Obituaries

Shirley Brumley Welch Hickman passed suddenly Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, at 1 p.m. in Fort Worth.

The memorial will be held a 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at Greenbelt Lake in Clarendon.

Shirley was born Nov. 22, 19?? (as you know a lady does not tell) in Clarendon. Shirley graduated from West Texas State University with a BA in History and English. She lived in Pampa for over 20 years where she taught History and English at Pampa High School. After retiring from teaching she pursued a successful career in real estate in Fort Worth.

Shirley believed in living life to the fullest. She never met a stranger and touched the heart of all who met her. Her quick wit and dignity never faltered even in the darkest of hours. Her light will always burn brightly for all of those who dearly loved her. She was truly a “Grand Lady” and we’re going to miss her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, William Hickman, in 1989. Survivors: She is survived by her dear brother, J. Carroll “Buddy” Brumley; daughters, Cynthia Sabine and Rolle Kayaly; grandchildren, Nici Sabine, Tasha Sabine, Nadia Kayaly and Ramzi Kayaly; great-grandchildren, Elizza Peoples, Janet Mullone and Michelle Mullone; nephews, Russell Menzies, Harry Brumley and Hank Brumley; as well as many, many wonderful friends.

William “Bill” Roland Bradshaw, age 75, of Carthage, North Carolina, passed away August 21, 2012, at the Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst, N.C. surrounded by his wife, children and brothers.

 A Christian service celebrating his life was held Friday, August 24, at 2:00 pm in The First Baptist Church of Carthage where he was a member. Rev. Jeff Roberts, pastor, officiated. Later, a memorial service will be held in Mineral Wells, Texas, where his ashes will be spread according to his wishes.

Mr. Bradshaw is survived by his wife, Dr. Dianah Cockman Bradshaw of Carthage, NC; his brothers, Dennis (JoAnn) Bradshaw of Mineral Wells, Texas, Douglas (Ann) Bradshaw of Benbrook, Texas, and also by Dianah’s siblings and spouses Dr. Daniel A (Janie) Cockman, Greensboro, NC; Elizabeth Thomas and Dr. Lorna Clack, Carthage, NC; and Domenic A. Palagruto of Elkton, MD. Additionally, he is survived by his children, Patrick (MaryAnne) Bradshaw and Celli Bradshaw of Austin, Texas; Mike (Sherry) Bradshaw and Lisa Bradshaw of Sophia, NC; Darrell Ray (Tabitha) Hill of Zebulon, NC; Douglas (Tammy) Hill of Sanford, NC and special friends John McMorris, Robin Thomas, Cassandra Bell-Morrisey, Kenisha Bethea and Betty Cox .

Papa Bradshaw cherished his children and adored his 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. His happiest times were when family and grandchildren were all gathered about him and as he enjoyed a round of golf with them. He was genial, kind, and supportive of all his family in their spiritual, educational, and career endeavors.

Mr. Bradshaw was born in Hobart, Oklahoma, the oldest son of G.W. and Ola Flowers Bradshaw. He grew up in the Texas Panhandle and graduated from Clarendon High School and Clarendon College. Mr. Bill was extremely patriotic, served in the United States Navy as a Corpsman stationed at The Presidio in San Francisco, and remained supportive of veteran and civic organizations throughout his lifetime. He served as Commander of Post 87 of the NC American Legion and President of the Clarendon Jaycees. Following military service, Bill joined his father’s milk distribution business in the Texas Panhandle. In the late 1960’s, he was selected by Borden Milk to head Borden’s corporate accounts in North Carolina. Later, Mr. Bradshaw joined the Tom’s Snacks Corporation where he was continually named to the President’s Round Table as the top snacks salesman in the nation.

A devout Christian, Mr. Bradshaw served as an ordained deacon for more than 45 years. He loved the Lord and was concerned about the spiritual growth of his friends, family, and nation. Attending church when his health would allow, Bill enjoyed visits with the pastor, the many members of his church and friends who were so good to visit him, send cards, or bring The Wall Street Journal for his enjoyment.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The First Baptist Church, PO Box 824, Carthage, NC 28327. Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy “Dot” Messer, 89, died Thursday, August 30, 2012 in Kerrville, Texas.

Funeral services were held Saturday, September 1, 2012, at the First Baptist Church in Hedley with Rev. Anthony Knowles, officiating. Interment followed in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley.

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

Dot was born November 14, 1922, in Webster, TX to Loyd John and Essie Lee McMurry Robertson. She married Leamon D. Messer on May 24, 1941, in McKnight, TX. She was a lifetime resident of Donley County, was a homemaker, took care of everyone in Hedley, and loved her family. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hedley for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leamon D. Messer, on June 28, 1997; and her grandson, Michael Messer.

She is survived by 2 sons, Roger N. Messer and his wife Elloise of Memphis, and Loyd D. Messer and Connie Smith of Center Point, TX; her daughter, Dolores Crump and husband Larry of Clarendon; her brother, Connie Ray Robertson of Quitman, TX; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

The family suggest memorials be sent to Rowe Cemetery Association in Hedley.

