Chapman, Alvin
Mr. Alvin Artel Chapman, 72, of Clovis, died Friday, May 9, 2003, in the home of his daughter.
He was born on April 12, 1931 in Stephens County, Okla., to Daniel Edward and Myrtle Mae Mitchell Chapman.
He moved to Abernathy, Texas, in 1939 and graduated from Abernathy High School in 1949. He served his country in the Korean war with the U.S. Air Force. He returned to Abernathy and then to Lubbock. He married Patsy Jo Thompson on Nov. 23, 1956, in Lovington. After graduating from Texas Tech in 1958, he went to work for the Civil Service at Cannon Air Force Base as an auditor. The family moved from Portales to Clovis in 1959. He was a member of Central Christian Church. Family members said he enjoyed playing golf, raising a garden, traveling in their RV and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Michelle Ratcliff (and husband, Bill) of Lubbock; grandchildren, Stephen, Kali and Anjali Ratcliff, all of Lubbock; three sisters, Virdean Wilson of Velma, Okla., Berniece “Sis” Emerson of Auburn, Wash., and Juanice “Mick” Rosenstein of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.
Services have been held.
Burial was at Abernathy Cemetery.
The Revs. Herbert Bergstrom and Elizabeth Abraham officiated the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3411 73rd Street, Lubbock, TX 79423; Hospice of Lubbock, 1102 Slide Road, Suite 3, Lubbock, TX 79416; or to a favorite charity.
Arrangements were by Resthaven Funeral Home of Lubbock.
Carolyn Jane Bradley Chambless
Services: Have been held.
Carolyn Jane Bradley Chambless, 100, of Friona, formerly of Portales, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003, at Prairie Acres Nursing Home in Friona.
She was born on Dec. 2, 1903, in Russellville, Ark., to John M. and Emma Wallace Bradley.
She spent her early childhood in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri, before moving to Arch in 1911. She graduated from Portales High School in 1920. She then attended Clarendon College in Clarendon, Texas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English. She married Melvane E. Chambless on Oct. 8, 1944, in Portales. She taught school for many years in Texas, Tatum and Portales, before retiring from Portales High School in 1946. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Portales.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Grace Bradley; a brother, John Bradley Jr.; and her husband.
Survivors include a nephew, James Bradley (and wife, Theressa) of Portales; a niece, Carolyn Tyler (Ron) of Camarillo, Calif.; and several great, great-great, and great-great-great- nieces and nephews.
The Rev. Harry Riser will officiate the services.
Burial will be at Portales Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be her nephews.
Honorary pallbearers are her friends from the First United Methodist Church in Portales.
Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.
Mr. Alvin Artel Chapman
Mr. Alvin Artel Chapman, 72, of Clovis, died Friday, May 9, 2003, in the home of his daughter.
He was born on April 12, 1931 in Stephens County, Okla., to Daniel Edward and Myrtle Mae Mitchell Chapman.
He moved to Abernathy, Texas, in 1939 and graduated from Abernathy High School in 1949. He served his country in the Korean war with the U.S. Air Force. He returned to Abernathy and then to Lubbock. He married Patsy Jo Thompson on Nov. 23, 1956, in Lovington. After graduating from Texas Tech in 1958, he went to work for the Civil Service at Cannon Air Force Base as an auditor. The family moved from Portales to Clovis in 1959. He was a member of Central Christian Church. Family members said he enjoyed playing golf, raising a garden, traveling in their RV and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Michelle Ratcliff (and husband, Bill) of Lubbock; grandchildren, Stephen, Kali and Anjali Ratcliff, all of Lubbock; three sisters, Virdean Wilson of Velma, Okla., Berniece “Sis” Emerson of Auburn, Wash., and Juanice “Mick” Rosenstein of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.
Services have been held.
Burial was at Abernathy Cemetery.
The Revs. Herbert Bergstrom and Elizabeth Abraham officiated the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3411 73rd Street, Lubbock, TX 79423; Hospice of Lubbock, 1102 Slide Road, Suite 3, Lubbock, TX 79416; or to a favorite charity.
Arrangements were by Resthaven Funeral Home of Lubbock.
Ozell Cherry
Services: Have ben held.
Ms. Ozell Higginbotham Cherry, 77, of Muleshoe, died Wednesday, July 23, 2003, at the Muleshoe Area Medical Center.
She was born on May 7, 1926, in Bailey County, Texas.
She was a lifelong resident of Muleshoe. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church. She was employed as a waitress in numerous restaurants in Muleshoe and as an activity aide at the nursing home.
She was preceded in death by her previous husband, Ben Higginbotham; four sisters; and five brothers.
