Rudy Cates, 88, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018 in Graham. Funeral was held 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Rudy was born Dec. 2, 1929 in Young County to the late Jack and Bertha (Wooldridge) Cates. Rudy married Jarene Kee April 21, 1950 in Newcastle. He worked as a painter and paint contractor for many years. Rudy played the piano for his church for several years.

He loved his family especially his Lisa Diane, who he put on a pedestal because she was special to him. Rudy was a member of Morningside Baptist Church where he loved to attend and hear the gospel preached. Rudy worked hard at what he did and provided for his family.

Survivors include his wife, Jarene Cates of Graham; daughter, Lisa Diane Cates of Graham; sons, Wayne Cates of Las Cruces, N.M., Curtis Cates of Jacksboro and Wendell Cates of Corpus Christi; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Rudy was preceded in death by a grandson, Bobby Wayne Cates, and a brother, James Cates.

Kenneth “Ray” Boucher, Sr. 82, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2018 in Weatherford.

Ray was born March 8, 1936 in Gas City, Kan., to the late Roy Eliasha and Jesse Melissa (Williams) Boucher. He spent his life in the construction industry, building quality homes for special customers.

His favorite pastimes were gaming and dancing, along with collecting coins and watching movies of all eras. Ray had a great sense of humor and was such a quick wit. He was a great father that was always there for his children and instilled many quality traits in their lives. He served in the National Guard in the 49th Armored Division 645B. Ray was a very special man that will truly be missed by all that knew him.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth “Kenny” Ray Boucher Jr. of Graham; daughter, Timi Lyn Hall of Graham; son, Rick Alan Boucher and wife, Christy of Weatherford; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; girlfriend and longtime partner of 30 years, Marie Matlock of Jacksboro; Marie’s daughters, Judy Matlock of Jacksboro, Vickie Gunter of Jacksboro, and Sherry Matlock of Henrietta; Marie’s son, David Matlock and wife, Paula of Wichita Falls; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by twin sister, Doris Fay; sisters, Norma Jean and Jesse Fay; and brothers, Roy Francis “Sonny” Boucher and Donald Eugene “Donnie” Boucher.

Danny Ray Springs, 74, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at his home on Lake Graham. Funeral services will be Friday, July 13 at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Danny was born March 22, 1944 in Hugo, Okla. to the late Paul and Irene Carrie Springs. He married the love of his life, Charley Sue, on December 24, 1980 in Graham. Danny was a rural postal carrier for 33 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church where he faithfully served on the Broadcast Team for more than 30 years. He loved everything about the outdoors, including fishing, hunting and shooting sporting clays. He also enjoyed spending time with his family who will miss him tremendously but rejoices in knowing that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Survivors include: wife, Charley Springs of Graham; children, Todd Springs and wife, Adair of Bethlehem, Georgia, Troy Springs and wife, Cindy of Diboll, Jenna Hawkins and husband, Rod of Graham, David Williams and wife, Debbie of Colleyville, and Julie Eastman and husband, Joe of Godley; brothers, Rod Springs and wife, Terry of Hurst and Randy Springs of Hugo, Okla.; grandchildren, Danni Rea Springs, Bradley Springs, Jaden Springs, Stone Springs, Austin Hawkins and wife, Kodi, Haley Lopez and husband, James, Lauren Williams and Ryan Williams and wife, Nicole.

He was preceded in death by a brother, David Springs.

Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, Graham, Texas.

John Harold Townley, 91, class of 1945 Elgin, Okla., passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2018 in Graham. Funeral will be Saturday, July 14, at 10 a.m. in Faith Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

John was born April 21, 1927 in Elgin, Okla. to the late Jesse Lee and Illa (Brooks) Townley. He was a staff sergeant in the Army serving during World War II.

John married Anna Bess Rolston May 5, 1951 in Drumright, Okla. He moved to Graham in 1996.

He was a retired oilfield driller and houseparent at the Masonic Home and School. He was voted the “Most Outstanding Houseparent” at Buckner Children’s Home in Dallas. John was also the “World’s most Dedicated Fisherman.” John was the groundskeeper of Faith Baptist Church until age 89 and was head usher until he was 90. He was a loving husband, hardworking father and provider for his family.

