Virginia Lubbers

Virginia Lubbers, 79, of Denton passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Denton Regional Medical Center. 

Arrangements are pending with Huff-Slay Funeral Home, Pilot Point, TX.

Dr. Helen Mershon

Dr. Helen Mershon, 77, of Dallas and Denton, passed away Wednesday. May 7, 2008 at Presbyterian Medical Center, Dallas.  She was born July 12, 1930 to George Raymond Bell and Helen Elizabeth Bell in Corpus Christi.  She attended University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she earned her B.A. in English.  Dr. Mershon earned her M.S. in Psychology from Florida State University in 1966 and her Ph.D. in Psychology from UNT in 1980.  She dedicated her professional life to helping children with autism at University of North Texas Center for Behavioral Studies and persons with mental retardation in Ft. Worth State School.

Dr. Mershon is survived by her son, Donn David Mershon; and her daughter, Melville Ann Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

Arlene Jeannette Brunsvold

Arlene Jeannette Brunsvold was born on September 2, 1915 in Mason City, IA to Grover and Bertha Solomon Garrett.  She passed away in Denton, TX on Thursday, May 8, 2008.

Arlene was raised in Manly, IA.  After graduating from Manly High School, she attended Mason City Junior College where she received her teaching certificate.  She returned to Manly to teach grades 1 through 8 in a one-room schoolhouse. 

In 1936, at age 21, she married Perley Brunsvold, a teacher from Kensett, IA.  There were three children born to this union.  Together they dedicated their lives to family, church and education. 

In 1940 they moved to Mason City.  Arlene worked tirelessly raising their three children, substitute teaching and aiding her husband’s career as he progressed to be Superintendent of the public schools.  During these years, she was an active member of the Teacher’s Auxiliary, a member of the Friends of the Library and acted as Co-Chairwoman of the Cerro Gordo American Red Cross.

In 1964, in her fifties and as a grandmother, she left her comfortable home in Mason City to move into University of Iowa married student’s quonset huts for two years.  While her husband earned his PhD, she enrolled in several art courses.  They thoroughly enjoyed this adventure as students again, and Arlene went on to become an accomplished artist.

Arlene became a lifelong Lutheran when she married.  She taught Sunday School for 23 years and touched many young lives in a positive way.  In addition to teaching, she and her husband aided countless students with encouragement and generous financial support.

In 1968 they moved to Mankato, MN until retirement in 1979.  They spent the rest of their lives together, spending summers at their beloved Leech Lake cabin in Minnesota, and their adopted winter home in Brownsville, TX.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Christ The Servant Lutheran Church in Denton, TX.  Burial will be in Kensett (Iowa) Cemetery on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:30 a.m., with Major Erickson Funeral Home of Mason City handling the arrangements.

Arlene is survived by her children, Brian and wife, Chica Brunsvold of Falls Church, VA, Michael and wife, Ann Brunsvold of San Antonio, TX and Janan and husband, Jon Bergstrom of Denton, TX; grandchildren, Laura Brunsvold Hynes, Paul Brunsvold, Mary Ann Brunsvold Hamilton, Tom Bergstrom and Amy Bergstrom Irons; and nine great-grandchildren.  Her husband, her parents and sister, Dorothy Otto, preceded her in death.

Memorials may be made to Christ The Servant Lutheran Church, 2121 E. University Drive, Denton, TX  76209; Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 4044, 214 E. Price Road, Brownsville, TX  78520, or the P.0. Brunsvold Scholarship Fund, Mankato State University Development Office, MSU Box 101, P.O. Box 8400, Mankato, MN  56002.

Carolyn Green

Carolyn Green, 80, of Lake Dallas, passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at her residence.  She was born October 30, 1927 in Denton to James Elmer and Ida Mae Mann Barns.  She attended Denton Schools and North Texas State Teachers College (now U.N.T.).  She married B.L. Rankin, Jr.  He preceded her in death.  She later married Vaughn Ray Green in 1971.  He preceded her in death.  She had retired as manager of Lake Haven Estates in Lake Dallas and a member of Lake Dallas First Baptist Church.

She had been active in Kid ‘N Cops, Parks and Recreation, Board of Adjustment, Keep Lake Dallas Beautiful, Planning and Zoning, Community Development Corp. Chairman, Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, long time chamber member, City Council Volunteer, a staunch supporter of Lake Dallas Football & Athletics, sponsored Academic Scholarships for Lake Dallas High School seniors and an Honorary member of the Lake Dallas Yell Raisers.

Friends are welcome to come by DeBerry Funeral Directors on Friday, May 9, 2008 and sign the memorial book.  Funeral service will be Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Lake Shores Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Patrick officiating.  Burial will follow at Swisher Cemetery.  Members of the Lake Dallas Falcons football team will serve as pallbearers.

She is survived by daughter, Barbara Jo and husband, Stephen R. Burns of Keller; son, Thomas Edward and wife, JoAnn Rankin of Lake Dallas; sisters, Pauline James of Dallas and Geneva Boydston of Denton; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Lake Cities Education Foundation, Attn Carolyn Green Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 1294, Lake Dallas, Texas 75065.

Frederick Ronald “Ron” Feiler

Frederick Ronald “Ron” Feiler, 72, of Denton passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at his residence.  He was born December 29, 1935 in Detroit, MI to Frederick Matthew and Gertrude Elizabeth Johnson Feiler.  He graduated from Allen Park Michigan High School and attended Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University.  He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for 8 years. He married Barbara A. Bergsma on November 22, 1958 in Allen Park MI.   He was the chief chemist and quality control for Atochem/Elf Aquatain in Beaumont.  He taught science and coached golf, football, basketball, summer sailing for kids and little league football. He was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church and active in the choir of the church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 9, 2008 at 3 p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church with Father Tim Thompson officiating.  Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Feiler of Denton; daughter, Catherine and husband, Larry Painter of Flower Mound; son, Eric Feiler of Huntersville NC; grandchildren, Hailey M. Painter, Brian M. Painter and Mallory and husband, Berek McEwen; brother-in-law, Stuart and wife, Judy Bergsma of Knoxville TN; niece, Bridget Reith and family; and nephew, Michael Bergsma and wife, Jessica.

James H. "Jim" Reoh

James H. "Jim" Reoh, formerly of West De Pere, Wisconsin, passed away at home in Denton, TX on Thursday, May 8, 2008 after a 2 1/2 year battle with melanoma of the lymph nodes. He was born in Green Bay on October 19, 1941 to the late Sadie (Tiesen) and Alvin Reoh.  He graduated from West De Pere High School in 1960.  Jim was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1964-1966.  He moved to Chicago in 1964 met and married his wife, Anita Lietz on August 31, 1968 in Wilmington, IL. They moved to Texas in 1969.  Jim worked for American Airlines for 45 years in Chicago and Texas, retiring in May of 2007.

He is survived by his wife, Anita; two sons, Darren (Kim) Reoh, their children Bailey and Rylan of Larsen, WI and Doug (Stephanie) Reoh of Denton, TX; two brothers and two sisters, Don Reoh of West De Pere, Denis (Mary) Reoh of Green Bay, Margaret (Larry) Kolodji of Richboro, PA and Donna (Jack) Schlag of Green Bay; and cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and coworkers. His parents; and his mother and father-in-law preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held at Dalton Funeral Home in Lewisville, TX from 7 - 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2008.  Jim will be buried at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, with full military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.           

BJ Dendy

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.

Tonnie Ramirez

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.

Thomas Edwin Tisher

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 .

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.

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.