Obituaries

Christopher Ray Liner, 69, of Memphis, Texas, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Memphis.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, in the First Baptist Church in Memphis.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis.

Viewing will be held Thursday at the funeral home with family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.

Chris was born July 8, 1953, in Wellington to Richard and Lorene Lowe Liner.  He married Teresa Lee Osborn on February 14, 1992, in Brownwood.  He had been a resident of Memphis most of his life, where he owned and operated OK Tire for over 28 years.  He was a former member of the Memphis Volunteer Fire Department and also served on the Memphis City Council for several years.  He enjoyed fishing, going to the mountains in Ruidoso, New Mexico, watching NCIS, and was an avid TCU Horned Frogs fan.  He also enjoyed volunteering with Kairos ministry.  Chris loved his precious grandkids and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Clifton Todd; his brothers-in-law, Pete Sherman, Phillip Osborn, James Butts, and Bill Olsen; and a sister in law, Carol Albert.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa Liner of Memphis; his sons, Derrick Todd of Memphis and Corey Liner and wife Brandi of Iowa Park; his daughters, Brandalynn Lachell Whitaker of Memphis and Charissa Reeves and husband Danny of Corsicana; his brother, Mike Liner and wife Suzie of Lubbock; his sister, Kelli Jones and husband Tom of Idaho; his grandchildren, Kristen Liner of Austin, Kameron Todd of North Carolina, Kason Todd of Memphis, Kennedy Whitaker of Paducah, Zada Todd of Memphis, Zayden Todd and Skylee Todd of El Paso, Eliza Liner and Abony Liner of Maryland; his beloved dogs, Roxy and Moon; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family request memorials be sent to the Memphis Volunteer Fire Department or the Preservation Foundation.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com.

Bertha Anna James, 99, of Tulia died Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Tulia.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Silverton Cemetery in Silverton, Texas.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Bertha was born November 1, 1923, in Littlefield to Peter and Pauline Elizabeth Bontke Barbian. She married Gerald James on March 22, 1947, in Plainview. She had served in the US Army during World War II. She had been a longtime resident of Silverton before moving to Clarendon in 2000. She then moved to Tulia where she had been a resident the past several years. She was a homemaker and enjoyed her family especially her kids and grandkids.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1996; five brothers, Louis, Frank, Johnny, Tony, and Pete Barbian; and a grandson, Wade James.

Survivors include her sons, Alan James of Granbury, Gerry James of Silverton, and Buddy James of Amarillo; her daughters, Marilynn McClanahan of Tulia and Donna Echols of Pecos; a sister, Magdalene Young of Lubbock; seven grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to Silverton Cemetery Association, BSA Hospice of Southwest, or a favorite charity.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Brenda Cheryl McConnell, 72, of Clarendon died Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Amarillo.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2023, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.  Viewing will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Brenda was born May 24, 1951, in Memphis, Texas, to Robert Odell and Edna Tims Osburn. She married Wade A. McConnell on December 17, 1967, in Clarendon. She had been a lifetime resident of Clarendon where she worked as a grocery store clerk for many years. She enjoyed sewing, spending time with her grandkids, and she loved her fur babies.

She is preceded in death by her father; her husband in 2008; and her brother, Gary Lynn Osburn.

Survivors include her mother, Edna Durbin of Amarillo; her son, Clint McConnell and wife Kathy of Bushland, Texas; her daughter, Delinah Mills and fiance Jody Paugh of Amarillo, Texas; one sister, Judy Osburn of Amarillo, Texas; six grandchildren; one great grandchild on the way; and other extended family.

The family suggests memorials to be sent to a favorite charity.

Sign the online guest book at www.robertsonfuneral.com

On December 9, 2022, Ruby Dean Melton was ushered into the resting place of angels. During her lifetime she was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Everyone knew her for her unending kindness, her ability to always see the sunny side of life, her love for family, and her wonderful southern wit. Anyone lost and in need of a friend was taken in and cared for, earning her the loving nickname “Nanny Ma” to all. She had a gypsy soul, and a love for life and the Lord that carried her through her days. Her faith, love, and resilience brought her family through many hard times and continues to carry us all on today.

Ruby Dean was preceded in death by her father and mother, Charles Melton, and “Dolly” Kelley of Turkey, her sister Vernie Beck, as well as two of her children, Joe David Hale, and Rhonda Dale Reid.

She leaves behind her dear brother, Joe Melton, five of her children, and an abundance of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. Graveside services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, June 3rd, at Dreamland Cemetery in Turkey, with reception to follow at the Bob Wills Community Event Center from 1-3 p.m. Please join us in a celebration of her life, love, and legacy.

“Remember me as someone who loved you all very, very much. Help and love one another and know I have gone on to a far better place and will plan on seeing you all there. Have a wake, not a funeral. Remember me with smiles. I have lived life, good times, and bad times. God made us a wonderful world, see it!” – Ruby Dean

Ruth M. Aebischer of Clarendon, formerly of the Edinburg-Mt. Auburnarea, passed away May 7, 2023, at Baptist St. Anthony’s Hospital in Amarillo.

