Linda Tiftickjian passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2018 surrounded by her family.
Linda was born on October 22, 1957 in San Antonio to Margarito and Angela Luna. After Linda was born the family moved to San Angelo where she would grow up. She attended San Angelo Central High School. Linda worked at Ethicon for 38 years before retiring. She loved her family and friends enjoyed spending time with them either dancing or going on adventures. Linda loved her grandkids most of all and wouldspend time with them whenever she could.
Mrs. Tiftickjian is preceded in death by her husband Michael Tiftickjian; grandparents Antonio and Hermenia Delgado; Brother-in-Law Johnny Cruz.
Linda is survived by her daughter Yvonne Gaitan of Aurora, Colorado; son, Erik Gaitan of San Angelo, Step sons, Cody Tiftickjian, and wife Heather of Aurora, Colorado, Andrew Tiftickjian and wife Sarah of England, Christopher Tiftickjain and wife Natalie of Houston; Grandkids Jonathan Gaitan of San Angelo and Taryn Tiftickjian of Aurora, Colorado; Mother Angela Delgado; Sisters Maria Cruz, Frances Coffee and husband Neil; brother Margarito Luna and wife Claudia; many more nieces and nephews.
A Rosary service will be held at Harper Funeral Home at 6:00 PM Friday, March 2, 2018. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 3, 2018 with burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Marvin Leon Kelsey passed from this world February 28, 2018 after a long battle with kidney disease. He was born to Mary and John Kelsey in Ettawa, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Sammy Joe, brothers Gene and Ruben, and a sister Mary Marsh.

He is survived by his soulmate of 44 years, Jan, son Steven Douglas and wife Lori, daughter, Marvlyn Ann (Annie), stepson, Larry S. Melton and sister, Sylvia Walden. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marvin loved life and never knew a stranger. He traveled to 6 continents and all 50 states. He delighted in telling people that he spent one year with Ringling Bros. Circus. While he lived in Arkansas he was a member of several country western bands. He was also enlisted in the U.S. Army, and after World War II, he worked in the Army Occupational Forces in Japan. He left Arkansas and moved to Chicago where he attended heating and air-conditioning school. While there he was active in little theater and was the Grand Knight of a Knights of Columbus organization. He pursued his music entertainment by playing with various bands. He also shared the stage with numerous country western entertainers, such as Porter Wagner and Ray Price. After 17 years in Chicago, he accepted a position with Global Associates as a government contractor for 5 years in the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific. He then settled in San Angelo in 1972, where he met his wife, Jan. He was employed by Western Air Conditioning and owned 3 businesses. He attended St. Mark Presbyterian Church, where he often provided “Special Music” for the worship services. He also performed in local bands. His greatest pleasure was entertaining at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. He enjoyed visiting with the clients and seeing them smile. Marvin’s music legacy has been passed down to his son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A Memorial service will be held at St. Mark Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Craig Meyers officiating. A Visitation and Reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to St. Mark Presbyterian Church.
A special thanks to Interim Hospice, Elaine Baxter, Leslie and Bryan Jackson, and Dr. Chris Barnett for his years of care.
 

Ellen Brown, who for almost five decades in San Angelo, used her word, writing and personal skills to enhance various community programs and projects, died Sunday night.
An open viewing will be held all day Tuesday and Wednesday at Harper Funeral Home. The Memorial service, following a private family burial, will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 1, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church. 
Ellen, 76, was born November 29, 1941 to Loyd and Sue Herring. Herring was a rancher and prominent Ballinger wool warehouseman and community leader.
After graduating from Ballinger High School in 1960, she furthered her education at Texas Christian University, then transferred to the University of North Texas where she earned a B.A. degree in journalism in 1964.
Ellen married her high school sweetheart Stephen Brown in 1962 in Fort Worth, and the couple worked for the Fort Worth Press newspaper. They marked their 55th wedding anniversary this past year.
