Obituaries

Rob Plunkett, 63, of Amarillo, Texas died Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Amarillo.

Graveside services were held on Friday, March 29, 2024, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Chris Ford, officiating.

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

Rob was born November 8, 1960, in Amarillo to John Ray and Iris Anne Matney Plunkett. He celebrated his 1st birthday on a ranch outside of Silverton and moved in 2nd grade to Clarendon where he spent most of his childhood. In 1974, they moved to Canyon where he was a graduate of Canyon High School. He had worked various jobs and was currently working for the City of Amarillo at Rick Husband International Airport. His hobbies included motorcycles and loved riding them, anything working with his hands, and playing cards. He was a very involved member with AA for over 35 years.

He was preceded in death by his father; and his sister, Johnna Cay King in 2020.

He is survived by his mother, Iris Matney of Loveland, Colorado; his sons, Carson Plunkett and Wyatt Plunkett both of Amarillo; his brother, Matt Plunkett of Vidor, Texas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be donated to any AA. Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

 

Michele Denise Harlan, 70, of Clarendon, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024, in Amarillo.

Memorial services will be held April 6, at the COEA Community Center – Clarendon Rodeo Grounds, come and go, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Michele was born on January 22, 1954, in Greenwich, Connecticut, to Edward Bernard and Lillian Dorothy (Stadtmiller) Rivard. She grew up in Connecticut and Florida and later moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she lived for over 10 years. She married James R. Bruce on January 24, 1978, and they were married for 19 years before his passing in 1997. The couple had three children together. In the early 1990’s, the family moved to Clarendon where she has been a resident since. Michele later married H.W. Harlan on November 24, 2003, in Clarendon.

Michele enjoyed watching the Young & the Restless as well as westerns and black and white programs. Above all, Michele loved her grandbabies. Her 13 grandchildren were the light of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Lillian Rivard; son, Michael B. Harlan; husband, James R. Bruce; and brother, Edward Rivard, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, H.W. Harlan of Clarendon; two sons, Christopher Bruce, Sr. and wife, April, of Amarillo, and Michael Roy Bruce and wife, Heather, of Clarendon; two daughters, Andrea Randall and husband, Steven, of Amarillo, and Lesley Lemons and husband, Brandon, of Amarillo; sister, Dale Messick of Tucson, Arizona; and 13 grandchildren, John Anthony Levario, Leslie Coxey, Melanie Brook Lemons, Christopher Bruce, Jr., Holden Coxey, Kaylee Bruce, James Lemons, Aiden Iler, Bayleigh Bruce, Ashden Iler, Brilynn Bruce, Casyn Bruce, and Braxton Bruce.

Sandy Silva, 79, of Clarendon died Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Pampa.

Memorial services are to be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Chris Ford, officiating.

Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Sandy was born December 2, 1944, in Wenatchee, Washington to Herbert Irwin and Helen Whitehall Jewett. She married Louis Peter Silva on January 1, 1975. She was an animal lover, and enjoyed nature, camping, and in her younger years enjoyed the fishing and outdoors. Earlier in life, she worked for Sandia Laboratories and ran several antique businesses. She was a Godly woman and never was embarrassed to witness to others.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband on December 10, 2020.

She is survived by her son, Craig Silva and wife Chanel of Clarendon; and her grandchildren, Anthony and Lillianna.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to the Donley County Senior Citizens.
Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Madeline Bates, 79, of Howardwick died on Friday, March 15, 2024.

Madeline was born November 18, 1944, in Slaton, Texas to Martin and Dolores Grabber Schuette. Growing up in Amarillo, Madeline had attended schools there and was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s Academy in 1962. She married Kenneth Bates on December 4, 1964, in Amarillo.

Prior to her retirement, Madeline had worked in Bushland as a bus driver, had a bookkeeping business, was the office manager of Crown Travel, as well as spending many years with Atmos as a call center quality control specialist. She loved to read and work crossword puzzles, enjoyed gardening and the outdoors. She and Ken moved from Amarillo in 2012 and she loved being at Greenbelt Lake. Madeline loved her dog, Roxie, however, her greatest joy of all were the friends she loved and her grandkids that she loved dearly. Madeline was a Catholic.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Dolores Schuette; and by a son, Jared Bates in December of 1988.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth Bates of Howardwick; a son, Eric Bates of Lubbock; a daughter Melanie Hinson and husband Daniel of Groom; a brother Bill Schuette and his wife Carolyn of New Ulm, Texas; three grandchildren, Tucker, Nate, and Landree Hinson; and by her and Ken’s best friends, Dick Sims of Hereford and Don McAvoy of Howardwick.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Shriner Children’s Hospital or to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund in Clarendon.

