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Donald L. “Donnie” Thoreson
GRUVER – Donald L. (Donnie) Thoreson, 77, passed away early Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Hansford Hospital, Spearman, Texas.
The son of Grace (Brinkley) and A.L. Thoreson, he was born February 15, 1934 in Hitchland, Texas. Donnie graduated from Gruver High School in 1952. He was united in marriage to Nella Beth Cluck on August 9, 1952 in Clayton, New Mexico. Donnie farmed and ranched in the Gruver area where he was a co-founder of DGC Feeders and Caprock Industries. Donnie was always a Gruver supporter and agriculture advocate. Over the years, Donnie volunteered his time and energy on the board of directors, a trustee or was in leadership for the Tri-State High School Rodeo Association, Hansford County Hospital Board, Livestock Board and the Gruver ISD Board. He was honored as an Outstanding Young Farmer Award of Oklahoma in 1965 and served under President Nixon on the Texas Board of Agriculture. Donnie was a member of the Gruver Methodist Church.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nell Thoreson who passed away in 1991, three brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include his daughter, Candy Thoreson Golden of Rockwall, TX; son, Bart Donnie Thoreson and wife, Alexa of Gruver. He was an adored “PawPaw” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Miranda and husband Heath Hill of Gruver; Neely and husband Justin A. Holland of Heath, TX; Macy Hicks of Amarillo; and Payton Bart Thoreson of Gruver; two great-grandchildren, Tripp Hudson Hill, Hagen Marie Hill and soon to be born great-granddaughter, Wiley Beth Holland. He is also survived by his sister, Jeanette and husband Les Niles of Amarillo; and a longtime close friend, Mrs. Agnes Wing of Guymon, OK.
Visitation will be Wednesday evening, 6-8:00 PM at the Gruver United Methodist Church.
Memorial services will be Thursday afternoon, December 8, 2011, 2:00 P.M. at the Gruver United Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry Moore and nephew, Mike Wilhelm, officiating. Interment will be in Gruver Cemetery under the care of Henson-Novak Funeral Directors of Guymon.
Memorials may be given to Hansford Hospice, 707 Roland, Spearman, TX 79081. Friends may sign the online guest book and send condolences at www.hensonnovak.com.
Margie Fay Stark Bryson
STRATFORD — Margie Fay Stark Bryson, 83, of Stratford died Wednesday, November 30, 2011, in Amarillo.
Services were at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2011 in First Baptist Church in Stratford with Roy Harris, pastor, and Jason Stone, pastor, officiating. Burial was at 11 a.m. Monday in Plainview Cemetery in Plainview. Arrangements were by Boxwell Brothers of Stratford, 311 N. Main St.
Mrs. Bryson was born March 26, 1928, at home in Claytonville (Swisher County) to Bun and Fay Stark. She lived in Sherman County for 50 years. Mrs. Bryson was a member of First Baptist Church and was a devoted and faithful follower of Jesus and a prayer warrior.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, A.J. Stark, Aaron Stark and Horace Stark.
Survivors include three sons, Billye Cleve Bryson and wife Marjorie of Plainview, Edward Hall Bryson and wife Jeanie of Stratford and Timmy Clay Bryson and wife Ann of Canyon; a sister, Joan Beedy; five granddaughters; seven grandsons; and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials be to First Baptist Church of Stratford, 702 N. Third St., Stratford, TX 79084.
Shirley Turk Davidson
HOUSTON — Shirley Turk Davidson, 94, of Houston died November 27, 2011.
Services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2011 in Memorial Park Cemetery East Mausoleum Chapel with the Rev. Robert Field officiating. Arrangements are by Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E. Interstate 40.
Mrs. Davidson was born Sept. 30, 1917, near Carthage, Mo., and moved to Gruver at age 12. She graduated from Gruver High School in 1934, then received a Bachelor of Science degree from West Texas State University in Canyon. She taught school in Turkey and Amarillo.
Mrs. Davidson married Harold E. Davidson in 1941 in Gruver. He preceded her in death in October 1978.
Mrs. Davidson was a member of Fairview Baptist Church for 53 years and taught Sunday school most of those years. She moved to Houston in 2004.
