Sylvia Dee (Parks) Bills

Sylvia Dee (Parks) Bills, 47, loving wife, mother, grandmother and daughter, of Denton passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2008.              

Services will be held Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 11 a.m., at Simmon St Church of Christ, 411 Simmons St., Denton, TX 76205.  Wake is Friday, May 9, 2008 from 7 – 8 p.m.  Viewing will be held Friday, May 9, 2008 from 12 – 8 p.m.

Carolyn Green
Carolyn Green, 80 of Lake Dallas passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at her residence.  Services are pending with DeBerry Funeral Directors.

Tonnie Ramirez, 71, of Denton passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2008, in the comfort of his home.  He was born July 5, 1936, in Quinlan, Texas, to Clemente and Pearl Ramirez.  He married Marie Yougas on October 9, 1965 in McKinney, Texas. 
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 9, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father James Flynn officiating.  Burial will follow at Pilot Point Community Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2008, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors, along with a presentation by the color guard of the Knights of Columbus.  He was also active with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Citizens' Police Academy of Denton.
He is survived by his wife, Marie Ramirez; two children:  John Ramirez of Denton, Texas, and Suzanna Oltorik of Schwedelbach, Germany.  He also leaves behind his loving siblings:  Joba Ramirez, Juan Ramirez, Amelia Ramirez, and Victoria Ramirez.  And, finally, four grandchildren,  Christopher, Andrew and Lauren Oltorik as well as Olivia Ramirez.  He is preceded in death by his sister Rosita Ramirez.

BJ Dendy, 85, of Denton passed away Monday, May 5, 2008 in Denton. He was born March 27, 1923 in Haworth, OK to John and Julia (Farley) Dendy. He was a member of the United States Army. He served in World War II and was called home early to care for his family once his father passed away. He was the beloved best friend

of Ben Neel of Denton.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 2pm at Dennison Cemetery in Idabel, OK. Bob Garsee will officiate. He is survived by his sisters, Ima Ruth Reach of

Odessa, Louise Lindsey of Wichita Falls, and Bena Lea Quillen of Pampa, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Windford Dendy, and Johnny Dendy; and grandparents, Lavell Dendy, Texie Thralkill, and Elizabeth Farley.

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

Memorial Donations may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 5800 N. I-35 Suite 200, Denton, TX 76207.

Thomas Edwin Tisher, of Denton, at age 87, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at his home after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer.  He was born October 28, 1920 in Columbus, New Mexico to Bessie Bell and Barney Burton Tisher.  In Dallas, he married Mary Osborne on June 7, 1969 and became a devoted and loving husband and father.

Following several years as Data Analyst with Texas Instruments, he became Personnel Director for Osborne Grocery Company and worked 27 years until 1999, at which time the company was sold.  In his younger years, he served his country as a soldier and was awarded four Bronze Stars during World War II and the Korean War.

Mr. Tisher is survived by his wife, Mary Osborne Tisher of Denton; daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Erik Barton of West Lafayette, IN; daughter, Christina Tisher of Denton; son and daughter-in-law, Thomas E. Jr. and Carol Tisher of Columbia, TN; two sisters, Jesse West of Lubbock and Pauline Paden of Clinton, OK; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Clarice Tisher of Mena, AR; six grandchildren, Noah, Zachary and Rachel Barton and Matthew, Molly and Jason Tisher.  He was preceded in death by sister, Idell Holloway and brother, Merrill Tisher.

A funeral service, officiated by Reverend Buddy Owens will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2008 in the chapel of Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Son Funeral Home, located at 705 N. Locust in Denton.  Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.  Mr. Tisher’s family will be at the funeral home from 6 – 7 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008 for visitation.

May God bless this kind and noble soul.

On line condolences at www.mulkeymason.com.

Dr. Keith J. Harper

Dr. Keith J. Harper, husband of Lorene Harper for over 61 years, passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2008.

Memorial Service: United Presbyterian Church, Cleburne, 3:00 p.m., Thursday. 

