Obituaries

Edward Raymond Phillips, 79, passed from this life on June 24, 2025 in Nocona, TX. He was born on December 15, 1945 in Bennington, VT to Lloyd Phillips and Betty Smith Phillips. Edward was a hard-worker and a patriot of this country. He retired from the U.S. Army after serving from 1966 – 1988. Edward married the love of his life, Gail Boulet on July 20, 1968 at Travis AFB in California. His family and grandchildren were the most important things in his life. He is survived by his wife, Gail Phillps of Nocona, TX, children, John Phillips & wife Nancy of Corpus Christi, TX, Michele Jensen of Lawton, OK, Edward R. Phillips & wife Denise of Woodruff, S.C., 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Lloyd & Linda Phillips and grandchildren, Timber, Nova and Evan. There will be a service at 1 P.M. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Fort Sill National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Willie Belle Lemon Cable, 92, passed from this life on June 27, 2025 in Nocona, TX. She was born on November 16, 1932 to John & Minnie Agee. Willie Belle, born and raised in Nocona and graduated from Prairie Valley High School, was a friend to many, and full of love and laughter. She married Hulen Lemon and together had four boys that called her Momma. She later married Paul David Cable whom also preceded her in death. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when she was needed most, offering support, wisdom and love in abundance. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength. She is survived by her sons, Tony Lemon of Fort Worth, TX, Gus Lemon of Midland, TX, Mark Lemon of Nocona, TX, Cris Lemon of Nocona, TX, extended children, Joe Tom, Jack, and John of Nocona, Jennifer of Paris, TX, Jill of Fort Worth, TX, Julie of Falcon Head, TX, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom called her MeMe. There will be a private family service held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. 

Randy Bowles, 70, passed from this life on June 22, 2025 in Wichita Falls, TX.  Randy was born on June 27, 1954 in Nocona, TX to Rowland & Barbara Musick Bowles.  Randy worked for Montague County as a foreman for 36 years.  Before that he worked at the Nocona Boot Company.  Randy made an impression everywhere he went with his witty personality.  He was well known to have great produce from his garden every year. He loved to fish and was a beekeeper.  Randy was a member of Abundant Life Church and Jean’s Men’s Bible Class in Nocona. One thing above all is Randy loved his wife and family.  Always supporting them when he could.  Randy is survived by his wife, Robin Bowles of Nocona, TX, children, Scott Bowles & wife Sarah of Henrietta, TX, Toby Bowles & wife Terah of Nocona, TX, Brady Bowles & wife Amber of Iowa Park, TX, Rowdy Graham & wife Charity of Lewisville, TX, Angie Blackwood & husband Tim of Burleson, TX, Candy Brasier of Burleson, TX, Misty Buckingham & husband Darryl of Cleburne, TX, 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, James Carlton Bowles, sister, Barbara Jeanene Bowles Williams, and niece, Amanda Jeanene Williams.  There will be a visitation on Wednesday, June 25, from 6 – 7 P.M. at Jerry Woods Chapel.  A funeral service will follow on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 10 A.M. at Abundant Life Church in Nocona, officiated by Pastor James Messer.  Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Cody Messer, Craig Carminati, Dusty Bowles, Ty Bowles, Kirk Bowles and Brian Cagle.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Rusty Messer and Jeff Boutwell.  Memorial donations may be made to Jean’s Men’s Bible Class, c/o Scott Hamilton, 601 Main St., Nocona, TX 76255.