Survivors include two sons, William D. Davidson of Houston and Rex L. Davidson of Santa Fe, N.M.; three grandchildren, Matthew Davidson of Houston, Adam Dawson Davidson of Austin and Anne Davidson Simon of Austin; four great-grandchildren, Avery Ryan Davidson of Houston, Sophie Medami Davidson of Austin and twins Jack Davidson Simon and Miles Dawson Simon, both of Austin; a sister, Betty Jean Woodrow of Sarcoxie, Mo.; and two nieces, Marilyn Woodrow Patterson of Owasso, Okla., and Gayla Woodrow DeGraffenreid of Sarcoxie, Mo.
The family suggests memorials be to National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1150 17th St., N.W. Suite 850, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Sign the online guest book at www.memorialparkamarillo.com.
Keith Lamb
BROOKEN, Okla. — Keith Lamb, 88, of Brooken died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011.
Services were at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Pioneer Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Brian Snow officiating. Burial followed in Brooken Cemetery with full military honors recited by VFW Post No. 4446. Arrangements were by King & Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.
Mr. Lamb was born Oct. 15, 1923, to Dewey and Josephine Edwards Lamb in Ogden, Utah. He lived in Gruver for many years, and was married to Mary Rhea Cluck Hart. He was a skilled inventor and proud owner of five patents.
Survivors include his two sons, Jim Lamb of Briartown and Perry Lamb of Brooken; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and a sister, Nedra Burke of Evanston, Wyo.
Ruth Lorraine Blackburn Price
Ruth Lorraine Blackburn Price, 91, of Amarillo died Monday, Nov. 14, 2011.
Services were at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 in Schooler Funeral Home Brentwood Chapel with the Rev. Dale Moreland of Church at Quail Creek officiating. Burial was in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St.
Mrs. Price was born July 19, 1920, to Robert and Rosetta Blackburn in Lawton, Okla. She was an excellent cook and loved cooking for her family, especially Thanksgiving. Ruth was a charter member of Church at Quail Creek. When relaxing, she loved sewing. She was a lady who was easy to get to know and love. Ruth retired from Sears after a long career at multiple jobs. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace David Price; a son, David Ronald Price; parents; three brothers; and a sister.
Survivors include her daughter, Dania North of Amarillo; a daughter-in-law, Georgeanne Price of Oklahoma City; a son, Bud Howard of Amarillo; three sisters, Jean Thomas of Amarillo, Coleen Shaefer of Spearman and Sydenia Alexander of Claude; four grandchildren, David Kral, Michael Kral, Misti Knadle and Dayla Ross; 10 great-grandchildren, Adam Kral, Daniel Kral, Michael Jones, Holden Ross, Cameron Kral, Nathanael Knadle, Haley Romaine, Kendal Kral, Alyce Ross and Mason Ross.
Memorials may be made to City Church Children’s Ministry. 205 S. Polk St., Amarillo, TX 79101.
Sign the online guestbook at www.schoolerfuneralhome.com.
Dick Elbert
AMARILLO — Dick Elbert, 69, of Amarillo died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011.
Services were at 10 a.m. Friday, November 11, 2011 in Llano Cemetery Mausoleum with Mike Nuthman of Hillside Christian Church officiating. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Mr. Elbert was born Dec. 16, 1941, in Childress to Howard and Bonnie Elbert. He had owned and operated the High Plains International Harvester dealership in Spearman. He attended Hillside Christian Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Kimberly of Prosper and Vicci of Amarillo; a sister, Linda Boudrot of Ulupalakua, Hawaii; and three grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be to Brain Injury Association of Texas, 316 W. 12th St., Suite 405, Austin TX 78701.
Mattie Hicks
MULESHOE — Mattie Hicks, 83, of Muleshoe died Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in First United Methodist Church in Muleshoe with the Rev. Monty Leavell of Muleshoe officiating. Burial will be in Muleshoe Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are by Ellis Funeral Home of Muleshoe.
Mrs. Hicks was born March 24, 1928, in Magnum, Okla., to Roy and Laura Velma Wright Hogan. She married Jack Hicks on Nov. 4, 1945, in Muleshoe; he preceded her in death on Feb. 28, 2002.
Mrs. Hicks had lived in Muleshoe since 1930, having moved from Mangum. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Muleshoe. She began working as the secretary for the County Extension Agent in Bailey County. Mattie received her LVN from the Chicago School of Nursing, an associate degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, N.M., and a Bachelor of Nursing from West Texas State University in 1991. She began her nursing career with Green Hospital and Clinic in Muleshoe. Mattie had worked for Dr. Sanderlin in Muleshoe and Muleshoe Area Medical Center, eventually becoming the director of nurses there.