Keith was born August 30, 1925 in Lincoln, Neb. to Ben and Mary Harper. He devoted 37 years of his life to the teaching of science. Keith was a graduate of the University of Wyoming receiving a M.S. in Physical Science. He also received a M.S. and Ph.D.in Bio-Chemistry from Baylor University. He was a member of the Chemistry faculty at the University of North Texas, Denton, and an Emeritus Member of the American Chemical Association.

In his retirement he was a member of the North Texas and American Association of Woodturners.  He was an avid reader and enjoyed writing. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Juanita Harper Radspinner.

Survivors: Beloved wife Lorene Harper, daughter, Debrah Harper Singer and her husband David; grandchildren, Julie Singer, Sheree' Singer Lamendola and her husband Dan, Craig Singer; his beloved sister-in-law, Beverly Bicek and numerous nieces and nephews. 

You may send condolences, sign guest book and view photo at www.cpcleburne.com.

 Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home

512 N. Ridgeway Dr.

Cleburne, Texas 76033

817-648-0522

Mrs. Ada Mae (Knight) Wright

Mrs. Ada Mae (Knight) Wright was born on a farm in Flower Mound, Texas during World War I and departed this life in McKinney, Texas on Monday, May 5, 2008.  She retired from the McKinney ISD in 1975.  She was a faithful “cradle to grave” Presbyterian and an active participant in many areas of the community including Trinity Presbyterian Church McKinney (elder, deacon, teacher, choir, & circle member), Order of the Eastern Star (Worthy Matron), En Ami Literary Club, Gamma Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (President), Gas-lighters Review Club, and Texas Retired Teachers Association.

She moved with her three brothers, four sisters and parents to Lewisville, Texas in 1918.  Mrs. Wright is survived by daughter, Lady Louise and husband, Robert Waddell of Arlington, Texas; son, Wm. W. (Wes) and wife, Kay Wright of Highland Village, Texas; grandsons, Ross and Lee Wright; granddaughter, Vanessa Harris; three great-grandchildren, Hannah, Haley and Connor Harris of Lewisville, Texas.

When Ada was in the second grade, her father, having served as a Lewisville constable, was appointed a deputy sheriff of Denton County/City Marshall.  This was most fortunate for his family as Mr. Knight’s one aim in life was to give each of his eight children a chance for a college education.  By moving to the college town of Denton, he was able to provide this educational opportunity.  His favorite saying was, “an education is something no one can take away from you!”  He was elected chief of police in 1932? During the “Bonnie and Clyde era” and introduced several advanced methods to the department and again served as chief during World War II.

Mrs. Wright graduated from Denton HS in May 1935 and the University of North Texas (then NT Teachers College) in 1938 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and subsequently achieving a Masters of Education and a library science specialization in 1959. She instilled her father’s educational aspirations in her children who are graduates of Texas Tech University, both achieving post-graduate degrees, and professional licenses and certifications.

She married Mr. Noble Mounts Wright, a Denton native and 1932 UNT graduate, in 1940 prior to their participation in World War II.  They were stationed in Enid, OK and Montgomery, AL with infant daughter Lady Louise prior to his departure overseas in 1942, serving in the U. S. Army in the Pacific Theater.  He preceded her in death (April 1956).

The N. M. Wright family moved to McKinney in 1946 when Mr. Wright became a research bacteriologist for the veterans administrations facility in McKinney (now the U. S. Job Corps Center); and she began her 35 years of service in McKinney public schools.  She was first a language arts teacher at L. S. Scott Junior High and in 1959 the then, “new” McKinney High School’s (now Faubian Middle School) librarian.  Prior to retiring, she helped design the new library addition in the quadrangle.  When the “newer” MHS opened in 1976, she decided to retire from her public school career and not move to the new location.  She soon began her new career as a loving and supportive grandmother to more than her own. 

A celebration of her long and productive live, will be held at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 601 S. Tennessee Street, McKinney, Texas 75069 at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008, with private interment to follow in Flower Mound (FM) Presbyterian Cemetery, 1501 F. M. Road, Flower Mound, Texas where her parents are buried. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Flower Mound Presbyterian Church.     