Cydne Carol Randall, 51, passed away on Monday, August 27, 2012, in Amarillo, after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held Sunday, September 2, 2012, in Clarendon, TX with Bobby Ellerbrook officiating.

Cydne was born on October 16, 1960, in Clarendon, to Dalton and Lucy Swinney. She attended Clarendon schools and lived here most of her life. She married David Randall on August 6, 1994, in Clarendon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jerry Swinney, and a great-nephew.

She is survived by her husband, her 2 sons; Josh and wife Tara Allred of Clarendon, Kenny and wife Mary Booth of Pampa, a sister, Jackie Page of Sulphur Springs, TX, a brother, Jim Swinney of Clarendon, 3 grandsons- Mason Allred, Dylan and Dalton Booth, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

During her lifetime Cydne was someone who was always known for being full of life. She loved to be with her family and was proud of her grandsons.

The family would like to sincerely thank BSA Hospice and everyone for all the prayers during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to BSA Hospice, 600 North Tyler Street, Amarillo, TX 79107.

Leona Ruth Lingenfelter, 80, died Tuesday, August 21, 2012, Amarillo, Texas.

Funeral services were held Friday, August 24, 2012, at the First Baptist Church in Howardwick with Rev. Dave Stout, Pastor, officiating.  Interment followed at Panhandle Cemetery, Panhandle, Texas. Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Leona Ruth Lingenfelter was born March 1, 1932, in Vici, OK to Albert and Anna Rinner Stevens.  She married Walter Owen Lingerfelter on July 1, 1950, in New Mexico.  She retired from Panhandle ISD working as a Custodian and Bus Driver.  Leona was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star chapter in Panhandle.  She had been a resident of Howardwick since 1994, where she was a member of First Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Walter Owen Lingenfelter, and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son, Henry Lingenfelter, of Hedley; her daughter, Julie Bryant, of Annahawk, TX; 2 brothers, Ron Stevens of Vici, OK, and John Stevens of Washington; her sister, Thelma Laiola, of Anaheim, CA; 3 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be sent to Clarendon EMS, PO Box 1240, Clarendon, TX  79226 or First Baptist Church of Howardwick, 235 Rick Husband Blvd, Howardwick, TX 79226. Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

 

Velma Mae Strawbridge, 92, died Thursday, August 9, 2012, in Clarendon, Texas

Services were Sunday, August 12, 2012, in the First Assembly of God Church in Clarendon with Rev. Matthew Stidham, Pastor, officiating. Graveside services were held Monday, August 13, 2012, in Lynn Creek Cemetery near Jacksboro. Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Velma was born on July 4, 1920, in Childress to Charlie and Daisy Powell Rhoades. She married William Willard Strawbridge on December 27, 1938 in Henrietta. She lived in Briscoe and Bowie before moving to Clarendon in 1990. She was a very kind and generous person always helping her family and friends in any way she could.

She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Clarendon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 3 sisters; and a brother. She is survived by 2 sons, Weldon D. Strawbridge of Carlsbad, NM, and Robert David Strawbridge of Lubbock; a daughter, Cleta Hall of Clarendon; 2 sisters, Mona Wells of Bowie and Floretta Peden of Midland; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

The family request memorials be to the Donley County Senior Citizens or the First Assembly of God Church Building Fund.

Betty Lucille Maxfield, 73, died Monday, August 6, 2012, in Clarendon, Texas.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, August 8, 2012, in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Don Stone, officiating. Services were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Betty was born on November 20, 1938, in Pampa to Pete and Marie Clark Hopkins. She married Archie Maxfield on July 13, 1977, in Clovis, NM. She was a Certified Nurse’s Aide and also worked as an industrial caterer prior to her retirement. She was great housekeeper, loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her father, Pete Hopkins; her step father, John Jones; and a son, Terry Hopkins.

She is survived by her mother, Marie Jones of Clarendon; her husband, Archie Maxfield of Clarendon; a son, Tony Maxfield of Amarillo; 2 daughters, Michelle Grumbles and husband Richard of Bee Caves, and Donna Sleek and husband Kerry of Amarillo; 3 step daughters, Tammye Hunt and husband Darrell, Carrye Deaton and husband Ricky, and Connie Maxfield all of Amarillo; a sister, Joan McAfee of Clarendon; and 10 grandchildren.

The family request memorials be sent to Citizens Cemetery Association.

Services were held last week for former local newspaper publisher Ruby Dell Estlack, who passed away at home in Clarendon at the age of 94.

Mrs. Estlack died Friday, July 20, and services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lloyd Stice, pastor, officiating and interment followed in Citizens Cemetery. Arrangements were by Robertson Funeral Directors.

Mrs. Estlack was born October 18, 1917, in Donley County to Oma Allen and Faye Tyree Scoggins. She married George Wayne Estlack on November 28, 1936, in Clarendon, where she spent most of her life. Ruby Dell loved playing the piano, at which she played by ear. She was a wonderful seamstress as well.

