Nell Barnhill

Nell Barnhill, 92, of Clarendon, died Monday, February 13, 2012.

Graveside services were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2012, at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Dr. Darin Davis officiating.  Arrangements were by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo.

Ruth Nell Williams was born in Dalhart to Dallam County Pioneers, Jack and Ethel Williams.  Nell was a vivacious beauty and reigned as XIT Queen.  She also worked for the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce.

She married Gary Barnhill on April 8, 1939.  Nell and Gary lived in Turkey until 1955, when they moved to Clarendon.

Nell was always a working partner in their family businesses, the Farmer’s Supply and the Sandell and Mulkey Theatres.  She helped choose movies to be shown and mailed movie calendars to Clarendon and area residents.  She was the pretty smile and the wonderful laugh at the ticket booth for both theatres.  Nell also made the delicious barbeque that was a hit of the snack bar.

After retiring from her duties at the Sandell, Nell enjoyed playing golf, bridge and poker with her special “girl friends.”  She was a great cook, an avid gardener and had the gift of making her home beautiful and comfortable for all.  Her family especially loved to come to “Nonnie’s” and crash.  Nell had a beautiful voice and served as choir director in the First Presbyterian Church of Clarendon for many years.

She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Gary; her parents, Jack and Ethel; and her siblings Jack, Irma and Lois.

Surviving Nell are daughters, Sandi Harris and Adele Lee and their families; grandchildren, Tami Logsdon, Darin Davis, Gary and Tripp Sherr; and eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Nell: Ware Living Center, especially the staff of Cherry II, Nancy Owens of Clarendon, the “amazing angels” at BSA Hospice, Allen Arvello and Dr. Stenhouse.