Obituaries

Henry Mathew “Sonny Boy” Hastey, Jr., 86, died Saturday, November 17, 2012, in Amarillo, Texas

Graveside services were held Monday, November 19, at the Flomont Cemetery in Flomont with Rev. Bryan Knowles, officiating.

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

Henry was born April 6, 1926, in Flomont, Texas to Henry and Letha Emerson Hastey, Sr. He then married Nadine Stone on September 15, 1950 in Turkey, Texas. Before moving to Clarendon in 1966, Henry had lived in Plainview. Henry was a dedicated farmer and rancher, and was known for his watermelons, cantaloupes, and cotton.

He was a very generous man, a dedicated father, and a dedicated husband to Nadine for 62 years. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Clarendon Masonic Lodge #700 AF&AM. Henry was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, James and Gerald Hastey; and a sister Ava Young.

He is survived by his wife, Nadine of Clarendon; 2 sons Ronnie Mathew Hastey and wife Jeannie of Elkhart, Kansas, Barry Hastey and wife Tammy of Weatherford, Oklahoma; 2 daughters, Ava Hastey of Austin, Texas, Pat Allen and husband Steve of Amarillo; a brother, Maurice Hastey of Plainview; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch & Girls Town or to Olivia’s Angels at BSA Hospice in Amarillo.

Janella “Jan” Ruth Altman, 81, of Clarendon, Texas died on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012 in Brenham, Texas.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 10,

2012 at the First United Methodist Church of Clarendon, Texas with the Rev. Lloyd Stice, officiating.

Jan will be laid to rest at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley, Texas earlier in the morning.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon, Texas.

The family will visit with family and friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday November 9, 2012 at Robertson Funeral Directors, 212 S. Sully in Clarendon.

Janella “Jan” Ruth Altman, 81, of Clarendon, Texas died on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012 in Brenham, Texas.

Memorial Services were held on Saturday, November 10,2012 at the First United Methodist Church of Clarendon, Texas with the Rev. Lloyd Stice, officiating.

Jan was be laid to rest at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley, Texas earlier that morning.

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

She was born on December 23, 1930, in Tell, Texas to Gus and Laura Woods.

Jan was very active in her church at an early age. At the age of 15 years old Jan started leading singing with her sister, Carol Jean, playing the piano at the Methodist Church in Tell, Texas. Thru the years she has also led singing at the United Methodist Church in Hedley, Texas, the Nazarene Church in Clarendon, Texas, and here at the United Methodist Church in Clarendon. She taught the 4 and 5 year old Sunday school class at Hedley and at Clarendon. Jan was also involved in the Missionary Services Group and at Bible Study Groups.

Jan married Winfred Donald “Don” Altman on March 15, 1952, at her parent’s home in Tell, Texas. They were married for 39 years until Don’s death in 1991. After Don and Jan married they moved to Hedley, Texas where they started a family. In 1958 Don and Jan moved to Clarendon, Texas. Jan lived in Clarendon until 2012 when she went to live in Brenham, Texas to be close to her daughter, Donna.

Jan was a Red Hatter and enjoyed the outings with her other Red Hatters. Jan also took bus tours all over the US. On one of her bus tours to Branson she got a photo of Mel Trellis and herself. She was very proud to say she got to hug someone famous. But her most precious friends are her church family. That was the one thing she missed the most after her move to Brenham. Jan enjoyed singing, church work, and spent many years at her sewing machine. Jan’s favorite ending to a conversation over the phone with either her grandchildren or someone else’s child was “Swak-Ems” and even when she kissed them this was her last parting comment before they left.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Altman in 1991, and her parents Gus and Laura Woods. She was the last surviving sibling with one brother Dual Woods, and three sisters Alvalee Creech, Becky Boyd, and Carol Jean Turner.

