Carol Louise Wheeler-Liston

Carol Louise Wheeler-Liston, Ph.D., of Denton, TX, passed away on Oct. 19, 2009, in an automobile accident near Ada, OK.Survivors include her daughter and grandson, Miriam and Nathan Liston, of Ada and her sister, Ann Wheeler, of Magnolia, TX.

Carol was born on July 19, 1940.The daughter of Clyde N. and Charline T. Wheeler of El Campo, she graduated from El Campo High School in l958 and from SMU in l962, with majors in philosophy and religion. In l978 she received the master’s degree in child development and nursery education from Texas Women’s University and in l980 the doctorate in child development and family life, also from TWU.

During her professional career in the Houston and Dallas areas, she was an advocate for children at risk.She provided counseling, served as an expert witness in cases involving children, and consulted with numerous child care agencies.

Though raised a Methodist, Carol’s life-long commitment to pacifism and social action lead her in adulthood to join the Society of Friends.

Carol will be remembered with respect and admiration by family, friends, professional associates, and former clients.

Albert G. Diamond

Albert G. Diamond passed away on September 27, 2009 following a long illness.Albert

retired from the Ford Motor Company where he worked as a Warehouseman Level 5 and

served his country in the United States Air Force.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Diamond of 44 years; son, Michael A. Diamond and wife, Cindy; daughter, Denise Torres and husband, Juan; daughter Dana Diamond; son, Philip J. Diamond and wife, Melynda; daughter, Christine J. Bond and husband, Greg; son, Albert G. Diamond II; adopted Daughter, Debra Flores; sister Marlene Kimble and husband, Bill; brother Thomas Gaull and wife, Amanda; brother, Frank Gaull; twenty grandchildren, eight great grandchildren.

Family and friends will meet at 2 pm, Friday, October 30th, at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home and then proceed to the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery for a 3pm interment.

Debra Joyce (Mundy) Nickens

Debra Joyce (Mundy) Nickens, age 49, passed from this life Thursday, October 22, 2009, at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, TX. She was born in Fort Worth, TX to Bill and Wanda Mundy on July 12, 1960.

She attended Denton Public Schools, graduating from Denton High School in 1978.She attended the University of North Texas and graduated from the University of Texas Permian Basin.

She married Larry Nickens Novenber 26, 1987, in Winters, TX and they were blessed with two sons. Debra was a teacher and enjoyed teaching English at Odessa High School.

Debra leaves behind her husband Larry Nickens of Odessa, two sons, Russell Scott Nickens of Odessa and Travis Wade Nickens of Odessa, her parents, Bill and Wanda Mundy of Denton, one brother, Von Mundy and wife Juanita of Flower Mound, TX, nieces Kelsey and Hanna Mundy of Flower Mound, aunts Rebecca Dorotik of Eola and Cynthia Smith of Winters, other extended family and many, many friends.

Funeral services were held at 10 am, October 26, 2009 at Acres West Funeral Chapel in Odessa, officiated by Pastor Gary Douglas.Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Odessa, TX.

Sean Walker Stephens-Couch

Sean Walker Stephens-Couch

Sean Walker Stephens-Couch, 2, became an angel and went to be with our Lord on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in Mount Olivet Chapel. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home.

Sean was born Nov. 15, 2006, in Bedford. Sean was very affectionate and an ambassador of unconditional love. He gave hugs and kisses to everyone, even if he didn’t know you. He was very smart and already knew his colors; his favorite was yellow. He loved to ride on the tractor, play with his trains, and play with his cousins and sister, Skyler. Sean loved Lightning McQueen; Cars was his favorite movie. McDonald’s and the zoo were some of Sean’s favorite places to go. He left a lasting impression by touching the heart of everyone he came in contact with.

 He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Doris Stephens; and great-grandfather, Charles “Pete” Matthews.

Survivors include his sister, Skyler Plumlee of North Richland Hills; mother, Jennifer Stephens and fiance, Tony Bigger, of North Richland Hills; father, Britton Couch of Weatherford; grandparents, Eddie and Lori Stephens of Aubrey, Jerry and Cynthia Powell of North Richland Hills, and Russell and Sue Couch of Weatherford; great-grandparents, Lawrence and Linda Stephens of North Richland Hills, Wanda Matthews of Brock and Rufus “Buddy” and Beatrice Lewis of Little Elm; great-great-grandmother, Ione Smith; aunts and uncles, Scott and Amber Stephens of Krum, Jerry “JP” Powell Jr. of Roanoke, Michelle Couch of Fort Worth, Marcus Rogers of Irving, Cassi Downes and fiance, Dustin Wheat, of Tioga and Brandon and Courtney Baugus of Aubrey; cousins, Nathan Stephens of Krum, Lane Wheat of Tioga and Jamiah Rogers of Irving. Mount Olivet Funeral Home 2301 N. Sylvania Ave., 817-831-0511 is in charge of services.

