A Life Well Lived

Clarence Ertel Willis was born December 9, 1929, the second child of Charlie and Ruth Willis in Temple, TX. The family relocated to Sonora where his father worked as a farm laborer. Because of the lack of proper schools in Sonora, his mother convinced his dad to move to nearby San Angelo. He attended elementary school and Blackshear High School in San Angelo where he played football and tennis. He graduated from high school in 1947 and was valedictorian of his class. Clarence then attended Texas College in Tyler, TX majoring in biology. He had a deep love for sports and later became a basketball referee for the then Blackshear Junior High.

He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Frances Smith in 1947 and to that union two loving daughters were born: Gwendolyn Elaine and Sandra Kaye.

A Life of Dedicated Service

Throughout his life, Clarence touched countless hearts with his compassion and wisdom. His dedication to community service and commitment to helping others will long be remembered and deeply missed. Early on he was a member of Prince Hall's Masonry Jackson Lodge #15 and was a founding member of the San Angelo Consistory #288, now known as the Lorenzo Enox Consistory and served as its secretary. The organization's focus was getting young men off the streets and mentoring them. In 1990 he became a 33rd Degree Mason.

Clarence was an active member of Habitat for Humanity having served on its Board of Directors and was elected as Site Chairman with the responsibility of selecting sites for home construction.

At the age of 21 he became actively involved in the St. Paul African American Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church as one of the youngest members of its Official Board. He eventually served as Pastor pro temp for every pastor of St. Paul. He was elected as a delegate to the Lay Biennial (A.M.E.) Church meeting. Later he was elected as a delegate to the A.M.E. General Conference's international body which is held every four years. For four consecutive terms (16 years) he served on various committees, most notably the Episcopal Committee, which had the important distinction of qualifying candidates for the bishopric as well receiving 4-year reports of the bishops' activities.

In the 1970's C.W. was instrumental in organizing a Black golfers' club consisting of San Angelo, Big Springs, Midland, Odessa, Abilene and Big Lake which sponsored biannual tournaments with proceeds going to indigent people in their communities.

Those He Remembered

In his lifetime he was privileged to have shared memories with the following: his beloved wife of 75+ years, Mary Frances; his parents, Charlie and Ruth Willis; his siblings, Charlesetta Garret, Robert Charles Willis, Lewis Willis, Horace Willis Sr.

Remembering His Spirit

Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the memories we have shared and the values he instilled in those of us around him. We will forever cherish the moments spent together and honor his memory by carrying forward his example of kindness and strength. These are we who cherish his memory: Daughters: Gwendolyn Osborne (Louis) and Sandra Carrier (Rodney) both of Houston, TX; Grandchildren: Yolanda O. Kohn (David), Danny Osborne (Shirley), Joy Osborne, Cecily Carrier, Gentry Carrier, Maurice Fisher (Melinda); 11 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great Grandchildren; Brothers: Hubert Willis (Bobbie), John Willis, and Frank Willis; and a host of nieces and nephews, particularly Horace (Boo) Willis Jr (Keisha), and Tiffany Wheeler-Davis (William); as well as a regiment of relatives and a cadre of close friends.

Let Us Not Forget

We have gathered here today to remember and celebrate the life of our beloved Clarence Ertel Willis. A cherished family member, who brought warmth and kindness to everyone he met. His legacy is one of love, generosity, and unwavering support for friends and family alike. Let us leave here and try to emulate his life well-lived.

Visitation and Services

Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Robert Massie Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Frances Wheat Hill was born to Ora and Gus Wheat on July 17, 1926, in San Antonio, Texas. She died on November 13, 2025, in San Angelo. She was pre-deceased by her parents; her husband, Grady Hill; brother, Gus D. Wheat, and step-daughter, Gerri Gillette. Surviving her are her son, Joe Hill of Andrews; daughter Margaret Henderson of Hillsborough NC; and step-daughter Donna Prawdzik of Irving.

Frances grew up on the Wheat family ranch in Edwards County; raised her family in Veribest; and retired to Christoval, Texas. One of her proudest memories was of her father calling her to come home one fall from the University of Texas to help him work cattle; all the men were off to World War II at the time. While living in Dallas as a school teacher, she once herded loose cattle into a yard, closing the gate and earning the gratitude of the truck driver who lost his load. Her livestock herding stopped at age 89, when she unsuccessfully tried to stop a loose horse trotting down the street in Christoval.