She was an instructor for South Plains College School of Nursing LVN and RN programs. In her later years she was a public health nurse in Lovington, N.M., and worked for Muleshoe Area Medical Center as a home health nurse.
She was also preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include a son, Jimmie Lee Hicks of Newkirk, N.M.; two daughters, Andrea Novian and husband Billy of Fountain, Colo., and Tammye Barber and husband Jack of Pampa; four sisters, Lou Dell Willhite of Fort Collins, Colo., Byrnice Callaway of Spearman, Jean Henry of Levelland and Myra Grimes of Midland; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Donna Hicks of Levelland.
The family suggests memorials be to South Plains College School of Nursing, 1401 College Ave., Levelland TX 79336.
The family would like to thank Muleshoe Area Medical Center nursing staff, Lubbock/Levelland Covenant Medical Center nursing staff, Lubbock Heart Hospital Staff, BSA in patient Hospice of Amarillo, Dr. Robert Wey, Dr. Bruce Owens, and especially Dr. Bruce Purdy.
Victor Manuel Grajeda
PERRYTON — Victor Manuel Grajeda, 51, of Perryton died Monday, Oct. 31, 2011.
Services will be at 3 p.m. today in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Lupe Mayorga officiating. Burial will be in Ochiltree Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, Perryton.
Mr. Grajeda was born Sept. 8, 1960, in Porvenir, Chihuahua, Mexico. He married Maria Murillo December 1986 in Porvenir, Chihuahua, Mexico. He was a rig manager and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife of Perryton; a daughter, Erika Tafoya of Perryton; three sons, Victor Manuel Grajeda Jr. of Booker, Antonio Grajeda and Rene Grajeda, both of Perryton; four sisters, Socorro Molina of Guadalupe, Mexico, Irma Fraire of Irving, Marta Guerrero of Hart and Aurora Aguirre of El Paso; six brothers, Antonio Grajeda of St. Paul, Minn., Ignacio Grajeda of Guymon, Okla., Martin Grajeda of Spearman, Osvaldo Grajeda, Felix Grajeda and Jaime Grajeda, all of Fort Hancock; and three grandchildren.
Jerry R. McGaha
AMARILLO - Jerry R. McGaha, 64, of Amarillo died Friday, Oct. 14, 2011.
No memorial services will be held. Cremation was by Jim’s Funeral Home in Hurst.
Jerry was born June 4, 1947, in Ashdown, Ark., to Rual and Ruth McGaha. He grew up in Dumas, where he graduated from Dumas High School in 1966. He was a welder by trade and lived in the Fort Worth area several years before moving to Amarillo. Due to illness, he moved to Arlington Nursing Center in 2008, where he passed away. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Dumas.
He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Don.
Survivors include a daughter, Sharana and husband Leo Lane of Arlington; a grandson, Leo Jr. of Arlington; his mother, Ruth; three brothers, Gregg and wife MeKala of Amarillo, Bob and wife Belinda of Spearman and Bill and wife Cindy of Waxahachie; and several nieces and nephews.
Bobby White
SHAMROCK — Bobby White, 71, of Shamrock died Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. today in Shamrock Cemetery in Shamrock with the Rev. Joe G. Jernigan, pastor of Calvary Christian Fellowship, officiating. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Shamrock.
Mr. White was born May 15, 1940, in Shamrock to Jesse and Geraldine Van Huss White. He had lived in Pampa and Garland before moving to Wichita Falls.
Survivors include two brothers, J.C. White of Lela and Tommy White of Gruver, and a sister, Wanda Reynolds of Amarillo.
The family suggests memorials be to Alzheimer’s Foundation, 1400 Wallace Blvd., Amarillo, TX 79106.
Wayne Lee Calhoun
AMARILLO - Wayne Lee Calhoun, 82, of Amarillo died Friday, Nov. 4, 2011.
As was his giving heart in life, so it extends past death as he donated his body to Texas Tech University School of Medicine. Private family services will be held at a later date in conjunction with Texas Tech. Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Mr. Calhoun was born in Liberal, Kan., on May 21, 1929. He had just celebrated his 82nd birthday with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at his bedside.
He graduated from Liberal High School in 1948. He played basketball all of his high school years. He was a captain his senior year, bringing home the state championship.
He went to work for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Co. in 1948. He worked 37 years before retiring. To his legacy, he only took 5 sick days, 3 for delivery of his baby girls and 2 for pneumonia. He was a measurement technician in the field.