Brenda Sue Durham Jones was born on August 29, 1963 in Bowie, TX, to Curtis Don Durham & Emma Nell Reynolds. She passed from this life on June 5, 2025 in Nocona, TX with her sisters & niece by her side. A celebration of life will take place on June 29, 2025 at 2 P.M. at Terral First Baptist Church in Terral, OK with Pastor Mark Kunkel officiating. Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, Pete & Nell Durham, grandparents, Earl & Ruby Reynolds, and brother, Jerry Durham. Brenda is survived by her husband, Allan Gann of Nocona, TX, children, Misty Torres of New Mexico, Lisa Jones of New Mexico, Tammy Jones of Gordenville, TX, Chris Jones of Whitney, TX, Tony Jones of Bowie, TX, 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, sisters, Beverly Jones of Bowie, TX, Barbara Foster & husband Darrell of Bowie, TX, Betty Patton & husband Mack of Waco, TX, Becky McCullar & husband Sloan of Stoneburg, TX, Bobbie Barnett & partner Bill of Stoneburg, TX, brother, Curtis Durham Jr. of Bowie, TX and a host of Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Mary Lou (Tanner) Fenoglio, 95, died June 10, 2025 in Cherry Street Village in Nocona, Texas. A longtime resident of Ringgold, she had lived her last two years at Cherry Street Village, where she considered her home away from home.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 13, at 6:00 PM. A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 14, at 10:30 AM officiated by Pastor Craig Rolen. Both will be at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona, Texas. Interment will follow in Ringgold Cemetery.

Mary Lou was born in Fleetwood, Oklahoma on March 3, 1930, to Zabud Lucas Tanner and Norma Saunders Tanner. She was one of 13 children.

She is survived by daughter Diane Conrady and husband Roy of of Windthorst, daughter-in-law Janna Fenoglio of Ringgold, along with grandchildren Lara Wong & husband Tim of Los Angeles, Chance Fenoglio and wife Lacey of Argyle, and Clay Conrady and wife Allison of Windthorst. Nana was so proud of great-grandchildren Rylie, Sunnie, and Bradlee Fenoglio, Hudson, Tucker, Tate, and Stella Conrady, and Vicari and Fenix Wong. She is also survived by sister Bettye Williams of Terral, brother-in-law Jim Sewell of Henrietta, sister-in-law Jackie Tanner of Pampa, and sister-in-law Maurine Meekins of Nocona.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Fenix Tony (Sonny) Fenoglio, who was playing the fiddle in a band the night they met.  She was also preceded in death by her Granddaughter Lane, and she always missed her laughter and brightness. In 2023, she was preceded in death by her son Larry; one of the things she missed most was his daily visits for lunch and conversation.

Mary Lou and Sonny lived in Stanfield and Ringgold all of their married life, where they farmed and raised cattle. Besides being a homemaker, she served Ringgold and Muenster Post Offices. She served as Election Judge in Ringgold for several decades.

She helped Sonny in the fields, as well as being a homemaker famous for her great cooking, especially her sweet treats. She quickly embraced the Italian recipes that Sonny’s mom prepared and passed them along to many.  They had a large garden, and enjoyed fresh vegetables, as well as numerous jars of delicious canned foods throughout the year.  Besides making massive amounts of sweets for the Buckle Up for Lane Tournament, she made ‘Smash Cakes’ even before they were called that, allowing the grandchildren to enjoy their cake in the middle of a big table surrounded by family.

She was very active throughout her life, playing softball into her 40s and learning to swim in her 50s. She loved tennis and taught it to her grandchildren. She and Sonny attended numerous Nocona and Windthorst sports events throughout the years, where they were embraced by each community.

Pall Bearers are Bob Henry, Joe A. Staley, Johnny Reynolds, Scott Hinton, Mike Weatherly, and Rusty Weatherly. 

Mary Lou’s family would like to extend a deep gratitude and appreciation for the staff of Cherry Street Village and to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Wichita Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Lane Fenoglio Memorial Scholarship, Ringgold Cemetery Association, or Ringgold Volunteer Fire Department. Memorials may be mailed to Janna Fenoglio, 375 Fite Road, Ringgold, TX 76261.

In Loving Memory of Patricia Jean Snow Goolsby
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Patricia Jean "Trisha" Snow Goolsby on June 7, 2025, in Nocona, TX. She was 75 years old.