In 1966 they moved to San Angelo where they would become fully engaged in the growing city. She worked as the San Angelo Standard Times women’s news editor and school reporter while Stephen covered City Hall for the newspaper before becoming City Manager.
Their son Charles “Chuck” Brown was born in 1967.
The Concho Valley Council of Government hired Ellen in 1972 to be their regional planning director and she secured and implemented grants in their 13-county area.
The 1980’s ushered in a new chapter when she was tapped by West Texas Rehabilitation Center President/Founder Shelley Smith to assist with the Center’s San Angelo building campaign which resulted in the $2.5 million facility at Jackson and University Streets.
Working alongside WTRC Board/Building Chairman Lee Pfluger, Ellen put her fund-raising skill set in full gear and it would eventually serve the growing non-profit organization for three decades.
In addition, as donor relations director, she was responsible for building relationships throughout the Concho Valley and initiating fundraising events which continue to this very day, thanks to her attention to detail and organizational abilities. Her personality allowed her equally at ease in a bank president’s office or an area rancher’s kitchen table.
Meanwhile, the couple supported Chuck’s school and sporting activities, especially Little League baseball, and enjoyed times together in their RV traveling or parked at a deer lease or a fishing spot.
Ellen selflessly served her community: United Way allocations committee, Better Business Bureau board member, Girl Scout Council, Hope for Holidays, and United Blood Services board and donor.
As an elder of First Presbyterian Church, she assisted in various leadership positions including stewardship and pastoral relations.
The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce honored both Ellen and Stephen with its highest honor, “Citizen of the Year” in 1997. She also was among the first to be feted by the El Camino Girl Scout Council as a “Woman of Distinction.”
Besides her husband and family, which grew to include daughter-in-law Jenni and granddaughters Megan and Hannah and great granddaughter Elena, Ellen’s passion was West Texas Rehab Center.
After being named WTRC Vice President of resource development, she continued to develop funding sources to meet expanding treatment program and equipment needs.
Even in her semi-retirement years, she raised $1.7 million for the Center’s new adjacent administrative building which freed up space in the bustling main building to meet an ever-growing patient population. That also included funding for renovations and upgrades to the 30 plus-year-old facility on Jackson Street.
Every expansion in San Angelo since 1982 and several in Abilene at the flagship campus have her diligent imprints on them. Her legacy is to the hundreds of patients—young and old –receiving care, dignity and independence. Many of them she knew on a first-name basis, others she will never know, but they will be served for years to come.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband’s parents and sisters Susan Stahl and Lynn Crawford.
Survivors include her husband, Stephen; son Chuck and Jenni Brown; granddaughter Megan and Jesse Mann; granddaughter Hannah; great-granddaughter Elena; sister-in-law Beverly Brown of North Carolina; niece Laura Alexander and nephew Charles Switzer, and God child Jessica Vance.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to West Texas Rehab Center, First Presbyterian Church or the Angelo State University Choir Scholarship Program.

Stephanie Marie Stewart, age 38 of San Angelo, passed away at home on February 22, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born April 11, 1979 to Sheila and Steve Stewart. She was a graduate of San Angelo Central High School and Angelo State University. 
Stephanie was blessed with a magnetic personality and an infectious zest for life. She had the ability to make each of her friends and family feel special and was a truly unforgettable individual. She was a gifted athlete and a fierce competitor with a caring compassionate soul and a loving heart. 
After high school, she served her country in the US Air Force. Upon leaving the service, Stephanie put herself through college while raising her beloved daughter, Myka. She found her calling in life as a teacher and coach and influenced countless lives. Stephanie was blessed with a quiet inner strength and courage, which allowed her to overcome many obstacles in life and excel in spite of them. 
Stephanie always cared more for those around her than herself. She was blessed to be part of a large loving family and reflected that light on all she came in contact with. No matter the cost, she was there for each of us.