Survivors include; wife Anna Bess Townley of Graham; sons, Mike Townley and wife Cindy of Graham, Dickie Townley and wife Vicky of Artesia, N.M., and Scott Townley and wife Debbie of Graham; brothers, Charles Townley and wife, Peggy of Cyril, Okla. and Keith Townley and wife, LaVerne of Elgin, Okla.; nine grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren; also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Townley, sisters, Etta Mae McCall and husband, Bill and Opal Herndon and husband, Buck.

Visitation will be held Saturday from 9-10 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church.

William Carl Thetford, 86, passed away Monday, July 16, 2018 in Graham. Funeral services were Thursday, July 19 at 11 a.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joe Finfrock officiating. Burial followed in Finis Cemetery in Jack County under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Carl was born May 21, 1932 in Kilgore, to the late Charles Hubert “Jack” and Edna Louella (Bishop) Thetford. He married Nettie Gayle Moren Sept. 3, 1949 in Graham. Carl was a retired truck driver and a 50 year member of the Young County Masonic Lodge #485, Shriners, Scottish Rite and Oak Street Baptist Church. He loved country western music, dancing, boating on PK, riding motorcycles, watching old movies, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Nettie Gayle Thetford of Graham; daughter, Lisa Cummings and husband, Daryl of Alto; sons, Rick Thetford and wife, Karan of Graham and Rusty Thetford and wife, Susie of Cedar Hill; grandchildren, Tricia Stone and husband Ed of Justin, Tonya Schweighofer and husband Joe of Justin, Trent Thetford and wife Kristina of Graham, Lt. Col. Danny Thetford and wife Beverly of Huntsville, Ala., David Thetford of Arlington, Sarah Thetford of Cedar Hill, Melissa Cummings of Tyler, Amy Ward and husband Danny of Alto, and Carrie Gist and husband Jarrett of Tyler; nineteen great grandchildren; one great great grandson.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Hubert Thetford, Jr.

Memorials may be made to Oak Street Baptist in Graham.

Sally Mae Dunlap passed away July 17, 2018 in Ottawa, Kan.

Family visitation will be from 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Cottonwood Cemetery near Bryson.

Sally was born Sept. 14, 1944 in Jack County, and had lived in Bryson and Graham most of her life. She was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Survivors include two sons, Auther Dunlap and Larry Dunlap; three daughters, Nellie Reddick, Patsy Roberts and Barbara Dunlap; six brothers, John Rhodes and wife Nancy, Bill Rhodes, Jackie Dale Rhodes, Sr., Charlie Rhodes and wife Shirley, Boone Rhodes, James Rhodes and wife Sharon; two sisters, Thelma Wilson and husband Norman and Mary Willems; 13 grandchildren, Bruce, Michael, Brandon, Johnny, Chad, Gene, Clay, Auther Jr., Ginger, Amber, Nadine, Becky and Scott; 30 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Dunlap, son, Eugene Dunlap and by three brothers, Eddie, Joe and Robert.

Glenda Sue Wooldridge, 83, passed away Saturday, July 21, 2018 in Wichita Falls. Graveside service will be Tuesday, July 24 at 9 a.m. in Newcastle Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Newcastle. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Glenda was born November 11, 1934 in Olney to the late Sam and Olive (Downey) Simpson. She married Terry Neal Wooldridge, Sr. March 7, 1959 in Graham. Glenda was a loving wife, mother, and granny to more than just her own family. Over the years, she enjoyed painting, ceramics, dancing, slot machines, card games, and having coffee with friends. She loved nothing more than to make people laugh, even at her own expense.

Survivors include: husband, Terry Neal Wooldridge, Sr. of Graham; daughters, Julie Rainwater and husband, John of Graham and Lisa Little and husband, Jack of Graham; son, Bubba Wooldridge and wife, Robbin of Newcastle; sisters, Wanda Primrose and Carolyn Collins both of Graham; grandchildren, Ryan Gibbs, Sam Wooldridge, John Rainwater, Jr., Jack Wooldridge, Tyler Rainwater, Hagen Little, and Hannah Little; seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by brothers, Derwood and Dois “Babe” Simpson, sister, Betty Jo Grubbs, and great grandson, Trenten Rainwater.

