Services were held for a former Santa Anna resident, Hayes Hefner, who died in Albuquerque, New Mexico on December 2, 2004.  Graveside services were conducted at the Sunset Memorial Park on December 6th.

Hayes was born in September 1911 to the late Alexander and Lula Meares Hefner.  He attended the Santa Anna schools and was employed by Hosch Furniture Company.  He was married to Eva Nelle Arrant on March 24, 1936 and they celebrated 68 years of marriage.  Mrs. Hefner preceded him in death on April 29, 2004.  They moved to Lubbock, Texas in 1951 where he was a member of the First Baptist Church and a retiree of Civil Service.  They moved to Albuquerque in 2003.

Survivors include his daughter, Kay Hefner Campbell of Albuquerque and two grandsons.

Ruby Atkinson, age 88, of Abilene and former Coleman resident, died Friday, December 3, 2004 at a San Marcos nursing home.  Funeral service will be held today (Tuesday, December 7, 2004) at 11:00 a.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. H. S. Calahan officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Ruby Katherine Hubbard on November 12, 1916 in Coleman, Texas, a daughter of the late A. L. Hubbard and Flora Finley Hubbard.  She grew up and attended school in Coleman.  On October 10, 1938 she married Robert L. Atkinson in Brownwood and he preceded her in death on January 7, 1982.  Ruby moved from Coleman in 1948 to Lubbock and then to Abilene in 1972.  She was a homemaker and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Abilene.  She also was the coffee bar operator at WTU from 1974-1979.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Henry and Gwenette Atkinson of Lubbock, Texas; one daughter, Peggy Townes of San Marcos, Texas; two sisters, Wilma Threadgill and Dorothy Bohannon both of Abilene, Texas; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren.

Glynn Raymer, age 88, of Coleman, died Saturday, December 4, 2004 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  Graveside funeral service was held on Monday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m. at the Voss Cemetery.  Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Iva Glynn Guthrie on September 8, 1916 in Glen Cove, Coleman County, Texas, a daughter of the late W. T. and Malinda Condra Guthrie.  She grew up in Voss and graduated from high school there.  She attended Howard Payne in Brownwood and married A. E. "Smokey" Raymer on August 14, 1938 in Sweetwater, Texas.  He preceded her in death on January 14, 2000.  She was a long-time resident of Coleman and was a member of First United Methodist Church in Coleman.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Richard Compton of Irving, Texas; one grandson, Rick Compton of Irving, Texas; one great-granddaughter, Tiffany Lee Compton; one sister, Gladys Thwing of Coleman; several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 500 W. Liveoak, Coleman, Texas or Holiday Hill Nursing Home, 245 Highway 153, Coleman, Texas 76834.

Myrtle Savage, age 90, of Coleman, died Saturday, December 4, 2004 at Cross Country Nursing Home in Brownwood.  Going Home services will be held on Wednesday, December 8 at 11:00 a.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. George Frasier officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born Myrtle Carter on April 21, 1914 in Baltimore, Maryland, a daughter of the late Asbury and Mamie Johnson Carter.  She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and attended school there.  She was married to Byrd Savage and he preceded her in death.  In April 1974 Myrtle moved to Coleman, Texas with her daughter and son-in-law Janice and Ernest Stewart and children and has lived here since that time.  She was a housewife and attended the Church of the Nazarene in Coleman and New Testament Holiness Church of Bangs.

Survivors include her children, Mildred Fleet of Baltimore, Maryland, Janice Stewart and husband Ernest of Coleman, Texas, and Edward Carter and wife Sharon of Austin, Texas; 13 grandchildren, Carolyn Gaines and husband Leroy, Jacqueline Crank and husband Raymond, Verna Fleet, Manfred Savage, Karla Reece and husband Wayne, Ernest Stewart, Jr. and wife Mira, Michael Stewart and wife Barbra, David Stewart and wife Claydena, Phillip Stewart and wife Wendy, Mary Volpato and husband Christophe, Veronica Vault and husband Reuben, Penelope Carter, Edward Carter, Jr.; 23 great-grandchildren, Alan and Esther Fleet, Dana Crank, Daron Crank, Damon Crank, Carrie Crank, Kimberly and Latrice Fleet, Darren Fleet, Jr., Dashawn Fleet, Jasmine Fleet, Kristine Reece, William Reece, Christopher Reece, Joshua Reece, Michael Stewart, Angel Stewart, Matthew Stewart, Noah Stewart, Ashley Stewart and David Stewart, Jr., Kirsten Vault, Tierney Carter; 15 great-great-grandchildren; six brothers, Elmer Carter of Baltimore, Maryland, Raymond Carter and wife Susie of North Carolina, Charles Lester Carter of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Vernon Carter and wife Ernestine of Baltimore, Maryland, Kenneth Carter and wife Geraldine of Baltimore, Maryland, Arthur Shelton Carter and wife Mable of Baltimore, Maryland; one sister, Leray Williamson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Earl Savage; a grandson, Darren Fleet; and four brothers.  Family visitation will be held today (Tuesday, December 7th) from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman, Texas.

Funeral services for Mildred Maud Shields, 76, of Brownwood were held at 2 p.m. Monday at Davis-Morris Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Evans officiating.  Interment followed in the Santa Anna Cemetery.  Mrs. Shields died Saturday, December 4, 2004 in Andrews.

She was born March 24, 1928 in Coleman County, the daughter of Everett C. and Susan Frances Brisco Trowbridge.  She was married to Myrl Jean Shields on December 8, 1953 in Hobbs.  He preceded her in death on February 16, 2002.  She retired eight years ago as bookkeeper at Pecan Valley Electric.  She was a member of Trinity Chapel Church and had lived in Brownwood for the past 37 years.  Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by three infant children, Roland Gene Shields, Kathy Elaine Shields and Debra Gail Shields; and three brothers, Eugene, Maurice and Donald Trowbridge.

Survivors include one daughter, Shirley Agan of Brownwood; three sons, Glen Minica of Brownwood, Larry Shields of Brownwood and Rickey Shields of Snyder; one brother, Tommy Brisco of Granbury; two sisters, Rosa Lee Hoffman and Virginia Carmack, both of Brownwood; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; her companion, R. Z. Minica of Andrews; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were conducted in Buffalo, Texas on December 7, 2004 for a former Santa Anna native, Vivian Louise Mitchell-Bettes, age 76, who died December 4th.  Burial was in the Dozier Family Cemetery in the Flo community.