Stephanie was strong in her Christian faith and attended Holy Angels Catholic Church in San Angelo. She was many things to many people, most importantly a loving mother and friend to her daughter, Myka who was her whole world and whom she loved dearly. 
Stephanie is survived by Myka, her parents Steve Stewart and Sheila Stewart; best friend and sister, Jessica McDonald and husband Ryan of Mertzon; brother Steven, sister Tiffany and stepmother Sheryl Stewart of Wills Point as well as numerous loving aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and countless friends who were an important part of her life. 
The family would like to thank the many wonderful friends who gave so much of themselves to help Stephanie in her long struggle with cancer. We extend a special thanks to the health care professionals at Regional Cancer Treatment Center of San Angelo, MD Anderson and Hospice who worked so tirelessly to help Stephanie along the way. We are eternally grateful for their efforts and compassion.
Stephanie left this world with a clear mind and a full heart. We are truly richer for having known her. A vigil will be held Tuesday, February 27th at 6 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will Wednesday, February 28th at 11 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers donation can be made to the American Cancer Society or MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky.” Amelia Josephine Burr

Gary Davis, 63 was the most amazing man in all our lives. On February 23, 2018. Gary’s request to go home was fulfilled.
Gary was born to the late George and Robbie Davis in San Angelo, Texas. He graduated from Lake View High School in 1973. He married Donna Ware in 1973 and they lived together in San Angelo for more than 44 years.
Gary was a carpenter. Starting his career building furniture in his Dad’s furniture manufacturing plant. By 1974 he started building houses with his best friend Roy Mills. Later building office building, apartments and then convenience stores for Town and Country and Stripes for more than 24 years.
Thank you to all the good friends Gary made over the past 44 years of his career. Thanks for checking in with him and stopping by.
Gary is survived by his wife Donna, his daughters, Jennifer Nelson and Stephanie Haynes; sons-in-law, Mike Nelson and Austin Haynes; three grandchildren, Edward Camacho, Lauren and Emma Nelson; his Brothers, George and Bobby Davis, wives Beth and Nita; his Sisters, Debbie Davis and Marilynne Landweer and husband Phil; his Brother-in-law Donald Ware and wife Rosie; and Sister- in- law, Monica Bollinger.
A visitation will be held Sunday, February 25. 2018 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Harper Funeral Home. Graveside service will be Monday, February 26, 2018 at 11:00 am at Fairmount Cemetery.

Mary Lou Hall was born in Sheffield, Alabama on September 13, 1926. A woman of strong faith, she passed away in her home surrounded by her family on February 18, 2018. She was privileged to be with the man she loved for over 70 years. She counted her role as a military wife and mother an honor. Mary Lou loved moving from base to base, making new friends along the way. She was a firecracker that never met a stranger and loved her family well. Often on the go, she was getting her hair done, shopping at the BX, and attending a church luncheon in her final days. 
She is survived by her six children. Sam Hall of Richardson, TX, Susan Neighbors of San Angelo, TX, John & Paula Hall of San Angelo, TX, Ron & Wanda Hall of Opelika, AL, Wayne & Beverly Hall of Odessa, Tx and Kathy & John Wyatt of San Angelo, TX. Grandchildren are Jeff Neighbors, Janet & Bryan Abernathy, Aaron Hall, Katie & Seth Summerlin, Daniel & Kim Hall, Kris Rann, Tammy Hall, Christina & Lamar Lynn, Chad & Amanda Hall, Chase & Anna Hall, Clint & Noelle Hall, Jake Wyatt, Clay & Jill Wyatt, Wes & Stephanie Wyatt, and Boone & Juanita Wyatt. Great Grandchildren are Kaden Abernathy, Mary-Kate Abernathy, Everly Abernathy, Pippa Abernathy, Jackson Summerlin, Ryan Summerlin, Adelaide Summerlin, Olive Summerlin, Jordan Hall, Ainsley Hall, Trey Rann, Elizabeth Rann, DJ Rann, Lily Lynn, Madison Hall, Reece Hall, Harper Hall, Grace Hall, Adalyn Hall, Taylor Wyatt, Peyton Wyatt, Jersey Wyatt, Kenadie Wyatt, and Faith Wyatt.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, John Samuel Hall, brothers Freddie & Robert James, sister, Marguerite Martin, and son-in-law, Phil Neighbors.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 20, 2018, 4-6 PM at Harper Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at Lawnhaven Cemetery Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at 1:00 PM officiated by Dr. Matt Walton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Joanna B. Read 70, died Wednesday, January 24, 2018 in San Angelo. The memorial service will be 2:00PM, Saturday, Feb. 17th at Harper Funeral Home Chapel. Her survivors include her sister, Natalie and her husband Jim Crawford of Austin, TX.