Long a community volunteer for her church, school, and local public functions, she was the first woman elected to the Veribest School Board, by write-in vote. She was a leader in 4-H, teaching kids to sew, cook, and take photos, and was also active in the Home Demonstration Club for over fifty years. Over the years she held various volunteer positions, serving as an election judge and on the boards of the Christoval Water District and Volunteer Fire Department.

Frances organized the initial photography competition within the annual San Angelo Fat Stock Show and Rodeo. Content with the daily events of farm and ranch life, her photography frequently captured the beauty of wildflowers, birds, livestock, windmills, and other rural scenes. Along the way she raised many orphaned lambs and kid goats, feeding them by bottle and letting them spend their first few days in the warmth of cardboard boxes kept in the kitchen.

Productive with her needlework even after she stopped making all of her own clothes, Frances continued to actively quilt, knit, and crochet into her 90’s. She made many quilts for wounded veterans and knitted caps for chemo patients, as examples of her practical generosity.

The family wishes to thank her many caregivers from over the years, members of Team Frances, for enabling her to stay in her home for as long as possible. The staff of Sagecrest and Gentiva Hospice offered their considerable compassionate support in the last few years of her life. Her supportive neighbors and members of the Methodist Churches in Veribest and Christoval were also important to her throughout her life. We also acknowledge how important the family of Don and Anita Spiller has been to our mother over the years.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 10 am in Christoval Cemetery with a lunch for family and friends to follow at Christoval Methodist Church.

The family asks that memorials be made to the Christoval Methodist Church, Volunteer Fire Department, or Community Center, or to the Concho Valley Home for Girls.

Christine Rauch, 60, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on November 10, 2025.

Born on June 17, 1965, in Spokane, Washington, Christine entered the U.S. Army after graduating high school, serving four years before beginning a longtime career as a defense contractor. A woman of strength, devotion, and quiet determination, she dedicated her life to her family and work.

Christine faced profound loss with courage after the passing of her husband, Mark Rauch, in 2002. She devoted herself fully to raising their two sons, Jacob and Joshua, pouring into them her love, patience, and guidance.

Known for her warmth and easy laughter, Christine had a natural gift for conversation. She could connect with anyone and was remembered by friends and family as a kind, steady presence.

Christine is survived by her sons, Jacob and Joshua Rauch, and her granddaughter, Millicent Rauch.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Mark, and her parents, Jim and Sharon Rudd.

She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, and love — carried on in the lives of her family.

Open Visitation

8:00 am - 8:00 pm

JOHNSON'S FUNERAL HOME

Family Room

Ronald Ray Rogers, Ronnie to all who knew him, died Sunday morning, November 9, 2025, at Sagecrest Alzheimer’s Care Center in San Angelo’s Baptist Retirement Community where he had lived for two years. He was 84.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Harper Funeral Home, 2606 Southland Boulevard, San Angelo, Texas, inurnment at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

He was the second of three sons born to Ruth J. Lucas Rogers and Ray E. Rogers. Ronnie was born in Wingate, Texas on August 28, 1941only 11 months after his brother Robert Rogers and three years before Charles Rogers.

Ronnie and his brothers grew up in San Angelo and Ronnie gave his whole heart to West Texas. He could not imagine living anywhere else.

He never married, but he created a family that he loved and one that was devoted to him. When his childhood friend’s first child was born, Ronnie loved the baby, Banee, as if she was his own. When Banee married and had two daughters and a son, Brandy, Mark and Chelsea, he loved them. too. They treated him as a revered grandfather figure.

His professional life was dedicated to building bridges and highway overpasses throughout Texas. Talented at managing crews Ronnie successfully guided complex projects to completion each a testament to his skill and work ethic.

San Angelo’s Celebration Bridge dedicated in 1993 was one of his projects. He was in his early 50’s then and an insulin dependent diabetic for only a few years during that build. Life was still good, the disease manageable. But that would not last. Unable to control his blood sugar, he fell from a bridge and was badly hurt. Later he was hospitalized with ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition.

After another round of ketoacidosis a few years ago, Ronnie was forced to move to Sagecrest.

He often talked about working as if he had a present-day work life. But on a recent afternoon he said it was time to “quit this outfit.”

“Good Goolamoola. They just do the same thing over and over… and nothing changes,” he said. He was ready to resign.

He is survived by his brothers, their wives, children and grandchildren and by the family- of-the-heart which began with Banee, daughter of his childhood friend.