James Frederick (Fred) Clifford of Clarendon, passed from this Earth on March 10, 2024, at the age of 87 in his home with his daughters by his side.

Services will be held Friday, March 15, at 11:00 at the First Baptist Church of Clarendon with Reverend Lance Wood officiating. Graveside service will follow in Citizens Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 14th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Fred was born in Clarendon, in 1936, to Walter and Dewey Clifford. He graduated from Clarendon High School in 1954, and then went on to attend Clarendon College, Panhandle State, where he played football, Texas Tech University, and West Texas State University. In 1959, he was drafted into the United States Army and served three years as Artillery Fire Control. He was stationed at Fort Carson, Oregon, and Ft. Polk, Louisiana. On November 10, 1961, Fred married the love of his life, Connie Ruth Thurk, his wife of 60 years.

As a young man, Fred and his brother Jack worked at Clifford’s Grocery Store delivering groceries to just about every elderly widowed lady in town. Not only did Fred deliver groceries, but he would also help the ladies on his route by doing small chores for them. He would help anyone in need. Jack and Fred sold Clifford Grocery in 1979. In 1980, Fred began selling cars for Chamberlain Motor Company. He also was head of Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon for 26 years. He spent countless hours making sure the cemetery was well maintained. He worked as a realtor for Joe Lovell Real Estate until his retirement.

In 2010, Fred received the coveted Saints’ Roost Award given by the Chamber of Commerce for his lifetime of service to the community. He also served on the CISD school board. Fred was a lifetime member First Baptist Church, Clarendon.

Fred was respected by all who knew him. His warm, endearing smile and hearty laughter will be missed by many. He was a true servant, always doing for others.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, wife Connie in 2021, brothers and sister in laws, Jack, Shirley, Bob and Wilma.
He is survived by two loving daughters, Gayla (Chris) Reynolds of Pleasanton, Texas, and Trish Clifford (Lorena) of Pflugerville, Texas. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Megan Pope, Shelby Pope (Mavrick Jewell), Ruthie Bell, James Reynolds and Will Reynolds, and two great-grandchildren, Rowan and Lana Ruth Jewell. He is survived by his niece Virginia (Brit) Patten, his niece, Cathy Clifford, nephews John Clifford and Ben Clifford, great nieces Abby (Cole)Llewellyn and Annie (Barrett) Coon, great nephews John Ray Clifford and Robert James Clifford, great-great nephews Brecken and Bray Coon, great-nieces Whitley Coon and Alaina Llewellyn; cousins, William & Walt Thompson.

A special thanks to caretakers, Nancy Owens, Danielle Sandefur, Paulette Kidd Arnold and special little helper, Oakleigh Douglass; and dear friends, Mary Neal Risley and Elmonette Bivens.

Flowers or donations are requested to be sent to the church of your choice, the Clarendon Senior Citizens (PO Drawer B), or Citizens Cemetery (P O Box 983) in Clarendon, Texas.

Sterling Jeffery (Jeff) Keen, 60, of Clarendon passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at his home.

Memorial services are scheduled for Friday March 22, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at Crosier-Pearson Cleburne funeral home. 512 N Ridgeway Dr Cleburne, Texas 76033

Cremation is under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Jeff was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 4, 1963, to Robert Keen and Laverne (Grant) West-Cozine. He grew up in Fort Worth until his teenage years when his family moved to Amarillo. Jeff attended High School in Amarillo and later moved to Cleburne, where he owned and operated his own automotive shop, Auto Body Repair, for many years. He met and married the love of his life, Zandria Edwards, in October of 1982.

Jeff loved spending time outdoors and was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed boating, camping, and could be found poolside all summer long. His favorite place was the Texas coast. He also enjoyed throwing horseshoes and shooting pool. He frequently participated in pool tournaments. Jeff loved everyone and they were always welcome at his home. He enjoyed having his family and friends over to spend time with them.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Keen and brother James Keen

He is survived by his wife, Zandria Keen of Clarendon; mother, Laverne West-Cozine of Midlothian, TX; two sons, Andrew Keen of Clarendon, and Joseph Keen of Cleburne, TX; three daughters, Krisgina Keen of Cleburne, Deedra Sparks of Clarendon, and Tiffany Morrow of Ennis, TX; several brothers and sisters; numerous grandchildren; a couple great-grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth “Betty” Smith Boston’s life began on October 22, 1948, and ended unexpectedly on December 2, 2023. She is survived by her son Robert William Boston III and her sister Julie Shelton Smith.

