|
Obituaries |
|
Clara Banta Oatman |
|
A DEATH IN THE FAMILY From the journal of Leonard Passmore, brother-in-law of Clara Banta Oatman
January, 1899
things. First there is her hat and veil ingeniously fixed upon it – the work of her own hands now cold and still. Now comes a lock of her hair. It is slightly streaked with gray. We feel so sad to look at it. Then there are so many other things; by her highly prized. There is a package of select letters from loving friends and relatives. Some of them we read. There are some of our own compositions. They related the thoughts we were thinking in the past. Indeed, life is a mixture of happiness and sorrow. When we wrote those letters our lives were full of sunshine and our words show it, but now it is different!
Jan 16 We start home. It is a bright, pretty morning! Stop for the night at the home of Mrs. Stephens.
Jan 18 Arrived home yesterday. The babies are doing well with the exception of some fretting. Little Angie dislikes seeing her mamma take the baby boy. What is prettier than innocent babyhood! The child-mind is blank to all care, sorrow and trouble.
Feb 1 We are visited today by Bro. John Banta [father-in-law] and Angie Magill. Mabel, Angie’s sister, will return home and Angie will remain for a while. Mabel has been with us since we returned from Verde on our last trip. The babies are both well now and are fondly petted. No wonder Longfellow said they are “living poems.” Truly they are. Whittier said:
‘We need love’s tender lesson taught, as only weakness can, God hath His small interpreters; The child must teach the man.’
Feb 4 A very beautiful letter from Bro. S. H. Oatman. Below are extracts:
‘Everything is so strange without the presence of her who was to me what Eve was intended to be to Adam, a helpmate indeed. She looked so peaceful in death, her sweet face haunts me day and night. Together we [were] buffeted with waves of adversity for nearly seventeen years. Poverty was ever our master. Settled at last on a place of our own and surrounded by friends, all of whom were kind and neighborly, we thought we could spend the remainder of our lives in peace; but God willed otherwise. He doeth all things well, and we can but bow in submission to Him saying: “Thy will be done!” ‘
These words are so sad. They are the echoes of the wails of a broken heart. We “mourn with those who mourn, and weep with those who weep.” ~ Clara Banta Livingston Oatman was born in Fredericksburg, Texas, on September 28, 1865, and passed away on January 5, 1899 on the Oatman family place outside of Kerrville, Texas. She died shortly after giving birth to her son, Clarence Sheppard Oatman. She is buried at Hunt-Japonica Cemetery near Kerrville. Her son, Clarence, who passed away in 1973, is buried at her side. Clara was the fourth child of John Walter Banta of Warwick County, Indiana, and Rebecca Angelina McDonald of Illinois. Early settlers in the Hill Country of Texas during the Republic days, they lived there at a time of great upheaval, with Indian depredations and attacks occurring on a regular basis. On May 19, 1881 she married L.A. Livingston in Burnet County, Texas. Nothing is known of this marriage, except that it was short-lived, and on April 24, 1882, she married Sheppard Hulse Oatman in Burnet County, of another early day family that settled in Texas from Indiana by way of Missouri. The Bantas and Oatmans aspired to greater things in life, and were noted doctors, businessmen, and academicians. Sheppard spent his life as a teacher, mostly working in rural areas in one-room schools. Teaching was a noble and well-respected profession in those days, but, as today, not a well-paid one. By his own account they spent a life in near-poverty, but were wealthy in children. To the marriage of Clara and Sheppard Oatman eleven children were born that survived to adulthood. But, as so often happened to many of the women in our genealogy, the exertions of the last birth cost Clara her life. She passed away a few days after giving birth to her son, on the birthday of William Arthur Oatman. Arthur always said that she got up to make him a birthday cake, but collapsed and soon died. After Clara was laid to rest the family was split up, the older children remaining with Sheppard and the younger ones moving in with Banta relatives. For a time the arrangement worked, but after his marriage to Amanda Wolfe Andrews, her severe personality drove the older ones away, making room for two new babies born shortly thereafter. The older children either struck out on their own, as in the case of Arthur who made his own way at the age of thirteen, or lived with relatives. Nora lived for a time with Arthur in Mason, Texas, where he worked as a cedar chopper. But all in all, it was a very sad end to a very large and loving family. Sheppard lived on another 20 or so years after Clara’s death, passing away in Austin, Texas, on November 8, 1921. He is buried in the Lyndon Baines Johnson Family Cemetery near Johnson City, Texas. It is said that his second wife, Amanda, was Lyndon’s nursemaid, and the possibility is high that Lyndon was taught by Sheppard at some time or another.