Eddie E. Waldrum

Eddie E. Waldrum, 55, of Denton, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2005 at Denton Regional Medical Center. He was born in Wichita Falls to Billy Jim Waldrum and Edna Carroll. He attended Lake Dallas Public Schools. He was a carpet layer.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at the Discalced Carmelite Nuns Monastery, 6005 Flowers Avenue, Dallas,

Survived by two sons, Jeremy Waldrum of Waco and Jamie Lee Waldrum of Clovis, New Mexico; mother, Edna Faught of Denton; sisters, Janice Taylor of Denton and Karen Waldrum of Austin; brothers, Jeff Waldrum of Irving, Brian Waldrum of Fort Worth and Lonnie Palmer of North Richland Hills; stepmother, Faye Waldrum of Hurst; and grandchildren, Tyler Waldrum and Zoe Waldrum of Clovis New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Dennis Waldrum.

On line condolences at www.mulkeymason.com .

Russell “Buddy” Ansley

Memorial services for Russell “Buddy” Ansley, 76, of Mt. Vernon, TX are scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2008 at 1 p.m. Services will be held at the George J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville, TX.

Mr. Ansley passed away Thursday, May 1, 2008 in Tyler, TX.

Russell Leon Ansley was born February 24, 1932 in Frederick, OK, to the late Leo and Bessie Ansley. He had lived in Mt. Vernon for 9 years after retiring and moving from Dallas, TX. He served proudly in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.

Survivors include his former wife, Nana Ansley of Denton, TX; sons, Cary Ansley of Marietta, OK, Barry Ansley of Temple, TX, and Robert Ansley of Howe, TX; brother, William “Boze” Ansley of Garland, TX; sisters, Marjorie Jones of Dallas, TX, and Phyllis Griffin of Denton, TX; five grandchildren, Jason Ansley of Roanoke, TX, Madeline and Erin Ansley of Howe, TX, and Natalie and Rachel Ansley of Temple, TX; and two great-grandchildren, Christy and Kate Ansley of Ft. Worth, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Research Institute, One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10006.

Arrangements are by George H. Carroll Funeral Home, Gainesville, TX.

Zita Elisabeth Dear

Zita Elisabeth Dear, 78, of Aubrey, passed away Monday, May 5, 2008 at her home. She was born September 19, 1929 in Dorlesberg, Germany to Alois and Theresa (Fuller) Berberich. She was married to Wiley Dear on October 30, 1965 in Denton. She was a retired Plate Maker for Moore Business Forms. She attended Springhill Road Baptist Church. She was a loving wife and mother and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2008 at Metropolitan Catering at 932 W. University Dr. in Denton, with Preston Harrison, officiating.  The family welcomes everyone who knew and loved Zita to come celebrate her life with them.

Memorials can be made to A Wish With Wings Organization online at www.awishwithwings.com in honor of her grandson, Jody McFarling, whom we lost at age 4 back in 1984.

Mrs. Dear is survived by her husband, Wiley Dear of Aubrey; daughter, Christine Dear of Denton; and two sons and daughters-in-law, Harald and Cindy McFarling of Denton and Lee and JoHelen McFarling of Aubrey; four grandchildren, Brandon and wife, Kelly McFarling, Tony McFarling, Spencer McFarling and Tamara McFarling; and great-grandchildren, Jesse McFarling, McKenna McFarling and Mason McFarling. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins in Germany, and especially, her cousin Ingrid Dosch and her family, who was just like a sister to her and was her very best friend.

Online condolences at www.mulkeymason.com .

Joyce Gonzalez

Joyce Gonzalez, 85, of Denton, passed away Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at her residence. She was born February 16, 1923 in Aspermont, Texas to Daniel and Maria Ybarra Rodriquez. She married Luis Gonzalez on December 23, 1985 in Denton. He preceded her in death. She had retired from the housekeeping department of University of North Texas.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 7, 2008 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. with a Rosary said at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father James Flynn officiating. Burial will be at 5 p.m. Thursday at Aspermont Cemetery in Aspermont, Texas.

