Obituaries

Jack Arnold Moreman, 87, of Clarendon died August 16, 2022, in Southlake, Texas.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022, Rowe Cemetery in Hedley with Chris Downer officiating. Viewing will be held Friday at the funeral home with family receiving friends for visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Jack was born June 15, 1935, in Hedley, to Ray and Oleta Moreman. He graduated from Hedley High School and attended Clarendon College where he graduated with an associate degree. Later, he graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry as well as a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education. While at Tech, Jack was employed by the Department of Animal Husbandry at the Beef Cattle Center and was also the Horse Herdsman. After graduating, he went to work for the Texas Animal Health Commission doing Bangs testing in Jeff Davis, Brewster, and Presidio counties in far West Texas.

Jack went into the U.S. Army where he trained with the Ninth Infantry Division in Fort Carson, Colorado. He served with the Eighth Army in Korea and with the Fourth Army in Fort Hood, Texas. While still in the U.S. Army, Jack married the love of his life, Fredie Jo Carter on June 12, 1959. Two children came out of this marriage, Phillip Wesley and Melody Gay.

After release from the Army, Jack worked as the manager of the Doneghy Ranches in Wellington, and Henryetta, Oklahoma for 8 years. Jack was also Feedlot Manager of the Alpha-Omega Feedyard in Hereford, a 40,000 head feedyard and 8,000 head summer programs in New Mexico and Colorado. Jack became the Assistant Director of the Ranch Management Program at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, for two years.

Jack later became the Manager of the JA Cattle Company in Palo Dura, Texas and Colorado. He left the ranch to become the Director of the Ranch and Feedlot Program at Clarendon College in 1974 and retired from that position in 1994. He then devoted his time to L&M Seed Company and Rolling Plains Ag Compost Inc., where he took care of nine feedyard’s manure, making compost of the manure and applying to farms and ranch land. Jack eventually sold the equipment and inventory in 2017 and retired at 84 years old.

Jack served 38 years on the Donley County Soil and Water Conservation District board as the Vice President, and he received the Conservation Business Man award in 2018 at the district convention. Jack also served for over 20 years on the Clarendon College Board of Regents as well as on the Selective Service Board. He was awarded the Pioneer of the Year in 2014 from the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce. Jack was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and he was the Commander of the American Legion, Post 287 Adamson-Lane in Hedley, TX. He was also a lifetime member of the Methodist Church, serving as Financial Chairman. He attended the Walk to Emmaus and was involved in the Kairo’s Prison Ministry.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Fredie Jo Moreman; son, Phillip Moreman; daughter, Melody Sanderson and her husband Brent Sanderson, three grandchildren and their spouses Megan Baldock and her husband Hayden, Matt Sanderson and his wife Chandler, Mallory Hennessy and her husband Brandon. He had four great grandchildren, Rory Baldock, Adrinna Sanderson, Witt Sanderson and Lincoln Hennessy.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Ruth Word Robinson, 93, of Clarendon died Wednesday, August 10, 2022, in Clarendon.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 19, 2022 (on her 94th birthday) in the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Terry Tamplen, officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Viewing will be held Thursday, August 18, 2022, at the funeral home with the family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Ruth was born August 19, 1928, in Clarendon to William Marvin and Charlie May Taylor Patman. She was a lifelong resident of Clarendon where she was a graduate of Clarendon High School and Clarendon College. She then attended West Texas State University where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and was voted Personality Queen and Sun Bowl Princess. She married Robertson Ingham Word on June 25, 1949 and he preceded her in death on May 10, 1973. Ruth had a rewarding teaching and counseling career, working at Idalou, Pleasant Valley, Vernon, Hereford, and Clarendon Jr. College. She later married Joe Frank Robinson on January 21, 1977 and he preceded her in death on March 22, 2017. Ruth was involved in many organizations in Clarendon where she served as President of the Saints’ Roost Museum board from 1999-2002, member of the Clarendon College Board of Regents, Friends of the Library, Red Hatters Society, Donley County Historical Commission, and the Donley County Courthouse Lighting Committee to name a few. She was a proud relative of Col. Charles Goodnight and was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church.