Elaine O'Dell Click here for Elaine’s eulogy Ruth Elaine O Dell, 81 of El Paso slipped away peacefully September 7th to join her husband Bob in heaven. Born in Alpena, Michigan on May 11, 1925 to Clarence and Lillian Gokel, Elaine has left behind a loving family who will miss her sense of humor and determined spirit. She is survived by a sister Betty Jean Reed of Montana, three children- son Richard O Dell and wife Patti of Lewisville, TX, son Roger O Dell and wife Donene of El Paso, and daughter Rebecca Childress and husband Paul of Dripping Springs, TX, six grandchildren-Rachel Dagner, Dana Templeman, Patrick O Dell and wife Tracy, Aundie O Dell Salazar and husband Travis, Whitney Childress, and Ethan Childress, four great grandchildren-Derek Templeman, Dylan Templeman, Boyd O Dell, and Taylie O Dell. She was joyfully awaiting the arrival of her 2nd great granddaughter Salazar in October. Elaine worked for YISD in the payroll department prior to her retirement. She and her husband loved to RV, she loved to dance and watch Turner Classic Movies. Elaine’s Goin’ Home Celebration will begin Sun., Sept. 10 with a Viewing at Crestview Funeral Home, 1462 N. Zaragosa from 2-6 p.m., a Celebration service Mon. Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1201 Hawkins Blvd. and interment at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. Memorial gifts may be made to Crisis Pregnancy Services, 200 San Jose Ave., El Paso, TX 79930 or to Exciting Immanuel Baptist Church Time to Renew Campaign, 1201 Hawkins Blvd., El Paso, TX 79925, or to the Immanuel Christian School Student Financial Aid Fund, 1201 Hawkins Blvd., El Paso, TX 79925. Directed by CRESTVIEW FUNERAL HOME. 1462 Zaragoza 856-1400
Frances Doole Duncan
Frances Doole Duncan, 86, passed away on October 30, 2007 in Alpine. Frances was born Aug. 13, 1921, in Douglas, Ariz., to Oma D. Murray (sic) (Dougal Omega Murray Holmes Cox) and Holmes M. Doole. A graveside memorial service was held on November 4, 2007 with Minister Paul Lister officiating. Interment was at Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine. She was preceded in death by her husband John Duncan and her parents, Holmes M. Doole and Oma D. Murray (sic). Survivors included her son, David and wife Kathy Duncan of Alpine; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton. (Also survived by son David Snow)
Peggy Whitehead Dowdy
Peggy Whitehead Dowdy, age 65, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and dedicated follower of the faith, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2008, surrounded by her loving family. Peggy was preceded by death by her mother and father, Doris and Charles Whitehead. She is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Norman; two children, son, Mark Dowdy, of Albuquerque and daughter, Kathleen Lloyd and her husband, Jim Lloyd of Las Cruces; two grandchildren, Ian and Grace; one sister, Carolyn Lewis, brothers, Charles Whitehead II and Tom Lindsay; brother-in-law, Mike Lewis, sisters-in-law, Mary Whitehead and Maryanne Lindsay, Jann Walton and Barbara Dowdy. Peggy is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends she held very dear to her heart. Peggy was a very active member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, a member of Daughter's of the King and served as Senior Warden. She taught high school biology for over 30 years, 22 years in Albuquerque Public Schools. Peggy was a devoted wife and mother. She touched many lives and will be remembered for all her kindness, generosity, joy of life and sense of humor. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Presbyterian AICU staff for the compassionate care they gave to Peggy. A Celebration of Peggy's remarkable life, spirit and accomplishments will be held Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 1500 Chelwood Park Blvd. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church Fellowship Fund.
|
|
Jan 12 Sad news! Sister Clara Oatman [Rachel Passmore’s sister] is dead! She died on the 5th inst. Leaving an infant but a few hours old. She leaves a loving husband and ten children to mourn her loss, besides a host of friends and relatives: but she died in “the faith.” The same voice that said, “Lazarus come forth!” we believe will call her from the grave. We start tomorrow to get the baby.
Jan 14 Decide to go to Verde Creek. Bro. Oatman is not likely to stay at home for some few days after Sister Clara’s death. We arrive there at 5 p.m. It is as we presumed – Bro. O. and family there. Sad meetings! Our presence somewhat resurrect the thoughts of the sad reality. Bro. O. looks so sad; but he is trying to look at the matter as he should from the standpoint of reason. It is sad to see the father petting and caressing his little children, with tears running down his cheeks as he thinks, “No matter now.”