She is survived by daughters, Alice Warnock of Houston and Mary Ann Juarez of Snyder; son, Jesse Arthur Ortiz of Milpitas, CA; brother, Joe and wife, Betty Rodriquez of Aubrey; eleven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Her parents; husband; sons, John Ortiz and Jose Ortiz; grandson, Tony Warnock; and four sisters precede her in death.

W.H. “Dub” Newland

W.H. “Dub” Newland, 85, of Lewisville passed away at his home May 5, 2008.

He was born on March 12, 1923 in Gribble Springs, Texas to Everette and Elsie George Newland. He married Lois Clark on May 25, 1972. Together they had three children, Billy Jack Newland, Debbie Vanderlaan, and Kenneth Newland. She preceded him in death March 2, 1986. He then married Freddie Hobbs.

Daddy “Dub” was a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was employed by Orand/Ewing Buick for 37 years. After retirement he enjoyed fishing, traveling, camping and spending time with his family. Dub belonged to the Lewisville Saddle Club for many years and served as president. He was a member of Northview Baptist Church in Lewisville.

Visitation will be May 6, 2008 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Mulkey Mason Funeral Home in Lewisville. Services will be held at 11 a.m. May 7, 2008 at Northview Baptist Church 1981 North Mill Street, Lewisville officiated by Rev. Kenneth Wells followed by burial at Old Hall Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Freddie, and her family; his children, Billy Jack Newland and wife, Martha of Flower Mound, Debbie Vanderlaan and husband, David of Denton, and Kenneth Newland of Argyle. Grandchildren, Dr. Sherrie Kjar and husband Chris of Austin, Everette Newland and wife Jenny of Denton, Justin Newland of Denton, Maleia Newland of Lewisville, and Travis Vanderlaan of Denton. Great-grandchildren, Dillon Kjar, Garrett and Rachel Newland, two brothers Ray Newland and wife Cleo, Lafayette Newland and wife Lockadee, and sister Vonnie Hunter, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Joe and Eldridge Newland.

William Lloyd Cooksey

William Lloyd Cooksey was born February 17, 1919 in Bedford, Iowa to Joseph Henry & Alvirda (Oxley) Cooksey. He married Laveta Stroud on July 23, 1942 in Hiawatha, Kansas. A US Army veteran of WWII, he served in the European Theater and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a farmer, cowboy, carpenter and fisherman; and a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Laveta; one son William Lee Cooksey of Denton; one daughter Linda (Cooksey) Thomas of Sanger; two grandsons, Christopher Allan Campbell of Lincoln, NE and William David Cooksey of Denton; and one great-grandson, Logan Andrew Campbell. His parents; seven sisters; and two brothers preceded him in death.

Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, May 8, 2007 at the First Baptist Church of Sanger, with Dr. E.L. McNeal officiating and Jeff Dooley assisting.

Cremation services are under the direction of Coker Funeral of Sanger.

Jeffrey James Kostohryz

Jeffrey James Kostohryz, 48, of Denton, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at his residence. He was born August 28, 1959 in Canton, OH to Joseph J. and Florence Shaw Kostohryz. He attended Cleveland State University in Ohio on a basketball scholarship. He married Sheryl Grogan on January 29, 1983 in Wichita Falls. He was a sales manager for Quail Tools.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 9, 2008 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors.

He is survived by his wife, Sheryl Kostohryz of Denton; daughter, Amanda Kostohryz of Lubbock; sons, Justin Kostohryz of Bismarck, ND and Ryan Kostohryz of Lubbock; mother, Florence Kostohryz of Denton; sister, Sherrie Markwood of Perrysburg OH; and brother, Kelvin Kostohryz of Norwalk, CT. His father, Joseph J. Kostohryz, precedes him in death.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 9652, Fort Worth, Texas 76147.