She is survived by a son, Don Taylor of Dumas; three daughters, Linda White (and husband, Dwayne) of Oklahoma Lane, Janie Phillips (Clyde) of Causey-Rogers community;and Reba Thompson (James) of Newkirk, Okla.; a sister, Dovie Vorse of Tennesee Colony, Texas, a brother, Arie Owen of Wells, Nev.; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Sam Billingsley will officiate the services.
Burial will be at Bailey County Cemetery in Muleshoe.
Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity.
Arrangements are by Ellis Funeral Home of Muleshoe.
Cecilia Chavez
Services: Have been held.
Cecilia Chavez, 51, of Roswell died Thursday, June 5, 2003, at University Medical Center in Lubbock.
She was born Jan. 15, 1952, in Vaughn, to Antonio and Helen Garcia.
She was raised and attended school in Encino. She made her home at Vaughn, and Odessa, Texas, before moving to Roswell in 1987. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Roswell. She was a homemaker. Family members said she was a loving mother, daughter, grandmother and sister.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Louise Sisneros, in 1980; and a brother, Manuel Garcia, in 1964.
Survivors include four sons, Manuel Sisneros (and wife, Angie), Chris Chavez and Marc Chavez, all of Roswell, and Daniel Chavez of Dallas; a daughter, Jennifer Chavez of Roswell; her parents, Antonio and Helen Garcia of Vaughn; three sisters, Irene Sanchez (and husband, Johnny) Berlinda Garcia, all of Vaughn, and Diana Garcia of Portales; two brothers, Anthony Garcia (and wife, Sandra) of Santa Fe, and Patricio Garcia (and wife, Amy) of Portales; and four grandchildren, Stevie Sisneros, Kayla Sisneros, Joseph “Nick” Gonzales and Adrian Castillo.
Dolores Sanchez will lead the prayers.
Father John Jasinski will officiate the services.
Burial will follow at Encino Catholic Cemetery in Encino.
Chavez Funeral Home of Fort Sumner is handling arrangements.
Helen Chavez
Service: Have been held.
Helen Chavez, 91, of Clovis died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004, at her home following an illness.
She was born Nov. 10, 1912, in Tularosa to James Allen and the former Luisa Vigil. She married Doroteo Chavez in Santa Rosa on Aug. 27, 1931. She made her home in Texas, California, and New Mexico. She moved to Clovis in 1980.
She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Clovis.
She was preceded in death by her husband Doroteo Chavez on March 19, 1982; two grandchildren, Lorenzo Chavez and Louise Chavez; four brothers, Joe Allen, Fred Allen, Bill Allen and Wren Allen; and a sister, Ruby Allen.
Survivors include two sons, Joe Chavez (and wife Ann) of Santa Maria, Calif., and Paul Lewis Chavez of Clovis; eight grandchildren, Steve Chavez, Adam Chavez, Casey Chavez, Eva Clark, Crusita Johnson, Mary Ann Daniels, Frances Velasco and Greg Chavez; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Burial was Saturday at Evergreen Cemetery in Santa Rosa.
The Rev. Nick Nichols will officiate at the Mass.
Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner.
Tura Chenault
Services: Have been held.
Mrs. Tura Ola Chenault, 88, of Clovis, a homemaker and cafeteria worker, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2003, at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis.
She was born on Dec. 5, 1914, in Richland, to Silas Franklin and Ida Dove Thompson Beeman.
She was a member of 16th and Pile Church of Christ for 47 years. Family members said she enjoyed playing 42 with Christian friends and doing needlework.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, J. B. Chenault; five brothers; three sisters; and a granddaughter, Debbie Chenault Wilson.
She is survived by a sister, Tess Smith; a son, Wayne Chenault (and wife, Wanda)of Elida; two daughters, Myrl Davis (and husband, Bob) of Clovis and Sylvia Pape (Jack) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three sisters-in-law; grandchildren, Dwayne, Darwin and Darrell Chenault, Steve, Curtis and Brent Davis, Darla Reed, Arnise Lance Pape, Jill Webb and Robyn Barrett; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Jim Gammon, assisted by Bob Hawkins, will officiate the services.
Burial will be at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens in Clovis.
Pallbearers will be Dwayne, Darwin and Darrell Chenault, Curtis, Steve and Brent Davis, Lance and Arnise Pape, Grant Wilson, Kenny Reed, Faron Webb and Bryan Barrett.
Honorary pallbearers will be Virgil Helker, Cecil Bunch, Bob Norris, Curtis Tabor, Kenneth Jones, Joe Hamilton, Doug Williams, Sarge Faulkenburry, Billy McCasland and Foy Bailey.
Arrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home of Clovis.
Elvis Childs
Services: Have been held.
Mr. Elvis Henry Childs, 88, of Farwell, died Sunday, May 11, 2003.
He was born on Dec. 27, 1914, in Childress, Texas, to Morgan and Frances Childs.
