Obituaries

Hazel Athalee Dodson, age 99, of Texarkana, Texas, died Friday, January 11, 2013, in a local nursing home.

Athalee was born October 5, 1913, in Childress, Texas, to Wilburn W. and Pearl Dodson. She retired from General Telephone Company in December 1975 after thirty-three years of dedicated service.

Athalee was a member of Highland Church of Christ in Texarkana, Arkansas.

She is survived by one niece and several nephews.

Funeral Services were held Monday at Texarkana Funeral Home, Texas, Chapel with Chris Hooten officiating. Graveside services were held Tuesday at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon, Texas.

Memorials may be made to Highland Church of Christ, 1705 Highland Street, Texarkana, Arkansas 71854.

Georgia Nell Robertson Speed, 72, died Friday, January 4, 2013, in Clarendon, Texas.

Services were held Sunday, January 6, 2013, at the First Baptist Church in Hedley with Rev. Bruce Howard, officiating. Interment followed at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley.

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

Georgia was born July 13, 1940, in Clarendon to George Andrew and Sallie Elizabeth Rattan Robertson. She was a graduate of Clarendon High School and a lifelong resident of Donley County.

Georgia married Gilbert Riley Speed on December 13, 1974, in Clarendon. She worked as a waitress and other areas of the food service industry for much of her life. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Hedley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Riley Speed, on May 11, 2005; her sister, Maxine Howe; and her brother, Glenn H. Robertson.

She is survived by her brother, Delbert W. Robertson and wife Naomi, of Clarendon; her sister, Margaret Vines, of Wellington; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to all of the staff at Community Care Center of Clarendon for the loving care given to her during her time there. A very special thanks also goes to Odyssey Hospice Care for their excellent care to her and her niece during the final days of her life. God Bless each of you.

The family suggests that memorials be to the Senior Citizens Centers of Clarendon or Hedley.

Jaunita Louise Meador, 87, died Saturday, December 15, 2012, in Vista, California

Services were held Saturday, December 22, 2012, in the Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Tracy Richardson, officiating. Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Jaunita was born February 2, 1925 in Donley County to William and Emma Moore Gregory. She married William O.D. “Bill” Meador in 1949 at Borger. She was a bookkeeper prior to her retirement. She had been a long time resident of Clarendon before moving to Vista, California. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #6 in Clarendon. She loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her great great grandchildren. She was a Baptist.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on November 21, 1996; a brother; and 2 sisters.

She is survived by 4 sons, Bobby R. Meador and wife Filomena of Vista, California, Billie L. Meador and wife Claudia of Zavalla, Rev.

Dewayne Meador and wife Soni and Don Meador and wife Pat all of Mena, Arkansas; 4 daughters, LaQuitta Lewis and husband A.T. of Mena, Arkansas, Donna Caldwell and husband Wayne and Tanja Boling and husband Mark all of Bachito, Oklahoma, and Cheryl Johnson and husband Mark of Calera, Oklahoma; a foster grandson, Earl Carter and family;

7 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; and host of relatives.

The family request memorials be sent to a favorite charity.

William F. “Bill” Shults, 72, died Tuesday, December 18, 2012, in Amarillo, Texas.

Graveside services were held Sunday, December 23, 2012, at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley, TX with Rev. Rob Seale, officiating.

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

William F. “Bill” Shults was born July 28, 1940 in Dalhart, Texas to William Mark and Zelma Mae Mauck Shults. He was a graduate of Kress High School. Bill owned and operated an Interior Remodeling business where he remodeled numerous offices and buildings. He married Edith Pacsirta in 1973 in Albuquerque. Bill loved hunting, fishing, and was the most wonderful father and husband. He was very loving, caring, and truthful and would help anyone. He attended the First Presbyterian Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Shults, in 1999; his parents; and his nephew, Ivan Douglas McCrary.

He is survived by his son, Michael Shults, of Clarendon; uncle, Tom Shults, of Clarendon; sister, Sarah McCrary, of Clarendon; 2 brothers, James Shults, of Perryton, and Don Shults, of Colorado Springs, CO; ex sister-in-law, Carolyn Shults, of Clarendon; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.

