John Willard Spencer, 80, passed away Tuesday January 24, 2023, in his present hometown of San Angelo, Texas. John was born August 20, 1942, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He spent most of his adult life in Odessa, Texas where he owned and operated Thomas L. Wood Metal Buildings.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra; his daughter Angela Nile and husband Brett and granddaughters, McKinley and Molly; his son Matt and wife Valarie.

John and his family loved time spent together. Life was better that way. John had been a longtime member of Crescent Park Baptist Church while in Odessa and had many friends in his church family.

A private family memorial service is planned. However, if you would like to honor John’s memory, he dearly loved and supported Cal Farley’s Boys’ Ranch, Tunnel to Towers, and Wounded Warriors. He asked that donations be made to these wonderful organizations. John had a special place in his heart for those that needed a bit of extra help, and he had an undying love for veterans as he had served in the U. S. Air Force himself and was a Vietnam Veteran.

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.

Joy Ladean Fly moved into her heavenly home on the morning of January 24, 2023 at the well-lived age of 92. Born to Hazel and Louie B. Martin, she grew up in the Robert Lee, Texas area where she met Bruce L. Fly, her husband of 62 years. After a few transient years following oil drilling rigs around West Texas, they settled in San Angelo and acquired the only home they ever owned.

“Home” and “Family” meant everything to Joy! She learned to cook from her mother and worked as a child in the family-owned café in Robert Lee. She became an excellent cook and loved to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables in season. An encouraging phrase often heard around her kitchen was “You gotta eat!” She was a proficient seamstress, enjoyed crocheting afghans, scarfs & blankets and making quilts. She donated much of her handiwork to her church and people in need. She also took great pride in her yard and flower garden and preferred doing as much of the work as possible herself until she was no longer capable of doing so.

Joy is survived by her eldest son Lyn (Alice) of Plano, Texas, daughter Dianna Fly of San Angelo, daughter-in-law Jody Fly, grandson Brad Fly (Mercyla) and great-grandchildren Abbie Shelburne McIntire (Weston) of Boynton Beach, Florida, Amory and Kemper. She is preceded in death by Bruce, her youngest son Gene (Jody), and all of her siblings.

A graveside service will be held to honor Joy’s life at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 28th, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Bronte, Texas (424 S. Washington Street / Bronte, TX 76933).

Graveside

Saturday, January 28, 2023

3:00PM

Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens 
4989 FM Highway 1223 
San Angelo, TX 76905

Paula Dixon, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed peacefully from this life on January 22, 2023. She was surrounded by her family as she went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Robert Massie Funeral Home with a visitation from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Services will be at 2:00 PM Friday, January 27, 2023 at Belmore Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Paula was the oldest of four children, born in Lillybrook, West Virginia. She had fond memories of playing with cousins at family get-togethers from that time. Soon though, much of her extended family made their way to West Texas. She grew up in Big Spring and San Angelo and would often recall special times with her Grandma Drucilla and Great-Grandmother Susie. Around this time, her stepfather came into her life and soon, his Air Force career took them to the tiny island of Okinawa. As a teen in Okinawa, Paula told us about days at the beach and the amazing meals her mom made with fresh seafood. It was also in Okinawa that she met the love of her life, Elmer "Ken" Dixon. He was serving in the army and when the two met, they fell in love right away. They soon married and built a life together, living in Ohio, Oregon, Kansas, and finally, Texas. They were blessed with two daughters and a son along the way.

Paula's favorite job was being a mom and grandmother and she gave her family an amazing gift in that area. She often volunteered at school and always welcomed the neighborhood kids into her home. She loved people and learning. If she wanted to try something, she figured out how to do it. She taught herself bookkeeping, crocheting, sewing, and algebra among many things. For years she helped her husband grow their car business by keeping the books. She was also a premier hostess with Home Interiors and Gifts. She had various jobs with the larger hotels in town and was an Employee of the Year with the Days Inn corporation. Later in life she became a CNA and took care of people with home health. Paula spent most of her career life at The State School where she loved her clients and felt a personal connection to try to give each one a better life.

Paula was fiercely loyal to her family. She also believed everyone was important and taught her children that you should give the same respect to the janitor that you would give to the CEO. She would never give up on anyone she loved. She just continued to pray, to love and keep believing. She taught us all that, at the end of the day, love is the only thing that matters.

Paula was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Ken; her loving mother, Violet Ball; her step-father, Gene Young; and her brother, Robert Brandstetter.

