Obituaries

Joanne (Jo) Lotz Bryan, age 86, formerly of Canyon, TX, current resident of Dallas, TX, passed away on July 22, 2012. She was born on July 11, 1926 in Roanoke, VA, the daughter of James Milton Lotz and Ethel Carolotta Eberely Lotz.

Jo graduated from Shaker Heights High in Shaker Heights, OH, in 1944. From 1944 to 1948 she attended and graduated from The University of Colorado at Boulder where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Art. She met and later married John Manly Bryan, MD (Manly) from Clarendon, TX, on December 27, 1950, in Metropolis, IL.

Jo joined Manly in Galveston, TX, where he finished medical school and then spent time in Denver, CO, Silver Spring, MD and eventually settled in Canyon, TX in 1957.

During their time in Canyon, Jo and Manly raised their two sons, Jay and Denny. Jo was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the University Study Club and the Women’s Bridge Club. She was an active member of the Potter-Randall County Medical Society Auxiliary and worked many hours with the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum as a volunteer historian in the museum archive. She served for many years on the Chi-Omega Society Alumni Board.

In 1988, she and Manly relocated to the Dallas area where they met and established loving relations with many more individuals and couples. They were married for 61 years. Manly preceded her in death on April 27, 2012.

She is survived by her sons, Jay Bryan (Susan) of Pentwater, MI and Denny Bryan (Leanne) of Graham, TX; her six grandchildren, Bradley and Ashley Bryan, Abbott and Colby Oates, Aaron and Joanna Richison; four great-grandchildren, Jacob and Jocelyn Richison, Calvin Robrahn, and Hunter; her sister-in-law, Betty Moore (Billy); her nephew, Craig Bryan (Vicki); and her niece, Lynn Rosa (Duane) of Amarillo, TX.

Jo and Manly loved to travel and cooked extensively with an eye for unique culinary ports of call. They counted themselves fortunate to have formed lifelong friendships with wonderful people wherever they lived or traveled.

Memorial services for Jo Bryan will be Thursday, July 26, 2012, at 2:00 pm at North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Dallas, TX 75123.

For those wishing to remember Jo, donations may be made in her name to your favorite charity or to either of the following associations:

Amarillo Children’s Home, 3400 Bowie Street, Amarillo, TX 79109 (www.amarillochildrenshome.com)

Panhandle Plains Historian Museum, 2503 4th Avenue, Canyon, TX 79015

Please send family condolences and sign the guestbook at www.northdallasfuneralhome.com.

Margaret Webster Saunders Holland, 90, died Thursday, July 12, 2012, in Pampa, Texas.

Services were held Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Calvary Baptist Church, with

Rev. Dallas Stringer, pastor, and Rev. Richard Bartel, associate pastor, officiating. Graveside services were held on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley with Rev. Bruce Howard, pastor of First Baptist Church of Hedley, officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

Mrs. Holland was born March 2, 1922, in Memphis, Texas. She married R. M. Saunders on July 6, 1940, in Memphis. He preceded her in death on June 24, 1968. She later married Otis Holland on July 11, 1970. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2001. She had been a resident of Hedley from 1946 until 2004 when she moved to Pampa. She retired from Security State Bank in Hedley as a cashier in 1999 after 36 years of service. She was a former member of First Baptist Church in Hedley for 56 years where she taught Sunday school for many years, and was a current member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was a member of the Eastern Star in Hedley. She and her husband, R. M. Saunders, owned and operated Saunders Garage and Saunders Conoco and Butane.

She is survived by five daughters: Judy Clendennen of Pampa, Sandra Baggett and husband Doyle of Claude, Marilyn Bolin and husband Ronnie of Texhoma, Oklahoma, Nancy Stephens and husband Henry of Hedley, and Cindy Chilton and husband Mike of Purcell, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren: Tammy Wagner and husband Randy, Darrin Clendennen and wife Jody, and Misty Baten and husband Brent, all of Pampa, Terry Baggett of Claude, Brannon Stephens and wife Hope of Panhandle, Douglas Bolin and wife Kristi of Enid, Oklahoma, Jena Marr and husband Rodney of Texhoma, Oklahoma, Kristi Barton of Wayne, Oklahoma, and Kandi Evans and husband Dusty of Moore, Oklahoma, 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, 900 E. 23rd, Pampa, Texas 79065, Rowe Cemetery, c/o City of Hedley, P.O. Box 185, Hedley, Texas 79237, or Interim Hospice, 2217 Perryton Parkway, Pampa, Texas 79065.