Vivian Louise was born July 1, 1928 to the late Wilbur R. and Buna Williamson Mitchell.  Mrs. Bettes was reared in Illinois and in later years moved to Coleman, Texas to be near her aunt and cousin, the late Mrs. Raney Howard and Donald Ray Howard.

Survivors include three daughters, Emily Dozier of Buffalo, Jolene Hill of Dallas and Cyndie Whipple of Huntsville; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Floyd Raymond Westerman, born October 6, 1926 in Sharp, Texas, passed away at home on December 5, 2004 at the age of 78.  Visitation will be today (Tuesday, December 7) from 5 to 8 at Porter Loring Mortuary 1101 McCullough in San Antonio. Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Christ Lutheran Church, 6720 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas.  Reception at Christ Lutheran Church to follow burial at Sunset Memorial Park. The Rev. Dr. Steve Rode officiating.  Arrangements with Porter Loring 1101 McCullough Avenue, San Antonio.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Elfriede Westerman and his three sisters, Esther Pape, Vera Friday, and Rebecca Rozacky.  Floyd attended Sharp primary schools and gradu­ated from New Braunfels High School in 1944.  He served in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946.  He was a graduate of Draughan Business College.  He celebrated 50 years in the financial advisory business in 1997 and continued to serve as a Managing Director at SAMCO Capital Markets.  He was recently recognized by the Municipal Advisory Council of Texas as one of the founders of Public Finance in the state of Texas.  He was a member of the Bond Club of San Antonio, past board member of the Municipal Advisory Council, the Optimist Club, a member of the Sons of Hermann fraternal organization, a lifetime member of the Turner Club and longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruby Kneupper Westerman; son Lewis and wife Terry, son Allen and wife Courtney, and son Duane and wife Karen, all of San Antonio, daughter Sandra and husband Nicholas Knox of Coleman County, Texas, nine grandchildren, Amy, Jenny, Maude, Claire, Max, Nicholas, and Will Westerman, and Amanda and Kimberly Knox, brother-in-law Reno Kneupper and wife Betty, life long friend and business assistant Mary Ann Davis.

Pallbearers: Gerald M. Bean, Gerald W. Bean, Reno Kneupper, Pat Koepp, Mark Schwarz, and Max Westerman.  Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church of Alamo Heights, 6720 Broadway San Antonio Texas, 78209, or charity of your choice.  You are invited to sign the guest-book at www.porterloring.com.

Bonnie Jo (Freeman) Wilhite, age 78, of Winter Park, Florida passed away on Monday, December 6, 2004.  She was the daughter of a former Coleman major, Macon Freeman, Sr. and Mrs. Freeman.  Services will be 1:30 p.m. today (Thursday) in Winter Park Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida.

Bonnie Jo was a 1943 graduate of Coleman High School.  She was married to Lankford Wilhite, who was a 1939 graduate.  The couple married in 1943 after his graduation from West Point.

She is survived by three sons and a brother, Macon Freeman, Jr., and their families.

SAN ANGELO — Helen Roberta Dunn Wallis went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 8, 2004, after a brief illness.  Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, December 10, at Johnson’s Funeral Home.  Graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday in Stacy Cemetery, Stacy, Texas, following chapel service with the Rev. L.C. Messer officiating.

Helen was born June 14, 1916, in Coleman County. She married Charlie B. Wallis Sr. on Jan. 13, 1934, in Coleman, Texas.  Helen taught school for 20 years at Lamar Elementary in Special Education.  She spent the better part of her life working and living on ranches in the West Texas area.  After her husband preceded her in death, she moved to Grape Creek in May 1980.  She enjoyed quilting, reading, gardening and raising her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband; and her brothers, Frank E. Dunn and M. Doss Dunn.

She is survived by her seven children, Jane Parker, Roberta Christopher, Gwen Baker and her husband, Kenneth Gene, Lonnie Wallis and his wife, Barbara, all of Grape Creek, Morris Wallis of Arlington, Charlie B. Wallis Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Alvord, and Lorna Bunger and her husband, David, of Eden. She had 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express a deep appreciation to the employees of Baptist Memorials.  A special thanks to her daughter-in-law, Barbara Wallis, and her daughter, Roberta Christopher.

Memorial services for R. C. "Bob" Pitts, age 84, of Blanket are pending.  Mr. Pitts passed away Thursday night, December 9, 2004 at a Comanche nursing home.  He was cremated and Netherton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

He was born October 11, 1920 in Sulphur Springs, the son of Robert and Helen Pitts.  He married Barbara Sanders on March 4, 1984 in Stephenville.  He had been a resident of Blanket and Brownwood since 1986, moving there from Kerrville.  He was a rancher, a horse and mule trader and had been ring-man at the Brownwood Sale Barn for many years.  He was also a heavy equipment operator.  He had worked for the Alaskan pipeline, doing "trouble shooting" overseas and for pipelines all over the world.  He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Pitts of Blanket; a son, Carey Pitts of Fort Stockton; a stepson, David Sanders of Milano; two daughters, Carolyn Darby of Como and Deb Shirley of Sulphur Springs; two step-daughters, Kathy Outlaw of Wichita Falls and Susan Sanders of Coleman; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and extended family members, Buddy, Sonny and Bill Henderson, all of Kerrville.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Helen Katherine McGinnis Pitts; his second wife, Rose Ellen Henderson; and a daughter, Mary Anne Pitts.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which benefits injured rodeo riders, in care of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919-2301.

Memorial services for Howard Dalton York, Sr., 69, of Brady (formerly of Coleman) will be held at a later date.  Mr. York passed away Thursday, December 9, 2004 in Eden, Texas.

Howard was born August 2, 1935, in Moline, Texas, the son of Robert Miles and Bernice Wallace York.  He married Judy Hale on May 19, 1983 in Altus, Oklahoma.  Howard had lived in Brady for the last six years, moving there from Coleman.

Survivors include his wife, Judy York of Brady; two daughters, Sheri York of Lubbock and Angela York of Waco; two step-children, Jerry Roberts of Bangs and Jackie Roberts of Hamilton; six step-grandchildren; one brother, Charles York of San Antonio; and one sister, Katherine Benjamin of Lometa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, R. D. (Buck) York; his sister, Belle Wagner; and a step-daughter, Jennifer Roberts Newton.

Obra Watson, age 93, of Sweetwater, Texas passed away Friday, December 10, 2004.  Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Silverton Church of Christ, with burial following in the Silverton Cemetery.  Arrangements were under the direction of McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater and Myers Chancellor Funeral Home of Silverton, Texas.

