Obituaries

Willie Jo Seitz, 91, died July 27, 2014, in Canyon. Private family services were held. Arrangements were under the direction of Brooks Funeral Directors

Willie Jo Seitz was born February 14, 1923, in Eldorado, Oklahoma to John Gossett and Euna Denton. She graduated from Eldorado High School and attended Altus Community College. She married Elbert L. Seitz in Lovington, New Mexico on February 5, 1949. They have been married 65 years.

Willie Jo worked for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services for 22 years. She was a loving companion and will be fondly remembered as ‘Grandma’ by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved ice cream, cookies, and puppies. Willie Jo took pride in her grandchildren and did everything she could to ensure that they received a college education. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her mother; a brother, Garland Gossett; and a sister, Bobby Miller.

She is survived by her husband, Elbert L. Seitz, of Canyon; daughter, Jo Jan Nunley, of Canyon; three grandchildren, Scarlet Estlack and husband, Russell, of Clarendon, Patrick Nunley, of Canyon, Spencer Nunley and wife, Cathy, of Canyon; three great-grandchildren, Maggie Nunley, of Canyon, Nathan and Daniel Estlack, of Clarendon; and a special cousin, Tommy Kirk, of New York.

Helen F. (Collins) Rogers passed away at age 84, June 16, 2014, in Hendrick Hospital in Ovalo. Helen was laid to rest at McBee Cemetery in Ovalo, alongside her husband on Friday, June 20, 2014. A funeral service was held on Friday June 20, 2014, at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church, 709 Kent Ave, Tuscola, Matt Stidam officiating, directed by Fry~Bartlett Funeral Home. Viewing will be Thursday June 19, from 6-8 pm at the funeral home.

Helen was born December 28, 1929, in Ranger to Earl and Katie (Yokum) Collins. She was one of ten children. Helen graduated high school in New Mexico and married Steve Rogers on February 16, 1948. They were married for 65 years at the time of Steve’s death (2013).

Helen and Steve lived the majority of their lives in Clarendon. They had eight children and one step son.

Helen was a dedicated and independent woman. She worked hard at every task put before her. She was intelligent and determined, receiving her nurse’s degree at age 40. Helen’s years spent as a nurse included, nursing, teaching nursing, and starting two home health care services. She retired at age 79.

Helen taught Sunday school for many years and remained a faithful servant all her life. She loved her God, family, and her church. Helen and Steve prayed for each of their children and their families daily. They adored each other so much it is hard to separate one from the other. They are together hand in hand once again.

She is survived by her children, Susan Rhoades of Ovalo, Lois (Gus) Havens of Rosebud, Steve Raymond Rogers (Kathy) of Ovalo, Timothy Rogers (Vickie) of Burns, KS, Rebekah Lockeby(Lonnie) of Clarendon, Bonnie Roe (Charles) of Tuscola, Katrina Carter (Timothy) of Euless, and Jeannie Osborne of Waco, one step son Steve Nolan Rogers (Mary) of Colorado Springs, CO, brothers; Pete C. Collins, Eugene C. Collins; and sister Jerry L. Ramsey; twenty three grandchildren; forty seven great grandchildren; and nine great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brothers, Lewis W. Collins, Jesse W. Collins, Frederick D. Collins, and Odell Collins; sisters Lois A. Watson, Johnnie L. Cooper; and. a grandson Jason C. Lockeby.

Helen was a beloved wife, Mother, Grandmother, and faithful servant. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. We are truly blessed to call her Mom. She will be sorely missed and forever loved.

 

Arvazene Smith Giddens, 82, died Thursday, July 24, 2014, in Amarillo.

Services were held on Monday, July 28, 2014, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Dr. Roger L. Smith, officiating.

Interment followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Viewing will be held at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount in Amarillo on Saturday and Sunday.

