Obituaries

Billie Nell Sharp Shaffer, 92, of Clarendon died on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, in Amarillo.

Services were held on Monday, June 3, 2019, in the Robertson Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Billie was born August 18, 1926, in Clarendon to Carl and Clara Risley Harris. She grew up in Clarendon and had lived in Florida for 19 years prior to moving back to Clarendon in 1983. She enjoyed doing a lot of genealogy work.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack H. Shaffer; and a daughter, Debra Dupry.

She is survived by her son, David Sharp of Clarendon; a daughter Jennifer Wing of Florida; 8 grandchildren; and several extended family.

Memorials can be made to a favorite charity.

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Services for Betty Jo Hester will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica, officiating. Burial will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Betty Jo was born to Clay Adam and Lela Mae Houchen Risenhoover on September 10, 1929, in Seminole, Oklahoma. She married Rogers Franklin Hester on June 26, 1947, in Amarillo and together they had three children. She had many talents and was excellent at cooking, baking, sewing, crocheting, knitting, gardening, canning, and making quilts that continue to keep her family and friends warm. She was good at everything and she did it all. Helpmate to husband, Rogers, in everything he did. Very loving to her eight granddaughters and 17 great grandchildren. They all loved and learned so much from their Meme.

She had a servant’s heart and served her family, church family, and community well. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at a young age and was a good and faithful servant her whole life. She was a life-long Christian in the Baptist church, and a charter member of Community Fellowship Church of Clarendon. Betty and Rogers spent much time helping to build this church from its inception.

She was preceded in death by her lifelong partner and husband, Rogers Franklin Hester; parents, Clay and Lela Mae Risenhoover; brothers, J.M. Risenhoover, C.A. Risenhoover, Theo Risenhoover, Kenneth Risenhoover, Aubrey Risenhoover, and Edwin Risenhoover; sisters, Oletha Fox, Helen McDade, and Katherine Dunham; sister-in-law, Cymantha Earl; brother-in-law, John Hester.

She is survived by one son, two daughters, eight granddaughters, and 17 great-grandchildren. Son, Rogers “Butch” Hester wife Linda and two daughters, Sherelle (husband Kenneth Wanderscheid, son Zachary and wife Alexa, and daughter BreeLin); Shayla (husband Stephen Spisak, sons Trevor and Devin). Two daughters: Gail Greer and daughters Krystal (husband Max Seymour, daughters Allison and Ashley), and Kandice (husband Chris Norrid, daughter Temperance). Pat McCurdy husband Dickie and four daughters, Lesley (husband Dusty Harris, daughters Hailey and Kaitey); Lori (husband Dustin Guinn, daughters Keilee, Lexi, and Mylee); Lindy (husband Jerry Billington, daughters Baylor and Berklee, and son Braxton); Lacy (husband Seth Hall, son Parker, and daughter Rilynn). Sister, Audrey Braddy; sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Rutherford and husband Raymond, Rita Risenhoover, Dorothy Risenhoover, and Sondra Hester; brother-in-law, Vernon Earl; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family and a host of friends.

Just like the quilts she made, she was the fabric of our beginnings, weaving threads of kindness, stitching us together with laughter, understanding, and forgiveness. She bound our hearts with fond memories and quilted us together with love. Her love for all believers in Christ, who built and established the Community Fellowship Church, remained uncompromised right to the day she went home to be with our Lord.

On Tuesday, May 14, 2019, Johnny E. Leathers, 98, went to be with the Lord.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2019, in First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Brother Richard Leathers and Rev. Larry Capranica, officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Johnny was born in Clarendon to D.E. and Grace Batson Leathers on April 11, 1921. He attended school at Lelia Lake before transferring to Clarendon, where he graduated from high school in 1939. As a high school student, he enjoyed showing calves and won many awards one of which was Grand Champion. His family won a contest sponsored by the Ft. Worth Star Telegram in 1940 to become known as America’s Most Typical All American family. He joined the US Navy during World War II, where he served as a Navy Corpsman with the 4th Division Marine Corps. After the war, he finished college at Texas Tech University in 1950. He married Betty Murray from Gatesville that same year. They were married until her death in 1981. He married Melba Brown in 1985.