She is survived by her three daughters: Teresa DeMatos and husband Mike of Amarillo, Texas, Donna May and husband David of Brenham, Texas, Sherrie Stone and husband Albert of Memphis, Texas. Five granddaughters: Regina Moore, Janet Smith, and Renee Taylor all of Amarillo, Texas. Nicole Royall, and Patricia Vasquez of Brenham, Texas. Five grandsons: Darren May of Brenham, Texas, Randall Johnson of Austin, Texas, Robert Johnson of Graham, Texas, Jarad Stone and Shelby Stone of Amarillo, Texas. She also has 20 great-grandchildren.

Melton Lee McCowen, 69, passed away Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012.

Mel was born Oct. 8, 1943, to the late Charley and Rosa McCowen in Vernon. He was a longtime resident of Parker County. Mel was a custom spur and bit maker and former cowboy and started his spur business in Clarendon, Texas after leaving his position as foreman of the Rowe Ranch. He was an avid hunter and life member of the NRA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James.

He is survived by his wife, Kay McCowen of Weatherford; sons Michael McCowen and wife, Dana, of Canadian, Darrell Wayne McCowen of Chillicothe, Wade McCowen and wife, Maria, of Fort Worth and Shawn Studer and Cathy Sweeney of Weatherford; sister, Louise Wright, of Arizona; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews and many loving friends.

At Mel’s request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cowboy Heritage Association of Fort Worth, PO Box 136639, Fort Worth, Texas 76136 which sponsors college scholarships for Texas farm and ranch children.

Charles Newton Penix, 88, went to be with his Lord on November 2, 2012, in Amarillo.

Services were held Tuesday in the First Baptist Church Chapel with Dr. Howard Batson officiating. Burial followed in Citizens Cemetery, Clarendon, Texas. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Charles was born February 29, 1924, in Poteau, Oklahoma to Elsie and O.S. “Tab” Penix. Upon graduation from high school he joined the Air Force. During his military service he occupied positions as an Aircraft Commander, Squadron Operations Officer, Instructor Pilot and Wing Safety Officer. He received an Army Occupation Medal Air Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, Air Force Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon. He retired in 1961 in Grand Forks, North Dakota at the rank of Major.

He married Billie Glenn Salmon of Brice, Texas on March 18, 1945, in Denver, Colorado. She preceded him in death in 1995, two weeks before their 50th wedding anniversary.

In 1996, Charles married Margie McGuire in Amarillo. They have been blessed with 16 years of marriage.

Charles was a deacon at First Baptist Church, member of the Henry Brown Sunday School Class, a Mason for 50 years, and a Gideon. He loved gardening and playing golf. He was especially proud of having made a hole in one.

He is survived by his wife, Margie McGuire Penix, of the home; one sister, Bette Willey of Claremore, Oklahoma; daughters, Cindy Penix Rendahl and husband Tim of Whitney, Texas; Janice Penix Woodall and husband Larry of Palmer, Texas; Vicki McGuire Scivally and husband Gene of Amarillo; Cindy McGuire Barrett and husband Bruce of Muleshoe, Texas; grandchildren, CeeAnn Edwards and husband James; Zach Rendahl and wife Courtney; Aaron Woodall and wife Rannette; John Scivally and wife Nicole; Reid Scivally and wife Erin; Christen Woodburn and husband Tito; James Barrett and wife Melanie; Megan Medina and husband Emmanuel; 9 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Gideon’s International, 2200 SW 7th Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79106 or a favorite charity.

Verda Lee Littlefield, 90, died Thursday, November 1, 2012, in Wheeler.

Graveside services were held Monday, November 5, 2012, in the Jericho Cemetery in Jericho with Sam Line, Minister of the Groom Church of Christ, officiating.

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

Verda was born Dec. 21, 1921, in Donley County to Berry and Grace Rosey James and lived most of life in Donley County and Groom.

She graduated from Groom High School in 1939. She Married Lloyd Daniel Littlefield May 31, 1941, who was one of the old time cowboys.

She and Lloyd had three sons all were Groom school graduates. Special thanks to Jimmy Britten, Oran Durhan and Ada Durhan for the help on things that Verda couldn’t do.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd on August 6, 2001, Son Lloyd Edward on July 23, 2003, and 4 sisters.