Ruth was loved by many, and she loved deeply in return. Some of her favorite loves include, of course, her family, her friends, and the many students whose lives she touched over the years. But also Clarendon College, the First United Methodist Church of Clarendon, and the Willard Skelton Sunday School class. She got a particular delight playing Rummy Dummy with her friends, entertaining Goodnight relatives at the Saints’ Roost Chuckwagon Cook-off, and watching (and loudly cheering for) Patrick Mahomes. And we would be remiss if we failed to mention her abiding affection for Sonic ice, clearance sales at Talbots and Dillards, Snickers chocolate bars, and Diet Coke.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; a stepson, Jim Robinson; a step son-in-law, Ronny Longan; and three brothers, Ardis, Allen, and Billy Patman.

She is survived by her son, Bill Word of Clarendon; her daughter, Libby Talley and husband Billy of Amarillo; her stepchildren, Jack Robinson and wife Susan of Amarillo, Joe Robinson, Jr. of Junction, and Janny Longan of Howardwick; 14 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family requests that memorials be sent to the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon.

Katherine Sue (Sanders) Ariola, 81, of Clarendon passed away on August 6, 2022.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 12, 2022, at Clarendon Church of the Nazarene in Clarendon, with Allen Posey officiating. Burial will be at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo.

Katherine Sue (Sanders) Ariola was a wonderful woman that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Our “MawMaw” as she liked to be called by her grand boys, was also an amazing wife, mom, grandmom, great-grandmom, sister and certainly a friend to all she met.

Katherine’s story starts on February 5, 1941. She was born to Hugh and Oneta Sanders. Katherine started her life as the headstrong and independent woman everyone knew her to be, entering this world before the physician arrived in Antelope Flat, Texas, and unbeknownst to all, she was not the only one born that day. She was a twin.

She spent her childhood on the farm, learning hard work, honesty, and integrity that farm life so freely teaches. Her school years were in Lakeview, a heritage that she was proud of. She graduated from Lakeview High School as valedictorian of her class. It is there that she met the love of her life, James Bruce Ariola. Bruce’s sister Elly Mae, and Katherine were childhood BFFs. Elly wanted nothing more than to make Katherine “family,” so as to continue the lifelong friendship. And that she did. With her best matchmaking skills, she introduced Katherine to Bruce, and the rest is history. Katherine and Bruce were married in Memphis, Tx at the home of Glen and Shirlene Sanders on December 20, 1958. They started their lives out in Lakeview, as owners and operators of a laundromat and a blacksmith shop.

In 1959, Katherine and Bruce started their family with their firstborn, Kathy Lenae, followed by Janice Renee in 1960, Jaci Sulynn in 1963, and James “BO” Allen in 1969.

Katherine and Bruce fulfilled their lifelong dream of buying a farm in Brice. Together they spent many hardworking years on the family cotton, turned fish farm. Katherine and Bruce faced some gut-wrenching financial/legal struggles on the farm. Her valedictorian skills came in handy in those struggles. In a legal battle to save the farm, and without funds for an attorney, she bought a used set of law books at a garage sale, studied them intensely, and prepared and defended their case before a judge. They walked out of that courtroom victorious—case dismissed. Even through all her struggles and heartaches, never once did she give up hope, or become bitter.

Katherine could dress up to look like a beauty queen, or she could put on work clothes (with Mary Kay makeup, of course) and work the fields and fishponds with the best of them. She could attend Mary Kay ballroom parties or be in cut-off shorts and flip-flops catching rattlesnakes. She was a parts runner, a cotton trailer puller, an irrigation pipe mover, a gardener, a bookkeeper, and everything else farm life demanded. She worked that farm very hard alongside Bruce; however, her “selling ice to an Eskimo” skill was also used productively to help support the farm. Sales in luggage, glassware, jewelry, healthcare products, and finally Mary Kay helped tremendously in farm finances. She was so very proud of her two Mary Kay cars.

She was an amazing cook, and everyone knew and looked forward to delicious homemade meals served at her table. She could even make a fried bologna sandwich taste like the best thing you ever put in your mouth. She could catch, clean, fillet and cook catfish in her sleep and wow – it was incredible. So much so that the family finds it hard to even enjoy catfish elsewhere.

Katherine was no stranger to hardships, pain, and struggles. She buried not one, but two children, Kathy at the young age of 6 years old, and Bo at age 20, in a horrific tragedy, and then finally, her husband Bruce in 2012.
While she was staunch and fierce in her pursuit of what is right and good, she was a loving, kind, gentle soul, that even in her deepest grief, always thought of others first. There were a few times in her life, that she did not have an authentic and beautiful smile on her face – and that smile could and would light up the room. She made every person in her presence feel important and, most of all, loved.