Kenneth Lee Swets, age 86, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018 in San Angelo. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 17 at Southland Baptist Church of San Angelo.
Ken was born on January 1, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois, to Henry A. and Elizabeth “Betty” Swets. On June 24, 1955 he married the love of his life, Rosemary Jean Engbers, daughter of Benjamin and Artie Engbers, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ken is a graduate of Christian elementary and secondary schools in Chicago, IL. He received an A.B. degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, and earned an M. Ed. from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Ken served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 and then served as a teacher and principal in Christian schools in Kalamazoo, MI; Racine, WI; Evergreen Park, IL; Holland, MI; and Everett, WA. For 20 years, Ken served as Administrator of School and Public Relations for Christian Schools International (CSI) in Grand Rapids, MI. 
Ken is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosemary, their children: Keith Swets and his wife Linda of Norton Shores, MI; Dr. Paul Swets and his wife Molly, of San Angelo, TX; Lynn Swets of Holland MI; Mark Swets and his wife Cheri of Grand Rapids, MI; son-in-law Joel Wallinga of Ann Arbor, MI; and daughter-in-law Robyn Wallace of Omaha, NE. Ken is also survived by 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his son Dr. Daniel Swets of Sioux Falls, SD; his daughter Beth Wallinga of Ann Arbor, MI; his daughter-in-law Susan Swets of San Angelo, TX; and his two brothers Donald Swets of Plantation, FL and James Swets of Grand Rapids, MI. 
Ken is remembered by all who knew him for his sense of humor. He regularly corresponded with a large network of friends and former colleagues all over the U.S. who benefited from his jokes, stories, and insight. While he called his wife “Rose,” he often referred to himself as “Thorn,” claiming she was the beautiful and soft portion of their partnership, but those who knew him know that he did not have anything prickly in his nature, but was instead kind, generous, witty, and wise. 
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made in Ken’s name to your local Christian schools or to the charity of your choice. 
Family and friends may share condolences and sign an online register book at
www.harper-funeralhome.com

Collier Duane Branham, 87, of San Angelo, went to be with the Lord Thursday, February the 8th 
in his home. He was the first of four children, born in Tankersley, TX on September 22, 1930 to 
Collier and Lila Branham. Duane graduated from Lake View High School, served in the Navy 
during the Korean War, then attended San Angelo College where he studied business and music. Church was a large part of his life. He lead the singing in Eldorado, Brady, Grape 
Creek, and San Angelo churches. He also spent over 60 years as a well-respected Automotive Paint and Body man, being self employed for the majority of his career. 
Duane Branham was married to Lolita Farrington on May 17, 1952 in San Angelo, TX. They 
lived most of their married lives in Texas; residing in Eldorado and Rochelle, then settling in 
San Angelo for the last 40 years.
Duane was meticulous about his work. Restoring classic cars was his passion. His favorite 
restoration was a candy apple red '46 Ford pickup, which he drove daily for years. 
His life revolved around family, church, and work. His time away was filled with family trips to 
the Frio River, cooking BBQ, and making freezers of homemade ice cream. He had a great 
sense of humor and loved to "pick on" those he was closest to.