He was born July 3, 1911 in Silverton, Texas and married Jessie Mae Rose on December 22, 1940.  He attended Silverton High School, was a member of the Church of Christ and a Past Director of Cap Rock Soil and Water Conservation District.  He was a farmer and stockman.

Survivors include a son, Joe Bob Watson and wife Connie of Sweetwater, Texas (formerly of Coleman); two granddaughters, Keri Cooke and husband Curt of San Angelo, Texas and Lori Needham and husband Jack of Coleman, Texas; three great-grandsons, Reid Needham and Cade Needham of Coleman and Dakota Cooke of San Angelo, Texas; a sister, Opal Watson of Amarillo, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie Mae, on December 22, 1993; a brother, O'Neal Watson; sisters, Joyce Richards and Mary Nettleton; and a daughter, Rosalyn Watson.

Graveside services for Clyde Denson Parnell, 94, of Rising Star were held at 10 a.m. Sunday at Bangs Cemetery.  Davis-Morris Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  Mr. Parnell died Friday, December 10, 2004 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Coleman County on May 17, 1910, the son of James and Bertha Parnell.  He was a barber for 24 years in Bangs and had lived in the Bangs community since 1958.  He was Methodist.  Mr. Parnell had been a resident of Rising Star Nursing Center in Rising Star.

Survivors include his wife, Lupe Parnell, of Bangs; two sons, Doyle Parnell of Bangs and Denson Parnell of Rising Star; one daughter, Camie Jo of El Paso; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Joyce Massy; and three brothers

Services for Robbie L. Proctor, 63, of Big Lake were held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Grape Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Brad Winchester officiating.  Burial followed in the Big Lake Cemetery. Robert Massie Funeral Home of San Angelo was in charge of arrangements.  Mr. Proctor died Friday, December 10, 2004.

He was born May 21, 1941 in Coleman, the son of William Milas and Birdie Proctor.  He was an Army veteran and had worked as a truck driver for Southwest Butane for 30 years.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Stacey and Mickey Minor of Jacksonville, Arkansas; a son, Michael Ray Proctor of Dermott, Arkansas; a brother and sister-in-law, Horace and Peggy Proctor of Arlington, Washington; two sisters, Dorothy Foy of Austin and Bonnie Jonas of Arlington; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Proctor of San Angelo; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; 11 nieces and 13 nephews.

Pallbearers were Doug Proctor, Danny Proctor, Billie Proctor, Keigm Proctor, Lane Worthington, Nathan Proctor and Jimmie Proctor.  The family requests memorials be made to Heritage House at 1915 Greenwood, San Angelo, Texas 76901 or Vista Care Hospice at 940 B. Arroyo Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76903.

Joe Copeland, age 40, passed away December 11, 2004 after a courageous battle against lymphoma.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. today (Thursday, December 16, 2004) at Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 820 E. Wintergreen Road in Cedar Hill.

Joe was born December 17, 1963.  He served on the Dallas Police Department for more than 20 years, most of which he served in the traffic division as a motor jock.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Mary; his four sons, Caleb, Josiah, Aaron and Nathaniel; and his baby daughter, Martha.  He is also survived by his father, Sammy Carter; dad Clenton Copeland; mother, Joyce Copeland; a brother, Chad Copeland; a sister, Jill (Copeland) Holland; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Jo Ann Seymore Smith, age 70, died December 11, 2004 after a brief illness with cancer.  Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at the Merkel Church of Christ with Lou David Allen officiating.  Burial followed in Rose Hill Cemetery directed by Starbuck Funeral Home of Merkel.

Jo Ann was born May 23, 1934 in Merkel to Tom and Nina Lois Anderson Seymore.  She graduated from Merkel High School in 1952.  She married Clifton Verdean "Dean" Smith on July 7, 1952 in Merkel and he preceded her in death on March 20, 1997.  Jo Ann was a homemaker until 1969, when she went to work for Taylor Electric Coop.  She retired in February 2004 after 35 years of service.  She was a member of the Merkel Church of Christ for approximately 56 years and after moving to Abilene in November 2003, she became a member of Baker Heights Church of Christ.

Survivors include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Randy Smith and Cliff Smith and wife, Kristy all of Abilene; one daughter, Sheila Vice of Dallas; her mother, Nina Lois Seymore of Abilene; three sisters, Billie Patterson and husband, Bill of Big Spring, Janell Spardling and husband, Frank of Allen, and Debi Smith and husband, Robert of Abilene; one brother, Larry Seymore and wife, Donna of Coleman; four grandchildren, Matt and wife, Tammye, Lacy, Randa and Brooks; and one great-grandson, Cooper.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her father, Tom Seymore on January 2, 1992.  Memorials may be made to the Merkel Church of Christ, P. O. Box 336, Merkel, Texas 79536 or to Merkel Cemetery Association, 201 Edwards Street, Merkel, Texas 79536.

Randal Ray Walker, age 36, of Cross Plains, Texas passed away December 11, 2004 at Hendrick Medical Center.  Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today (Tuesday) at First Baptist Church in Cross Plains with Ronnie White officiating, assisted by Max Evans.  Higginbotham Funeral Home of Cross Plains is in charge of arrangements.

He was born to Glenard "Skeet" and Wanda Faye (McNabb) Walker on March 15, 1968 in Coleman, Texas.  Randy attended Cross Plains Elementary School and graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1986.  He worked as a truck
driver.

Randy is survived by his parents, Glenard "Skeet" and Wanda Faye Walker of Cross Plains; a son, Austin Ray Walker of Cross Plains; a brother, Mike Walker and wife, Tonja of Cross Plains; a nephew, Heath Walker and niece, Tiffany Walker, both of Cross Plains, as well as cousins, aunts and uncles.

Funeral services for Gerald W. Ragsdale, 88, of Brownwood will be held at 2 p.m. today (Tuesday) in the Chapel of Heartland Funeral Home in Early with Bo Shero officiating.  Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home.  Mr. Ragsdale passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2004 in Brownwood.

He was born on July 18, 1916, in Coleman, the son of James E. Ragsdale and Charlsey A. Wester Ragsdale.  He was reared and attended school in Coleman and on June 14, 1941, he married Imogene Conway.  Mr. Ragsdale was a veteran of the United States Army and had served in World War II as a Company Clerk with the 309th Combat Engineers, 84th Infantry Division, achieving the rank of TEC 4.  He had lived in Brownwood since 1970, moving there from Coleman.  He had previously been employed as store manager for M System Food Store in Coleman and as freight manager at TG&Y in Brownwood.  He was a former member and Deacon of the Elm Street Church of Christ in Coleman.

