Obituaries

Casey James Mills passed away October 14th, 2023, at his home in Lamar, Oklahoma at the age of 27.

Casey was born April 12, 1996, in Raton, New Mexico to Gerald Dewayne Mills and Kaye Lynn (Wilkerson) Mills. Casey graduated from Moss Public School. After high graduation, he attended Southeast School of Welding in McAlester. He worked as a welder for Platinum Cross Welding Inc. in Okemah, Oklahoma. Casey married Jessye Duckworth on November 23, 2018, in Holdenville, Oklahoma. Casey had his own fencing company at age 16. He was a hard worker and very talented at whatever he did. Casey was an awesome father, good provider, son and husband. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and fabricating. Casey was a perfectionist, always positive and had the best grin.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Dale Mills, Jan Curtis, Lawrence Wilkerson and Josie Mae Wilkerson.

He is survived by his wife Jessye Mills of the home, parents; Gerald and Kaye Mills, children; Kendall Dale Mills of Lamar, Nova Lynn Mills of Lamar, 3 brothers; Monty Mills and wife Alicia of Holdenville, Alex McClain and wife Kristen of Ft Worth, Texas, Kord King and wife Stacie of Shamrock, Texas, grandmother Mary Kay Mangum and husband John of Clarendon, uncles; Jeff Mills, Johnny Mangum, Bud Curtis and Aunt Frances Miller. Casey is survived by numerous other uncles, aunts, relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers are Monty Mills, Alex McClain, Hagen Mills, Keith McCoy, Kyle Linaueaver and Jarrod Johnston. Honorary pallbearers are Chad Rogers, Mike Goodson, John Goodson, Jimmy Jett, Bill McCoy, Kyle Cates, Paul Camp and Jason Lambert.

Viewing was 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Oct 17th and 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Oct 18, and the family greeted guests from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Oct 18, at Hudson Phillips Funeral Home, in Holdenville, Oklahoma.

Funeral service was be 3:00 p.m., Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Holdenville, Oklahoma with Pastor James Poulain officiating.
Interment will follow at Lamar Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home in Holdenville, Oklahoma.

John Wayne Stepp entered into the gates of Heaven on Monday, October 9, 2023, at the age of 86. He joined his wife Mary Ann Stepp to dance eternally in the Grace of God. He was born on October 3rd, 1937, in Abilene, TX to the late John Conley and Ruth Beatrice McMinn Stepp.

John Wayne graduated from Lelia Lake High School and a few short years later married Mary Ann Douglas, and they were happily married for 66 years. John worked in the Agriculture Industry, he started at The Donley County Office in Clarendon, TX, and later retired in 1996 as the County Executive Director from the Calhoun County Farm Service Agency, in Port Lavaca, TX.

John Wayne is survived by his daughters, Denise Ann Stepp Pozzi (Zane Hartman), and Carrie Jean Stepp Spence (Jeff Spence). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi (Garrett Tonozzi), Travis Spence (Veronica Spence), Brooke Pozzi Smith (Blake Smith) and Colt Spence. Also, great grandchildren Jaedynn, Haley, Chris, Bryce, Taylor, and Aubrey Spence, Tinlee Tonozzi, and Sloan Smith, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Our Dad and Grandad brought so much joy and laughter, not only to his family, but to everyone who ever met “The Real” John Wayne as he would say. He was known to tell a joke or two, but all jokes aside, he was a good man that would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it. In his retired years in Victoria, TX John Wayne enjoyed his days on the golf course, his evenings at Klotch with friends, and always time with family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann Stepp, and they’re grandson Dillon Spence.

Services will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel, 8819 U.S. Hwy. 87 North Victoria, TX 77904 on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow next door at Son Valley Ranch, 8973 U.S. Hwy. 87 North Victoria, TX 77904. To leave a comforting message, or to share a fond or funny memory, please visit www.gracefuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Gentle Hearts Assisted Living, 1101 Salem Rd. Victoria, TX 77904.

Poem: In loving memory of Dad: Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still love, still miss and always very dear.