Paula is survived by two daughters, Melissa DeZell and husband, Tony of San Angelo and Suzanne Lewellen and husband Freddie of Van Alstyne; a son Desmond Dixon and fiancé Launi Mae Smith of San Angelo; two sisters, Evelyn Hill and Nancy Kessler both of San Angelo; six grandchildren, Chris DeZell and wife Ashley of Stinnett, Corinna DeZell of San Angelo, Tyler Lewellen of Van Alstyne, Sabrina Lewellen of Van Alstyne, Summer Roberts of North Carolina, Joshua Dixon of San Angelo, and Marissa Dixon of San Angelo; three great-grandchildren, Lillie Canter-DeZell, Arson Nash and Benson Nash; and many other beloved family members to cherish her memory.

PUBLIC VIEWING

Thursday
January 26, 2023
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Robert Massie Funeral Home
402 Rio Concho Dr.
San Angelo, TX 76903

FUNERAL SERVICE

Friday
January 27, 2023
2:00 PM
Belmore Baptist Church
1220 S Bell
San Angelo, TX 76903

Ernest Taylor Morse passed away on January 14, 2023 at the age of 66 years old. Ernest was born on January 15, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida to Floyd R Morse and Voles J Sweeting.

Ernest is Survived by Jannette K. Keele, David S. Morse, Gilbert D. Morse, Nieces nephews, great- nieces, and great nephews.

Ernest is preceded in death by his parents Floyd R morse and Volet J Sweeting, Sisters – Becky C Gohmert and Damie L. Hunter.

Catarina "Cathy" Minor, 87, of San Angelo passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Viewing will be from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Rosary will be said at 6:00 PM at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, 2619 Era Street, San Angelo, TX 76903, with Family visitation at 5:00 PM.

Mass will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Eldorado, with Father Anthony Franco, pastor, officiating. A burial will follow in Eldorado Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mrs. Minor was born on February 11, 1935 in Bexar County to Miguel and Irene Martinez. She married Rudy Minor on July 6, 1958 in San Antonio. They spent most of their lives in San Angelo. Cathy babysat in her home for multiple generations of children. She was the pillar of her family and a relentless prayer warrior for everyone she knew. Cathy enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and baking and was known for her own pecan praline recipe. She and Rudy would have a sweets booth at church festivals. Cathy was also known for her garage sales. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Pete Martinez and Gilberto Martinez; and a sister Albina Martinez.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Rudy; three children, Sylvia Koya of Odessa, Johnny Minor of San Antonio, and Nancy Coronado of San Angelo; three sisters, Frances Martinez and Janie Ybarra both of San Angelo, Matilde Lecome of Dickson, Tennessee; a brother, Frank Martinez of San Angelo; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Adrian, Angelica, Matthew, Tony, and Sara; 10 great-grandchildren, Abagail, Jelena, Jayla, Christian, Yohana, Nyahlee, Avery, Amelia, Phoenix, and Eli; and a great-great-grandson, Jace Anthony.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

PUBLIC VIEWING

Tuesday
January 24, 2023
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Robert Massie Funeral Home
402 Rio Concho Dr.
San Angelo, TX 76903

VISITATION

Tuesday
January 24, 2023
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church
2619 Era Ave.
San Angelo, TX 76905

ROSARY

Tuesday
January 24, 2023
6:00 PM
St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church
2619 Era Ave.
San Angelo, TX 76905

MASS

Wednesday
January 25, 2023
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
901 N Divide Street
Eldorado, TX 76936

Veronica Rose "Ronni" Mendoza, 42, of San Angelo entered into eternal sleep on Thursday, January 20, 2023.

Memorial services will be at 6:00 PM Tuesday, January 24, 2022 at
Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Minister Lee Floyd, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Miss Mendoza was born on April 27, 1980 in San Angelo. She graduated from San Angelo Lakeview High School and received her CNA license from Baptist Memorial. Ronni worked for DNS group homes for numerous years. She loved barbecuing, butterflies, music, incense, nature, her herbs and her dogs, Goliath and Casper.

Ronni will be reunited with her loved ones; maternal grandparents, Luis Molina Mendoza and Cecilia Acosta Mendoza; paternal grandparents, Isaac Montez Flores, Sr. and Dolores Mejina Flores; father, Isaac Montez Flores, Jr.; aunt, Juanita Bara; uncle, Merejildo Molina Mendoza and brother, Jorge Luis Ortiz.