He married his beautiful bride, Helen Elizabeth Walters, on July 9, 1951. They started their married life in a camp house at Sneed Plant. They would move many times, following the gas pipeline at Liberal, Kan., Turpin, Okla., Stinnett, Gruver, and finally Guymon, Okla.
Wayne was always a hard worker. He had several side jobs along the way, mostly as a painting contractor. He made sure his 3 girls never wanted for anything.
He and Helen moved to Amarillo, where he promptly went to work for St. Anthony’s Hospital. He retired there after 15 years. His last employer was Gene Messer Ford as a driver and he held that job until four years ago. He was an avid Bingo player.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Helen; his parents, Lee and Pearl Calhoun; a sister, Maxine Bangs; and a brother, Dean Calhoun.
Survivors include three daughters, Marsha Griffin and husband Bill of Dumas, Cindy Farris and husband Jerry of Edmond, Okla., and Debbie Frasier and husband Shane of Amarillo. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Lance Immel of Peoria, Ariz., Lynde Immel Ross of Austin, Jennifer Christian Armstrong of Borger, Connie Christian Barton of Amarillo, Ashley Griffin Simpson of Boerne, Crissie Farris Carter of Moore, Okla., and Amanda Farris Rodriguez of Norman, Okla.; 15 great-grandchildren, the delights of his heart, Sydney and Jace McCutchan, Abigail and Luke Ross, all of Austin, Tyler Immel and MiKaela Alwan of Dumas, Clay, Haley and Zachary Armstrong, all of Borger, Camryn and Ethan Barton of Amarillo, Jackson Diven and Kaylee Carter, both of Moore, Okla., Caden Simpson of Boerne and Lucy Rodriguez of Norman, Okla.; and his sister, Avis Bridenstein of Iowa.
The family suggests memorials be to North Plains Christian Church, 702 S. Birge Avenue, Dumas, TX 79029.
Betty Jean Sparks Thoreson
SPEARMAN — Betty Jean Sparks Thoreson, 82, of Spearman died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in Gruver Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, Spearman.
Mrs. Thoreson was born Oct. 26, 1929, in Springfield, Colo., to Burnie and Gertie Sparks. She was a homemaker. She never met a stranger. She will be missed by a special roommate and many friends at Hansford Manor.
She was a president of the resident council at Hansford Manor. She graduated from Morse High School and was Basketball Queen at West Texas State University in 1949. She was a member of Gruver United Methodist Church in Gruver.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Glenna Bell Sparks; and her husband, Billy Thoreson.
Survivors include three daughters, Glena Jeanne Moore and Vicki Cox, both of Amarillo, and Kristi Gilstrap of Dallas; three sons, Brett Thoreson of Amarillo, Terry Mullins and Jerry Mullins, both of Ozark, Ark.; three brothers, Lavoe Sparks of Spearman, Jerry Sparks and Dean Sparks, both of Gruver; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorials be to Hansford Manor Empty Stocking Fund, Hansford Manor, 707 S. Roland, Spearman TX 79081; or a favorite charity.
Alma Juanita File
FOLLETT — Alma Juanita File, 79, of Follett died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, in Perryton.
Services will be at 10 a.m. today in Follett Chapel in Follett. Burial will follow in Fairmont Cemetery in Follett. Arrangements are by Good Samaritan Funeral Service in Booker.
Mrs. File was born Jan. 11, 1932, in Beaver County, Okla., to John and Violet Halline Sisk. She grew up in Boise City, Okla. In 1946, she and her family made their home in Follett.
On Aug. 5, 1950, she married Lee Roy File in St. John’s Congregational Church, just west of Follett. The couple made their home and raised their family in Follett. Juanita shared a true servant’s heart; she was very active in her church, community and the lives of her children. Some of Juanita’s community involvement included acting in melodramas in Darrouzett, teaching Sunday school and helping form the Follett Education Corporation.
She is preceded in death by her husband; a brother Maurice; and two sisters, Joyce and Betty Jo.
Survivors include three sons, Kenneth and wife Claudette of Laverne, David and wife Reann of Gruver and Tom and wife Bonita of Perryton; five grandsons, Joseph, DeWayne, Gregory, Brian and Timothy; and three great-grandchildren, Brooke, Sean and Brynley.
The family suggests memorials be to Follett Education Corporation, in care of Follett InterBank, P.O. Box 8, Follett TX 79034.
Sign the online guest book at www.goodsamariatanbooker.com.