Arvazene Giddens, born Arvazene Smith, was born on December 1, 1931, to Victor Lee Smith and Chloe Smith in Quitaque, TX. The family moved to Clarendon, TX when Victor took over running the electric plant. Arvazene was the youngest of four children. She had a brother, Basil and two sisters, Wanda and Yvonne. Arvazene attended Clarendon High School and at the age of 16 was awarded a full scholarship to Juliard School of Music, but her mother thought that New York City was not a proper place for a 16 year old girl without any family close.

Shortly after she married Elbert Preston Smith or “Bert Jr” to all who knew him in Clarendon. Then on February 17, 1949, her first son, Roger Wayne Smith was born. Her second son, Gale Lee Smith was born on August 8, 1950. Linda, her daughter, was born September 27, 1953.

The years passed, the kids grew up and started their own families. The boys went to college and Linda married, Bert Jr. died and Arvazene moved to Oklahoma City. In 1976 the Lord put Arvazene in the path of Clifford Giddens Jr., a young believer. They married on February 26, 1977. Their life of service for the Lord Jesus Christ had now started, building churches, holding home prayer meetings, and preaching and singing any place that the Lord would open to them. They shared the Gospel of Jesus in Oklahoma City, Atlanta, GA, Jamaica, and Brussels, Belgium in coffee houses, under bridges to the homeless and in nursing homes. This was their lives for 37 years until God called Arvazene home on July 24. Arvazene was the embodiment of Christian love and grace to all who knew her.

Arvazene was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sisters, her first husband Bert Jr, her daughter Linda, and one great-grandson Jamon Lee Cox.

Arvazene is survived by her husband, Clifford B. Giddens Jr. of Amarillo, two sons, Roger Wayne Smith and wife Karon of Amarillo, and Gale Lee Smith and wife Charlotte of Oklahoma City, four grandsons, Michael Arnold, Jason Smith, Dr. Roger L. Smith, and Elias Verdalette, five granddaughters, Tiffany Shadle, Stacy Oldfield, Charisa Bryant, Christy Cox, and Alyisha Sutherland, 19 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Arvazene also loved her 3 step-grandsons, Scott Cordell, Ronnie Cordell, and Cole Cordell, her 7 step-great grandchildren, and her 5 step-great-great grandchildren.

Patricia “Gayle” Bones Price, born Sept. 16, 1942, in Clarendon, Texas, to Homer and Viola Bones, passed away at home with her family at her side July 17, 2014.

Gayle graduated from Clarendon High School in 1961 and left to live in a bigger city. A few years after graduation, she had a daughter named Valerie, and they ended up in Houston, where she met and married Bill Price on Nov. 27, 1969.

The couple started a real estate company in 1971, and Gayle put her passion to work and expanded the business to include four offices. Her middle child, Michael, was born in 1976, and Gayle left the business to become a full-time mom to Valerie and Mike. Two years later, their youngest child, Tiffany, was born.

In 1981, Gayle and Bill sold their company and, in 1982, moved from Houston to Marble Falls so their children would grow up in a small town. After several years of being a stay- at-home mom, and when the kids were all in school, Gayle wanted to do something part-time, which led her to becoming a school nurse. With much training, she became an EMT with the Marble Falls Volunteer EMS. She was awarded Volunteer of the Year more than once and stayed with the EMS until she was employed by them and became an EMT-1.

Gayle also helped start the Marble Falls Police Dispatch Division and 9-1-1 system. Participating in these activities led to her desire to be the Marble Falls municipal judge. With a unanimous decision, she was appointed to the position, which she held for 16 years until her retirement in 2012.

Throughout her work as an EMT, dispatcher and judge, she touched numerous lives in a positive way and will be missed by many.

Thank you to Scott & White Hospice and the many caregivers and friends who have helped throughout this difficult process.

A celebration of life service was held July 21 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home.

Helen F. (Collins) Rogers passed away at age 84, June 16, 2014 in Hendrick Hospital in Ovalo.  Helen will be laid to rest at McBee Cemetery in Ovalo, alongside her husband Friday, June 20, 2014.  A funeral service will be held on Friday June 20, 2014 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church, 709 Kent Ave, Tuscola, Matt Stidam officiating, directed by Fry~Bartlett Funeral Home.  Viewing will be Thursday June 19, from 6-8 pm at the funeral home.