Those left to cherish her memory are her mother, Mary Louise Mendoza; brother, Pedro Luis Mendoza; sisters, Andrea Mendoza, Roxanne Mendoza; nephews, Tajin Nathan Taylor, Jezavion Luis Ortiz, Izaiah Noel Ortiz; nieces; Lillie Marie Mendoza, Mya Grace Mendoza; aunts and uncles; Maximino Ortiz and wife Yolanda, Baldemar Lopez and wife Janie, Julian Martinez and wife Alice and Mike Wilson, close cousins; Mary Ann Newsom, Maximino Ortiz, Jr., and Michelle Gil and husband Daniel, Rosalinda Bara.

We express our gratitude to all those who cared for our Ronni including Hospice and Healthcare providers. To family and friends, we thank you for your support through all the tough times since our journey began and will forever continue. The family would also like to thank Rick Hodnett and wife Lexie; Jennafer Tallant, Lexie Wiley and Tiffany Sheppard for their generosity.

FUNERAL SERVICE

Tuesday
January 24, 2023
6:00 PM
Robert Massie Riverside Chapel
402 Rio Concho Dr.
San Angelo, TX 76903

Linda Fay Mathis Parham was finally called to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 19, 2023 surrounded by her family. God looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He gently put His arms around you and lifted you to rest. Linda had battled courageously with MS for the past 25 years. Even with her diagnosis, she continued to live life to its fullest as much as she could. Her smile would light up a room and her faith in Jesus was unwavering to the end.

She is preceded in death by her father, Billy Wayne Mathis; her grandparents, and many aunts & uncles. She is survived by her loving husband Ray, her 3 children: Michelle Moore (Nathan) Montezuma, Ks; Amanda Herbic (Jeremy) Salina, Ks; Cody Knopp, (Schuyler) Kansas City, Missouri; her mom, Lela Mathis, Grape Creek, TX; her brother, Larry Mathis(Teri) Sun City, TX; her Twin sister Glenda Bacon, (Rick) Grape Creek, TX; 8 grandchildren; & her dog Prissy who was by her side to the end.

A very special thanks to her husband Ray for the care he has given her over the years. The family would also like to thank Altus Hospice family of Georgetown, Jessica, Jaime and Randi. The family would also like to thank her abundance of friends in Nolensville & Grape Creek for the love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.

Memorials may be made be made to Multiple Sclerosis; American Red Cross; or her church Keys Valley Baptist Church, Belton, TX or her previous church Grape Creek Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at Grape Creek Baptist Church on Monday at 1:00pm with burial in Grape Creek Cemetery immediately following the service.

Ellen Marie Jeschke passed from this life with her family at her side on January 19, 2023. She was the first-born child of Wilburn and Evelyn (Schroeder) Jeschke on October 14, 1940.

Ellen always had a very independent streak. After graduating from Miles High School in 1959, she went to Texas Woman's University in Denton and earned a degree in special education. She began her teaching career in Lubbock and continued in Littleton, Colorado. Later she moved to El Paso where she held a position with the teachers' association serving as a liaison between the teachers and the school administration. She was an advocate for the teacher or other school employees, but only when they deserved it. If they deserved termination, she informed them of such.

Her next move was to Austin where she began employment in the office of the Texas Land Commission. She enjoyed researching history of the land. She also began teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at Austin Community College. This was one of her most rewarding endeavors because her students were either studying to become US citizens or wanted to find better work opportunities. She later went to work for Entergy first as a temporary worker and then full-time employee.

When it came time to retire, she moved to San Angelo. She enjoyed her many friends at the Rio Concho Patio Homes and at the Terrace. She loved playing dominoes and attending the symphony.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Mike (Wilburn Jr.) and her niece Beth Erin. She is survived by her sister Binnie (Kenneth) Dierschke, her brothers Roger (Deni) Jeschke and John Jeschke and sister-in-law Angela Jeschke. Also surviving are her nephews and nieces, Kenny (Kim) Dierschke and their children Ryne and Kolt; Patrick (Michele) Dierschke and their children Jake, Mackenzie and Skylar; Kara (Gary) Byers and their children Evelyn and Brennan; David (Christine) Jeschke and their children Keegan and Reese, and Katherine Jeschke.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Harper Funeral Home. Service will be10a.m. Friday, January 27, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles. Burial will be in Miles Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Trinity Lutheran Church, P.O Box 265, Miles, TX 76861, or to Hospice of San Angelo (HOSA).