Johnny was a school teacher and farmer. He began his career teaching Agriculture at Tulia, and then transferred to Hedley where he taught junior high science. Finally, he transferred to Clarendon ISD, where he taught junior high science for over 25 years. He truly cared for his students. He retired from teaching in 1985.

He was active with the Boy Scouts in the 1960s as an assistant Scout Master. He was a Christian who loved the Lord. He was very active in the First Baptist Church in Clarendon, where he was a Deacon, and Chairman of Deacons.
He loved his family and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his two sons, Richard and his wife Angela of Bonham, and David of Tulsa, Okla.; three grandchildren, Amber, Timothy and his wife Krystal, and Matthew; six great grandchildren, Antonio, Jackson, Emma, Ian, James, and Maddox. He also leaves behind many friends and family. We want to thank Gina and Karen from Heart to Heart Hospice for their wonderful care of Johnny during his last months.

He was preceded in death by his parents, D.E. and Grace Leathers; a sister, Jean Williams; first wife, Betty, second wife, Melba Brown, and daughter-in-law, Lorrie Leathers.

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Betty Jo “G.G.” Morgan, 89, of Hedley, passed away on Sunday, May, 2019.

Services were held May 7, 2019 in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Anthony Knowles, officiating. Burial followed in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley.

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

Betty was born December 2, 1929, in Hall County, Texas, to Benjamin Leslie and Myrtle Mae Spear. She attended school at Lakeview and Hedley. On July 29, 1947, she married Homer Lee “Sam” Morgan in Hedley.

Betty began working for the U.S. Postal Service in 1962 and was later appointed Postmaster of the Hedley Post Office in 1977. She was a member of the Hedley Lioness Club and the First Baptist Church. Betty enjoyed reading, gardening and going out to supper with her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Morgan; a son, Danny Morgan; a brother, Benny Spear; and a sister, Peggy Stevens.

Survivors include her daughter, Rhonda Ann Shaw and husband Randy of Hedley; a sister, Erma Jean Bailey of Slaton, Texas; a granddaughter, La Rae Alexander and husband Justin of Hedley; a grandson, Ben Shaw of Amarillo; two great-granddaughters, Bryn and Blair Alexander, both of Hedley; a brother-in-law, Julius Stevens of Tulia; and several nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials be to Rowe Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 213, Hedley, TX 79237 or the Hedley Fire Department, P.O. Box 185, Hedley, Texas 79237.

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Billy Mood Powell, 88, of Claude died Thursday, April 18, 2019 in Claude.

Services were held Tuesday in the Claude United Methodist Church with Rev. Rhea Bullock, officiating. Burial followed in Channing Cemetery in Channing.

Arrangements are by Robertson Claude Chapel.

Billy was born June 14, 1930, in Amarillo at St. Anthony’s Hospital to Trevor and Jennie Rose Powell of Channing. He graduated from Channing High School in 1947 and Texas Tech University in 1955 with a BS degree in Animal Husbandry. During High School and College, Billy was a cowboy and worked for different ranches including Bivins Coldwater Cattle Company, Matador and LS Ranches. He served his country in the US Army for 2 years active duty 1952-1954 in Korea during the Korean War and then 6 years in active reserves. Billy was a 50 year member of the Clarendon Masonic Lodge #700. He was a 32nd degree member of Lubbock Scottish Rite and Shrine Khiva Temple in Amarillo. He was a Past Patron of Clarendon and Hedley Eastern Star and Past Master of the Clarendon and Hedley Masonic Lodges.

