Obituaries

Johnny Wayne Cearley, 69, died Wednesday, April 1, 2015 in Amarillo.
Services were held on Saturday, April 4, 2015, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Stan Leffew officiating. Internment followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with arrangements under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Johnny was born April 28, 1945, in Clarendon to Pat Cearley and Pauline Foster Jones. He was a US Navy veteran and was a speech pathologist prior to his retirement. He had been a longtime resident of Clarendon before moving to Amarillo 15 years ago. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Clarendon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pat Cearley and Pauline Foster Jones; and a brother, Danny Cearley.
He is survived by a son, Dean Cearley and wife Lori of Amarillo; a daughter, Angie Thorne and husband Jason of Tomball; four grandchildren – Haleigh Cearley, McKenzie Cearley, Bodey Cearley, and Emma Thorne; and one great grandchild, Braelon.
The family request memorials be sent to the Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home in Amarillo.

Midge Fite Lemley, 82, died Tuesday, March 31, 2015.
Services were held April 3, 2015, in First United Methodist Church in Hedley with Don Stone officiating.
Midge was born Dec. 5, 1932, in Pittsburgh County, Okla., to Robert Earl Fite and Lela Alma Mosteller Fite. She was the next to youngest of her large family and developed her work ethic and thriftiness early on as a child of the Depression. She put herself through college at West Texas State University, where she earned a teaching degree.

She possessed an incredible intellect and insatiable drive for growth and learning, which she expressed through art, music and gardening. She played piano and guitar, was a talented painter, sculptor and drawer and was recognized as a Master Gardener by Amarillo Botanical Gardens. She was well-known in the Hedley area for her vegetable garden.
She will be greatly missed by her family for her incredible smile and bright blue eyes that showed unconditional love, unending compassion and amazing optimism. Midge beautified landscapes and lives wherever she lived and taught. As the wife of well-known coach Troy Lemley, she lived in Amarillo, Stinnett, Phillips, Hedley, McAdoo, Smyer, Guthrie, Lockney and Aspermont.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Troy Lemley; her brothers, Horace, Harvey and Harold; and her sisters, Connie, Dorothy, Leora, Ruth and Bonnie.
Survivors include five children, Amy Lemley of Wichita, Kan., John Lemley and wife Karen of Stillwater, Okla., Joe Lemley and wife Rose of Clarendon, Ben Lemley and wife Karen of Amarillo and Vic Lemley and wife Jenny of Utopia; 10 grandchildren, Kassidy Twyford and husband Cameron of Oklahoma City, Bethany Lemley of Stillwater, Kelley Battey and husband Tyler of Amarillo, Regan Lemley of Amarillo, Corwin, Conner and Chris Lemley of Amarillo and Katie, Chloe and Sawyer Lemley of Utopia; and a great-grandson, Elijah Battey of Amarillo.
The family suggests memorials be to Amarillo Botanical Gardens or American Lung Association. Midge would also smile if you decided to plant a tree instead.

Neoma May Rippetoe, 81, died Saturday, March 28, 2015, in Amarillo.

Services were held at 10:00 am Tuesday, March 31, 2015 in the First Assembly of God in Clarendon with Rev. Matthew Stidham and Rev. Anthony Knowles, officiating.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Neoma was born February 6, 1934, in Elk City, Oklahoma to Lloyd and Mamie Dickerson. She married Carrel Rippetoe on December 31, 1949, at Sayre, Oklahoma. She had been a resident of Clarendon for 66 years and was a member of the First Assembly of God in Clarendon. She dearly loved people.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Reggie Rippetoe; 2 sisters; and 1 brother;

She is survived by her 3 sons, Ronnie Rippetoe, Eric Rippetoe both of Clarendon, and David Rippetoe of Guthrie, Oklahoma; 3 daughters, Sandy Cox and husband Ricky and Deborah Powers both Clarendon and Judy Bybee of Amarillo; 13 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to a favorite charity.

 

Terry Lee Noble, 50, died Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in Amarillo.

Services were held on Monday, March 16, 2015, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Charles Lowry, officiating.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Terry was born November 17, 1964, in Memphis to Lacy Lee and Janiece Weatherly Noble. He married Lesa Maye Lewis on December 8, 2012, in Pampa. He was a mechanic for Chamberlain Motor Company & Stanley Auto Group in Clarendon, Clarendon College, and Culberson Stowers in Pampa prior to his death. He had served as alderman for City of Clarendon and was a longtime resident of Clarendon before moving to Pampa 2 years ago. He loved to working outside, building things, and enjoyed farming. He was a member of CrossPointe Church in Pampa where he had volunteered and did various jobs in the Church.