Survivors include three daughters: Geraldine Goetz, Imogene Miller and Rena Renfroe, all of Brownwood; one brother, Frank Ragsdale of Beaumont; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Charlsey Ragsdale; his wife, Imogene Ragsdale; and one brother, Ross Ragsdale.

Services were held in Lafayette on December 15 for John Hardy Blue, 74, who died Sunday, December 12, at Lafayette General Medical Center.

Born September 3, 1930, he was the son of the late Nathan Hardy and Mae Allen Blue of Santa Anna.  He graduated from Santa Anna High School in 1947 and from the University of Texas in 1953 with a B. S. Degree in Petroleum Engineering.  He retired from both The Superior Oil Company in 1981 after 36 years of service and then from Coalinga Corporation in 1998.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia Mack Blue of Lafayette; one son, Michael Allen Blue of Baton Rouge; one sister, Bettie Henderson of Santa Anna, Texas; niece Orabeth McIver of Santa Anna; mother-in-law, Julia Mack of Largo, Florida; sister-in-law, Barbara Mack of St. Louis and her family; great nephews and nieces, Reece and Kallie McIver of Elgin; Grady Clay and Brandi McIver of Santa Anna; Ray and Betsy Jones of Santa Anna; Sally McIver of St. Louis, Missouri; and seven great-great nieces and nephews. 

Robert Ernest Bohannon died Sunday, December 12, 2004 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating.  Burial will be in Silver Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home. 

Mr. Bohannon was born December 31, 1915 to Joseph Lafayette Bohannon and Mildred Louisa Crawford Bohannon in Brown Ranch, Coleman County, Texas.  He attended the Bowen school.  He farmed in Coleman County until 1946.  He married Myrtle Lenora Thompson on April 29, 1948 and moved to Bakersfield, Texas.  He was employed by Bland and Scott Oil Company until 1971.  From 1971 to his retirement in 1982, Ernest and Lenora operated The Bakersfield Exxon Station and convenience store.  Upon retirement they moved back to Coleman, Texas where they resided at 1810 South Concho until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Lenora, and only son, Jerry of Katy, Texas; one brother, Thomas Edwin Bohannon of Abilene, Texas; five nephews and six nieces.

He was preceded in death by brothers Elbert, Durwood (Buster), Travis, Raymond and his sister, Lurline Kemp.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his name to the Alzheimer¹s Association, Greater West Texas Chapter, 4400 N. Big Spring #C-32, Midland, Texas 79705.

Rosalie Pepper Patterson of Grape Creek passed away on Monday, December 13, 2004, in a local nursing home.  She was 98 years, nine months and nine days of age.  Service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 16, at Johnson’s Funeral Home in San Angelo, with a great-nephew, the Rev. Barry Bradley, officiating.  Music will be by Melinda Finch and Dixie Puckett.  Pallbearers are Earnest Swafford, Jackie Fuller, Todd Allen, Leon Puckett, Bobby Hill and Steve Hochreiter.  Graveside service will be at noon in Voss Cemetery in Coleman County.

She retired from General Telephone Company in 1967, having begun her career in 1944.  She was an operator, both in Sonora and San Angelo.  One of five children, she was born March 4, 1906, to Moses and Florence Hollingshead Maughan at Burnet, Texas.  Her parents and all siblings preceded her in death.  She married Wallace Pepper in 1925, with whom she had two sons, Norwood, who died in infancy, and J. W.  Her husband Wallace passed away in 1965.  Her son J. W. passed away in 1991.  She later married Robert “Bob” Patterson who had two sons, J. R. “Pat” Patterson and Curtis Patterson.  Bob Patterson passed away in 1991.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Betty Pepper of Clayton, New Mexico, and stepsons, Pat and wife Edna Patterson of Victoria, Texas, and Curtis and wife Pat Patterson of Puyallup, Washington; grandchildren Mary Ann Stewart of San Angelo, Peggy Bolivar of Plantation, Florida, Audrey Best of Norman, Oklahoma, Rhonda Bernal of Victoria, and Steven, Brad and Brian Patterson of Puyallupa, Washington.  10 great-grandchildren survive, including Michael Peek of San Angelo and Misty Dehn of Benbrook.  Several nieces and nephews to whom she acted as mother after her sister Lilly passed away also survive.

Opal Keeney, age 90, of Coleman, died Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  Funeral service will be held today (Thursday) at 2:00 p.m. in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Daniel Stovall officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born February 7, 1914 in Colman, Oklahoma, a daughter of the late Jesse Newton Breshears and Mary Walker Smith Breshears.  She grew up and attended school in Vernon.  Opal lived in Fort Worth for many years and married Walter Keeney on May 8, 1959 in Nimrod, Texas.  He preceded her in death on May 13, 1996.  Opal was a cook at Holiday Hill for a number of years and a member of Concho Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son-in-law, J. B. Jennings of Fort Worth, Texas; two grandsons, Greg Jennings of Fort Worth, Texas and David Jennings of Benbrook, Texas; three great-granddaughters, Chandler, Haley and Kyndall Jennings.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Lois Jennings.

Henry A. Byrom, age 80, of Coleman, died Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Graveside funeral service was held on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Valera Cemetery with Rev. Ted Willis officiating.  Services were under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Henry A. Byrom was born January 17, 1924 in Voss, Coleman County, Texas, a son of the late Lee R. and Janie Byrom.  He grew up in Voss and attended school at Voss and Mozelle.  During World War II he served with the Harbor Craft Platoon Battery B 4th Field Artillery Battalion with the rank of Staff Sergeant.  Henry farmed and ranched in Coleman County for many years and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.  He was a Mason.

Survivors include one brother, Gilliam T. Byrom of Coleman; one niece, Janis Norris of Coleman; several great-nephews and one great-niece.  Memorials may be made to Methodist Children's Home, 1111 Herring Avenue, Waco, Texas 76708.

Sylvia Elizabeth Watson, 91, of Abilene, died at her home December 15, 2004.  Her funeral service was 2:00 p.m. Saturday in Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel with Edward James of Waco officiating.

Sylvia was born in Burkett, Texas on March 10, 1913.  Having graduated from Burkett High School, she married Phelix D. Watson in 1932 (now deceased).  They moved to Coleman, Texas.  In 1950, she and Phelix moved to Abilene and started Watson Wholesale Meat Company.  Sylvia¹s talents included selling Mary Kay Products, instructing bowling at Henson¹s Bowling Lanes; and teaching bowling classes to mentally challenged adults.  She was well known as the beloved "cookie lady," handing out free, fresh Albertson¹s cookies to all comers.  She was also known locally as a talented china painter.