Ruth was born April 26, 1944 to Hughie & Dora (Blackard) Williams. Ruth graduated from Edinburg High School with class of 1962. She married Jesse Aebischer in 1964.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Dora Jean (Dan) Robinson of Burson, Calif., Norma Like (Leonard) Like of Amarillo, and Carol (Tony) James of Red Bluff, Calif.; her grandchildren, Jesse, Noah, Montana, Corianna, and Abbie; her brother, Edward Williams of Mt. Auburn; two nieces; and two nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Mary Hubert, brother Robert (Strawberry) Williams, two nieces and one nephew.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday May 13, 2023, at Mt. Auburn cemetery in Colchester, Illinois.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Rowley Funeral Home.

James Edward Potts, 68, of Hedley, passed away on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Amarillo.

He was born in Groom and has been a lifetime resident of Hedley. James, also known as James Edward, was a wonderful father and son who loved his community and was always helping someone in need.

James had a passion for farming and enjoyed taking care of livestock. He loved raising and selling show pigs with his Uncle Tracy and son James Lee Potts. James also loved playing his guitar and singing with his family and friends.

James attended Hedley School for his primary and high school education. He later earned an Associate degree from Clarendon College. James was a member of the Hedley Methodist Church.

He is survived by his son, James Lee Potts and wife Anastacia, and one precious grandchild, Evangeline Jade Potts.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Perry Joe Potts; father, Milfred James Potts; and mother, Ella Oretha Potts.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 4, 2023, in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley with Rev. Anthony Knowles officiating.
The viewing was held at Robertson Funeral Directors in Clarendon on Wednesday, May 3, from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Methodist Church of Hedley.
Rest in peace, James Edward Potts. You will be greatly missed by everyone who knew you.

Robert Lee Mills, age 85, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Vernon.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Childress with Kerry Wood officiating. Burial followed in Childress Cemetery.

Robert was born in Childress, on September 5, 1937, to Guy Lee Mills and Nina Faye (McMinn) Mills. Robert was an amazing golfer who was instrumental in the development of Stoney Ridge Golf Course in Childress. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Childress, as well as the Masonic Lodge #695. He retired from the Texas Department of Transportation after 40 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pauline Sutton; step-son, Mark Moates and numerous extended family.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Mills of Childress; son, Ricky Dean Mills and wife, Julie of Clarendon; daughter, Janis Walker; step-son, Donnie Moates and wife, Nelda of Celeste, Texas; step-daughter, Cindy Rufenacht and husband, Dale of Amarillo; step-daughter, Susan Spring and husband, Robert; brother, Donald Mills of Texas City, Texas; brother, Stephen Mills and wife, Charlene of Gladewater, Texas; sister, Marie Lowe of Austin, Texas; brother, Danny Joe Mills and wife Carol of Leavenworth, Kansas and numerous Cousins, Nephews and Nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Childress Masonic Lodge #695, 344 North Main Street, Childress, Texas, 79201.

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Jordon Diego Chavira, 26, of Howardwick who left us on April 23, 2023.

Jordan was the most gentle soul, the kindest young man with a signature laugh and an affectionate hug that told you how deeply he loved you. Impetuous both at his barber chair, behind the wheel of his Mustang, and in private life, Jordan made friends and helped people wherever life took him. He was an amazing man who led an extraordinary life. A talented artist and a fun, caring force, he seems to have found the secret to unending optimism and generously spread laughter, joy and rays of sunshine in the lives of everyone who knew him.

Jordan was the only son of Eddie and Shelly Chavira of Howardwick, who are grateful they had the opportunity to be his parents; sister Mariah Capps of Amarillo; Grandson to Lucinda Chavira of Howardwick, Kristen Butler of Visalia, Calif., and Leroy Reed of Amarillo; great nephew to Don and Tracy Cornutt of Durango, Colo., nephew to Pete Chavira of Fresno, Calif., Corky and Cindy Butler of Claude, Lori Hudgens and Ian and Brandi Fleming of Fresno, Calif., Michael Holliman and Brandi Reed, Michael and Amanda Cates and Chris and Shannon Ellis of Amarillo; best friend Jonathon Yanes of Fresno, Calif., pets Caliber, Katy and Willie; and several cousins and countless friends that he supported, entertained and cherished through the years.

Jordan was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Pete Chavira and Eugene Butler, and his grandmother, Mildred Reed. It gives us comfort knowing they have him in their arms now.

Family and friends are welcome to join us for Jordon’s celebration of life. It will be held at the Howardwick City Hall, 245 Rick Husband Blvd. Howardwick, TX 79226 on April 28, 2023, at 11:30 am. Lunch will be served. Floral arrangements can also be sent to this location.

Jordan will forever be missed. His family wishes to thank their community of Howardwick and everyone who has shown them love, compassion, and support during this time.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, Henry “Peanut” Haire, loving husband, father, and Pawpaw passed away at the age of 85.

Services will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Joe Neal Shadle, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon, Texas.

Henry was born August 29, 1937, in Clarksville, Texas, to Elbert and Mildred Haire. He grew up in Memphis. He married Judy Ashcraft on May 5, 1975. Henry had many jobs – Mechanic, custom farming, meat processer, worked GM truck driver before finally retiring from Donley County services. He loved his family and spending time watching them having fun and visiting. He loved watching wrestling on TV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and a son.

He is survived by his wife, Judy of the home; eight children; many grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and even a few great great grandchildren.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com