He was preceded in death by his father and his granddaughter, Trinity Grace Brogdon.

He is survived by his mother, Jan Noble of Clarendon; his wife, Lesa Noble of Pampa; 4 sons, Devin Noble of Clarendon, Josh Noble of Amarillo, Chris Howard and Hunter Hall both of Pampa; 4 daughters, Tiffany Brogdon of Lelia Lake, Destiny Lewis and Jessica Hall both of Pampa, and Cheyenne; and a sister, Paula Garrison of San Angelo.

The family request memorials be sent to CrossPointe Church / 711 E. Harvester/ Pampa, Texas 79065.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Teague

J.C. “Jay” Teague, 85, died Tuesday, March 10, 2015, in Amarillo.

Services were held on Thursday, March 12, 2015, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica, officiating.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Jay was born December 25, 1929, in Pampa to J.C. and Mamie Teague. He married the love of his life Verna Grace Smith on August 14, 1950. He served in the US Air Force from 1947 to 1950 as a Meteorologist. He retired from the National Weather Service in 1985 with 32 years of service. He was a pretty neat man who trusted the Lord and was saved in 1950. He was a man of God who loved his family, friends, church family, RV friends, and enjoyed fishing, playing board games, and tending to his garden. He was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; 4 sisters; and a son Kenneth Wayne in 1983.

He is survived by his wife, Verna Teague of Amarillo; a son, Jay Stanley Teague of Amarillo; a sister, Gertie Ingram of Springdale, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Daphne Sanders, Carrie Gimpel, Trace Teague of Amarillo, Monty Ulibari of Canyon Lake, Jason Teague of Metuchen, NJ, and Eric Teague of Perth Amboy, NJ; and 9 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to a charity or church of choice.

 

Jerry Permenter, Sr., 81, died Monday, March 9, 2015, in Amarillo.

Services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, March 13, 2015, in the Llano Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel in Amarillo with Rev. Dale Pierce, officiating.

Burial will follow Llano Cemetery in Amarillo.

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

Jerry was born November 5, 1933, in Wingate to Otis Vernon and Velma Samantha Permenter. He married Winnie Belle Samples on January 9, 1954, in Snyder. He was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War. He was a mechanic prior to his retirement. He had been a resident of Howardwick before moving to Amarillo in 2010. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Howardwick.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, on August 25, 2010; 4 brothers; and 3 sisters.

He is survived by 3 sons, Bob Permenter and Jerry Permenter, Jr. both of Amarillo and Jon Permenter of San Antonio; a daughter, Pamela Gist of Brandon, Florida; a brother, Dewey Permenter of Amarillo; 13 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandson.

Viewing will be held Wednesday & Thursday at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount in Amarillo.

The family request memorials be sent to the Ryan Palmer Foundation.

 

J.C. “Jay” Teague, 85, died Tuesday, March 10, 2015, in Amarillo.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2015, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica, officiating.

Burial will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Jay was born December 25, 1929, in Pampa to J.C. and Mamie Teague. He married the love of his life Verna Grace Smith on August 14, 1950. He served in the US Air Force from 1947 to 1950 as a Meteorologist. He retired from the National Weather Service in 1985 with 32 years of service. He was a pretty neat man who trusted the Lord and was saved in 1950. He was a man of God who loved his family, friends, church family, RV friends, and enjoyed fishing, playing board games, and tending to his garden. He was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; 4 sisters; and a son Kenneth Wayne in 1983.

He is survived by his wife, Verna Teague of Amarillo; a son, Jay Stanley Teague of Amarillo; a sister, Gertie Ingram of Springdale, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Daphne Sanders, Carrie Gimpel, Trace Teague of Amarillo, Monty Ulibari of Canyon Lake, Jason Teague of Metuchen, NJ, and Eric Teague of Perth Amboy, NJ; and 9 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to a charity or church of choice.

 

Cora Lee Heckman, 87, of Pampa passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2015.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2015, at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Ran Loy, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

Cora Lee was born on July 10, 1927, in Lelia Lake, Texas to Lee Alonzo and Lela Muse. The family moved soon after and made Clarendon their home, where they owned and operated several family-style restaurants and cabins for travelers passing through town. She and her parents often dined with Texas Ranger Charles Goodnight and the owners of the historical JA Ranch of Palo Duro Canyon.

During the time Cora Lee attended Clarendon Jr. College, she injured her ankle and could not go up the stairs while carrying her books. Along came Lowell Heckman, a handsome young soldier who had just returned home from the war, who offered to carry her books. This chance encounter led to their friendship and eventual courtship. They were truly a “match made in heaven” and Cora Lee married the love of her life in 1947. There began an incredibly loving and committed partnership of 64 years that created a wonderful home filled with love, laughter and respect; a warm and happy place that her family cherished and where everyone was welcomed.