Jan 15 Bro. Oatman intends to start home today. Arrangements are made for us to keep the baby. We have named him Clarence Sheppard. Clarence the masculine of Clara and Sheppard after his father. Well, Bro. O. starts. It is sad to see him part with the little children; for he keeps only the larger ones. In sad, depressed voice he said to little Nora, “I don’t want you to forget Papa!” We look into the trunk containing Sister Clara’s |
|
Nancy Kelley Murray
EDEN - Nancy Murray, 87, of Eden, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, before dawn. She was born Oct. 16, 1921, to William A. and Corda L. Kelley. She graduated from Eden High School in 1939 and attended Business College. She was a very accomplished legal secretary. Service will be at Eden Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13. Mark Bethune of Eden Baptist Church will officiate. Pallbearers will be grandsons Todd Helms, Kelley Helms, Sean Murray and Tyler Murray, son-in-law Arnie Salmeron, and family friend Jerry McDonald. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Cecil Kelley; an infant daughter, Lou Ann; and the father of her children, Zack M. Murray. Survivors include son Bill Murray; son John and friend Patricia Black; son Van Murray and wife Toni of Allen, Texas; daughter Laurie Helms and husband Martin; and daughter Riki Salmeron and husband Arnie of Allen, Texas. She had 12 grandchildren and two great-grandsons. She was mom to many through the years as well as being devoted to her own family. She treasured her collections of dolls, teddy bears, and especially angels. Though small in stature, her presence in this world was vast and widespread. We love you, mom, and will miss you greatly. God now assumes your care.
Bill Curtis Lindsey
RANKIN -- Bill Curtis Lindsey, died Wednesday, March 25th on his ranch in Newell, South Dakota. He was born on August 14, 1960, in San Angelo, Texas to parents DeWayne and Janey Lindsey. He was married to Denna Puckett Lindsey for 27 years. They had two children, William and Lauren Lindsey. Bill grew up in Rankin, Texas with his parents and three brothers, Tom, Daymond, and Shane. He graduated from Rankin High School in 1978. He knew from an early age that ranching was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. It was his true passion and he was the perfect man for this occupation. He loved the land and livestock and always felt that ranching was an honorable profession. In 1984, Bill and his family moved the ranching operation north to Wyoming and South Dakota. Like a true settler, he found ranches that he knew would make wonderful sheep country. For the next 13 years, he put together an extensive ranching operation that was the pride of his career. Bill awoke each morning with a smile on his face and went about his tasks with the optimism and good nature of a man doing what he loved best. He truly believed that hard work and honest sweat were the building blocks of a person's character. His children would willingly do anything he asked because there's nothing he would ask them to do that he wouldn't be right there beside them doing himself. Services will be at 2:00 pm Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at the Rankin Park Building, Rankin, TX. Officiating the services will be Johnny Kidd and Reverend Jennifer Kelley. Internment will immediately follow at the Rankin Cemetery. Bill was survived by his wife, Denna, and their two children, William and Lauren of Rankin, Texas. His father and mother, Dewayne and Janey Lindsey of Rankin. His brother, Tom, and sister-in-law, Janet, of Rankin. His brother Daymond of Flower Mound, Texas. His brother, Shane, and sister-in-law, Shelly, of McKinney, Texas. Sister-in-law and husband, Ann and Keith Ferrell, of Twin Falls, Idaho. And numerous nieces and nephews. |
|
Betty Smith King
CANYON - Betty King, age 73, passed away on Wednesday May 4, 2011 at Canyon Health Care in Canyon. Visitation was held from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM. on Friday May 6, 2011 at the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend in Fort Stockton, Texas. A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday May 7, 2011 at the Church of Christ in Fort Stockton with Minister Harold Durham officiating. Interment followed at the East Hill Cemetery in Fort Stockton. Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend of Fort Stockton has been entrusted with the arrangements. Betty was born on Monday August 16, 1937 to parents William and Sadie (Haynes) Smith in Odessa, Texas. Betty was raised and educated in Pecos, Texas. Betty was a resident of Fort Stockton for 34 years and was the Church Secretary for the Church of Christ for the majority of that time. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; sister Joyce Franklin and husband Troy King. Betty is survived by her son Terral (Amy) King of Canyon; son Brett (Karen) King of Aubrey, Texas; brother Royce (Linda) Smith of Olney, Texas; brother Charles (Marilyn) Smith of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren Ashley, Aardn, Terran, Cambry, Reagan, and Abby; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com
Kary Juliene Watson Allee MARATHON- Kary Juliene Allee, 60, died Sept. 6, 2011, at Odessa Medical Center after a brief illness. In lieu of a funeral or flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) at www.aspca.org or by calling 800-628-0028. Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton handled arrangements. Kary was born April 30, 1951, to Melba and Eugene Russell Watson of Marathon, the oldest of four children. She graduated from Marathon High School in 1969 and worked most of her life in law enforcement. She was a dispatcher for Brewster, Pecos and Ward counties, and worked at several local jails before finishing her career as a jailer for Pecos County in Fort Stockton. Kary was preceded in death by her father; her maternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Alma "Pud" Chambers and Wallace Chambers; grandfather Milburn Causey; and paternal grandparents George Washington Watson and Daisy Mae Gibson Watson. Survivors include her son, Randall Wayne Zerr and wife Mary Jo of Houston; two grandsons, Xander Zerr and Bryson Zerr of Houston; her mother, Melba Watson of Marathon; three sisters, Sue Lynn Neie and Kareen Laine Beinhauer, both of Alpine, and Sandra Kay Wilson of Marathon; and numerous nieces and nephews. "Kary was very artistic and could paint and draw just about any subject, although her passion was for horses and Indian art," her family said. "She often burned her own special designs on just about anything, from gourds to simple boxes, then utilized incredible skill with her own mixture of paints to create some beautiful artwork. Kary also loved to cross-stitch and crochet."