Virginia Cook Smith, 88, died Thursday, July 12, 2012, in Amarillo.

Services were held Monday, July 16, 2012, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Rick Nichols, Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Borger, and Rev. John Denton, officiating. Interment was

held at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Services were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors.

Virginia Idell Smith was born March 28, 1924 in Donley County to Clark Leak and Ella Moon Cook. She was a graduate of Lelia Lake Schools. She married Charles “Dub” Smith on April 24, 1943 in Lelia Lake. She worked as a nurse’s aide, and was raised working in the grocery business. Virginia loved reading books and especially her bible every night. She was a member of Central Baptist Church in Borger, where she resided the past 10 years.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Ella Jean Smith; her daughter, Cynthia “Cindi” Smith, in 2007; and 3 sisters. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Charles “Dub” Smith, of Borger; son, Jerry Smith & wife Sandra, of Silverton; daughter, Cheryl Pickard & husband Jeff, of Borger; 4 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be sent to BSA Hospice, PO Box 950, Amarillo, Texas, 79105. Sign our online guest book at www.RobertsonFuneral.com

Hopper

Jaddie Don “J.D.” Hopper, 89, died Sunday, July 15, 2012, in Clarendon.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Rev. Anthony Knowles, officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

J.D. Hopper was born February 25, 1923 in Hopper, ARK to James Garfield and Julina Tweedle Hopper. He worked in Iran and also as an Aviation Sight Boss for Lear-Sygler Lockheed in Ohio and Indiana for 17 years before retiring. He was WW II Veteran of the US Army Air Corps, a member of the VFW in Clarendon and Amarillo, and a member of the Clarendon Masonic Lodge #700 AF & AM. He was Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; and four sisters.He is survived by three sons, Wayne Hopper, of Houston, Jr. Hopper of Amarillo, and Ronnie Hopper of Amarillo; one brother, Raymond Hopper; and several grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be sent to Citizens Cemetery Association, PO Box 983, Clarendon, Texas, 79226.

Brion Ivan Pasco, of Clarendon, 58, died Saturday, July 14, 2012, in Amarillo.

Funeral services 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2012, in the First Baptist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Bill Hodges and Rev. Darrell Burton, officiating. Burial will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Brion Ivan Pasco was born August 3, 1953, in Glens Falls, NY to Hugh and Grace Russell Pasco. He married Kerry Burden on July 3, 1978 in Hollis, OK. He was a veteran of the US Army. Brion had been a resident of Clarendon since 1978 where he taught chemistry and science classes both for Lakeview Schools and for Clarendon College at Pampa. He also had taught at Northwest College – Powell in Wyoming. He worked as the Tech Service Manager in the lab for Imperial Sugar. Brion loved raising registered German Shepherds, fishing, working on computers and things, and especially spending time with his family. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Clarendon.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived his wife, Kerry Pasco, of Clarendon; 4 daughters, Christina Henson & husband Jeff of Memphis, Brandy Rivers & husband John of Canadian, Jennifer Breineder & husband Michael of Fort Walton Beach, FL, and Heather Sims & husband Dave of Clarendon; 2 brothers, Hugh Pasco & wife Wendy of Sheridan, WY, and Dan Pasco & wife Debbie of Sheridan, WY; 1 sister, Charlotte Needham & husband Dick of Warrensburg, NY; and 14 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be sent to BSA Hospice, PO Box 950, Amarillo, Texas, 79105.

Phyllis Kay Schollenbarger Bain, 75, died Saturday, June 30, 2012, in Wilburton, Okla.

Kay was born January 26, 1937, in Spearman to George and Lois Schollenbarger. Kay married Robert O. Bain 1954 in Clarendon.