Memorials may be made to Foster’s Home for Children in Stephenville or Backpack Buddies of Newcastle with Farmers State Bank in Newcastle.

Melvin Andrew Stewart, 90, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018 in Olney. Graveside services will be held Saturday, July 21 at 9 a.m. in Pioneer Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Melvin was born July 31, 1927 in Sayre, Okla. to the late Stiles and Elizabeth (Brown) Stewart. He married Nancy Ann Witten January 27, 1986 in Lawton, Okla. Melvin was a veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II. He worked for E&H Drilling until he retired and was owner of Stewart's Bulldozer Service.

Survivors include: wife, Nancy Stewart of Graham; daughters, Teresa Knight and Darlene Bryant both of Graham; son, Ralph Stewart of Graham; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.

Charles Ray Ayers, 72 of Fort Worth, passed away Sunday, July 22, 2018 at the Veterans Hospital in Dallas. A memorial service will be held in Kilgore at a later date.

Charles was born August 22, 1945 in Kilgore to the late Buster and Oma Ayers. He was the former owner of Ayers Trucking in Graham and a retired sheriff's deputy for Tarrant County.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Misti Lynn Ayers, parents, Bob and Bennie Kirby, brother, James Ayers, twin sister Kay Ayers DeVier and niece Deborah Robinson.

He is survived by sister, Georgia Ayers Davis of Graham; brother, Phillip Roberts of Ft. Stockton; nephews, Dennis Davis and wife, Kerri of Graham, Kyle Ayers and wife, Karla of Bastrop, Jerry Ray Sloan and wife, Kristy of Miss., Ronnie Sloan and wife, Teri of Kilgore, David Roberts of Graham, and Vernon Robinson of Graham; nieces, Darla Corley and husband, Alan of St. Jo and Lisa Granlund and husband, Steve of Kilgore, as well as a host of great nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Dallas Veterans Hospital Hospice, 4500 S Lancaster Rd, Dallas, TX 75216 or Young County Humane Society.

Bergfalk, Judith passed away on June 29, 2018.

Born and raised in Graham, Judy is survived by her husband, Jerrold, by her combined children Tamara Rosenthal, Thomas (Tad) Carter, Elizabeth Garzarelli, Thomas Bergfalk, Timothy Carter, Nancy Endter, Melinda Benham, and Alumbarie Bergfalk; grandchildren Daniel, Anna, Rachel, Carter, Lena, Taylor, Ellie, Ethan, Carly, Jake and Beno.

She is also survived by her sister, Jeanne Haynes, by close friend Kim Skalicki and the 5 surviving "Graham Girls,” Judy's friends from birth. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jeanette Newton, brother Dennis Newton and by her son, Stephen Bergfalk. A memorial service for Judy was held at Colonial Church of Edina on July 20 at 1 p.m.

Memorials to Colonial Church or donor's choice.

Larry Gene Belcher, 67, passed away on Friday, June 15, 2018 in Bellevue.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 20, at 2 p.m. at Lighthouse Assembly of God, with Louie Self and Larry Milhollon officiating.
Burial followed at Vashti Cemetery.

Family received friends on Tuesday, June 19, from 6-8 p.m. at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.

Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.

Gertrude Bobo Ardis, of Bryan, 94 years old, passed away on July 20, 2018 in Bryan.

Visitation will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 28, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be at 4 p.m., Saturday, July 28 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Harold Rhoads of Quaker Ave. Church of Christ in Lubbock, officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Gertrude was born December 30, 1923 to Ira and Della Bobo in Bunger. She spent most of her school days in Graham. In high school she was homecoming queen, FFA sweetheart, and on the tennis team with her sisters. She married Bill Ardis on January 30, 1943 in Crane. Gertrude was very involved with her church, Washington Avenue Church of Christ in Odessa most of her life. She loved being a housewife for 55 years.

Gertrude is preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Ira and Della Bobo; her sisters, Jewel Bunger and Inez Wignall Jones; and her brother, Ira Bobo, Jr. She is survived by her son, Michael Ardis and his wife, Patty Ardis of Ravenna; daughters, Annette Carroll and her husband, Brad Carroll of San Antonio, Mary Beth Crabtree and her husband, Doug Crabtree of Iola; grandchildren, Robert Ardis, Bill John, Zach Carroll, Zane Carroll, Mike Ardis and Shawna John Garcia; great grandchildren, Max, Jack, and Han Ardis, Catherine and Reed Ardis, Conor Carroll and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

Memorials may be given to Christian Relief Fund, P.O. Box 19670, Amarillo, TX, 79114-1670.