Janey Shackelford Lindsey
RANKIN - Janey Shackelford Lindsey, 72, died Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, in Lubbock after sustaining injuries in an accident. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. today (Thursday, Aug. 11) at the Rankin Park Building. Officiating will be Johnny Kidd of Odessa, and Tuffy Whitehead of Del Rio will be a special speaker. Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home of Crane handled arrangements. Janey was born Oct. 17, 1938, to Lyndell and Merle Gulihur Shackelford in Marathon, where she grew up with siblings Rowdy, Lois and Macky. On June 10, 1954, she married the love of her life, DeWayne Lindsey. The young ranching couple decided to start raising their own hired hands, having four boys. Janey helped DeWayne build their ranching operation, beside him every step of the way, the family said. Although ranching in West Texas brought many hard times and challenges, Janey met every situation head-on with the hours and determination it took to get the job done. Janey, a resident of Upton County for 57 years, served as an officer for the Upton County Water Board and Chamber of Commerce. For 16 years she worked on the World Champion Barbado Cookoff. Being a member of Eastern Star was a big part of Janey's life. She served in every capacity and was awarded a 50-year membership award. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Lois Farris; one son, Bill Lindsey; and a grandson, Anthony Windham. Survivors include her husband, DeWayne Lindsey of Rankin; three sons, Tom Lindsey and wife Janet of Rankin, Daymond Lindsey of Flower Mound, and Shane Lindsey and wife Shelly of McKinney; daughter-in-law Denna Lindsey of Rankin; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rowdy "Bubba" Shackelford and wife Helen of San Angelo, and Mack Shackelford and wife Marilyn of Marathon; and sister-in-law Barbara "Sissy" Fisher and husband James of Aledo. "Her boys were the pride of her life; she raised them to respect the value of hard work," her family said. "Janey welcomed every friend her boys brought home. Before long, she was calling all of them her boys. With this title came lots of love, lectures, chicken fried steaks and tortillas. Legendary stories developed over working sheep and fun times at the Lindsey ranch. As these kids grew older, Janey's interest in them did not waver. She wanted to know about every aspect of their life, and to be there for every milestone they accomplished." The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the "Running against the Wind" Memorial Scholarship Fund at First State Bank of Rankin, P.O. Box 118, Rankin, TX 79778.
Eddie Jean McKinney
MARATHON - Eddie Jean McKinney, a Marathon native and Midland resident, died Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, after battling cancer. She was 70. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, in the Marathon Cemetery directed by Ellis Funeral Home of Midland. Jean was born Dec. 9, 1940, in Marathon to Barcie and Jake Nutt. Being raised a cowgirl on the Combs Ranch in Marathon, she was allowed at age 13 to pick replacement heifers, something the owner or only the top cowboys were allowed to do. She graduated from Marathon High School in 1959 and in 1974 obtained her B.A. degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. She was retired from the Texas State Comptroller's Office in Odessa. Jean married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Clayton McKinney, on June 4, 1959. They had been married for 45 years when he died on Aug. 20, 2004. Clayton was a Texas Ranger, and transfers moved the family many times, living all across West Texas including Van Horn, San Angelo, McNary, Sierra Blanca and Alpine. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Richard "Teenie" Chambers. Survivors include three sons, Clay McKinney and wife Brenda of Pecos, Troy McKinney and wife Kim of Collinsville and Rory McKinney and wife Katrina of Midland; nine grandchildren, Clay Ryon and wife Analisa, Jake and wife Emily, Sarah, Brooke, Hannah, Clayton and wife Sarah, Ember, Ethan and Evan; and four great-grandchildren, Brayden, Anabella, Emalynn and Emma. "Jean loved to spend time with her family and friends, dancing at the Post, playing golf, listening to her boys play guitar, watching her sons and grandchildren rope, looking at a good horse, and fishing in the Rio Grande," her family said. "Jean lived her life on her terms and never backed down from a challenge. She is with the angels now and is definitely ... On A Cloud." The family extends special thanks to the loving and caring staff at Hospice of Midland Memorial Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clayton McKinney Memorial Scholarship at Midland College.
|