Surviving her are her son, Jerry P. Watson of Abilene; her grandchildren, Wendy Hart of Lubbock, Wade Watson of Abilene and Jared Watson of Round Rock; three great-grandchildren and her sister, LaVerne Stark of Coleman.

Richard Steve Mitchell, age 61, of Early, and formerly of Coleman, passed away Wednesday, December 15th, 2004 at his home.  Graveside services were Saturday morning at Coleman City Cemetery, with Davis-Morris Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

A graduate of Coleman High School, Steve Mitchell raised race horses.

Survivors include: his wife ­ Lindsey Gessler Mitchell of Early; two sisters ­ Shirley Chapman and husband Jack of Hamby and Beth Anderson and Joe Ruff of Abilene; three brothers ­ William Boyd Mitchell and wife Kay of Lake Coleman, Mike Smith and wife Shirley of Lake Coleman and Rondo Smith and Gloria Haas of Stephenville; one aunt ­ Christine Turner of Coleman; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by one son, Chase McQuade Mitchell, and his mother, Elizabeth Mitchell Love, and father, Luke Mitchell.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Humane Society of your choice, or any charity of your choice.

Services were held in Lafayette on December 15 for John Hardy Blue, 74, who died Sunday, December 12, at Lafayette General Medical Center.

Born September 3, 1930, he was the son of the late Nathan Hardy and Mae Allen Blue of Santa Anna.  He graduated from Santa Anna High School in 1947 and from the University of Texas in 1953 with a B. S. Degree in Petroleum Engineering.  He retired from both The Superior Oil Company in 1981 after 36 years of service and then from Coalinga Corporation in 1998.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia Mack Blue of Lafayette; one son, Michael Allen Blue of Baton Rouge; one sister, Bettie Henderson of Santa Anna, Texas; niece Orabeth McIver of Santa Anna; mother-in-law, Julia Mack of Largo, Florida; sister-in-law, Barbara Mack of St. Louis and her family; great nephews and nieces, Reece and Kallie McIver of Elgin; Grady Clay and Brandi McIver of Santa Anna; Ray and Betsy Jones of Santa Anna; Sally McIver of St. Louis, Missouri; and seven great-great nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services were held December 18, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church in Ballinger, Texas for James Melton House, a former Santa Anna resident.  Mr. House died December 15, 2004 at the Runnels County Rehab Nursing Home.  Burial was in the Old Runnels Cemetery.

James Melton was born October 27, 1915 in Marlow, Oklahoma to the late G. H. and Maggie Cochran House.  Mr. House was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was a Navy veteran of WW II.  He was married to Mary Emeline Riggs, October 2, 1944 in Pecos, Texas.  She preceded him in death January 23, 1992.  Mr. House was an employee of West Texas Utilities company for over 40 years, having spent 16 years in the Santa Anna local office.  He was transferred to Ballinger in 1963 and retired as a service manager in 1985.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Mountain Lodge #661 in Santa Anna, the Eastern Star and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite, recently receiving his 50-year award.

Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Ann Roach of Austin; one son, Robert House of Grapevine; one sister, Margaret Davis of Kerrville; one brother, Glynn House of Junction; five grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Mrs. Linnie D. Scott, 84 years of age, passed away in Charlottesville, Virginia on December 16, 2004.  Services were held Monday, December 20, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating.  Interment followed under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Linnie was born July 1, 1920 the daughter of the late Clyde C. and Verba McElrath Dingus.  She was a graduate of Coleman High School and of the Draughon¹s Business College of Abilene.  She married Mr. Jack C. Scott in Coleman on September 22, 1941 and he preceded her in death in 1986.  She was a member of the Baptist Church and had lived in Raleigh, North Carolina for the past several years.  She married Eric Johanson in 2002 and later she moved to the Care Center in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Linda and Lissa; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Coleman High School graduate of 1938, Wallace Dingus.

Coney Ward Thomas, age 80, passed away December 16, 2004 in a nursing home in Houston, Texas after a courageous battle against Alzheimer¹s and congestive heart failure.  The body has been donated to Baylor College of Medicine.  Memorial services are pending at First United Methodist Church in Conroe, Texas.

Coney was born March 11, 1924 in Gouldbusk, Texas a daughter of the late Claude and Viola Trott Ward.  She married John Thomas in February, 1948.  She lived in California for many years before moving to Pano Rama Village in Conroe, Texas where she lived for 20 years.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years; two sons, Ward Thomas and wife Lolly of California and John A. Thomas and wife Amy of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Jana Thomas; and a sister, Una Ruth Underwood.

Mrs. L. L. (Nell) Connor, 86, of Ballinger died Saturday evening, December 18, 2004 at the Heritage Oaks Nursing Home in Ballinger.  Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 20, 2004 at Rains-Seale Chapel with Rev. H. G. Barnard and Rev. David Williams officiating.  Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger.

She was born September 2, 1918 in Beaumont, Texas to George W. and Mary Harrison Scarborough.  She graduated from Ballinger in 1938 and married Leonard L. Connor on May 29, 1938 in the Ballinger Carnegie Library.  They moved to Big Lake in 1957 and returned to Ballinger in 1980.  He preceded her in death on February 27, 1985.  She was a charter member of the Seventh Street Baptist Church and a full time homemaker.

She is survived by four children, Mary Slate and husband, Vernon of Coleman, Michael Connor of Winters, Barbara Connor of Ballinger and John Connor of Odessa; seven grandchildren Tressia Sturges, Vernon Slate, Jr. and wife, Rhonda, Geoffrey Connor, Jacqueline Graham, Jill McNew Ron Connor, and wife, Shelia and John Connor and wife, Janette.  Nine great grandchildren and a sister, Lucy Dennis of Snyder also survive.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Ballinger Carnegie Library, Seventh Street Baptist Church or a favorite charity.

Marie Anderson, age 85, of Voss, Texas passed away Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 12:54 p.m. the Holiday Hill Nursing Home in Coleman, Texas.  Services will be today (Tuesday) at 11:00 a.m. at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow at the Voss Cemetery under the direction of Henderson Funeral Home.