Survivors are:

Robert and his wife, Nancy of San Angelo; their children Robby his wife, Kelly, of Weatherford their children Seth of Austin; Gunnar, his wife, Jenny, and baby Scotti Lynn of Fort Worth. Richey and his wife, Heather, of Austin; their children Dalton, his wife, Beka, of Colorada and Parker of Dallas.

Charles and his wife, Mary, their son Ben, his wife, Tracey, their daughters Morgan and Cate all of Fort Worth.

Banee and Cody Daniels, their three children Brandy her husband Miach Tyner, their sons Austin, his wife Hayley, and baby Wyatt; and Jaron all of San Angelo. Mark Daniels and his daughter Kamryn of San Angelo. Chelsea Cook her husband, Zach, and their sons Jackson and Wyatt of San Angelo

The family would like to thank the staff at Sagecrest for wrapping Ronnie in kindness and tender care during these hard years.

Carlie Jo Johnson of San Angelo, TX, who was as much at home with her friends across West Texas, passed from this life at the age of 19 to her Heavenly home on November 13th 2025. Carlie was born in Abilene, TX on December 28, 2005 to parents Doug and TaLisha (Rogers) Johnson. She eventually gave herself the middle name “Grace”, and she made sure her birthday was anticipated for months in advance and was not overshadowed by Christmas.

Carlie Jo grew up close to her big brother Hayden, and her baby sister Lanie ”Bob”. They, bonded on road trips, at family gatherings, and supporting each other in their activities. She had great pride & love for them both. In her world, everyone and everything seemed to be made just for her. Sunshine (pre) School was her domain to learn, sing, and play grown up, even making her whole preschool class sit on the steps so she could lead them in song. Baby sitters learned many lessons as she played out her many creative adventures. The living room was for captivating concerts. Emphasis on captive. College ministry students seemed to be big older play mates just for Carlie Jo, like when she locked them away in jail in her room.

Carlie lived moments to the fullest and then looked forward to experiencing what was next. From Lamar elementary, to Glenn Middle School, she enjoyed her place and teachers in each class, but anticipated the next grade and teacher. Carlie Jo participated in sports, but being an elite athlete was less important than the fun she had having teammates and riding with the team. One of her greatest joys and growth catalysts was LCCC…C, Lake Cisco Christian Camp. She lived for church camp, won Friendliest Girl Camper, and went back as a junior counselor at jr. camp. On June 15th, 2022 Carlie made Jesus her Lord, being baptized into Christ by Jyles Wootton.

At Miles High School, Carlie continued making new friends and loved car rides and jamming out. But she found her passion and put her gifts to use when she hopped into a band with 3 senior boys her freshman year. They discovered they sounded good and loved performing at local venues as much as possible. After their graduation, Carlie Jo found herself singing on the Paulann youth worship team and got to sing with the Sunday morning worship team occasionally. No stage was too big for Carlie, and she had a voice that could sooth, stun and compel the soul.

Carlie Jo was an Adam Sandler fan and loved her dogs. But If you think she loved her miniature schnauzer Darcy, and her giant schnauzer Goose, there’s no comparison to how deeply she loved her friends and family. Carlie considered several to be her best friend, and was happiest sleeping over as many consecutive nights as possible. If she was driving alone, she was simply on her way to either meet with friends, or possibly to see her twin cousins. Carlie moved back to Central High School and picked up with friends like she was never gone. In May of 2024, Carlie fought through over a month of chemo to finish early and get back home in time to walk the stage and graduate.

Carlie lived beautifully and true to herself. She was not defined by her struggles. Despite life-long health challenges and a long term battle with cancer, they could not keep her from shining through, singing, smiling, laughing, joking, loving and impacting countless others for Jesus by her faith and boldness.

Carlie Jo is survived by her mom and dad, TaLisha and Doug Johnson, siblings Hayden and Lanie Johnson; Grandparents Pop and Meemee— Rusty and Carolyn Rogers, ReeRee and JD Davidson, and Papaw and Nano— Walden and Alma Johnson; Aunts and Uncles Tiffany and Dave Whitson, Derick and Courtney Rogers, Stephanie Lozano, Vanessa and JR Carr, Jennifer Portlock; and cousins: Kate, Elise, Teagan, Knox, Bristee, Lochlan, Kian, Corinne and Riley.

Carlie Jo is preceded in death by her great-grandmother Bobbie McKillip, cousin Shelby McKillip, friend Brandon Garza, and heavenly best friend Koti Goolsby White.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 16th from 2-4pm at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, TX. Celebration of Life will take place Monday, November 17th at 3pm at Paulann church in San Angelo, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made to ”A Wish with Wings” awww.org or “Angie’s Angels” angiesangels.love.