Clara Lanell “Kan” Ellis, 82, died Wednesday, December 26, 2012 in Amarillo.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, December 29, 2012, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Darrell Burton, officiating.

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

Kan was born August 26, 1930 in Memphis to Obe and Mary Ann Shafer Holland. She married Robert “Bob” Ellis on April 5, 1950, in Amarillo. She worked as a seamstress at Memphis Sheet Factory and also Texas Saddlery in Clarendon prior to her retirement. She had been a resident of Donley County since 1954 and was a member of the First Baptist Church. She was a sweet, loving grandmother and never had a bad thing to say about anyone.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Hospice of the Southwest, Bivins Memorial Nursing Home, Roadrunner Home Care, Bunny and Nancy Owens, and Beth Like for taking care of Mrs. Ellis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on October 7, 2000; 2 brothers, Joe and Otis Holland; and 2 sisters, Betty Stone and Reta Riley.

She is survived by 3 sons, Frankie Ellis and wife Cindy of Claude, Steve Ellis and wife Nita of Clarendon, and James Ellis and wife Jackie of Wellington; a daughter, Karan Jolly and husband Gene of Amarillo; a sister, Am Smith of Riddle, Oregon; 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family request memorials be sent to Roadrunner Home Care in Clarendon and Memphis.

Raymond J. Hopper, 93, died December 27, 2012, in Mustang, OK. Graveside services were held Monday, December 31, 2012, at Llano Cemetery in Amarillo with Rev. James Baker officiating. Arrangements are under the personal care of Hughs Funeral Home of Memphis, TX.

Dad (Pawpaw) is at peace and has realized his wish of being with Mother (Memaw) and his Lord for eternity.

Raymond was born April 11, 1919, in Hopper, AR, to James Garfield and Julina (Tweedle) Hopper and was one of 14 children. He peacefully passed away on December 27, 2012, in Mustang, OK, where he has lived for the past

7 years. He served in the Army during WW II from 1942-1945 in Italy and was the recipient of the Purple Heart and the EAME Campaign Medal with 2 bronze service stars. After working 37 years for Pioneer Gas Co in Amarillo, Raymond and Nora retired in Hedley, TX, and lived there until the death of his wife in 2005.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Nora Hopper.

Raymond is survived by his three children, Jerry Hopper and wife Regina of Oklahoma City, Beverly Hopper of Columbus, GA, and Mike Hopper and wife Caprice of Amarillo, his two granddaughters, Cari Neeley of Canyon, TX, and Ashley Hopper of Tahlequah, OK, and his two great grandsons, Aaron and Hayden.

Our happy husband, daddy, Grandad, brother, uncle and friend, Max Lloyd Hennigh,stepped into heaven at 12:10 p.m. on December 23, 2012. He fought hard to live and because of Jesus his Savior, he does live for all eternity. His life was celebrated at Calvary United Methodist church in Paris, TX on Friday December 28, 2012.

Max was born July 15, 1929, in Darrouzett, Texas to Roy Daniel and Gracie Awilda Hennigh. He has six brothers; GB, Charlie, Wendell, Ray, Doyle and Wayne. His five sisters are Alpha Mae Boston, Fern Howard, Melba Orshek, Margaret Jennings, and Emma Lee Hennigh. He married and is survived by the love of his life, Winona Faye of 64 years. Their three daughters, Stella Read, Jeannie Selke and Maxine Markley and sons-in-law Ben, Darrell and Lonnie have given Max and Winona thirteen grandchildren who he loved and enjoyed so much; Bill Read, Kasi Baudo, Krysla Darden, Davyd Read, Coby Selke, Amy Powell, Sara Waters, Emily Kavalich, Jerod Markley, Jennifer Tennihill, Justin Markley, Alex Markley and Jonathan Markley. He also has a plethora of great grans, nieces, nephews and dear friends who will love and miss this joyful, fun-loving man.