She was born Evelyn Marie McClellan on January 19, 1919 in Voss, Texas to the late Luther Haggard and Tula May Skelton McClellan.  Marie attended the Voss Schools and graduated from Mozelle High School in 1937.  On December 20, 1939, Marie married Lester Connelly Anderson in Coleman, Texas and they celebrated fifty-nine years of marriage.  Lester preceded her in death in 1998.  She was a lifetime resident of Coleman County and a member of the Voss Baptist Church.  Marie was postmaster of Voss for 20 years and a housewife.

Survivors include a son, Mac and wife Joyce Anderson of Coleman, Texas; a sister, Wanell and husband Glenn Thomas of Coleman, Texas; four grandchildren, Leslie Arnold of Voss, Texas, Lisa Birdwell of Monahans, Texas, Jody and wife Sandy Anderson of McKinney, Alan and wife Cassie Anderson of Midland, Texas; and six great-grandchildren.

Marie was preceded in death by a daughter, Evelyn LaJean Arnold in 1964 and a brother, Floyd McClellan in 2000.  Pallbearers will be Alan Anderson, Jody Anderson, Leslie Arnold, Norman Anderson, Melton Kennedy, Gary Thomas.  Honorary pallbearers include Edward Anderson, Stanley Anderson, Johnny Jamison, Glenn Thomas, Jerry Thomas, Mike Thomas.

Robert L. "Bob" Williams, 82 of Eastland, died at his residence in Eastland Sunday morning, December 19, 2004.  Funeral services were 10 a.m. Wednesday in Edwards Funeral Home, with burial following in the Eastland City Cemetery.

Mr. Williams was born November 22, 1922 in Voss, Texas (Coleman County) to Robert L., Sr. and Mattie Ruth Tankersley Williams.  He was reared in Odessa and entered the U. S. Army at the age of 17, serving during World War II in the Africa and European theatres.  He was assigned to the 36th Texas Division, Headquarters Company, 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion.  He earned five Battle Stars, serving from 1940 until his discharge in September of 1945 as a Tech Sergeant.  He returned to Odessa and worked for W. A. Lewis Plumbing Company.  In 1952, he started AABCO which he operated in Odessa until 1964 when he moved his company to Arlington, Texas and to Eastland in 1970.  He retired and closed the business in 2000 at the age of 78.  He was a member of the Men's Fellowship Bible Class and was a Mason.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ruth Taylor Williams on December 11, 1971.

He is survived by his wife of five years, Linda Carroll Gabriel Williams of Eastland; a son, Ricky L. Williams of Arlington; step-children, Kim and Roy Jackson of Abilene, Betsy and Miles Hensley of Tennessee, Butch and Pat Campbell of Sonora, Eric of Illinois, Daniel Herrington of Mineral Wells and Ronna Herrington of Arkansas; a sister, Ann Rogers of China Lake, California; brothers, Bill Whitlock and Sam Whitlock, both of Odessa; 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Imogene Graves, age 93, of Coleman, passed away Monday, December 20, 2004 at Deer Creek Care Center in Wimberly, Texas. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 26, 2004 at the First Baptist Church of Coleman with Rev. Bill Merritt, former pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating.  Burial will follow at the Coleman Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.  Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Stevens Funeral Home.

Imogene was born January 28, 1911 in Rule, Texas to Thomas Jefferson and Callie Schmidt Cole.  The family of six brothers and two sisters moved to Erath County two years later.  She helped with the farming and horse-raising and attended school at Stephenville.  W. T. Graves and Imogene were married December 21, 1927 in Stephenville and enjoyed 69 years together.  They moved to Coleman in 1929 where he was employed by the city and county school districts.  Over the years, Imogene took art and child education courses at North Texas State, Texas A & M, and the University of Colorado.  She taught at South Ward Elementary and Junction Country School.  After taking a break to have her family, she started in 1954 one of the great joys of her life, Happy Days Kindergarten, which she operated for 18 years.  During that time, she provided outstanding pre-school foundation to over 500 children.  The graduation exercises became a well-known and entertaining event in Coleman.  A life-time member of the First Baptist Church, she taught Sunday school and served in the library for many years and was a member of the Esther Class and Women¹s Missionary Union.  Imogene was a member of the Coleman County Retired Teachers Association and the Coleman Garden Club.  In her later years, she enjoyed oil painting, especially nature scenes, providing beauty for her home and those of friends and relatives.

Survivors include her son, Charles Graves of Coleman and daughter, Nancy Shaer of Austin; grandson Hassan Shaer and wife Jessica of Houston, and their children, Benjamin (4 years), Samuel (2 years), and Seth (6 months); grandson, Ryan Shaer of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are the two grandsons, Hassan and Ryan Shaer, Jack Baucom, Steve Autry, Mac Anderson, Collier Watson, Bill Hennig and Mike Holmes. Honorary pallbearers include Hurschel Dunn, Joe Johnson, Jody Payne and Dr. Skip Casey.  The family suggests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Library, Humane Society of Coleman County, or to the donor¹s favorite charity.

Mr. Rex Thomas Turney, age 82 of Santa Anna, passed away at the Bangs Nursing Home December 21, 2004.  Funeral services will be graveside today (Thursday), December 23, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the Whon Cemetery with the Rev. Bruce Hess officiating and burial to follow under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

Rex was born January 22, 1922 in Whon, the son of the late Albert Moses and Hettye Shields Turney.  In December of 1951 he married Edith "Tincy" Bible in Whon.  Rex, a lifetime Coleman County resident, was a veteran of WWII where he served in the Merchant Marines, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.  He had retired from Superior Cable and also farming and ranching.

Survivors include his wife Edith "Tincy" Turney; two daughters, Linda and husband Darwin Boscamp of Brownwood, and Becky and husband Rob Laughon of Plano; two sons, Mark and wife Marsha Turney of Whon, and Gary and wife Nancy Sudderth of Belen, New Mexico; one sister, Mrs. Leonard Matassa of Dallas.  Also surviving are four grandchildren; Denise Grant of Colleyville, Ingrid Terry of San Antonio; Matt Turney of San Angelo, and Jon Turney of Whon; and one great-grandchild, Owen Grant of Colleyville.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Mrs. Charles Armbrust, Mrs. Mickey Chilton and Hope Turney.

Mrs. Aleene Swor Johnson, 83, pased away in Coleman County Medical Center December 21, 2004.  Services are today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Stanislaw, minister of the First Baptist Church of Coleman, officiating.  Interment followed in Oplin Cemetery, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home of Coleman.