Travis Louis Ruthardt, 58, of Childress went to be with his Lord, on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in Amarillo.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 10 AM at First Methodist Church in Groom with Tyler Leavitt officiating. Burial will follow in Groom Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Travis was born October 20, 1964 to Louis and Judy Brown Ruthardt. His profession was a cowboy, a life he truly loved. He was a joker and loved playing pranks on his loved ones. He definitely kept us on our toes. Travis loved working with cattle, being in the outdoors, and being with family.

He is survived by wife, Helen Ruthardt of Childress; his son, Seth Ruthardt wife Sierra of Amarillo; daughters, Haley Bennett of Amarillo, and Rachel Wade and husband Roger of Clarendon; the mother of his children, Tonja Ruthardt of Hedley; his brothers, Ken Ruthardt and wife Missy of Edmond, Oklahoma and Brice Ruthardt and wife Jeanie of Amarillo; his sister, Judith Ingle and husband Jerome of Groom; his mother, Judy Ruthardt of Groom; numerous nieces and nephews; step son, Colton Fowler and wife Dyan of Childress; step daughter, Jacklyn Sims and husband Dallas of Wellington; and 16 grandchildren.

The family suggest memorials be made to Groom Methodist Church, Groom Fire Department, or St. Jude’s in Travis’ name.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Dorothy Joy Martin, of Midland, born in Donley County, on October 10, 1928, left this world to
be with the Lord on September 13, 2023.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Ford Martin, her son Mitchell Martin, her grandson Justin Martin, and her sister Jessie Lee Holcomb.

Dorothy leaves behind her son Ricky of Midland, her son Randy of Abilene, sister Carolyn Taylor of Memphis, and brother Jerry Don White of Peoria, Arizona. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, many friends and friends of loved ones that she cared for throughout the years. Dorothy grew up in Lelia Lake. She graduated from Clarendon High School and went to every reunion until she could no longer make the drive from Midland. Dorothy and her husband were residents of Clarendon, along with other members of the Martin family who are laid to rest in the Citizens’ Cemetery of Clarendon.

She worked at the telephone company during World War II along with her husband’s sister Merle Martin who introduced Dorothy to her husband Ford Martin. After leaving Borger, Texas, where she and her family resided for many years, her husband’s work took them to Midland where Dorothy worked for several years at the Odessa Country Club. She even created a Breakfast Mini Muffin Recipe which they still use to this day on their buffet. She then went to work in the safety deposit room at a local bank in Midland which became Chase Bank, and she retired after 25 years of service. She saw the company through many name changes and stayed a dedicated employee throughout all of those transitions. After that, Dorothy went to work for the Yellow Rose Retirement Home. She spent the next 15 years as a cook for the home, taking care of the individual nutritional needs of 8 residents at a time. She worked until they closed their doors. She was 89 years old at that time. She continued cooking for her residents and taking meals to them in their new nursing homes until the last one passed away.

Dorothy dedicated her life to other people, spreading so much joy with her cooking, loving those around her, and giving of herself always. She was so very deeply loved and will be incredibly missed.

She walked this earth as one of God’s angels.

The Family will have a Potluck Dinner and Celebration of Life in Honor of Dorothy at Beall Park Clubhouse 5200 West Wall Street in Midland, Texas, 79703 on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, (her 95th birthday) from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please bring your favorite dish and join the family.

Jeneda Maurice Gay, 85, of Hedley, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023, in Amarillo.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 7, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Hedley with Anthony Knowles officiating. Burial will follow at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley.

Jeneda was born May 3, 1938, in Grapeland, Texas, to Finis Bolton and Myrtle Frances Carter Woodard. She married Thomas Gay on June 11, 1955, in Hedley. She had been a resident of Hedley most of her life where she was a caregiver to many. Jeneda enjoyed sewing, cooking, taking care of her plants outside, and reupholstering furniture. She loved bowling and playing games, especially dominoes and cards. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Hedley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2012; her sons in law, David Evans and Mark Kirk; three brothers, Ray, Toby, and Jack Woodard; a sister, Ellen Dickey; a grandchild, Carl Thomas Gay; and a niece, Darlene Cook.