She is survived by her 2 sons, Leroy Littlefield and wife Susan of Stephenville and Jerry Littlefield of Waelder; 5 grandchildren, Roxie McMordie of McLean, Mark Littlefield of Stephenville, Greg Littlefield of LaVernia, Russell Littlefield of Newcastle, OK, and Chris Littlefield of Henrietta; 2 step grandchildren, Jim Bob Adams of McLean and Peggy Phillips of Oklahoma City, OK; 8 great grandchildren and a sister Floretta Nece of Kansas.

The family request memorials be sent to Jericho Cemetery Association c/o Marlene Morgan / PO Box 1356 / Pampa, Texas 79066.

Betty Louise Parrish McClellan, 88, died Saturday, October 27, 2012, in Clarendon, Texas.

 Services were held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 31, 2012, in the Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon, with Chuck Robertson, officiating.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Arrangements were under the direction Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Betty was born August 25, 1924, in LaJunta, Colorado to Guy Edward and Lilly Edith Haddock Parrish. After completing nursing school, she had spent most of her life working as a nurse for the Clovis Memorial Hospital in Clovis, New Mexico. She married Lawrence Ray McClellan on October 18, 1946 in Denver, Colorado. Prior to moving to Clarendon 15 years ago, Betty had spent many years in Gruver, Texas. She was a part time librarian at the Gruver library, was a member of the Women’s Church Circle at the First Christian Church in Gruver as well. She loved to paint, sew, and embroider.

Betty also made teddy bears for those that she knew. She was an avid reader and loved her pets. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Gruver.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; all her brothers and sisters; and a granddaughter, Stephanie Bell.

She is survived by a son Larry McClellan of Clarendon; a daughter Cam Bell and husband Bob of Clarendon; 4 granddaughters; and 2 great granddaughters.

The family request memorials be sent to the ASPCA or to the Burton Memorial Library in Clarendon.

Meagan Joyce Lamberson Green, 27, died Tuesday, October 23, 2012, in Amarillo, Texas

Services were held on Saturday, October 27, 2012, in the First Baptist Church in Panhandle with Rev. Josh Light, officiating. Burial followed at Panhandle Cemetery in Panhandle.

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

Meagan was born October 21, 1985 in Amarillo to Bob and Elaine Lamberson. She grew up in Amarillo and attended Palo Duro High School. After moving to Panhandle, she married David Green on May 8, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was a devoted mother to their two children, Jaythan and Madison.

She is survived by her husband, David Green of Panhandle; her son, Jaythan Green of Panhandle; her daughter, Madison Green of Panhandle; her sister, Mandy Collier and husband Jason and their two children, Bailey and Tyler of Pampa; her parents, Bob and Elaine Lamberson of Amarillo; her grandfather, Ed Fitzhugh of Amarillo; her aunt, Gayle Fitzhugh of Amarillo; her mother in law, Katherine Williams of Clarendon; and a host of beloved extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be sent to the Endowment Fund for Meagan’s children c/o Happy State Bank.

Ralph Joe Hill, 82, Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in Clarendon, Texas.

Services were held Saturday, October 20, 2012, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon, with Rev. Larry Capranica, Rev.Charlie Floyd, Rev. Chris Downer, officiating.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Ralph was born July 19, 1930 in Sunset, Texas to O.T. and Nola Lowrance Hill. He married Janie Lee Butler Hill on February 29, 1952, in Clovis, NM. He was a cowboy for several area ranches, an electrician for Household Supply, as well as a deputy for the Donley Co Sheriff’s Office. He was a lifelong resident of Clarendon. He was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon. To follow are a few things you should know about Ralph. To know him was to know the definition of a husband, a father, and grandfather, a great grandfather, a friend. Beneath a tough exterior, he held in himself a hear the size of a sunset. And behind his definite eyes there was a deep, rare, guiding wisdom that taught him to cherish the people that were important and to be patient with everyone else. It was a wisdom that taught him that money only matters for the things you need. That love, more than anything, should define the life you lead. And that God could stay in your heart daily, even if you keep it to yourself. To know Ralph Hill was to be present for that which defines strength and loyalty, love and forgiveness, joy and character. And much like a cowboy on horseback, riding off into a deep, vast distance, his character was, for those who knew him, synonymous with the spirit of the Texas country. A spirit that could teach us all to stand tall and stay honest. To be proud, not arrogant. To care for family and provide for them everything they need. To pick your battles but to take no guff. To rely on yourself when you can, and others when you need to. To work hard but love harder. He was a shining example of what life should be.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janie Hill on January 14, 2012; 3 brothers Nolan, Orin Lee, and Ross Hill; a sister Nita Fancher; and a great grandchild, Randy Joe Hill, Jr.