Kay showed many talents in the work force. She worked as a lab tech in Guymon, in a dentist office at Yukon, as a bookkeeper at Rowland’s Construction Co., as a Payroll Clerk at Congoleum Manufacturing, and as Secretary at Eastern Oklahoma State College. She finally retired from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers while working as a Clerk. After her retirement Kay by no means was finished with serving her community. She served 20 years as a Latimer County Hospital Board Member. She was one of the original board members and served for many years for the Robbers Cave Fall Committee. In addition she served as a Pink Lady with Latimer County Hospital Auxiliary member, and she served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Presbyterian Church. Kay also worked many years with the Latimer County Pick-A-Star Program.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents George & Lois (Roper) Schollenbarger; her in-laws, Olin and Martha Bain; her husband, Robert O. Bain; her brother, Butch Schollenbarger; her daughter, Bliss Bain; and her son, Todd Bain.

Kay is survived by her son, Scott Bain of Wilburton, and her daughter and son-in-law Leigh & Danny Baldwin of Wilburton.  Grandchildren  are Jake Blackwood, Misty & Tony Hampton, Kelly & Broc Franklin, Cody Bain and Eldon Bain. Greatgrandchildren are Alyssa Blackwood, Haley & Kirstie Blackwood, Lane & Drey Franklin.

The Funeral Service was held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at Jones Harkins Funeral Home Chapel, Wilburton, Okla., with Rev. Kevin Fitzgerald and Rev. Monty Thompson officiating.  Interment followed at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Wilburton, Okla.

Pallbearers were Jake Blackwood, Cody Bain, Eldon Bain, Broc Franklin, Tony Hampton and John Cook. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Jones Harkins Funeral Home, Wilburton, Okla.

The family requests donations be to the Latimer County General Hospital.

Gene Odell, Jr.,an educator, coach, and counselor of young people for almost 40 years, whose chance meeting of a young Cleo Shaffer on a tropical vacation turned into a love affair and marriage of 51 years, died of complications from heart failure June 24 at the age of 79 in Amarillo, Texas.

Memorial services will be private. Cremation and Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Mr. Odell (or Coach Odell, as he was known to his players, even years after they graduated) started his coaching/teaching career in 1954, after a distinguished football career at Texas Western, where he was a team captain, All-Border Conference End and, in 1985, was inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame.

Across the span of 38 years in education, he was teacher, coach, principal, superintendent and counselor to many young people in El Paso, Marfa, and Fort Davis. His career was studded with honors, including several district championships at Bel Air High School in El Paso in football, basketball, and golf, as well as being a respected counselor. He was principal at Marfa High School for eight years and Superintendent of the Fort Davis Independent School District for three years. Gene was very well known and appreciated by former players and students, so much so that his family teased (and quietly took great pride) that he could not venture anywhere in West Texas without being greeted by a former player or student. He once said winning “wasn’t as satisfying to me as students coming back in later years and telling me I had a great influence in their lives.”

His long and happy marriage to Cleo started after they met vacationing in the Bahamas, he from Texas, she from Pennsylvania.

She joked he used a tropical rum drink to make her to miss her flight, leading to an extended stay and start of a long relationship.

But their children long suspected it was love at first sight for them both. They met in June for a week, both went back to their respective homes, and were married three months later on September 24, 1960. Fifty-one years later, he was still opening doors for her.

Though his primary passion was helping and guiding young people, Gene developed and enjoyed many strong friendships. He made friends through the years, from childhood cohorts to high school and college teammates, to fellow teachers and administrators, to retirement golf buddies. Gene’s friends were dear and important to him, and he enjoyed staying in touch and spending time with all of them.

In addition to Cleo, Gene is survived by his three children and spouses (Lori and Stan Leffew, Cindy and Greg Ward, Greg and Shelly Odell), six grand children (Jessie, Mandy, Matt, Lauryn, Ryan, and Riley), and five great grandchildren (Cole, Avery, Madyson, Titus, and Pierce). Although he is deeply missed, his legacy of hard work, being a good person and treating others as you want to be treated, lives on as a profound example to them all.

Kenneth Graves, 81, died Wednesday, June 27, 2012, in Memphis, Texas.

Graveside Services were held Monday, July 2, 2012, in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley with Rev. Anthony Knowles, officiating. Inurnment at Rowe Cemetery in Hedley. Cremation and Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Kenneth was born August 8, 1930, in Winchester, Missouri to William and Ada Carrol Graves. He had been a resident of Amarillo prior to moving to Hedley 2 years ago, he was a carpenter, and was a Baptist.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Mickey Graves.