She was born October 17, 1921 to Jim and Josie Head Swor in Oplin, Texas.  She was married to Leonard Johnson in Potosi, July 26, 1936.  She rode a mule with her brothers and sisters to a one-room school, Jim Ned School.  She and Leonard move from Oplin to Novice in 1950 where they farmed and ranched, then to Coleman in 1964.  She was well known in the 1960's and 1970's as a seamstress.  She made western suits for many of Coleman's rodeo queens statewide.  She worked for Buddies #1 Convenience Store for more than 20 years, beginning in the early 1970's.  She also loved cooking and gardening.  People remember her as a kind and loving person who was always willing to help anyone in need.  She came from a long line of Texasn; the Swor family settled in Texas prior to 1845; the Bogarts in 1939; the Heads in 1950's; and the Singletons in 1828.

She is survived by her husband, Leonard of Coleman; two daughters and sons-in-law, Pat and Bob Gordon of Fort Worth, Pam and Robert Kincaid of Corpus Christi; two sons, Richard and Ellen Johnson of Novice and Larry Johnson of Oplin.  seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She is prededed in death by a grandson, Cody Johnson; two sisters, Evelyn Stansberry and Imogene Swor; and three brothers, Jake, Glen and Durward Swor.  Memorials may be made to Burkett and Oplin Cemetery Associations or Coleman Youth Center.

Jeffrey Lynn Yates, age 22, of Cross Plains, passed away December 21, 2004 in Eastland County.  Funeral services were 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 26th, 2004 at Higginbotham Funeral Chapel with Matt McGowen officiating; burial followed in the Burkett Cemetery.

He was born April 14, 1982 in Eastland to Caroline and Jerry Yates. Jeff attended school in Cross Plains.  He worked as a roughneck in the oil fields in Texas and Colorado.  He was a hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors.

He is survived by his fiancé, Chastity Goains of Cross Plains; two daughters, Kaylee Michelle Yates of Lott and Katie Marie Yates of Cross Plains; his mother, Caroline Yates of Rising Star; a brother, Chris Yates and wife, Marcie of Abilene; a sister, Lauren Truelove of San Angelo; grandmothers, Joyce Berten and Bettie Cavanaugh, both of Rising Star; one nephew, five nieces as well as aunts and uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Yates; grandfathers, David Berten and Morris Cavanaugh and a niece, Christa Yates.

Erwin Zea (E. Z.) Casey, age 98, of Greenville and former Coleman County resident, died at his residence in Greenville on Wednesday, December 22, 2004.  Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 26, 2004 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mr. Casey was born October 15, 1906 in Coleman County, a son of William Cap Casey and Mary Catherine McCulloch Casey.  He attended Bee Branch School in Coleman County.  He worked for the aircraft manufacturer E Systems and was a farmer.  He moved to Greenville in 2001 from Coleman.

Survivors include three daughters, Frances Baker of Blanket, Patsy Hampton and husband Ron of Abilene, Linda Gayle Howell of Greenville; two sons, Larry Casey and wife Wyvetta of Grosvenor, Jimmy Casey of Abilene; two sisters-in-law, Lorean Casey of Coleman and Mable Garrett; 16 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Harvey Loyd Casey, Ervin Eugene Casey, long-time caregiver and companion, Berry James, and three brothers and two sisters.

Anna Kathryn Richards, age 53, of Brownwood passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at her home.  Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday at Davis-Morris Chapel with interment following in Eastlawn Memorial Cemetery, under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home.

Mrs. Richards was born May 18, 1951 to Oliver Eugene Windham and Ola Mae Windham.  She received her RN degree in 1982.  In 1989, Kathy helped to found and continued to be the owner and administrator of CMS Health Care, Inc. until her passing.  She was diagnosed with cancer in March of 2004.

She is survived by her children, Dennis Carter and wife Melody of San Antonio, Jeanette Middleton and husband Scott of Early, Shaylor Richards of Richardson and Shana Richards of Houston; grandchildren, Bryson Powell of Early, Tylene Middleton of Early, Rodney Middleton and wife Amber of Lake Brownwood, Skyler Middleton of Early, Sasha Fry and husband Randy of Llano and Jessica Coker of Early; two great-grandchildren, Hannah Middleton of Lake Brownwood and Raina Fry of Llano; five sisters, Virginia Sue Purcell and husband Jerry of San Antonio, Neva Christner and husband Ray of Brownwood, Karen Windham of Brownwood, Deloris Horton and husband Fred of Joshua and Pam Harmes and husband Don of Coleman; one brother, Johnny Windham and wife Brenda of Glen Rose; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, David Wayne Windham.  The family asks that memorials be made to Good Samaritan Ministries.

Girlie Hagler, age 95, of Coleman, died Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at Coleman County Medical Center.  Funeral service was held 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 31, in Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Pat McClatchy officiating and eulogy given by Kay Joffrion.  Private interment followed in the Coleman City Cemetery under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Girlie Hagler was born December 4, 1909 in Gouldbusk, Texas, a daughter of Robert L. and Ida Milam George.  She grew up in Coleman and graduated from Coleman High School.  On December 26, 1929, she married Hall C. Hagler in Waurika, Oklahoma and he preceded her in death on December 23, 1990.  Girlie lived in many towns in Texas and moved to Coleman in 1972 from San Angelo.  She was a homemaker and a Methodist.

Survivors include one daughter, Shirley McDowell of Coleman; one granddaughter, Beverly and husband David Spillyards of Dallas; one great-grandson, Sam Spill-yards of Dallas; step-granddaughters, Adele McDowell, Anne McDowell and husband Kevin Flanagan, all of Connecticut: several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson Bob Searcy, Jr. and a brother, Walter George.  The family suggests memorials be made to the Humane Society.

Grace Green, age 85 of Lamesa and former Burkett resident, died Wednesday, December 29, 2004 in Lamesa.  Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 1, 2005 at Burkett Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Mrs. Green was born June 19, 1915 in Burkett, a daughter of Frank Golson and Emma Tabor Golson.  She grew up and attended school in Burkett and attended North Texas State for one year.  In 1934, she married Lenton Brown in Santa Anna.  He preceded her in death in 1942.  She later married Bill Green in 1947 in San Angelo.  He also preceded her in death.  Mrs. Green moved back to Burkett in 1982 from San Angelo and moved to Lamesa several years ago.  She worked in the Lakeview schools as a cafeteria cook, worked in various nursing homes and a child care center for 15 years.  She was a member of the Burkett Methodist Church.

Survivors include three children, Lenton Ross Brown of Grapevine, Virginia Armistead of Lamesa, Frank Green of Goodyear, Arizona; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by four sisters and five brothers.

