This Week

Elizabeth “Betty” Smith Boston’s life began on October 22, 1948, and ended unexpectedly on December 2, 2023. She is survived by her son Robert William Boston III and her sister Julie Shelton Smith.

Born in Dallas to Betty Jim Shelton (a stylish woman from a ranching family) and Earl Talmage Smith (a pilot and businessman nicknamed “Sleepy”), Betty grew up in Amarillo as the middle child between her older sister Julie and younger sister Janie. While attending Stephen F. Austin Middle School, Betty went on the first of many dates with her future husband Robert William Boston, whom she called Bobby.

For high school, Betty left Texas to attend the prestigious all-girls prep school Ferry Hall in Lake Forest, Illinois, and graduated in 1966. After studying interior design at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, Betty returned home to Amarillo to help her then-divorced mother raise Janie.

In 1969, Betty and Bobby got married and moved to the quaint Texas town of Clarendon. In 1975, they welcomed their daughter Claire into the world, followed by their son William in 1979. “She was a devoted mother,” Bobby said. “And we had a busy life.”

In the winters, the Bostons frequently traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico, where Bobby’s parents lived. In the midst of raising children, Betty was an active member of both St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church and Les Beaux Arts Club of Clarendon. In her spare time, she delighted in decorating and needlepointing.

“Her homes were always beautiful, and she always had the most exquisite decor,” lifelong friend Elizabeth Wagner recalled. “And she was a needlepoint maniac. She needle-pointed everything — she even made covers for these huge stereo speakers that sat on the floor.”
In the 1980s, Betty’s zany sensibility materialized in a decidedly eccentric purchase: a green Checker Cab that made a bold statement in small-town Clarendon.

In 1991, tragedy struck the Boston family when Claire died in a tragic accident. Following a move back to Amarillo, Betty and Bobby divorced.

By the mid-1990s, Betty had started an entirely new chapter of her life. She relocated to San Antonio, earned her real estate license, and became one of the first residents at the Pearl. In tandem with her move, she forged a new community of friends and maintained an active social calendar populated by art openings, concerts, dinners, and brunches with a tight-knit circle.

Betty’s experiences working at the esteemed firms Kuper Sotheby’s and Nix Reality heightened her passion for interior design — a skill that took shape in impeccable spaces she designed for clients and herself alike. Reflecting her mother’s distinctive sense of style, Betty had a knack for creativity that ventured beyond tradition to explore unexpected combinations and possibilities. That adventurous spirit also influenced her wardrobe, in which she took great pride.

“Betty could wear things that nobody else could wear,” her dear friend Roxanne Strickland offered. “She had a fashion sense that was unbelievable. When I got married in 2018, Betty walked in wearing what looked like a burlap sack — with the perfect little bag and the perfect shoes to match — and she just rocked it.”

“She was just a natural,” Betty’s sister Julie echoed. “She could just put things together. She really had a flair.”

Beyond her undeniable elegance, Betty was also an incredibly genuine, generous and kind person with a sharp sense of humor to boot.

She loved to listen, learn and laugh with an open heart and mind that one could only dream of in a friend. While Betty was taken from us far too soon, her irreplaceable spirit will live among us through the memories and love we share.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Friday, March 15, 4:00 -6:00 p.m., at Stable Hall at the Pearl in San Antonio (307 Pearl Pkwy.).

Donald Dean Durham, 90, of Howardwick, left this world behind on February 29, 2024, in Amarillo to be reunited with his loving wife Helen and beloved fur baby Angie.

Memorial Services were held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in the Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon with Rev. Jim Fox, officiating.

Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Don was born August 7, 1933, to Christopher Columbus and Lottie May Durham in Liberty, Iowa. Don proudly served his country in the Navy as an Airedale in Alaska. He married the love of his life Helen Cox, on March 10, 1967, in Sycamore Illinois and began working for a local water treatment company. After demonstrating his knowledge and work ethic the company transferred Don and his family to Amarillo in 1968. Being an entrepreneur Don started Southwest Water Conditioning in 1970, it was here that Don taught his children the meaning integrity. In 1990 Don and his wife Helen moved to Greenbelt Lake, where you can still here many stories regarding their parties, cookouts, and table game tournaments. There was always a good time to be had at the Durham house.

Don will be mostly remembered for his kind and giving heart. He enjoyed telling clever jokes, giving bits of wisdom, hugs and kisses, and passing out his homemade tiger fudge to new and old friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen Durham; son, Michael Durham; 14 siblings, Clyde Durham, Glen Durham, Catherine Brown, Harlod Durham, Esther Knaack, Cleo Phipps, Kennith Durham, Lloyd Durham, Lester Durham, Dorthy Pope, Juanita Crawford, Vivian McMurry, Alvin Durham, and Wanda Meyers; Son-in-law Bill Peterson; and a granddaughter Chandace Ritchie.