He is survived by a daughter, Kathy Turner of Hedley; a granddaughter, Angie Turner of Hedley; 2 grandsons, James Turner of Memphis and Troy Turner of Lubbock; 3 great grandchildren, Fayde, Paris, and Presley Turner.

The family request memorials be sent to a favorite charity.

Roberta “MiMi” Pittman, 98, died Tuesday, June 19, 2012, in Clarendon.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 23, 2012, in the First Christian Church in Clarendon with Jim McElroy and Rev. Darrell Burton, officiating. Interment followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon, Texas. Arrangements were made by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Roberta “MiMi” Pittman was born in Flower Mound, Texas to Thomas R. and Dora Simmons Adkins. She attended Martin and Clarendon Schools as well as Clarendon College. She married Carl M. Pittman on November 29, 1930 in Hollis, Oklahoma. She was owner/operator of the Dry Cleaners in Clarendon. As a diehard Republican, Roberta served as Campaign Chairman of the Republican Party for Donley County. She was involved in Clarendon High School Band Boosters and the PTA; was a Daughter of the American Revolution; the first woman in Donley County to ride in an airplane; and a former recipient of the Donley County Pioneer Woman of the Year Award. Roberta spent most of her life in Clarendon where she was a life-long member of the First Christian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl M. Pittman, in 1988; her son, Alfred Keith Pittman; her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Billy Jack Jordan; 4 brothers, Jake Adkins, T.R. Adkins, Glenn Adkins, and Byrd Adkins; and her sister, Ola Mae Adkins.

She is survived by her son, Bill C. Pittman and wife Vivian, of San Antonio; 2 daughters, Jeanie Johnson and husband Roy, of Clarendon, and Judy Burlin of Clarendon; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Clarendon or to Citizens Cemetery Association, PO Box 983, Clarendon, Texas 79226.

Harold R. Darby, 85, passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2012.

The funeral was held at 3 p.m. Friday in Laurel Land Chapel of Chimes. Interment was at Laurel Land Memorial Park.

Harold was born June 7, 1927, in Cale, Ark., to Ross and Bradis Darby. He grew up in the Texas Panhandle, graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in electrical engineering. He retired from Lockheed Martin in 1984 and continued as a consultant for several years. As a hobby, he enjoyed boating and working on family genealogy. Harold was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Kemp Darby.

He was survived by his wife of 28 years, Billie Hodnett Darby; son, Harold Craig Darby and wife, Jan; granddaughter, Tami VanGompel and husband, Jeff; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Brooklyn VanGompel; stepchildren, Susan Everitt and husband, Herb, Rick Bulman and wife, Sheila, and Dale Bulman and wife, Anna.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of Texas or to a charity of choice.

James Bruce Ariola, 74, of Clarendon, died Monday, June 18, 2012, in Amarillo.

Services were held on Friday, June 22, 2012, at the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon on the JA Highway with John R. Hall and Larry Harvey, officiating. Burial followed at Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Arrangements were made by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Mr. Ariola was born Jan. 31, 1938, in Vernon to Gaylon and Gertie Ariola. He married Katherine Sanders on Dec. 20, 1958 in Memphis. He was a farmer.

He was preceded in death by a son, James Allen Ariola; a daughter, Kathy Linnae Ariola; and a sister, Shirley Ann Hodges.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Katherine Ariola, of the home; two daughters, Janice Harvey and husband Larry of Amarillo and Sulynn Mester and husband Randy of Childress; two sisters, Ella Mae Gillespie of Durant, OK and Lajuana Sue Tucker of Amarillo; three brothers-in-law, Leonard Sanders and wife Edna of Topeka, KS, Kenneth Hugh Sanders and wife Lois of Iola, KS and Larry Earl Sanders of Ft. Worth; three grandsons, Matt Brandes of Amarillo, Josh Brandes of Ft. Worth and Kris Ariola of Austin; three great-grandsons, Ky Brandes, Zach Brandes and Hannon Brandes; and numerous cousins including Norman Gann and wife Alice of Brice.