He was a dedicated family man, a loyal friend and a farmer in the Farwell area, family members said. He was member of Farwell First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his son, Jerry Childs (and wife, Kathy) of Albuquerque; four grandchildren, Lori Tufaro (and husband, Jerry), Jay Childs (and wife, Kathleen), Jon Childs (and wife, Lisa), and Chelsea Cameron; three great-grandchildren, Rachel and Sophia Tufaro and Dylan Childs; and an aunt, Rena Barris.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Jimmie in 1969 and Lovelle in 1997; brothers, Edward and Buddy Childs; a sister, Ocie Fancher; and daughter-in-law, Sherry Childs.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements are by Sunrise Funeral Options of Albuquerque.
Joyce Chitwood
Services: Have been held.
Mrs. Joyce Chitwood, 90, of Carlsbad, died Monday, May 26, 2003, at her home.
She was born on April 13, 1913, in Kenna, to Tom and Maime Hooper Neely.
She married John Chitwood on July 6, 1933, in Ruth. They farmed in the Ruth-Broadview area until 1956 when they moved to Hobbs. She recently moved to Carlsbad to live with her grandson. Family members said she enjoyed crafts, making quilts and was known for her fried chicken.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and three sisters, Gladys Lee, Erma Price and Maime Black.
She is survived by a son, Stanley Chitwood (and wife, Juanita) of Silver City; two granddaughters, Darline Rushing of Carlsbad and Valerie Allen of Kirtland; two grandsons, Bruce Chitwood of Silver City and Curtis Chitwood (and wife, Shannon) of Carlsbad; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Dennis Wagner will officiate the services.
Burial will be at Carlsbad Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Christopher and Darrell Rushing, Curtis, Bruce and Brandon Chitwood and Mark Meyers.
Arrangements are by Denton-Funchess Funeral Home of Carlsbad.
Ralph Ciancio
Services: Have been held.
Ralph F. Ciancio, 78, of Clovis, died Saturady, Oct. 25, 2003, at his home.
He was born on Aug. 14, 1925, in Alder, Colo., to Anthony and Agatha Perri Ciancio.
He joined the Army during World War II and served under Gen. George Patton. He re-enlisted because he was proud to serve his country under Patton, family members said.
He married Shirley Stillwell on June 23, 1957, in Buffalo, Wyo. He worked as a mechanic and built mobile homes. Family members said he loved his grandchildren and was especially proud of his handicapped son, Tracy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Fred, Sam, John and Tony; and four sisters, Bessie, Christina, Josephine and Carmina.
Survivors include his wife; six sons, Jeff Ciancio (and wife, Virginia) of Woodward, Okla., Fred Ciancio (Karen) of Clovis, Frank Ciancio (Tammy) of Milton, Fla., Tracy Ciancio of Clovis, Casey Ciancio of Granite, Okla. and Gerald Ciancio of Lawton, Okla.; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and two brother-in-laws.
Deacon Daniel Chavez will officiate the services.
Burial will be at Mission Garden of Memories in Clovis.
Arrangements are by Muffley Funeral Home of Clovis.
John Cecil "Jay" Claborn
Services: Have been held.
John Cecil “Jay” Claborn, 83, of Friona, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock.
He was born on July 16, 1920, in Post, Texas, to John and Cordie Claborn.
He joined the Army during World War II. He fought in five major battles including the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes forest, the Invasion of Normandy, the Northern France Campaign, the Rhineland Campaign and the Central Europe Campaign. Family members said he was awarded four Bronze Stars, a Silver Star, the “Croix Deguirre” Medal of Honor from France, the Belgium Medal of Honor and the American Defense Service Medal. After being discharged he enrolled in the Landig College of Mortuary Science School. He owned and operated Claborn Funeral Home in Friona for over 30 years. He married Jonell Clark in 1997 in Friona. He was a member of the Friona United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by two sons; and 10 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Dr. Jobey Claborn (and wife, Janet) of Muleshoe; two step-daughters, Diana Russell and Teresa Carter, both of Clovis; two sisters, Faye Strickland of Plano, Texas, and Lois Staley of Searcy, Ark.; three grandchildren, Jackie Claborn of Dallas, Jason Claborn of Lubbock and Amy Claborn of Arvada, Colo.
The Rev. Steve Patterson will officiate the services.
Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Friona.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association-Panhandle Region, 2404 W. 7th, Amarillo 79106 or the Friona United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 301 E. 8th, Friona 79035.
Arrangements are by Parkside Chapel Funeral Home of Hereford, Texas.
Herman Clark
Services: Have been held.
Herman C. Clark, 88, of Portales, died Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at Laurel Ridge Nursing Home in Clovis.