Helen was born December 28, 1929 in Ranger to Earl and Katie (Yokum) Collins. She was one of ten children. Helen graduated high

school in New Mexico and married Steve Rogers on February 16, 1948. They were married for 65 years at the time of Steve’s death (2013).

Helen and Steve lived the majority of their lives in Clarendon. They had eight children and one step son. 

Helen was a dedicated and independent woman. She worked hard at every task put before her. She was intelligent and determined, receiving her nurse’s degree at age 40.  Helen’s years spent as a nurse included, nursing, teaching nursing, and starting two home health care services. She retired at age 79.

Helen taught Sunday school for many years and remained a faithful servant all her life. She loved her God, family, and her church. Helen and Steve prayed for each of their children and their families daily. They adored each other so much it is hard to separate one from the other. They are together hand in hand once again.

She is survived by her children, Susan Rhoades of Ovalo, Lois (Gus) Havens of Rosebud, Steve Raymond Rogers (Kathy) of Ovalo, Timothy Rogers (Vickie) of Burns, KS, Rebekah Lockeby(Lonnie) of Clarendon, Bonnie Roe (Charles) of Tuscola, Katrina Carter (Timothy) of Euless, and Jeannie Osborne of Waco, one step son Steve Nolan Rogers (Mary) of Colorado Springs, CO, brothers; Pete C. Collins, Eugene C. Collins; and sister Jerry L. Ramsey; twenty three grandchildren; forty seven great grandchildren; and nine great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brothers, Lewis W. Collins, Jesse W. Collins, Frederick D. Collins, and Odell Collins; sisters Lois A. Watson, Johnnie L. Cooper; and. a grandson Jason C. Lockeby. 

Helen was a beloved wife, Mother, Grandmother, and faithful servant. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. We are truly blessed to call her Mom. She will be sorely missed and forever loved.

David Dyer Hardin, 65, died Friday July 18, 2014, in Amarillo.

Memorial services were held Monday, in Crush Wine Bar, 701 S. Polk, with Joan Gaines, Chaplain of BSA, officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

David was born May 30, 1949, in Amarillo to W.K. and Maxine Hardin. He was a lifelong resident of Clarendon TX where he farmed with his father. He later installed satellite dishes with his friend Jimbo. He was a kind and gentle soul who loved history, nature and hunting arrowheads. David was the caregiver for his parents during their last years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Cheryl.

He is survived by her son Shawn and wife Amy of Omaha, NE; daughters Andrea Douglas and husband Rory of Canyon and Renea Parks and husband Chad of Amarillo; three grandchildren Jacob, Gracie and Sarah Douglas; siblings Shauna Kidd of Austin, Brent Hardin of El Paso, and Kelli Mooring of Canyon.

Family would like to extend sincere appreciation to BSA Hospice staff for their loving care.

Bobby Johnson, 76, died Wednesday, July 9, 2014, in Amarillo.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, July 12, 2014, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Anthony Knowles, officiating.

Arrangements Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Bobby was born August 11, 1937, in Floydada to Evert and Bea Thompson Johnson. He married Charlotte Wilson on September 17, 1955, in Martin. He had been a resident of Clarendon and Amarillo most of his life. He was a US Navy veteran and worked for Gilvin-Terrill Road Construction for over 50 years prior to his retirement. He loved his family and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a member of the Temple Baptist Church in Amarillo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David Johnson; his daughter, Lisa Chapman; a brother, Gerald Johnson; and a grandson, Randy Joe Hill, Jr.

He is survived by 3 daughters, Kay Lynn Hill and husband Randy of Canyon, Renee Johnson and husband Ernie Saldivar of Post, and Shelly Johnson and partner Jan Holly of Amarillo; a brother, Roger Johnson and wife Carolyn of Canyon; a sister, Rhonda Stephenson and husband David of Canyon; 3 grandchildren, Jenny Baker and husband Justin of Bushland, Jamie McCoy and husband J.D. of Oklahoma City, and Whitney Johnson of California; 4 great grandsons; and a loyal friend, Jane Wood.