He is survived by 3 sons; Danny Hill and wife Debra, Tommy Hill and wife Brenda both of Clarendon, Randy Hill and wife Kay Lynn of Canyon; a daughter Linda Hill of Clarendon; a special niece Belinda McGranahan and husband Rick; 9 grandchildren, Dakota Hill, Jadon and Jake Thornton, Jarad Lax, Gabe Hill and wife Amanda, Katy Miller and husband Matt, Jenny Baker and husband Justin, Courtney D’Costa and husband Chris, Lauren Shadle; and 11 great grandchildren.

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

Martha Jane Barker, 76, died Thursday, October 18, 2012, at Claude, Texas.

Services were Sunday, October 21, 2012, in the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Bill Hodges, Pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene, officiating.

Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Mrs. Barker was born February 11, 1936 in Brice to Claudie Cecil and Beulah Gertrude Williams Rich. She married Billie Barker on September 8, 1952 in Clovis, NM. She loved her entire family and enjoyed crocheting and being an LVN helping other people. She worked at Memphis for 20 years and Dumas for several years prior to her retirement. She had been a resident of Clarendon most of her life and was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Clarendon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 2 brothers, Lester Rich and Darr Rich; and 3 sisters, Edith Hinkle, Esta Mae Harp, and Gladys Tice; and 2 grandchildren, McKenna Thompson and Steven Howell.

She is survived by 5 sons, Billie “Trooper” Barker and wife Pam of Stinnett, Flint Barker of Clarendon, Shawn Barker of Amarillo, Blade Barker and Duel Barker both of Clarendon; 3 daughters, Naomi Tolbert and Martha Jett both of Clarendon, and Starlet Taylor and husband Robert of Canyon; a brother, Cecil Rich and wife Mary Alice of Amarillo; 2 sisters, Mina Ivey of Clarendon and Mary Denton and husband Charles of Amarillo; 18 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to Hospice of the Southwest or Citizens Cemetery Association / PO Box 983 / Clarendon, Texas 79226.

Ruth Pauline “Polly” Robertson Shelton, age 88, died Saturday, October 13, 2012, at Vidor.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 20, 2012, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with James Shelton and Charles Yeager, officiating. Interment will follow in Citizens Cemetery with arrangements by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Polly was born May 5, 1924, in Clarendon to James Alonzo and Ina Ann Hahn Robertson. She married Cecil Holt Shelton on October 20, 1941, in Clarendon. She had been a resident of Amarillo before moving to Vidor 22 years ago. She was a life member of the PTA and was a Church of Christ member. She also loved jigsaw puzzles and sold Tupperware as her hobby.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2001; her sister, Belva Mae Robertson Castleberry Nolan; and her brothers, Alvin Ray Robertson and James Harold Robertson.

Survivors include her daughter, Velma Ann Anderson and husband Frank Wayne of Vidor; her son, James Marshall Shelton and wife Cynthia V. of Amarillo; three grandchildren, Melodie Ruth Farmer and husband Jimmy, Walter Wayne Anderson and wife Gayla Joan, and Carrie Ruth Hands and husband Dr. Martin; four great grandchildren, J.P. Schnack, III, Marshall Wayne Schnack, Christina Gayle Anderson, and Ethan Wayne Anderson.