Russell L. Bufkins

Russell L. Bufkins, CDR USN – RET, 89 of Denton passed away Monday, October 26, 2009 at Denton Regional Medical Center.Services are pending with DeBerry Funeral Directors.

Joe Lee Gorrell, Sr.

Joe Lee Gorrell, Sr.

Joe Lee Gorrell, 79 of Pilot Point, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2009 in Denton.He was born on March 4, 1930 in Pilot Point to Edgar and Emma (Fritcher) Gorrell.He married Dorise Dutton on April 29, 1955 in Gainesville.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 1 pm at Slay Memorial Funeral Center in Aubrey with Jeremy Woods officiating, burial will follow at Pilot Point Community Cemetery.

He is survived by two sons, Joe Gorrell, Jr. of Haltom City and Randy Gorrell of Springtown and two daughters, Joyce Putman of Haltom City and Barbara Gorrell of Pilot Point.He is also survived by one brother, Bob Gorrell of Haltom City, two sisters, Dorthy Barksdale of Justin and Mae Woods of Gainesville, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents and Bobby Joe Gorrell.

Dr. R Dr. Ralph Nicosia

Dr. R Dr. Ralph Nicosia

Dr. Ralalph Nicosia, 89, passed away October 26, 2009.He is survived by his wife, nancy Magnolia Nicosia, and four children, Connie Stever and husband, Tom of Denton, TX, Nanette Flynn and husband, Bernie of Kingwood, TX, Nic Nicosia and wife, Becky of Santa Fe, NM, and Ralph Nicosia and wife, Pat of Dallas, TX.Eleven grandchildren and 3 great-grandsons.

Dr. Nicosia served on the board of the Texas State Dental Association.A past-president of the Walnut Hill Optimist Club and member of the Knights of Columbus, he took pride in serving the community.He volunteered at St. Paul Hospital for 12 years and also volunteered his services to St. Michael’s Children’s School and the Discalced Carmelite nuns.

Dr. Nicosia and his wife Nancy enjoyed the opportunity to travel extensively during their 65 years of marriage.

Visitation will be held at 6 pm Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Sparkman Hillcrest with a Rosary being prayed at 7 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Church Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 1 pm. Paul Tomaso, John Tamaso Robert Blanchard and Tom Nabors will serve as pallbearers.

Ruth Elizabeth (Betsy) Tandy

Ruth Elizabeth (Betsy) Tandy

Betsy Tandy of Denton, 81, died peacefully on October 25, 2009 after an eleven-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.A memorial service to celebrate Betsy’s life will be held Friday, October 30, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Denton with the Rev. Matt Gaston officiating.

Betsy will be remembered for her dignity; her loyalty to family, friends, and students; her creativity; her zest for sports and her caring nature.

She was born on December 18, 1927, to Cyrus and Ruth Lacey Tandy in Philadelphia, PA. Shortly, the family moved to Carrollton, KY where Betsy grew up and attended high school.She received her B.S. degree from the University of Kentucky, M.S. degree from Indiana University, and her Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.She taught high school physical education and health in Columbus, Ohio.Her teaching, coaching, and leadership extended to Bridgewater, VA; Ohio State University, OH; and Texas Woman’s University where she taught from 1968 until her retirement in 1995.Dr. “T” was the supervisor for student teachers in physical education, taught Sport Sociology and the History of Medicine.She was named Chair of the Health Education Department in 1980.Betsy authored many professional articles and co-authored one book.She received numerous honors from students as Outstanding Advisor/Mentor, both locally and regionally.She was regarded as a teacher who set high standards and helped students achieve them.She was inspired and respected by her mentees.Additionally, her sports contributions as an athlete, sports official and coaching garnered her induction into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and the TWU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.

Through the years, Betsy was active in the life at First United Methodist Church as a receptionist and member of the Greeters Committee.She provided time and service to many civic organizations as a vital worker and member of Interfaith Ministries of Denton, the American Heart Association, United Way of Denton and Habitat for Humanity.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Cyrus (Bucky) Tandy III.She is survived by her loving family – sister, Mary Lacey Tandy Ballmann of Waukesha, WI; four nieces, Betsy, Barbara, Peggy Ballmann and Missy McFarlane of Waukesha, WI; one great niece, Amanda McFarlane; and one great, great niece and nephew, Kierra and Dominick.

Betsy also leaves her caring friend, companion and “best buddy”, Peggy Richardson of Denton; her extended families in the Carolinas, Jean and Lawrence Liles and family and Caroline Richardson Kayota and family; and her “Denton Family” Dr. Bettye Myers, Pat Miller, and Kay Kolb.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Locust, Denton, Texas 76201, Interfaith Ministries of Denton, 1109 North Elm St., Denton, Texas 76201, National Parkinson’s Foundation, 1501 NW 9th Ave/Bob Hope Rd., Miami, FL 33136, or Ann’s Haven VNA Denton, 501 S. Carroll Blvd., Suite D., Denton, Texas 76201.