The family suggests that memorials be to BSA Hospice.

Vonna Beth Tunnell, 79, died Thursday, July 10, 2014, in Amarillo.

Memorial services were held Saturday, July 12, 2014, in the Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Bill Hodges, officiating.

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

Vonna was born February 11, 1935 in Littlefield to Jesse and Sally Mott Davis. She had been a resident of Clarendon since 1961. She was a bookkeeper and delivered newspapers for the Amarillo Globe News prior to her retirement. She loved to work in the yard and was a big sports fan. She attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Clarendon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jay Davis; 2 sisters, Colleen Mullins and Bennie Gililand; and a grandson, Jeremy Tunnell.

She is survived by a son, Kelly Tunnell and wife Vicky of Clarendon; a daughter, Ricci Tunnell of Dallas; a brother, Bob Davis of Garland; a sister, Dianne Davis of Plainview; 2 grandchildren, Tim Tunnell of Amarillo and Aimee Carreon of Perryton; and 4 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to the Clarendon CISD to support the Lady Bronco Softball Program / PO Box 610 / Clarendon, Texas 79226.

C.W. “Dude” Cornell, 86, died Monday, July 7, 2014 in Amarillo.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 10, 2014, in the First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lance Wood, officiating

Burial will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

C.W. “Dude” Cornell, 86, passed away Monday, July 7, 2014, after complications from a car accident.  Dude, the youngest of eleven children, was born on March 4, 1928, in Paducah, TX, to Zimmeriah Calhoun and Lizzie Jane Acrea Cornell. He graduated from Paducah High School and served in the Navy during the Korean War, before moving to Clarendon.

In 1940, Dude began a long career in the service station industry, eventually partnering with his brother Lonnie “Bill” Cornell, his friend Bob Kidd, and his son, Bill Cornell, as well as working up until his death as sole owner.

He also served his county as a commissioner for sixteen years, sold real estate and enjoyed tending to cattle and horses.

He will be remembered by many for his kind words, contagious smile, random acts of kindness, and sense of humor.

Dude was preceded in death by his wife of thirty years, Wanda Marie Elliott in 1991.

He is survived by two children:  one son, Bill Cornell and wife Deanna of Clarendon; one daughter, Cara Malone and husband Buck of Clifton, TX; seven grandchildren:  Holly Cornell of Canyon; Jill Molloy and husband Colt of Canyon; Zach Cornell of Clarendon; Jake Malone currently residing in Iceland; Mackenzie Malone of Lubbock; Candice Malone of Clifton, TX, and Cassidy Malone of Clifton, TX.

The family request memorials be sent to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury Research or the local VFW.

Joyce Combs, 85, died Tuesday, June 24, 2014, Amarillo.

Graveside services were held Friday, June 27, 2014, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Dave Stout, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Howardwick, officiating.

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

Joyce was born April 29, 1929, in Weinert, Texas to Al & Cecil Marr. She

married W.E. Combs on February 17, 1949 in Hereford. They had two sons. While in Pampa, she worked as County Clerk Deputy for several years, Gray County Abstract Company, and later Administrative Assistant for Dr. Raymond Laycock. She was chosen Woman of the Year two years in succession in Howardwick.

In 2007 W.E. died after their marriage which lasted 58 years. In April of 2009 Joyce moved to Park Place Towers retirement campus in Amarillo. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Howardwick.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, W.E. Combs on November 2, 2007.

She is survived by 2 sons, Claude Combs and wife Cathie of Amarillo, and Charles A. Combs of Tempe, Arizona; 2 grandsons, Charles M. of Austin and William Combs of Houston; a granddaughter, Lindsey Marie Combs of Amarillo; a great grandson, Harrison Combs; a niece, Lynn Shapiro of Montclair, California; and a great niece, Kelli Shapiro of Montclair, California.

The family suggests that memorials be to the First Baptist Church in Howardwick, 235 Rick Husband Blvd., Howardwick, Texas 79226.