She is survived by her daughters, Diann Evans, Becky Kirk, Debbie Hanes, and Patty Dipprey all of Hedley; her brother, Johnny Woodard of Lefors; 13 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to Rowe Cemetery Association, PO Box 213, Hedley, Texas, 79237.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Ted Robert Sawyer, 59, of Amarillo, Texas died Saturday, August 26, 2023 in Amarillo.

Services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, August 29, 2023 in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Chris Downer, officiating. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Ted was a jack of all trades. He excelled in everything he touched from roping , welding, fabricating, sand and gravel business, and drawing up prints. He could recite the history of motorcycles, and Peterbilts from old to new. He had a built in calculator and was great with numbers and had a photographic memory.

He had no kids of his own, but he had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephew; Misti, Jamie, Kalli and Clay.

Ted could sit down at a table and carry on a conversation with the predominant as well as the less fortunate.

He would lend you a helping hand at any time.

Ted was the life of the party. There was never a dull moment when Ted was around, whatever the entertainment may desire.

He never met a stranger with his gift of gab. He had a fan base that reached all over the country; not many places you could go that someone didn’t know him.

He said many times that he had a lot of fun and lived life to the fullest. This is a true testament of a life celebration.

Ted and his momma, whom he loved dearly, are reunited in greener pastures, singing and dancing their favorite song, “Bobby Duby sold it to me”.

Ted was preceded in death by his father, Ed Sawyer; his mother, Mary Ann Craft; his step father, Bill Craft; and a step brother, Willie Craft.

Survivors include his brother, Dan Sawyer of Clarendon; his love, Kelly Dredin of Amarillo; a step brother, Jack Craft; his step sisters, Cathy Craft Keene and Chris Craft Matthews; his nieces and nephews, Misti Powell, Clay Sawyer, Jamie Jackson, and Kalli Hodge; several great nieces and nephews; and a host of great friends.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Doris Faye “MeMa” Salmon passed away peacefully on July 31, 2023, at the age of 88, surrounded by family.

Doris was born on June 21, 1935, to John Henry and Stella Crawford in Clarendon. She attended Clarendon High School.

In 1951, Doris met Richard Salmon and after a short romantic courtship they were married in 1952. They had 4 children, Jane born in 1952, Larry born in 1955, Morgan born in 1956, and Susie born in 1957. In 1961 they moved to Amarillo.

After the death of Richard Salmon in 1974, Doris lived at times in Dallas and Florida with her daughter, Jane. In 1993, Doris met her soul mate Billy Morg and moved to the farm in Brice, Texas until his death in 2011, after which she moved back to Amarillo.

Back in Amarillo, Doris reconnected with her life-long church, Washington Avenue Christian Church, where she deepened her Christian faith and enjoyed wonderful fellowship.

Doris was a kind, caring and loving mother to all of her children, raising all 4 of them to go on to accomplish great things. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. Family came first and was above all else to Doris, a value she instilled in all those around her. Mom was our biggest cheerleader and our constant supporter. Our mother was a source of inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Doris continued her love and dedication to family with her 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Doris was so proud of her large extended family and loved them all dearly.

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard, her soul mate, Billy Morg, her parents John Henry and Stella Crawford, and her brother, John Wesley Crawford.

She is survived by her 4 children, Jane (late husband Franz) Maenner, Larry (Ginger) Salmon, Morgan (Pamela) Salmon, and Susie (Mike) Wing: her 7 grandchildren, Brandon (Lindsey) Wing, Micah (Charles) Carden, Ashley (Josh) Ashley, Barrett Salmon, Meredith (Bret) Errington, Taylor (Janice) Salmon, and Logan (Tara) Salmon: her 13 great grandchildren, Walt, Wyatt & Morgan Wing; Ryah, Clara, Emry & Calem Carden; Field & Swayze – Kate Ashley; Penny Rose & Henry Salmon; and Colby & Pacey Salmon.

Our family is so grateful for the loving care our Mom received from the kind and dedicated care providers in the last year of her life.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, Texas 79109.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 10:30 am, Washington Avenue Christian Church, 3800 S. Washington St., Amarillo, TX 79110.

Burial will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 2:00 pm, Citizens Cemetery, Clarendon, Texas.