Katherine dreamed of travel and that dream became reality in her and Bruce’s retirement years. A strange twist of fate through a hunting lease turned reverse mortgage type situation afforded Katherine and Bruce the financial freedom to travel, but more importantly, birthed an extraordinary and deep friendship. Katherine so often spoke fondly of the memories of their travels, but even more fondly of their special friend, Bart (whom she thought of and loved like a son). She always believed that was a Devine appointment and intervention ordained directly by God.

Katherine’s boys were her heart, her pride and joy—-Three grand boys, followed by five great-grand boys. There’s no denying that her boys, as she called them, were the people that she loved the most. Time spent at MawMaw’s house was very special for her boys, with so many precious lifelong memories made. Her nieces and nephews were just one step behind the “boys”—she loved them all dearly and always welcomed them as her own.

Loved ones that cleared the path for Katherine, are her parents, Hugh and Oneta, her two children, Kathy and Bo, and the love and light of her life, her husband, Bruce. Other loved ones that preceded her in death were her sisters-in-law, Judy Sanders, Shirley Hodges and Elly Gillespie.

Loved ones that will miss Katherine until they meet again are her two daughters, Janice Harvey, and SuLynn Mester and husband Randy; her grand boys, Matthew Brandes and son Ky, Joshua Brandes and wife Laura and sons, Zach, Hannon and Sloan, Kris Ariola and wife Taylor and son Tanner; her siblings, Leonard Sanders and wife Edna, Kenneth Sanders and wife Lois, and Larry Sanders; bonus “brothers” Robert Sanders and wife Linda, and Carl Sanders; sister-in-law, Lajuana Tucker, along with many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

Sign the online guestbook at www.boxwellbrothers.com.

Norma Raye Taylor-Hall was born in Levelland to Arthur Raymond Taylor and Essie Mae McDonald-Bushert on August 29, 1950. She passed away peacefully on July 31, 2022 at the age of 71.

Family directed memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. in the Howardwick Baptist Church with Randy Schraider officiating.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

She travelled the state as a result of her father being in the oil business. She eventually settled in Fort Worth with her mother after her father passed away when she was only nine years old. After pursuing a career in the hotel industry like her mother she met and instantly fell in love with Larry Dale Hall of Azle in 1978 and married on Valentine’s Day 1979.

She had a nurturing spirit to all and many called her mother. She and Larry served several years in maternity homes in Texas and Arizona ministering and being loving house parents to many young women. Many lives were changed by her Christ-like love and unwavering kindness.

She was a highly skilled artist in both pencil and paint. Although she would insist that she wasn’t that was just her genuinely humble self.

She was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Taylor, mother Essie Mae McDonald-Bushert; two daughters and a stepbrother.

She is survived by her husband Larry Dale Hall of Clarendon, son Britton Hall and wife Tiffany of Borger, and three very loved grandchildren.

Carolyn Sue Ward Shults, 72, of Clarendon, passed away on July 28, 2022, in her home surrounded by loved ones.

Services were held at Robertson Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon on Tuesday, August 02, 2022.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon.

Carolyn was born on June 19, 1950, to Albert and Celeste Ward in Memphis.

After graduating from Estelline High School in 1968, she dedicated her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend.

Carolyn was passionate about family. When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she was cooking her family’s favorite foods, sewing, crocheting, and fishing. We will miss her greatly.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Shirley Foster, and her grandson Zachary Chapman.

She is survived by her children, Cindy Shults and husband Lonnie, Jennifer Floyd and husband Tony, Kristi Shults and husband Andy, Michael Shults and wife Marie, Dawna Hearon, and Robin McCullough and husband Jake, her siblings, Marie Davis, Willie Mae Maddox, Henrietta Montgomery, and Albert Ward, Jr., as well as many grand- and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family requests donations be sent to the Shriners Hospital, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, and the National MS Society in lieu of flowers.

Billie M. Bumpus, 97, of Clarendon passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, in her home.