He is survived by his son, Mike Branham, and his wife, Janet; son, Kim Branham, and his wife, Lisa; and daughter, Melva Sussdorf, and her husband, Stuart; all from San Angelo. Grandchildren, Garry Branham and his wife, Phoebe, their children, Payton and Paysley; Stacey
Branham and his wife, Ann Marie; Loree Branham; Britt Branham; BriAnn Fritz and her husband, Chris, their children, Otto and Rex; and Rebecca Sussdorf. Siblings, Maureen Lane and her husband, Travis; Ann Brooks; sister-in-law, Helen Branham; and many cousins, nieces, and 
nephews. 
Preceded in death by his parents, Collier and Lila Branham; wife, Lolita, and infant son; brother,
Shannon; and brother-in-law, Gene Brooks. 
A visitation will be Friday, February 16, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Harper Funeral Home. Service will be Saturday, February 17, 2017 at 10:00 am at Harper Funeral Home.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the private caregivers and St. Gabriel’s 
Hospice. 
Memorials may be made to Meals for the Elderly or American Cancer Society.

Dear Lord, I left my earthly life on February 9th, 2018, at the age of 73. I am thankful for my family and close friends who loved and cared for me throughout my life and during my transition to my heavenly life. I will be met in heaven by my closest family: my son, Jay Anderson, my parents, Martin and Myrtle Leuthaeuser, my husband of seventeen years, Vernon Timm, my step-daughter, Tyree Timm, and my brother and sister-in-law, Les and Skip Leuthaeuser.
Lord, please be with those I leave behind: my daughter and her husband, Michelle and Derek Logback, my grandchildren, Hunter and Britton, and Marylin Ortega, Hunter’s fiancé. Joining them are my brother and sister-in-law, Rev. Larry and Judy Leuthaeuser, along with special nieces and nephews that brought me joy and laughter. Also continue to watch over my step-son and his wife, Bernie and Roxanne Timm, and my grandchildren Scott, Shelly, Josh, and Genie and my great-grandchildren, Ransom and Rio. Last, but not least, my special friends that have been a part of my life’s journey.
Lord, thank you for the life I have lived. I was born in Fremont, Nebraska, on October 14th, 1944. I attended Trinity Lutheran School for most of my educational career and graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1962. 
My first husband, Jon Anderson, and I had two children. We moved to San Angelo, in 1975 to start a family business, Anderson Kennels. I ran the business for fifteen years, along with other jobs, to support my children. I sold the business to pursue a career as an insurance agent. I found joy and satisfaction in serving clients with personal care in their insurance and investment decisions. I was very proud of the accomplishments I had achieved with my careers; such as, receiving “The Rookie of the Year” award, “The Award of Excellence” and selected to present to peers at conferences.
I retired from Horace Mann Insurance Company and married my dance partner for life, Vernon, in 1993. We enjoyed many camping trips in our RV, spending time with and entertaining friends in our home, and having nice, quiet evenings together on the back porch. When he joined our Lord in 2010, I found great comfort from my involvement in the church by serving on the board as Treasurer and participating in the Ladies Bible Class. 
My family and I would like to express special thanks to the doctors and staff at Community Hospital; they discovered the causes for my recent decline in health and treated me “like a princess.” 
If friends and family would like to join together to share memories, my viewing will be at Harper’s Funeral Home on Friday, February 16th, from 5-7 PM. My celebration of life will be on Saturday, February 17th, at Trinity Lutheran Church, at 10:00 AM. 
I have been content with simple joys and pleasures in life, always happy with what I had and never longed for worldly things. I have been satisfied with God’s design for my life, both joys and sorrows. I ask that my family and friends find comfort in knowing that I was ready for the Lord to take me. I will continue to love them and wait for the day we are together again.
In your name, Amen.
*In lieu of flowers, my family requests memorials to be donated to Trinity Lutheran Church, Cancer Research, or a charity of your choice.