Norma Lorene Wilson of Durango, Colorado passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2004.  Norma lost her fight to cancer in Durango.  The Good Lord wanted her beautiful soprano voice in His Heavenly Choir.  The body was cremated.  A memorial service will be held later in Brownwood with burial to follow in the Oakview Cemetery in Mullin.

Norma was born May 20, 1945 in Goldthwaite, Texas to M/Sgt Norman Clyde and Olga Lorene Buckelew Kelly.  She attended schools in San Angelo, Brownwood and Coleman.

She is survived by her daughter, Fawn Dennise Miller and grandson, Michael Angelo Miller of Durango; her mother, Olga Lorene Lafontaine of Brownwood; her father, Norman Clyde Kelly and wife Ann of Fort Collins, Colorado; two brothers, Norman Clyde Kelly, Jr. and wife Paula of Harlingen and Stephen Kelly; two sisters, Ingrid and Haldis of Fort Collins, Colorado; aunts and uncles, Henry and Patsy Storey of Early, O. C. and Vickie Crawford of Lake Brownwood, Norman and Jo Spurlock of San Antonio, Mildred Lewis, Catherine Shugart of Caddo Mills, Robert and Yoko Kelly of Fort Worth, and Viola Swinney of Paradise, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; special friends, Mark and Hulda Burgar of Temple, and others in Temple, Belton, Coleman and Colorado.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Leroy Buckelew, Lorina and L. T. Spivey, Jessie and L. N. Kelly and Willie Spurlock; step-mother Raquel Kelly; step-father Luther V. Spurlock; step-father Laurie Joseph Lafontaine; uncles, Leroy Buckelew, Herman Buckelew, J. T. Spivey, Edgar Lee Spivey, Gilbert Spurlock, Leo Lafontaine, Lester Lafontaine; aunts, Exa Mae Vogel, Phyrne Lafontaine, Helen Spivey Fung, Juanita Spivey Scrivner; and cousins, Steve Storey, Roger Dale Buckelew, Edna Irene Buckelew, Roy Leonard Buckelew and Gilbert Spurlock, Jr.

Hilda Lou Dick, 90, of Abilene died Thursday, December 30, 2004 at her residence.  Funeral services were 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 2nd at First Baptist Church in Tuscola, with Reverend John Hogan officiating.  Burial followed in the Tuscola Cemetery, directed by Fry-Bartlett Funeral Home in Tuscola.

Hilda was born September 6, 1914 in Oplin to Harvey Houston and Judie Gotcher Henson.  In 1953, she moved to Abilene from Lawn and worked for the Abilene State School from 1953 until she retired in 1976.  She was a member of the Berry Lane Baptist Church in Abilene.  Preceding her in death were her parents; one daughter, Wanda Shirlene Dick Crockett; one son, Garland Dick; and one great-grandson, Jordan McNutt.

Survivors include two sons, L. D. "Sonny" Dick of Abilene and Ronald Weldon "Ronnie" Dick and wife Penny of Goldsboro; two daughters, Brenda Jackson and husband Gary of Christoval and Lynda Bowers and husband Bob of Clyde; one brother, Gerald Henson of Monahans; one sister, Theda Richards of Grapevine; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Bertie H. Harless, age 92, of Clyde, died Thursday, December 30, 2004 at a local care center.  Services were 2 p.m. Saturday at Bailey Funeral Chapel with Reverend H.B. Terry officiating.  Burial followed in the Clyde Cemetery, directed by Bailey Funeral Home.

Mrs. Harless was born August 15, 1912 in Silver Valley in Coleman County to William and Alice (Ryan) Honea.  She was one of ten children in the Honea family.  She attended schools in the Loraine area.  She moved to Clyde from Loraine in 1947.  She was married to Cecil Harless, on June 19, 1955.  He preceded her in death.  She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Clyde.

Survivors include two daughters, Sue Glover and Wanda Medley, both of Clyde; one son, Douglas May and wife, Johanna of Clyde; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one grandson, Mike Glover.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79602.

Eva May Farmer, 79, of Austin passed away at her home on Wednesday night, December 29, 2004 after a lengthy illness.  Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 2, at 2:00 pm at Stevens Funeral Home, Chaplain John Swedlund officiating.  Interment followed in the Coleman Cemetery, under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

She was born on August 13, 1925 in Coleman County, Texas, grew up on the Morris ranch, and moved to Austin in 1942 when she married her husband, Bill Farmer, who preceded her in death in 1999.  She remained an Austin resident until her death.  She was an employee of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and retired in 1987.  Eva was a woman who placed God first and foremost in her life.  She was a devoted wife and mother, who truly cherished her family.  She opened her home to numerous family members and friends through the years, and many viewed her as their "second mom."  Her spiritual guidance was an inspiration to all who knew her.  She spent her life devoting herself to the needs of others and always placed her needs last.  She was a woman who you could always depend on.  Eva had a wonderful sense of humor.  Throughout her entire life she could always bring a smile to your face, and warmth to your heart.  She was also an avid animal lover.  She enjoyed the company of her cute pug dogs, and she will surely be missed by them.  Our beloved mother is at peace with God after a very long illness.  The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Hans Haydon and his staff for their support during these past 8 years. 

She is survived by her son, Marlin Farmer and wife, Deedie; her daughter, Debra Barton and husband, Don; her sister, Nina Adylotte; her brother, Mickey Smith and wife, Gussie; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and many relatives including a local aunt, Ila Todd Sorrells.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Arlin Farmer.

Myrtie Lee Bethel, 87, died Friday, December 31, 2004 in an Abilene hospital.  Graveside services were 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 3rd, 2005 in Dewey Cemetery, with Reverend Mindy McLanhan officiating, directed by Fry-Bartlett Funeral Home in Tuscola.

Myrtie Lee was born September 16, 1917 to James Porter and Anna Bell Brown Howard in Content.  She married Loney Bethel April 29, 1942 in Bay City.  She and her husband lived in Indiana prior to moving to Lawn in 1960.  She owned Myrtie¹s Beauty Shop for several years and assisted her husband in operating Loney¹s Cafe, Highway Cafe and Little Pit Bar-B-Que, all in Lawn, retiring in 1992.  She was a Baptist.  Preceding her in death were her parents; one son, Raymond Lee Bethel; two brothers and four sisters.

Survivors include her husband, Loney Bethel of Abilene; two sons, John W. Bethel and wife Shirley of Abilene and Ronnie Bethel and wife Beckey of Coleman; one brother, Robert "Shorty" Howard of Abilene; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.