Memorial services are scheduled for Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Rob Seale officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Billie M. Bumpus was born on April 3, 1925, in Preston Bend, Texas, to Posey Lee and Myrtle (Eason) Bennett. After graduating from Preston Bend schools, Billie married J.E. Bumpus in Dennison, Texas, in 1947. She was a homemaker and lovingly kept her grandchildren and other children in her home. Billie moved to Clarendon in 1978, and deeply enjoyed being a member of Calvary Baptist Church where her love for the Bible grew even more.

Billie enjoyed bowling and was an avid sports fan. She loved cheering on her favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.E. Bumpus; daughter, Kathy Small; a half-brother; and three sisters.

She is survived by two sons, Scott Bumpus of Clarendon, Michael Bumpus and wife, Sharon, of Joshua, Texas; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Billie Floetta Oatman, 92, formerly of Quail, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022, in Clarendon.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Quail Cemetery with Ronnie Lambert officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Billie Floetta (Thomas) Oatman was born on June 23, 1930, in Donley County, TX, to Robert Samuel and Nancy Elizabeth (Frost) Thomas. Billie married Ross Hardy Oatman on December 21, 1951, in Hedley. She was a lifelong resident of Quail until she moved to Clarendon 10 years ago. Billie was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Wellington, and previously of Quail Baptist Church and Ring Missionary Baptist Church.

Billie had a lengthy career in the Postal Service where she served the Quail community as the Postmaster for many years. She was also a dedicated farm wife and loving mother to her three children. Billie enjoyed sewing, quilting, and crocheting. She also enjoyed many dear friendships as a member of the Quail Future Homemakers club.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Nancy Thomas and husband, Ross Oatman.

She is survived by two sons, Tommy Ross Oatman of Kingman, Arizona, Harvey Oatman of Clarendon, and a daughter Lenora Barnes of Perryton, Texas. She leaves behind 10 beloved grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Quail Cemetery.

Sign our online guest book at www.robertsonfuneral.com.

Clovis Howard McCary was born December 17, 1938, to Henry Robert Lee and Lillie Mae McCary. He passed from this earthly home to heavenly home on July 10, 2022. He was 83 years young.

Family Directed Memorial Service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022, in the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Bruce Howard and Rev. Stephania Gilkey, officiating.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Clovis graduated from May High School in May, Texas in 1957. He worked in the family gas station, dairy, and as a mechanic. Clovis married Geraldine King. They had two children, Gwendolyn and Joe Brian. During these years they lived in Ft Worth, Texas, while working for ARA in Ft Worth.

In 1968, Clovis married Flora Emily Silvers. They attended Clarendon College, both graduating with their associate’s degree. Clovis and Emily then received their bachelor’s degree of science in teachers education from Tarleton University. Clovis worked as a roughneck in the oil field, while living in May, Texas. They had one daughter, April Dawn McCary, in 1970.

Clovis’s first teaching job was in Rising Star, Texas. He was principal and coach at Lakeview ISD in Lakeview, Texas. In 1974, Clovis and Emily brought their Homestead 15 miles northeast of Clarendon, Texas, where they currently still lived at his death. Every year, Clovis would start to build their new home and every year he would find another piece of property to buy making his home go on the back burner…. Until he had acquired approximately 2.75 sections of land and then he built his dream home. During these days he taught/coached at Quail ISD, Hedley ISD, Shamrock ISD and Lefors ISD. Clovis finished his career at Texas Department of Criminal Justice teaching small engines and horticulture. Clovis was well respected and loved by his “kids” that he coached throughout the years, and they continued to communicate until the day he died.

Clovis loved running, basketball, track, people, his ranch and all animals… especially dogs.

Clovis is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Lily Mae; his sister, C.C. Lohman; his brothers, Carl and Edd McCary; and his son Joe Brian McCary.

Clovis is survived by his wife Flora Emily Silvers McCary; his oldest daughter, Gwendolyn McCary of Lubbock, Texas, his youngest daughter, April Dawn McCary Hampton and her husband, Jason Hampton, of Amarillo, Texas. He is survived by grandchildren, John Hurley and wife, Selena, of Tolar, Texas, Tyrel Hurley of Lubbock, Texas, Jesse Nicole Hurley Ragan and husband, Joshua, of Lubbock, Texas, Jacob King McCary of Clarendon, Emily Bryce McCary of Quail, Texas and her fiancé, Justin Dillman, and Bently Hampton of Amarillo, Texas. He also has five great grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Clovis is also survived by special nieces, nephews, all of his “kids” he had coached throughout the years, and many special close friends.