The family of Gertrude Ardis wish to extend our sincere thanks to Encompass Hospice and Momma’s sweet friends at Broadmoor Assisted Living in Bryan. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home of Odessa. To send family condolences please sign her guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com.

Dorothy Marie Vrana Tipps, of Possum Kingdom Lake at Graford, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 22, 2018.

She was born on February 17, 1932, in Charlotte, to the late Adolph and Bessie Vrana, of Davis Switch. Dorothy was lovingly known as Dorothy, Dorothy Mae, Totsie, Momma, and Nanny.  She married Forrest Glenn "Casey" Tipps, Sr., on July 30, 1949, and they spent nearly 65 years as best friends and loving partners. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, F.G. "Casey" Tipps, Sr.; two sisters; three brothers; and great-grandson Brandon Richardson.

Survivors include her son, Forrest Glenn "Bubba" Tipps, Jr., and Catherine Evans (his children: Forrest Tipps, lll, and Sarah Scott and husband, Jimmy plus their two children) and daughters: LaVerne Trogden and husband, Sam (her children: Glenna Smith plus three children) and Dustin Slaughter and Azalea Castillo (plus his two daughters), Stacy Reyes and Brian (plus her two daughters) and Mary Ellen Richardson and husband, Richard, and daughter, Christie Sparkman (plus three children) (plus nine great grandchildren).

Visitation was 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Baum-Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home. Funeral services were 10 a.m., Thursday, July 26 at Community Church of PK.

Dorothy will be laid to rest at Pickwick-McAdams Cemetery at Possum Kingdom Lake. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Youth Ministry of Community Church PK Lake, 251 N. FM 2353, Graford, TX. 76449.

Mary Jayne Snow, 71, of El Dorado, passed away, Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at Baptist Medical Health Center in Little Rock. She was born Sept. 11, 1946, to Raleigh Junior and Melba Thedford Newell.

She attended Draughn College in Wichita Falls, and worked as a home health aide for Comfort Keepers and Walgreens. Jayne enjoyed cooking and painting ceramics.

She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Stacy Jayne Snow; and son, Gregory Allen Snow.

Survivors include her son, Christopher Shea Snow and wife Billie of Memphis, Tenn.; two sisters, Judy McMahan and Janice Ford and husband Michael; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Young's Chapel with Rev. Sye Duke officiating. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Young's Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to CASA, 1130 E. Main St., El Dorado, AR 71730, or to the Union County Animal Protection Society, 1000 Sunset Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

Margie Marie “MeMa” Edwards went home July 31, 2018 at her home in Graham. Mrs. Edwards was 92. A memorial service will be held Friday Aug. 3, at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Newcastle. Family Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. at McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the care of McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home in Graham.

She was born in Young County, Nov. 10, 1925 to Charley Luke and Mable Fay Pounds Williams. She married David Clifford Edwards Aug. 27, 1944. He preceded her in death in 2009.

Mrs. Edwards was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

Survivors: two sons, Charles “Rusty” Edwards and wife Candy of Salina, Okla., and Jessie Edwards and wife Lana of Newcastle; daughter, Letha Sallee and husband Tony also of Newcastle; two sisters, Betty Hawkins of Chouteau, Okla., and Charlene Smith also of Chouteau, Okla.; six grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, her husband, a granddaughter, Traci Edwards, a grandson, Wendell Lee Sallee, Jr., and three sisters.
Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church of Newcastle building fund.

Charles Edgar “Curly” Delong, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Funeral will be 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018 in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Eliasville Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

He was born on June 30, 1922 in Eliasville, to Charles Edgar Delong, Sr. and Mae Casey Delong. Curly is preceded in death by his first wife of 42 years, Rudell Ramsey DeLong, and all four of his siblings: three brothers; Clyde, Faye, and Lessie, and sister; Dorothy.