Ruby Dell spent most of her adult life working at The Donley County Leader. She began working at the Leader shortly after she married 1936, and she was assigned the job of collecting on accounts, which she did in person in order to improve goodwill between the paper and its customers. She later would take on the role of Society Editor as well before she and her husband became the paper’s sole owners in 1958. Together they were members holding various offices of both Texas and Panhandle Press Associations. The Estlacks sold the paper in 1974 but continued in the printing business with Clarendon Office Supply until the mid-1990s.

In 2011, she was inducted in the Panhandle Press Association’s Hall of Fame, an award she was very honored to receive.

“At the age of 19 when I married and became a member of the Estlack newspaper family, I never dreamed of seeing this day,” Ruby Dell recalled after entering the PPA Hall of Fame. “I found myself working in all departments of The Donley County Leader – except Linotype. The many years of newspaper publishing have been my way of life and most rewarding. I’ve been so blessed.”

Ruby Dell was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Wayne Estlack, on June 10, 1994, and her sister, Dorothy Faye Whitlock.

Survivors include her daughter, Jackie Patterson of Canyon; granddaughter, Marcella Cropper of Fort Worth; her great grandson, James David Wilson of Fort Worth; her nephew, Lawrence Whitlock, of Arizona.

The family suggests memorials be sent to Citizens Cemetery Association, PO Box 983, Clarendon, Texas, 79226.

Marvin Davis Gill of Clarendon, 74, died Friday, July 27, 2012, in Amarillo.

Marvin was born on June 30, 1938, in Grapeland, Texas to Elmer Roy and Ailene Gill. Marvin was a hard working man and spent his early years in the insurance business. While pursuing his love for helping people and building business, he continued to seek the fulfillment of other aspects in life, such as starting a family.

Marvin met his loving wife, Suzy, on a blind date. After exchanging many heartfelt love letters during their courtship, they married August 30, 1957. Marvin and Suzy shared a wonderful life together filled with love and soon, children.

Marvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, snow skiing, and travel. He loved visiting with his many friends he had made from all over the country.

He was a true salesman with his contagious smile and bubbly laugh. He loved to tell stories of his many travels, both national and international, with his friends and make everyone laugh. He was a very generous man and a wonderful grand-father, or “Boppy,” to many grandchildren and took the pleasure of teaching them his beloved game of golf.

As a well respected rancher and business owner, Marvin became dear to the many friends he made in the Clarendon community and panhandle area.

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Marvin was a man of deep faith and was devoted to sharing the Bible truth with others. He dedicated his life to Jehovah God on March 19, 1962. It was paramount in his life.

Marvin passed away, with his family by his side, as a faithful servant of Jehovah on July 27, 2012. Marvin’s enthusiasm for not only his faith, but for life itself was inspiring.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sue Gill, one son Jeffrey Herbert Gill and wife Roberta, and two daughters; Jean Ann Hinson and husband Toby and Jennifer Gill Haney and husband Brad. As well as eight grandchildren: Allen Womack and wife Rebecca, Kristen Gill Grandi and husband Shawn, Eli Hinson, Caleb Hinson and wife Angel, Yancey Gill and wife Jessie, Savannah Thackeray, Casey Haney, and Ben Haney. He is also survived by six great granddaughters: Morgan, Katelynn, Finley, Henley, Liv, Clair, and great grandson Austin.

In addition, he is survived by his 2 sisters and brother along with their spouses, Martha Loy and Jimmy Basye, Iva Lou and Donald Gene Crawford, and William and Val Grant. He is also survived by many genuinely loving nieces and nephews.

Marvin was preceded in death by his mother Ailene Grant, his step-father Clint Grant, his father Roy Gill, and his sister Sarah Evelyn Edwards.

The family wants to thank all of the close friends and family that have been by their side throughout this entire journey.

Memorial services were held at Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon on Tuesday, July 31, 2012; at 11:00 a.m. Cremation and Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the World Wide Work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in c/o Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses; Highway 287 N, Clarendon, TX 79226.

Bill George Bird of Clarendon, formerly of Oxnard, California, 85, died Thursday, July 26, 2012, in Amarillo.

Private Family Burial at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

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

Bill was born October 3, 1926 in Haskell, Texas to George and Una Lee Edwards Bird. He married Lorraine Nagy on September 10,1953 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He had worked in the upulstery business most of his life and had owned his own business during that time. We was a WWII veteran, serving in the US Navy. Mr. Bird had moved to Clarendon recently after living in Oxnard, California for the past 70+ years. He was a Baptist.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Bird in October of 2011; his parents; a son, Bill Greg Bird; 2 brothers, Robert and Jerry Bird; and his sister, Carol Bush.

He is survived by 4 daughters, Debbie Roberts of Clarendon, Jeanette Williams and husband Rick, Jeneil Beltran, Melissa Bird, all of California; a son, Larry Bird and wife Karla of California; 8 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.