Billy met the love of his life, Albertena (Tena) Ruth and was married in 1973. They moved to Hedley for 7 years, then moved to a small orchard and home near Goodnight, where Tena sold fruit and did sewing. In 2000, Billy retired after 27 years with the General Land office. He was an appraiser for the Veterans Land Board.

He was preceded in death by his wife Tena; and 2 sons, Hank and Billy.

He is survived by four sons and wives, Robert and June of Amarillo, Tom and Debbie of Amarillo, Tony and Cindy of Seattle, Washington, and Jimmy and Becky of Houma, Louisiana; a cousin, Jackie Robertson of Elysian Fields, Texas; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to the Shriners Burn Center in Houston.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Shirley Katherine Miller, 75, of Amarillo (formerly of Clarendon) died on Sunday, April 21, 2019, in Amarillo, Texas.
Services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, in the Robertson Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with C.W. Parker, officiating.

Arrangements & Cremation are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Shirley was born December 23, 1943, in Chickasha, Okla., to Tolbert and Laura Cline Anthony. She married Wendol Miller on December 19, 1962, in Amarillo and they were married for 56 years. They lived in Amarillo from 1962 until 1999 and then move to Howardwick, where they lived for 19 years before recently returning to Amarillo. They had two children, Deanna and Darren. Shirley was very proud of an award she received in 1958 for county champion Amarillo Globe-News Spelling Bee. She attended WT University and earned her degree in social work in 1998. She went to work for hospice after graduation, where she worked up until her retirement. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren very much.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Tolbert and Laura Anthony.

She is survived by her husband Wendol; a daughter, Deanna Cordell and husband Tony of Panhandle; son, Darren and wife Kristie of Amarillo; four grandchildren; Keelie Tucker and husband Bryan, Josh Cordell and wife Ashley, Lacy Diaz and husband Richard, and Riley Miller; right great grandchildren, Mady, Jacob, Katie, Hannah, Nathan, Bailey, Liam, and Mya.

Vada Grace (Collins) Wilson, 75, passed away April 4, 2019, in Kansas City, Kansas.

Graveside services were held on Monday, April 8, 2019, at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood, pastor of First Baptist Church Clarendon, officiating.

Pastor Jeremy and Pastor Garvie will be honoring Vada at a memorial service on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. in the Hillsboro MB Church at 300 Prairie Point in Hillsboro, Kansas.

Vada was born in Borger, Texas. After High School, she worked for Phillips Petroleum, where she met and eventually married the love of her life, Darrell Wilson on July 3, 1963, in Borger.
The greatest joy of her life was being a wife and a mother. The family moved to McPherson, Kansas, where she touched many lives, making lifetime friendships. She and Darrell owned a popular donut shop, Carol Lee Donuts, and then later with Darrell, managed Rolling Acres Golf Club.
She enjoyed playing golf and was quite good at it, beating Darrell on several occasions. Vada also enjoyed playing the piano and was involved in many Prayer groups. Vada was known for her great smile and positive attitude on life. She would like her remembrance to be that she was kind to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Onnie Collins as well as her brother, Edgar Collins.

She is survived by her husband, Darrell and son, Ray Wilson, of Kansas City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri.

Ronald Franklin McCracken, 72, of Houston passed away on Monday, February 25, 2019.

Ronnie was born April 4, 1946, in Groom to George Pinkney and Marie (Reynolds) McCracken. He grew up in Alanreed and attended school at Alanreed and McLean. He worked as a truck driver, a Pampa police officer, served in the United States Army, and was a security consultant for the United States government.

He married Carolyn Keen of McLean on March 28, 1965. They had two daughters, Robyn and Mysti Chae. The family relocated to the Houston area in the late 1960’s. They were divorced in 1974.
In 1973, Ronnie enlisted in the United States Army. He served as an Airborne Ranger, and in the Special Forces. Among the countries he served in were Panama, Colombia, Angola, and Bosnia. His unit was involved in the overthrow of Manuel Noriega, the dictator of Panama. He retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1995.