Max was a true lover of people with a generous heart that impacted many throughout his life. Even through tough times, Winona and he always found a way to give to others. Together, they brought smiles and hope to the people around them everywhere they lived. He was a member of Methodist Men, Kiwanis Club, Lion’s Club, and was the mayor of Howardwick, Texas for three years. A highlight of the life of Max was coaching the Sunflowers and Kittens, girls’ Kids Inc. softball teams that his girls played on in the late 50’s and early 60’s.

If desired, the family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the Calvary United Methodist Youth Building Fund and Clarendon United Methodist Church.

Leldon “Zeke” Taylor, 60, passed away Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012.

Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Pleasantview Baptist Church, Arlington. A second funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at Calvary Baptist Church in Clarendon. Interment: Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at Pleasantview Baptist Church.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Zeke’s memory to Rendon Baptist Church, Rendon, or Arlington Baptist College.

Zeke was born June 9, 1952, in Fort Worth to R.B. “Bob” and Maudie M. Taylor. He graduated from Glen Rose High School, the University of Texas Arlington and Arlington Baptist College.

He retired July 2007 from the IRS after 34 years of service and was the pastor of Rendon Baptist Church for 13 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maudie and Bob Taylor, and wife, Linda S. Talley Taylor.

He is survived by his Wife, Janie Hall Taylor; brother, Vernon S. Taylor and wife, Karen; nephews, Matthew and Jeffrey Taylor and Kyle Talley; brother-in-law, Robert Talley; and several cousins.

Brenda Joyce Graham, 63, of Claude died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012.

Memorial services were at 2 p.m. Sunday in Church of Christ in Clarendon with Carroll Thomason officiating. Arrangements are by Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive.

Brenda was born March 21, 1949, in Memphis to Johnnie and Cleo Driver. She was raised in Lesley and graduated from Lakeview High School. She married Keith Graham on Feb. 19, 1966, in Memphis. Brenda worked at the Hall County ASCS office in Memphis for more than 10 years before going to work for the Texas Prison System at the Clements Unit in Amarillo as a corrections officer. She worked there for 20 years and was employed there at the time of her death.

Brenda was a hard working, honest and faithful woman to her Lord and family. She loved being with her family and took great joy in cooking for them. Most of all, she loved being Maw to her precious grandchildren. She will also be remembered for her willingness to help others, for her big heart and her laugh.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Macelanie Joyce Graham; her parents; a brother, Floy Lee Driver; and a sister, Edith Houdashell.

Survivors include her husband, Keith Graham of Claude; a daughter, Leslie White and husband Bret of Clarendon; a son, Mark Graham and wife Cene’e of Amarillo; a brother, Lester Driver of Levelland; a sister, Betty Ann Hudgins of Burns Flat, Okla.; and four grandchildren, Maci, Brice, Skyler and Briss.

Betty Sue Thomas, 83, died Saturday, December 15, 2012, in Amarillo, Texas.

 Services were held Tuesday, December 18, 2012, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica and Pastor Lavon Thompson, officiating. Burial followed in Llano Cemetery in Amarillo. Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

 Betty was born December 17, 1928, in Vernon to Ralph and Masel McDuff. She married John Wesley “Wes” Thomas on December 15, 1950, in Plainview. She had been a longtime resident of Amarillo before moving to Clarendon in 1986. She had 3 hobbies/addictions horses, books, and chocolate. She also loved Snapple peach tea. She was a woman of faith and loved her family dearly. She had been involved with the Humane Society in Amarillo and was a member of the Donley County Senior Citizens and the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Jim Travis Thomas.

 She is survived by her husband, Wes Thomas of Clarendon; 2 sons, Lightin McDuff and wife Debbie Carey and John Thomas and wife Beckey of Amarillo; a daughter, Debra Reece and husband Ricky of Amarillo; a sister, Tommie Lu Privitt of Farmersville; 9 grandchildren, J.W. Thomas, Karlee Creek, Jacob Thomas, Dylan Reece, Matt Thomas, April Carey, Jessica Thomas, Jamie Ross, and Josh Arnett; 12 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.

 The family request memorials be sent to Community Fellowship Church or the VFW both in Clarendon.