He is survived by one brother, Gerold “Jerry” Durham; three sons, David and Trina Brown, Darrell Durham, Chris and Charlotte Durham; two daughters, Pamela Peterson and Jami and Sonja Steadman Kroschel; thirteen grandchildren, Tiandra Stogsdill, Heath “Nick” and Diana Dykes, Mackenzie and Shane Brown, Christian and Brooke Moore, Nathan and Danielle Moore, Whitney and Michael Morin, Addie Marcus, Angele and Chad Morgan, Gabrielle and James Robinson, Matthew Lunsford, Chasity and Wade Hudson, Corey Ritchie, Chrislyn and Caden Farris; and twenty-four great grandchildren.

Don would have appreciated donations to World Gospel Missions, PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948, check memo Suzanne Gnaegy, WGM.org/SG in lieu of flowers, and votes for Donald Trump this November.

Kenneth Dalton “Kenny” Booth, 43, of Clarendon, finished his race here on Earth on February 28, 2024, in Clarendon.
Kenny was born on December 18, 1980, to Bobby Booth and Cydne Randall in Memphis. He graduated from Clarendon High School in 2000.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Josey Shadle officiating.

Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

He was a loving brother, father, paw paw, and friend who loved without limits. The thrill of the dirt track ignited his passion, yet he found joy in the gentle rhythm of a simple life. His infectious smile and laughter touched countless hearts. He loved unconditionally and beamed with pride for his kids and grandkids. He was a man who held strong to his faith and never shied away from expressing his opinions. He was a tough guy and faced life’s challenges head-on. He was truly one of a kind and his absence will be deeply felt.

He was preceded in death by some very special people whom he mourned until the end: his father, Bobby Booth; his mother, Cydne Randall; paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Shirley Booth; maternal grandparents, Dalton and Lucy Swinney.

He is survived by his two pride and joys who meant the world to him, his sons, Dylan Booth and wife Kaylee and Dalton Booth of Pampa; his brother, a true friend and confidant, Josh Allred and wife Tara of Clarendon; his nephew, Mason Allred of Clarendon; two precious grandbabies who bring so much happiness and light into the world, Bryson and Collin Booth of Pampa; his stepdad, David Randall of Clarendon; his dear friend, who walked beside him through life’s ups and downs, Mary Booth of Pampa; his beloved dog, Ole Girl, a faithful companion and friend to the end; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.

Carol Hinton was born on December 6, 1939, in Clovis, New Mexico to Clarence and Carolyn Hamilton.

She moved to Spring Lake Earth as a child, graduating from Spring Lake Earth High School in 1957. She then attended Texas Tech University before moving to Muleshoe and eventually Dimmitt, before settling in Amarillo.

She owned and operated Décor Limited in Amarillo, before moving to Clarendon where she had resided since 1976. She worked as a realtor for Cornell Real Estate as well as Jim Hayes for many years. She sold ads for the local radio station, KEFH for many years as well as served as the restaurant manager for the Clarendon Country Club for over 5 years. Carol was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church, where she served in many ways, including teaching Sunday School.

In her younger year, Carol was a member of the Teen Tones, singing in many competitions, including a talent show where they won against Waylon Jennings, something she was always proud of. She was a proud member of the Red Hatters Club and loved playing rummy dummy with her friends.

Carol was known for her infectious smile that could light up a room, she never met a stranger and even animals of all kinds were drawn to her. She enjoyed music of all types but was an avid Elvis Presley fan. She enjoyed golfing, cooking, playing scrabble and Pictionary, coffee and a good visit and the occasional Colorado Bulldog. She was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, a Tiger Woods fan and fan of Patrick Mahomes. More than anything though, she was a fan of her family. She was the best mother, grandmother, and great grandmother one could have.

She is survived by her daughter, Belinda Tindell and husband Stephen; 2 sons, Brett Bryant and wife Dawnya and Blake Bryant; all of Amarillo; 4 grandchildren, Amber Bryant, Trevor Guy and wife Stacy, Tia Van Ryn and husband Jeremy and Barron Bryant and fiancé Kelly; three great grandchildren, Trey Guy, Tripp Guy and Legend Van Ryn; her brother, Chuck Hamilton and wife Debbie of Tulsa; aunt, Nancy Kennon of Athens, GA; niece, Haley Medlo of Tulsa and many cousins and close friends who will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew, B.J. Hamilton.

Joseph Earl “Joe” Burnett, 71, of Howardwick, Texas died Friday, February 23, 2024, in Howardwick.

Memorial Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Joe was born November 9, 1952, in Clovis, New Mexico to Irene Langford Burnett and Joe Burnett, Sr. He had been a resident of Howardwick the past 10 plus years. Joe worked in ranching and in agriculture, prior to his retirement. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and music. Joe loved land and had a deep connection with ranching, it’s history, and was into the western cowboy culture. His quote that he would always say was “There are two things they will never make more of, is land and time”. He always carried the persona of a cowboy.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jody Burnett; and a sister, Kathy.

He is survived by his daughter, Tara Williams and husband John of Houston; his sisters, Barbara Nyback, Jolene Russell, and Elaine Lindley; and his grandchildren, Brianna Burnett and Clayton Burnett both of Canyon.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to Donley County Senior Citizens in Clarendon.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com