He was born on Aug. 5, 1915, in Dickens, Texas, to Cora Mae and Man Clark.
He grew up in the Rogers area and graduated from Rogers High School. He attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. He married Laverne Gandy on Jan. 25, 1935, in Clovis. He worked for many years in farming and operated a couple of local service stations. Family members said he was an avid gardener, enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a faithful Atlanta Braves fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Clark; and by his wife, Laverne Clark, who died October 14, 2001.
Survivors include a son, Dudley Clark (and wife, LaDonna) of Gardendale, Texas; a daughter, Fae Swinford (David) of Ruidoso; a brother, Troy Clark of Taylor, Texas; two sisters, Madge Ellerd and Lorene Roberts, both of Portales; four grandchildren, Kelly Hancock, Tracey Harris, April Clark and Venetia Dawn Davison; a great-grandchild, Morgan Davison; and several nieces and nephews.
Kenneth Broad will officiate the services.
Burial will be at Mount Zion Cemetery in Dora.
Honorary pallbearers are Troy, David, Lanoy, Kenneth and Donny Mac Clark, Doug Shafer and Gary Roberts.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Children’s Home, 1356 Hwy 236, Portales, N.M. 88130.
Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.
James Clewis
Services: Have been held.
Mr. James Clewis, 57, of Muleshoe, died Sunday, June 22, 2003, in Lubbock.
He was born Sept. 20, 1945, in Rosebud, Texas, to Lorean Taylor and D.C. Clewis.
He lived in Texas all his life. He moved to Muleshoe from Whiteface, Texas, in 1974. He was a farmer and worked for Tony Barrier Farms.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Willie and L.C. Clewis.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine Hall Clewis of Muleshoe; two daughters, Tracy Clewis and Shantel Hall, both of Clovis; two grandchildren, Allissa and Tyrell Clewis, both of Clovis; four brothers, John Robert, Bobby, Henry and Jimmy Clewis, all of Levelland, Texas; and five sisters, Loretta and Joyce Clewis, Ethal May Hall, Ruby Fitts and Dorathy Hurd, all of Levelland.
The Rev. Lou Balenton will officiate the services.
Burial will be at City of Levelland Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Nathan Hurd, Harold Foley, Tracy Williams, Ronnie Dale Bryant, Jody Garrett, Willie Dailey and James Johnson.
Honorary bearers will be Ben Womack and Charles Clewis.
Arrangements are by Head Family Funeral Home of Levelland.
Martin F. Close
Services: Have been held.
Martin F. Close Sr., 81, of Victorville, Calif., died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003.
He was born on Oct. 24, 1922, in Potsville, Pa., to James and Annie Close.
He lived in Clovis for 30 years. He was a veteran of World War II who was decorated with the purple heart and four bronze stars.
Survivors include his wife, Myra; six children, Marty Close Jr. (and wife, Kit) of Somona, Calif., Kevin Close (Dolores) of Apple Valley, Calif., Mary Alaniz (Ernie) of Campbell, Calif., Robert Close (Cindy) of Lone Tree, Colo., James Close (Sylvia) of Victorville and John Close (Maria) of Artesia; 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Ely of Hattsboro, Pa.
Arrangements are by Victor Valley Mortuary of Victorville.
Maggie Coffman
Services: Have been held.
Mrs. Maggie Armstrong Coffman of Clovis died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2003, at Plains Regional Medical Center.
She was born on July 9, 1917, in Hollene, to Albert and Emma Bales Chandler.
She grew up and went to school in Hollene. She married Ules Armstrong on Sept. 29, 1934. They farmed and ran a dairy. She married Paul Coffman on Jan. 1, 1964. They worked as custom harvesters. She went to work as a cook at Marshall Junior High and retired from the Clovis schools. She was a member of First Church of the Nazarene.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; a brother, R.H. Chandler; two granddaughters, Lugene Lord and Wendi Homer; and a great-granddaughter, Allie Homer.
Survivors include a daughter, Betty Bailey (and husband, Leroy) of Broadview; a son, Wendell Armstrong of California; two sisters, Maude Ingram of Roswell and Francis Latham of Houston, Mo.; a sister-in-law, Rachel Chandler of Broadview; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a niece; and a nephew.
The Revs. Steve Lord, Tom Thornton and Gerald Woods will officiate the services.
Burial will be at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens in Clovis.
Pallbearers will be Wendell Ryan Armstrong, Chayson Lord, Mike Ingram, Steve, Allen, Hank, Mike, Seth, Leroy, Bryce, Josh, Jacob and Isaac Bailey.
Honorary pallbearers will be Paula Wood, Cindy Costa, Sheryl Armstrong, Summer Campbell, Doyle Lowe, Doug Williams and all friends and church family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene in Clovis.
Arrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home of Clovis.