Born in Dallas to Betty Jim Shelton (a stylish woman from a ranching family) and Earl Talmage Smith (a pilot and businessman nicknamed “Sleepy”), Betty grew up in Amarillo as the middle child between her older sister Julie and younger sister Janie. While attending Stephen F. Austin Middle School, Betty went on the first of many dates with her future husband Robert William Boston, whom she called Bobby.

For high school, Betty left Texas to attend the prestigious all-girls prep school Ferry Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois, and graduated in 1966. After studying interior design at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, Betty returned home to Amarillo to help her then-divorced mother raise Janie.

In 1969, Betty and Bobby got married and moved to the quaint Texas town of Clarendon. In 1975, they welcomed their daughter Claire into the world, followed by their son William in 1979. “She was a devoted mother,” Bobby said. “And we had a busy life.”

In the winters, the Bostons frequently traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico, where Bobby’s parents lived. In the midst of raising children, Betty was an active member of both St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church and Les Beaux Arts Club of Clarendon. In her spare time, she delighted in decorating and needlepointing.

“Her homes were always beautiful, and she always had the most exquisite decor,” lifelong friend Elizabeth Wagner recalled. “And she was a needlepoint maniac. She needle-pointed everything — she even made covers for these huge stereo speakers that sat on the floor.”
In the 1980s, Betty’s zany sensibility materialized in a decidedly eccentric purchase: a green Checker Cab that made a bold statement in small-town Clarendon.

In 1991, tragedy struck the Boston family when Claire died in a tragic accident. Following a move back to Amarillo, Betty and Bobby divorced.

By the mid-1990s, Betty had started an entirely new chapter of her life. She relocated to San Antonio, earned her real estate license, and became one of the first residents at the Pearl. In tandem with her move, she forged a new community of friends and maintained an active social calendar populated by art openings, concerts, dinners, and brunches with a tight-knit circle.

Betty’s experiences working at the esteemed firms Kuper Sotheby’s and Nix Reality heightened her passion for interior design — a skill that took shape in impeccable spaces she designed for clients and herself alike. Reflecting her mother’s distinctive sense of style, Betty had a knack for creativity that ventured beyond tradition to explore unexpected combinations and possibilities. That adventurous spirit also influenced her wardrobe, in which she took great pride.

“Betty could wear things that nobody else could wear,” her dear friend Roxanne Strickland offered. “She had a fashion sense that was unbelievable. When I got married in 2018, Betty walked in wearing what looked like a burlap sack — with the perfect little bag and the perfect shoes to match — and she just rocked it.”

“She was just a natural,” Betty’s sister Julie echoed. “She could just put things together. She really had a flair.”

Beyond her undeniable elegance, Betty was also an incredibly genuine, generous and kind person with a sharp sense of humor to boot.

She loved to listen, learn and laugh with an open heart and mind that one could only dream of in a friend. While Betty was taken from us far too soon, her irreplaceable spirit will live among us through the memories and love we share.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Friday, March 15, 4:00 -6:00 p.m., at Stable Hall at the Pearl in San Antonio (307 Pearl Pkwy.).

Donald Dean Durham, 90, of Howardwick, left this world behind on February 29, 2024, in Amarillo to be reunited with his loving wife Helen and beloved fur baby Angie.

Memorial Services were held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in the Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Jim Fox, officiating.

Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Don was born August 7, 1933, to Christopher Columbus and Lottie May Durham in Liberty, Iowa. Don proudly served his country in the Navy as an Airedale in Alaska. He married the love of his life Helen Cox, on March 10, 1967, in Sycamore Illinois and began working for a local water treatment company. After demonstrating his knowledge and work ethic the company transferred Don and his family to Amarillo in 1968. Being an entrepreneur Don started Southwest Water Conditioning in 1970, it was here that Don taught his children the meaning integrity. In 1990 Don and his wife Helen moved to Greenbelt Lake, where you can still here many stories regarding their parties, cookouts, and table game tournaments. There was always a good time to be had at the Durham house.

Don will be mostly remembered for his kind and giving heart. He enjoyed telling clever jokes, giving bits of wisdom, hugs and kisses, and passing out his homemade tiger fudge to new and old friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen Durham; son, Michael Durham; 14 siblings, Clyde Durham, Glen Durham, Catherine Brown, Harlod Durham, Esther Knaack, Cleo Phipps, Kennith Durham, Lloyd Durham, Lester Durham, Dorthy Pope, Juanita Crawford, Vivian McMurry, Alvin Durham, and Wanda Meyers; Son-in-law Bill Peterson; and a granddaughter Chandace Ritchie.