On March 1, 1979, Ronnie married Janet Bowman of Fort. Bragg, North Carolina. They had two sons, Shawn and Ronald George (Rocky). Ronnie and Janet later divorced.

After his retirement from the Army, Ronnie served as a security consultant for military contractors who provided services for the US government. One of his assignments was to provide security services for American companies based in Guatemala. He also provided security services for the American embassies in Paris, France, and Mexico City.

In June, 2002, Ronnie married Russhine Sarai Gonzales of Guatemala.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his brothers, Bobby Lee and George Dale, and his sister, Patsy Lavona Cox.

He is survived by his wife, Russhine Sarai Gonzales-McCracken, his sister; Peggy Laverne Cockerham and husband Jim; his daughters, Robyn McCracken and Mysti Thompson; his sons, Shawn and wife Amy, and Ronald George; his stepson, Jose Emmanuel Gonzales-Monterroso; his grandchildren: Jordan and Joshua Thompson; Shawn Jr., Alexius, Madison, Gabriel, Emma, Noah and Raleigh McCracken; nine nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and friends all over the world.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Howardwick on Saturday, April 13, g4 at 2:00 p.m. A service with full military honors will be held at the Houston National Cemetery on June 10, 2019. Everyone is invited to attend and bring your memories and stories of Ron to share.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society, or donate a pint of blood to your local blood bank.

Ruth Evans passed away March 28, 2019, at her home in Fruitvale.

Memorial services for Ruth Evans, 78, Fruitvale, were held on March 30, 2019, at Bartley Funeral Home with Bro. Eddie Paul Stanley officiating.

She was born January 23, 1941, to John & Neva Gilbreath Conner. Ruth was born in Rusk, spent her early years in Tyler, then moved to Irving, where she graduated from Irving High School, Class of 1959. She had lived in Fruitvale since 1972. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, and baking, and many artistic hobbies.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Conner; mother, Neva Shiflet; and three brothers, George Conner, Michael Conner and Bobby Conner.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Carl Evans of Fruitvale; two daughters, Shelli Crocker and husband Jerry of Fruitvale; and Carla McGlothlin and husband Bryan of Fruitvale; three brothers, John D. Conner of Kansas, Jerry Shiflet of Euless and Terry Shiflet of Edgewood; five grandchildren, Evan Crocker, Ember Crocker, Jana Koonce Brightman, Ryan McGlothlin and Carley Sale; two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Aubrey Sale and one on the way; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Eva Lorena (Lee) Lyle Swinney, 87, of Clarendon died on Friday, March 29, 2019, in Clarendon.

Services were held on Monday, April 1, 2019, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon. Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Eva Lee was born August 4, 1931, to Vernon Horace Lyle and Johnnie Lorena Bethel. She was a member of the Golden Needles Quilt Club, a member of the 1926 Book Club where she held offices of President, Vice President, and Secretary, and was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary. She managed Mr. Burger in Clarendon for many years and everyone loved her Eva Burgers and Rex’s Chicken. She was a member of the Community Fellowship Church and when the doors were open, that’s where you could find her. She loved her Lord and Savior with all her heart. She left Clarendon at age 8 and returned at age 12 to live with her grandparents in the home where she was born, which was across the field where she met the love of her life U.G. Swinney. She was 15 when she met U.G. and they married when she was 17, on October 1, 1948. They were married 64 years and 10 months at the time of U.G.’s death. They later became the owners of his parent’s home. She lived in this house 64 years and died here, just across the field from where she was born. She was very passionate in her love for her three children, and her many grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Ray Lyle and Doyle Webb; and her husband, U.G. Swinney on July 31, 2013.
She is survived by her three children, Donna Barnes and husband Bill of Clarendon, Diana Strickland and husband Terry of Amarillo and Dennis Swinney and wife Shanon of Amarillo; 11 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren; two brothers, Clinton Webb of Virginia and Jim Webb of Lubbock.

Memorials can be made to the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com