Cora Lee was blessed with a beautiful voice and studied music at Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth prior to their marriage. She shared her love of music throughout the years and could often be heard singing as she worked and played with family. She was a gifted artist who enjoyed painting. She taught lessons for many years and her students loved her. She also loved crafts, gardening, cooking and was involved in the First United Methodist Church in Pampa, Texas. Her greatest legacy is that of a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend; a woman of strength, beauty, grace and faith.

Cora Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell Heckman; a son Richard “Rick” Heckman; and her brother, Sid Muse.

Survivors include her daughters, Cheri Rutledge and husband Bob of Grapevine, and Teresa Heckman of Pampa; her son, Rodney Heckman and wife Cathy of Sachse; four grandsons, Josh Shelton and wife Alexis, Kylar Rutledge and wife April, Hal Rutledge and wife Kelli, and Riley Heckman; and five great-grandchildren, Ty, Whitney, Kaisten, Logan and Jackson.

The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:00 PM Friday, March 13, 2015, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 1981, Pampa, TX 79066-1981 or Alzheimer’s Association, 415 W. 8th Ave., Suite 300, Amarillo, TX 79101.

 

Norma Putman, 80, died Monday, March 2, 2015, in Childress.

Services were held on Thursday, March 5, 2015, in the Clarendon Church of Christ with Mark Putman and Don Stone, officiating.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon

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

Norma was born October 13, 1934, in Claude to Hardy and Nadine Kerly Bobbitt. She married L.M. Putman, Jr. on April 23, 1951, in Portales, NM. She was a teacher for 31 years prior to her retirement. She was one of few women that was certified in all areas of science and was certified in Oklahoma in 30 subjects. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She was a member of the Clarendon Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a daughter, Marcia.

She is survived by 2 sons, Donnie Putman of Sanger and Terry Putman of Las Vegas, NV; a daughter, Jullie Milam of Panhandle; 2 brothers, Buddy Bobbitt of Memphis and Emmett Bobbitt of Lubbock; 7 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to Clarendon Church of Christ, Memphis Convalescent Center, Childress RMC Hospice, or the International Essential Tremor Foundation.

Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

 

Eda Wallin, 94, died Sunday, March 1, 2015, died in Amarillo.

Services were held on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Jerry Koontz and Rev. Larry Capranica, officiating.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Eda was born September 6, 1920, in Georges Creek to George and Vida Barker Murphy. She married Harley Wallin on August 10, 1940. She had been a resident of Clarendon since 1957. She was an active volunteer for many years for the Donley County Senior Citizens in Clarendon where she helped delivering meals. She was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1961; 2 brothers; 1 sister; and 2 grandchildren.

She is survived by 3 daughters, Carolyn Payne of Houston, Agatha Ashton and Vida O’Neal both of Amarillo; a sister, Lota Farquhar of San Antonio; 5 grandchildren, Patrick McNabb, Ansley Heinsohn, Allison Smith, Chris O’Neal, and Holly Westerby; 8 great grandchildren; and a brother in law, Ira Potter of Pampa.

The family request memorials be sent to the Donley County Senior Citizens Center in Clarendon.

 

Reverend Owen McGarity, 90, passed away recently at Westminster Manor in Austin.

Owen was raised in Philadelphia by his parents Owen and Nellie McGarity and attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn. He graduated from McCormick Seminary in Chicago. He met his wife Lois, a fellow Maryville student, in 1946. After their marriage, they moved to Ashmore, Ill. where Owen served as pastor of the Ashmore Presbyterian Church. Following Ashmore, Owen served churches in, Brighton Park, Ill.; Ossian, Ind.; Rosenberg; Port Neches; Clarendon; Memphis (Texas); and Gonzales.

While living in Rosenberg, he received a Masters of Theology degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. After retiring, he continued to serve as a part-time pastor in Luling and Cheapside and as the chaplain of the Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center in Ottine.

In the spare moments of his full life, Owen was an avid ham radio operator with ham friends throughout the world.

While living in Clarendon, he was an active member of the Lions Club, taught courses at Clarendon College, volunteered as an EMT, and supported the Broncos football team.

Owen is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Thomas, Arthur, Elizabeth Silva, Ralph, and Mary Nell Clark, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

A service in celebration of Owen’s life was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin on Friday, Feb. 27. A graveside service was held at the Gonzales Memorial Park Woodmen of the World Cemetery in Gonzales on Saturday, Feb. 28.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 100 E. 27th Street, Austin, TX 78705.