Helen Mahr Nicholas

Helen Mahr Nicholas passed away on Thursday, June 25. Helen was born in 1918 in St. Joseph, Missouri, but spent most of her life in the Austin and Fredericksburg area. During World War II, she worked in aircraft factories and marveled that women were being allowed to wear slacks. She worked for hospitals and charities, and, inside the home, she created a loving and nurturing atmosphere. Her home reflected her many interests — antiques, cooking, crafts, and reading. An avid reader, she enjoyed a good mystery and loved exchanging books with others.

Her love, faith and belief in education helped to mold her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Anne Nicholas, and her granddaughter, Laura Nicholas Hupach. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor to so many, always positive and always putting the needs of others before her own.

Years ago, she was described by friends as a true “angel on earth.” Her loving presence is missed by her family and the friends and staff at Autumn Oaks of Corinth. That earthly angel has now gone home. We were truly blessed by her love. In lieu of flowers, the family has recommended donations to the Texas Woman’s University Leadership Scholarship Fund, or the SPCA.

Arrangements are under the direction of Denton Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Lewis C. Rigler

Lewis C. Rigler, 94, Retired Texas Ranger, passed away June 25, 2009 at Muenster Rehabilitation Center after a long battle with cancer. Rigler was the second oldest living retired Ranger.

Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2009, at the First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Texas, with the Reverend Don Yeager officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation is planned for Sunday, June 28, 2009, from 3 - 5 p.m. at the George J. Carroll Funeral Home.

Lewis Rigler was born on August 7, 1914, in Lorena, Texas, to John William and Sadie Willie Rigler. He was employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety from 1941 to 1977, first as a State Trooper then as a Texas Ranger assigned to Company B in Gainesville, Texas.

After his retirement from the Rangers, Rigler entered the field of investment and business consultation and remained active, going to his office six days a week, until poor health forced his retirement in 2007.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Janette and Dorothy, brother Linville and his first wife, Leah.

Rigler is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joyce Tucker Tempel Rigler. He also leaves behind 8 children and their spouses, Steve Rigler and wife Connie, Mike Rigler and wife Joanna, Erik Rigler and wife Judyth, Lynda Hacker and husband Jim, Charlotte Barnes and husband Mel, Patti Mercer and husband Rick, Diane Rigler, Janet Brazelton and husband Mark; 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Michael Mercer, Jacob Ranger Blount, Steven R. Rigler, Blaine Rigler, Matthew Murrell, Trevor Rigler, Jimmy Hacker, Cody Brazelton, and Tommy Vaughn.

Honorary pallbearers will be William Sullivant, Belvin Harris, Dr. James Cole, Phil Adams, Van Knight, Robert Martindale, Richard Klement, Everett Marler and Dr. Edd Advincula.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. James Cole, Dr. Edd Advincula and all the staff of the Muenster Rehabilitation Center for their loving care and concern. Special thanks for his caregivers Emilio Marin, Mae Evelyn Williams and Miriam Juarez for their tireless support and love.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lewis C. Rigler Scholarship Fund at North Texas Central College, 1525 W. California, Gainesville, Texas; The First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 214 S. Denton Street, Gainesville, Texas, or the charity of one’s choice.