Rynlee Dawn Burrow, infant daughter of Byron and Caitlyn Burrow, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 3, 2022.

Services were held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Joe Neal Shadle and Josey Shadle, officiating. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Rynlee was born December 29, 2021, in Amarillo to Byron and Caitlyn Burrow. Rynlee was known for her big smile that could light up and change anyone’s day. She had the biggest blue eyes with the longest eyelashes that everyone always commented on. Even though her momma always said she would never have a girl in bows, Rynlee changed that, and she nearly always had a pretty little bow on her head. She loved being outside, boat rides, riding in the jeep, and going to the lake. She was always a go-getter and loved recently enjoying the 4th of July parade with all her family and the community. She had the three best bubbas in the world and loved her Mommy and Daddy with all her heart.

Rynlee is survived by her Mommy and Daddy, Byron and Caitlyn Burrow of Clarendon; her three bubbas, Jesse Burrow, Nolan Burrow, and Weston Burrow all of Clarendon; her maternal grandparents, Clay and Tammy Christopher of Clarendon; her maternal great grandparents, Larry and Juanice Christopher and James Watts all of Clarendon and Tommy Stegall and wife Debbie of Pampa; her paternal grandparents, Calvin and Beverly Burrow of Clarendon; her aunts and uncles, Sabrina and Tony Willis of Bivins, Texas, Catrina and Neil Leeper of Clarendon, and Elizebeth Christopher of Pampa; and numerous extended family.

Nova Robert “Bob” Hutton, 79, of Centennial, Colorado, peacefully passed away on July 01, 2022, due to complications related to Covid.

Bob was born on December 9, 1942, in Elk City, Oklahoma, to Nova and Ruby (McCoy) Hutton. The death of his father in 1953 forced Bob to take on many adult responsibilities, including caring for his younger siblings, Billy Joe and Gayla Sue. Although Bob did not have an easy life growing up, he always found ways to find (or make) fun in spite of his circumstances. Bob graduated from Clarendon High School in 1961 and maintained close relationships with many of his classmates.

Bob married Linda Winkcompleck in 1962. Their daughters, Robin and Holly, were born in 1964 and 1968, respectively. After attending classes at night for seven years, while working full-time and helping to raise his family, Bob graduated from West Texas State University in 1969. One of his proudest accomplishments was becoming a Certified Public Accountant; he loved to tell people that CPA stood for “cleaning, pressing and alterations”. Although Bob’s career started in accounting, he went on to pursue other areas in the oil and gas industry; ultimately, opening his own consulting firm.

Bob was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive father. Robin and Holly proudly claim the title “Daddy’s Girl” and are grateful for his involvement in their lives. In addition, Bob is adored by his grandchildren Sean, Bryndan, K’leigh, Sarah and his “bonus” grandchildren Sarah B. and Matthew.

After moving to Colorado, Bob met and married Barbara Kramer, and they spent nearly 33 wonderful years together. He loved Barb’s daughters, Beth and Kathy, as his own and was happy to help them in any way he could.

Travel was one of Bob’s favorite activities. He logged millions of airline miles and maintained his Hilton “Diamond” status with his travels to Europe, Hawaii, numerous locations in the Continental US, Mexico City and Kuwait. Bob was an avid cyclist and enjoyed riding the beautiful Colorado trails with his beloved, Barb. Their evening walks around the neighborhood were a daily highpoint for them.

Bob was a fun-loving, gentle and kind man. He was fiercely passionate about treating people with respect and kindness and left his mark wherever he went. Known as a “true southern gentleman”, Bob leaves a legacy and example for all of us to emulate.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Kramer, his parents, Nova and Ruby Hutton, and his siblings, Joe Hutton and Gayla Boshart.

He is survived by Robin Stout, her husband Dennis, and their children Sean his wife, Rebecca, and Sarah Stout; Holly Arredondo, her husband, Gerald, and their children Bryndan, his wife, Destiny, and K’Leigh Arredondo and her girlfriend, Veronica Garcia; brother-in-law, Ray Boshart, “bonus” daughters, Beth Kramer; Kathy Brazier, her husband, Craig, “bonus” grandchildren, Sarah and Matthew Brazier, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Highlands Ranch, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, https://www.calfarley.org/.