Thank you all for your faithful prayers, love and support for Carlie Jo and her family.

Julia Marie Womack (née Burkhalter) died on Sunday morning on 9 November 2025 at her home on her sister Patricia Woehl’s and nephew Bennett Woehl’s homestead in San Angelo, Texas. Julia was a mother to two sons, Michael Farris and Daniel Farris, a grandmother to six grandchildren, Jonna Key (and husband Max), Dalton Farris, Coy Farris, Anthony King Farris, Amelia Farris, Daphne Farris, and great-grandmother to two great-grandchildren, Moody Key and Anthony Kaius Farris, Julia being impassioned and devoted to all. She is survived by all above and preceded by her parents and her nephew, Sterling Woehl.

She grew up in Gordo, Alabama, and San Angelo, Texas, the daughter of Edgar Burkhalter and Mable Burkhalter (née Windle) and sister to Pat. Julia graduated from Lake View High School in San Angelo, TX, and Radiologic Technology school in Wichita Falls, TX. She married Lloyd Farris in San Angelo, and, after Lloyd’s service to the United States Navy ended that took them to the New England seaboard for several years, they relocated to San Angelo with their sons, Michael and Daniel. In San Angelo, she began a long career in radiologic technology and, after moving to California with her late husband, David Womack, resettled again in San Angelo. She and her best friend since the 7th grade, Linda Burrows, were thick as thieves, and they sustained a wonderful friendship for decades until Ms. Burrows’s sudden passing in 2015.

Julia loved spending time reading, having meals and holidays with her family, arguing with her relatives about what was best for her health and theirs, visiting the Tom Green Library, and opining about everyone’s business (with love, Mom :)). Julia loved cookbooks and sharing endless recipes via texting and Facebook with her family. She was a Christian who grew up playing gospel piano, having a knack for transposing at sight multiple flats and sharps keys to simpler keys (a feat most pianists would love to have), and she found love and compassion for all in her interaction with them. 

Julia was ever thoughtful and loving of her friend, Linda, her various generations of loved ones who preceded and followed her, be they blood or not (Steven and Rianne Womack), her friends in music (Ken Hughes), and her various pets she had through the years (Troubles, Shem, Puff, and many others). She will be missed.

The family thanks Johnson’s Funeral Home for the use of the visitation room on Wednesday, 12 November, and thanks Wall Brethren Church and Reverend Tommy Tallas for their generosity and support of Julia’s surviving family in their time of loss.

Our Heavenly Father called Georgia Marie Whitton to her heavenly home on November 11, 2025. She was 83 years old. Marie, as everyone called her, was born in Ada, Oklahoma on June 23, 1942, to Bill and Lillian Rhoades. As a little girl she grew up on a farm, where she had all kinds of animals that she loved dearly. She loved being in the outdoors, fishing, and playing. After her dad got a job in Dallas, the family moved there for a short while before moving to Fort Worth, and finally settled in Big Spring, Texas, where she completed high school. There she met the love of her life, L. D. Whitton, and they were married in 1959. They moved to San Angelo, Texas, where they remained for the rest of their lives. They were married for 52 years and had two children.

Marrie was a homemaker until her children were grown. After that she went to work for the Tom Green County Jail for 18 years until she retired. She is proceeded in death by her husband L. D. Whitton, daughter Linda Marie Riggs, her older brother “Dub” Rhoades, and her parents, Bill and Lillian Rhoades. She is survived by her son. L. D. Whitton Jr. of San Angelo, Texas and her older sister, Jean Cheek of Durant, Oklahoma, a granddaughter, Shayla Cody and her husband Thomas Cody of Know Noster, Missouri, son-in-law Dan henry Rigg, and grandson Dusty Riggs, both of Iran, Texas.

Marie loved camping, fishing, and caring for her many dogs she had over the years. She was an active member of Edmond Blvd. Baptist Church for many years. She loved the lord with all her heart and always wanted to do his will.

An open viewing will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Harper Funeral Home from 8:00am – 7:00pm. Her Funeral service will be at Edmond Blvd. Baptist Church in San Angelo on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00am, with graveside to follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

We want to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Shannon Hospital, the nurses at Hospice of San Angelo, and a very special thanks to Dr. John Harvey for his extra care for Marie over the years.