He is survived by one brother, Gerold “Jerry” Durham; three sons, David and Trina Brown, Darrell Durham, Chris and Charlotte Durham; two daughters, Pamela Peterson and Jami and Sonja Steadman Kroschel; thirteen grandchildren, Tiandra Stogsdill, Heath “Nick” and Diana Dykes, Mackenzie and Shane Brown, Christian and Brooke Moore, Nathan and Danielle Moore, Whitney and Michael Morin, Addie Marcus, Angele and Chad Morgan, Gabrielle and James Robinson, Matthew Lunsford, Chasity and Wade Hudson, Corey Ritchie, Chrislyn and Caden Farris; and twenty-four great grandchildren.

Don would have appreciated donations to World Gospel Missions, PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948, check memo Suzanne Gnaegy, WGM.org/SG in lieu of flowers, and votes for Donald Trump this November.

Kenneth Dalton “Kenny” Booth, 43, of Clarendon, finished his race here on Earth on February 28, 2024, in Clarendon.
Kenny was born on December 18, 1980, to Bobby Booth and Cydne Randall in Memphis. He graduated from Clarendon High School in 2000.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Josey Shadle officiating.

Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

He was a loving brother, father, paw paw, and friend who loved without limits. The thrill of the dirt track ignited his passion, yet he found joy in the gentle rhythm of a simple life. His infectious smile and laughter touched countless hearts. He loved unconditionally and beamed with pride for his kids and grandkids. He was a man who held strong to his faith and never shied away from expressing his opinions. He was a tough guy and faced life’s challenges head-on. He was truly one of a kind and his absence will be deeply felt.

He was preceded in death by some very special people whom he mourned until the end: his father, Bobby Booth; his mother, Cydne Randall; paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Shirley Booth; maternal grandparents, Dalton and Lucy Swinney.

He is survived by his two pride and joys who meant the world to him, his sons, Dylan Booth and wife Kaylee and Dalton Booth of Pampa; his brother, a true friend and confidant, Josh Allred and wife Tara of Clarendon; his nephew, Mason Allred of Clarendon; two precious grandbabies who bring so much happiness and light into the world, Bryson and Collin Booth of Pampa; his stepdad, David Randall of Clarendon; his dear friend, who walked beside him through life’s ups and downs, Mary Booth of Pampa; his beloved dog, Ole Girl, a faithful companion and friend to the end; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.

Carol Hinton was born on December 6, 1939, in Clovis, New Mexico to Clarence and Carolyn Hamilton.

She moved to Spring Lake Earth as a child, graduating from Spring Lake Earth High School in 1957. She then attended Texas Tech University before moving to Muleshoe and eventually Dimmitt, before settling in Amarillo.

She owned and operated Décor Limited in Amarillo, before moving to Clarendon where she had resided since 1976. She worked as a realtor for Cornell Real Estate as well as Jim Hayes for many years. She sold ads for the local radio station, KEFH for many years as well as served as the restaurant manager for the Clarendon Country Club for over 5 years. Carol was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church, where she served in many ways, including teaching Sunday School.

In her younger year, Carol was a member of the Teen Tones, singing in many competitions, including a talent show where they won against Waylon Jennings, something she was always proud of. She was a proud member of the Red Hatters Club and loved playing rummy dummy with her friends.

Carol was known for her infectious smile that could light up a room, she never met a stranger and even animals of all kinds were drawn to her. She enjoyed music of all types but was an avid Elvis Presley fan. She enjoyed golfing, cooking, playing scrabble and Pictionary, coffee and a good visit and the occasional Colorado Bulldog. She was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, a Tiger Woods fan and fan of Patrick Mahomes. More than anything though, she was a fan of her family. She was the best mother, grandmother, and great grandmother one could have.

She is survived by her daughter, Belinda Tindell and husband Stephen; 2 sons, Brett Bryant and wife Dawnya and Blake Bryant; all of Amarillo; 4 grandchildren, Amber Bryant, Trevor Guy and wife Stacy, Tia Van Ryn and husband Jeremy and Barron Bryant and fiancé Kelly; three great grandchildren, Trey Guy, Tripp Guy and Legend Van Ryn; her brother, Chuck Hamilton and wife Debbie of Tulsa; aunt, Nancy Kennon of Athens, GA; niece, Haley Medlo of Tulsa and many cousins and close friends who will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew, B.J. Hamilton.