Curly is survived by his wife of 31 years, Betty Diggs Delong, his three children; Patricia Easterling, Shelly Shields (Michael), and Thomas DeLong, two stepsons; Gary Gregg (Cathy) and Michael Gregg (Christine), four grandchildren; Amber, Jesse, Shawn, and Allison, three great grandchildren; Brodie, Matthew, and Colton, and numerous nieces and nephews.   

Curly was a Christian man, first, whom God blessed with an incredibly full life. Being a humble man, Curly enjoyed the simple things in life. There was not anything he wouldn’t do for those very dear to him because of his loving, loyal, and dedicated nature.

He believed in being active in his community; he proudly served in The United States Army Corps of Engineers and as a deacon of the Morningside Baptist Church, Sunday school teacher, and Graham Independent School District board member. Even though Curly’s career in the oil and gas industry spanned many years, he enjoyed putting some of his many skills and abilities to good use, such as being a barber, to dowsing water wells, to working at Graham Roofing, just to name a few.

Although Curly retired at the age of 93, he was not the type of person to “just sit around.” He always had something to tend to whether it was gardening, repairing/remodeling something, or feeding the birds; the amount of energy God blessed him with was amazing.

Curly relished Betty’s home-cooked meals and homemade desserts. He felt very blessed about being an uncle to great, great uncle to his DeLong family nieces and nephews. He also enjoyed sharing stories about his family’s historical heritage and how Eliasville is named after his great grandfather, Elias DeLong. Curly’s face would “light up” when he’d recall stories of his youth especially when he and his best friend, Vernon Hazelton, designed and constructed a boat and a time when he panned for gold in Colorado.

Curly traveled with The Graham Cracker Travel Trailer Club and delighted in traveling and sightseeing throughout the United States on camping trips. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing dominoes, his marble board game, listening to bluegrass music and Merle Haggard, too but most of all, reading. He was an avid reader his entire life up to his last days; a reader ‘til the end.

Curly was a devout Christian and member of Morningside Baptist Church in Graham. Curly was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Family visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

William Lewis, 57, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018 in Graham. Services are pending with Morrison Funeral Home.

Milton Wayne Koester, age 71, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018 at Hamilton Hospital in Olney. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Olney.

Interment followed at Restland Cemetery in Olney.

Arrangements were under the direction of Lunn Funeral Home of Olney.

Jackie Neff, 63, passed away at his home July 31 after a long illness. He was a member of First Baptist Church.

Jackie was born in Wichita Falls. June 9, 1955 to C.F. Neff, Jr. and LaVerne Byrd Neff. He and Tresda Roper were married June 7, 1974 and he spent the remainder of his life at their home near Bryson.

Jackie was truly a “Jack of all Trades.” He had been employed by E&H Drilling Co. where he worked as a driller and tool pusher. He had also worked as a carpenter and built commercial cabinets, for North Texas Fixtures in Chico. He helped his father in law with the ranching business and later took over the ranch after his father in law’s passing. He also loved to cook outside on his grill and to prepare both smoked as well as cold smoked meats.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Eva Koester of Olney.

He is survived by his wife, Tresda, daughter Staci Neff, son Jesse Neff and wife Elizabeth all of Bryson. Grandson Tyler Neff, granddaughter Natalie Neff and soon to be grandson Ethan Neff. One great-grandson Nicholas Neff. Also surviving are an uncle Danny Neff of Iowa Park, brother Coy Neff and wife Georgia, Sisters Gay Lowe and Ardell Souther of Graham and sister Alesia Robinson of Wichita Falls. Numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews and his mother in law Mary Beth Roper.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Bryson on Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. Services are under the direction of McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Bryson or Solaris Hospice of Graham.

Dutch Taylor, 92, passed away Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at his home in Graham. Visitation will be held Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. in Albany Cemetery in Albany under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Dutch was born in 1925 to Pearl and Pitt Taylor near Fort Griffin. During World War II, he served in the Naval Air Rescue and was awarded the Air Medal. After the war he was a professional rodeo cowboy and rancher. Later in life he started his oilfield construction company.

Dutch is preceded in death by his mother, father, sisters, brothers and his wife, Jerry Ann.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials be made to The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, 1720 Gendy St., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 or The Humane Society of Young County, 120 Craig St., Graham, TX 76450.