicks, Leroy Hicks, Patsy Hicks Yielding, Travis Hicks, Betty Hicks Skinner, Rozelle Bezant, Ron Hicks, W.J. Hicks, Jean Day and I.A. Hicks. Norenes family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to all of the staff at Baptist Memorials Center, especially those on Division 2, for their loving care. Pallbearers will be Mark Heinze, Charles Ehrig, Vernon Jeschke, Everett Dodson, Robert Heinze and Bill Wilson. EDNA L. WITCHER SHAFER Edna L Witcher Shafer (Mrs. Graves Leonard) passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2001, at the age of 94 years. Mrs. Shafer was born Sept. 16, 1906, in San Angelo to Charles and Marie Witcher. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved husband, Graves Leonard Shafer, who was a longtime merchant in McCamey. Mrs. Shafer and her husband lived in McCamey for many years where they were charter members of the First Christian Church. She also was preceded in death by her two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Parrott and Mrs. Georgia Rudd; and her only brother, W.A. Witcher. She is survived by her children, Mary Francis Gilliland and her husband, Doug Gilliland, of Livingston, Graves Leonard Shafer Jr. and his wife, Sharon Shafer of Midland, Kay Flahie and her husband, Mike Flahie of Austin and J. Don Shafer of Coppell. She had resided with her son, Don Shafer, in Coppell since 1979. Mrs. Shafer also is survived by five grandchildren, Brick A. Gilliland and his wife, Sheryl Gilliland, of Mansfield, Donna Early and her husband, Richard Early, of Houston, Holly Bean and her husband, Bruce Bean, of Lubbock, Stacy Shafer of Austin and Brandie Flahie of Austin; and her great-grandson, Tyler Early of Houston. She is survived by her niece, Carmen Behrens and her husband, Larry Behrens; her nephew, Tommy Parrott and his wife, Marcie Parrott; and a sister-in-law and special friend, Lois Wither, all of San Angelo. Mrs. Shafer suffered with arthritis for many years, but loved life and loved being with her many friends and loving family. Rest in peace, precious one; you will be missed. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 30, in Fairmount Cemetery. The family received friends Friday, June 29, at Johnsons Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity. Funeral arrangements are by Johnsons Funeral Home. JAMES F. GROTE LLANO James F. Grote, 83, of Buchanan Dam passed away Thursday, June 28, 2001. Grote was born in Mason on May 2, 1918, to Marvin E. and Mary Stengel Grote. His great-grandfather, C.A. Grote, moved from Germany to the Texas Hill Country in 1838 where, in addition to farming and ranching, he was a circuit rider. James Grote received a B.S. degree from Texas A&M University in 1940. During World War II, he served 36 months with the U.S. Army Infantry in the South Pacific. He saw action in Guadalcanal, New Georgia Islands, New Guinea and the Philippines and was awarded the Bronze Star and Distinguished Service Medal. He was promoted to major during combat in Luzon. Grote was recalled to active duty in 1951 during the Korean conflict and commanded a training battalion at Fort Jackson, S.C., and served as assistant inspector general of Heidelberg Military Post in the European Command Headquarters. A longtime supporter of the 4-H program, he was president of the Texas 4-H clubs from 1935 to 1936 and was awarded a trip to the National 4-H Club Encampment in Washington, D.C., where he was one of four youths to meet President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House. In 1970, he was honored as Distinguished Volunteer Adult Leader of Texas 4-H Clubs. James Grote married Louise Ewald of San Angelo in 1944. While he worked as assistant county agent for Tom Green County, he was manager of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo from 1946 until 1950. In 1951, Grote began managing the San Antonio Livestock Exposition. He then went on to manage the Fair Oaks Ranch in Boerne. He was manager of Granite Hills Hereford Ranch from 1964 to 1988. A commercial and registered Hereford breeder, Grote was owner of the James F. Grote Ranch in Mason, Texas. Grote was past president of the Greater Hill Country Hereford Association, the Hill Country Livestock Raisers Association and the Texas Hereford Association. He was a director of the American Hereford Association from 1979 to 1985 and president of the organization in 1984. Grote judged cattle shows throughout the United States and Mexico and at the National All Breeds Show in Zimbabwe, Africa, in 1982. He represented the American Beef Breeds Council, accompanying Secretary of Agriculture John Block, in Central and South America in 1983. In 1984, while president of the American Hereford Association, he headed a delegation to the World Hereford Congress in Christchurch, New Zealand. He received