Barbara Ann Barton of Knickerbocker, TX passed away on January 18, 2023, at the age of 82.

She was born on February 26, 1940 in San Angelo, TX, to parents Laverne and Tyson Gentry. She has two sisters, Sharon Gentry, Ginger Allen, and one brother, David Gentry. She grew up in Sherwood, TX, and attended school at Mertzon. The family farm and 4-H sheep projects, as well as basketball, were dear to her heart early on.

After high school, she earned her bachelor's degree with a teacher’s certification in science and math at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX. She met the love of her life, Lewis Barton, and they were married on May 30, 1962. They settled in Knickerbocker, TX. She had a daughter, Christi (husband Eric Madsen), and a son, Dustin (wife Missy Barton). For many years, she taught math and science to Junior High and High School students, first at Edison in San Angelo and then at Christoval. She earned a master’s degree at New Mexico Highlands in science. She sponsored many students in science fairs and UIL events over the years. She then became an instructor at Angelo State University.

After retiring, she became an author and self published nine books, covering local history and characters such as Ben Ficklin, outlaws and pistol-packin’ preachers. She was active in the Tom Green County Historical Society and published articles in rural magazines such as The Ranch Magazine. She was a steadfast supporter of her grandkids Meagan, Justin, Amber, and great grandson Julian. She made specialty jams from cactus to sell with her books at local arts and crafts shows and enjoyed the small community life. She enjoyed membership and service in several churches over the years and was a sports fan.

A Memorial Service will be held at Harper’s Funeral Home in San Angelo, TX on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2pm. Mills Caraway will officiate. A reception will follow at the Knickerbocker Community Center. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to your favorite charity.

Emmett Don Butts, 83, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 17, 2023.

He was born on March 29, 1939, in Knickerbocker, Texas to Charles Voy and Ruby Ann Butts. On June 19, 1957, Don married the love of his life, Betty Darlene Ford, in San Angelo where they resided 62 years before her heavenly home going. They have three sons.

Don graduated from Lake View High School in 1957. He attended San Angelo Jr. College through 1959. Upon graduation, Don went to work as comptroller for Terrill Manufacturing Architectural Millwork until his retirement in 2004.

Don was a lifelong member and dedicated adult Sunday school teacher of Lifepoint Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas, (formally Baptist Temple). He served as Chairman of the deacon board for 48 years. Lifepoint has honored him with the title of “Deacon Emeritus”.

Don was very active in the community, serving as representative for San Angelo district two (2) for several years before being elected Mayor of San Angelo for the 1991 – 1992 term. He also served on the San Angelo Planning Commission, Chamber of Commerce Board, Chairman of San Angelo Industries for two (2) years, Rio Concho Board for eight (8) years – four (4) of those as Chairman.

The Butts family is truly thankful the Lord allowed Don Butts to be our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Don was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed the time he spent in the field with his sons. Whether hunting or fishing, dad always looked forward to the fellowship ahead. The memories will forever be cherished

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Voy and Ruby Ann Butts, three brothers, Voy Lee Butts, Gene Butts and Charles Butts, one sister, Maureen McNeil, and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his three sons, Ted Butts and wife Renee of Mertzon, Texas, Todd Butts and wife Paula of Bedford, Texas and Troy Butts and wife Deborah of Plano, Texas, seven grandchildren, Trevor Butts and wife Jennifer of Robert Lee, Texas, Courtney Piaz and husband Justin, of Mertzon, Texas, Chelsea Kennedy and husband Cemeron of Bedford, Texas, Jacee Butts of Stephenville, Texas, Austin Butts and wife Christina of Frisco, Texas, Avery Anderson and husband Jackson of Plano, Texas and Aaron Butts and wife Caroline of Richardson, Texas, five great grandchildren, Jaelyn and Blake Piaz of Mertzon, Texas, Nathanael Butts of Robert Lee, Texas, Charlotte Butts of Frisco, Texas, and Jack Wayne Anderson IV of Plano, Texas. Other survivors include a brother, Bill Butts and wife Mary, sister-in-law, Charlene Cauley and husband Leo. Don is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Lifepoint Baptist Church from 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral Service will be at 2:00pm, Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Lifepoint Baptist Church, with Rev. Jay Clatworthy and Bill Butts officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.