the honorary Lone Star Farmer Award and in 1971 was named an honorary member of Texas A&Ms Saddle and Sirloin Club. In 1984 he was named Llano Countys Outstanding Citizen. In 1989 he was honored with the Hill Country Livestock Raisers Association Cowboy of the Year Award. He was elected a Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association director in 1984 and became an honorary director in 1996. He served as a director of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association and the San Antonio Livestock Exposition. In 1994 he was elected honorary vice president of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show of Fort Worth. He was a member of the administrative board of the Lutie Watkins United Methodist Church in Llano and served as chairman two years. Grote was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Louise (Ewald) Grote; and two brothers, Gordon and Lee. Survivors are son, Larry Grote of San Antonio; daughter, Mary Grote Hammons and her husband, Henry, of Buchanan Dam; granddaughter, Natalie Ashabranner of Llano and grandson, Robert Bryant and his wife, Leslie, of Stephenville; brother, Oliver Grote and his wife, Doris, of Mason; sisters-in-law, June Grote, Maxine Grote and Doris Locke and husband, Oscar; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Gary Grote, Glen Grote, Jeff Grote, Warren Grote, Mark Pitzer, Greg Dalchau, Kirk Dalchau and Cary Otto. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Ashley, Jim Boyd, Kenneth Brandenberger, George Brannies, Henry Buttery, Jack Chastain, Harry Daniel, Hop Dickenson, John Dudley, Brent Ewald, Paul Ewald, Max Hawthorne, Dr. Richard Helmer, Dr. David Hoerster, Stanley Keese, Leland Kiker, Lovell Kuykendall, Sam Logan, Gov. Rick Perry, Dr. David Pohl, Otto Rusche, Bud Snidow, Taylor Virdell, Dean Ward and David Willmann. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 2, at Lutie Watkins United Methodist Church in Llano with the Rev. David Griffin of Llano and the Rev. Ron Campell of Terrytown Methodist Church of Austin officiating. Burial will follow in Llano City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 1, at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Hereford Association, Texas Hereford Association, Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association or the Lutie Watkins United Methodist Church in Llano. Funeral arrangements are made by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home. RAFAELA S. CORTEZ Rafaela S. Cortez, 91, of San Angelo passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2001, at her residence. Mass of funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Joseph Vathalloor of St. Margarets Catholic Church officiating. Burial will be at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Robert Massie Funeral Home. Rafaela was born May 2, 1910, on the Wedge Ranch in San Antonio, Texas, to Paublo and Flavia Solis. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paublo and Flavia Solis; her husband, Stevan Cortez; and a daughter, Amelia Martinez. Survivors include a daughter, Janie Valdez of Irving; three sons, Lupe Cortez and wife, Lucy, of Lubbock, Emilio Cortez and wife, Lupe, of San Angelo, Fred Cortez and wife, Sara, of Grand Prairie; one brother, Jose Solis; one granddaughter, Linda Talamantez of Sam Angelo; and one sister-in-law, Angelina Solis of Brady. Pallbearers will be Sammy Cortez, Patrick Cortez, Joe Valdez, Johnny Valdez, Hector Martinez, Juan Martinez Jr., Billy Cortez and Gonzalo Lozano. MINNIE ANN MERRIMAN Minnie Ann Mrs. Louis T. Merriman, 78, of San Angelo passed away Thursday, June 28, 2001, in a local nursing home. Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 30, in Shaffer Funeral Home Pioneer Chapel with the Rev. Morris Johnson of First Baptist Church of Bronte officiating. Burial will be in Pioneer Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Shaffer Funeral Home. Minnie Ann was born Feb. 16, 1923, in San Angelo to Ora and Carrie Winans Stewart. She married Louis T, Merriman on Sept. 21, 1940, in Mertzon. They were married for 60 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis, on Oct. 8, 2000; brothers, Fred Stewart, Evan Stewart, Leonard Stewart and Ted Stewart; and sisters, LaVada Grooms, Ida Mae Hagman and Violet Grooms; and one grandson, Clifford Wayne Merriman. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Brenda Merriman, Duwain and Karen Merriman, Gary and Gail Merriman and William Merriman; and brother, Lewis Stewart. She is also survived by a very special nephew and niece, Arlin and Helga Knox. She has a total of 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. A special thanks goes to Dr. Hunt for years of caring. MawMaw, go rest on the mountain top with PawPaw. Your work on this old earth is done.