Born on December 24, 1949, in Wichita Falls, TX, to James Evert and Freida Jo Snow, Patricia lived a life rooted in love, family, and community. She dedicated years of service to Prairie Valley School and the City of Nocona, bringing kindness and dedication to all she did.

Patricia married the love of her life, Eddie Goolsby, on June 18, 1977. For 48 years, they built a life together filled with devotion, laughter, and unwavering support. She was a member of Valley View Baptist Church, where her faith was a guiding force in her life. Her family was her greatest joy—her children and grandchildren were the heart of everything she did. She found endless happiness in the magic of Christmas and delighted in baking, sewing, and giving back to her community.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband, Eddie Goolsby; her children: Shawn Goolsby, Brandy Mudd and husband Randy, Cody Goolsby, Dusty Smith and husband Craig, Ginger Waldrip and husband Chris; her bonus daughter, JoLinda Bagwill; and her sister, Rhonda Snow. She leaves behind 14 cherished grandchildren Slader Goolsby and wife Makenna, Max Goolsby, Bailey and Blake Mudd, Tanner Eldred, T.J. and Steelie Goolsby, Destrey, Brett and Zakry Smith and fiancé’ Kelsey, Trayton Waldrip and wife Reagan, Kolbie and Cooper Waldrip, Kayla Brown and husband Josh, Cody Bagwill and wife Emily, and Shane Bagwill and wife Katy, five great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  She is reunited in eternal peace with her parents, James Evert and Freida Jo Snow, her brother Gerald Lynn Snow, and her beloved granddaughter, Madi Coffman.

A service celebrating Patricia’s life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Nocona. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Nocona Carpenter Shop, a cause close to Patricia’s heart.

Patricia’s kindness, warmth, and love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a light to those around her, a pillar of strength, and a source of endless love. Though she may no longer walk among us, the memories she created and the love she shared remain forever.

"Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near—still loved, still missed, and always dear."

The family deeply appreciates the outpouring of love and support during this time of remembrance and healing. May her legacy be carried forward with love and gratitude.

The service is under the direction of Jerry Woods Funeral Home.

 The family for Dailia Grace Grandfield will be meeting at Jerry Woods Funeral Home at 9 A.M. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.  A graveside service will follow for her at 9:30 on Tuesday at Nocona Cemetery. 

Shirley Ann Mayo Graves, 75, went to be with her heavenly father on May 17, 2025 in Plano, TX surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on July 23, 1949 in Electra, TX to Carl E. Mayo and Margie Childress Mayo. Shirley was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her family more than anything. She also loved to cook. She worked at the Burger Barn for over 11 years in Nocona. She was a Christian and a member of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Saint Jo. She married the love of her life, Richard Graves, on April 17, 1969 in Nocona, TX. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and son, Michael Lee Graves. She is survived by her husband, Richard Graves of Nocona, TX, children, Bill Graves & wife Wendy of Nocona, TX, Lori Hernandez & husband Rickie of Wichita Falls, TX, brothers, Albert Mayo of Vernon, TX, Jackie Mayo and spouse of Dallas, TX, Tommy Mayo and wife Lori of Breckenridge, TX grandchildren Matthew Graves, John Hernandez, Caitlin Hernandez and 2 great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona from 1 P.M. until service time. A funeral service will follow visitation at 2 P.M. at Jerry Woods Chapel officiated by Brother Ricky Kerr. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Frank Tuggle, Mike Martin, Mark Murphey, Hank Reed, Jimmy Harris, and Tommy Mayo. Memorial donations may be made to Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, 242 FM 677, Saint Jo, TX 76265 or The Capenter’s Shop, 400 Boston, Nocona, TX 76255.

Pedro Leon Olvera, 48, passed from this life in Nocona, TX on May 11, 2025. He was born on May 19, 1976 in Celya, Mexico Guanajuato, to Juan Olvera and Felixa Leon. Pedro was a part of a big family and hard-worker all of his life. He worked mostly in agriculture as a rancher. He loved working on cars in his spare time, especially with his son. He married Blanca Torres in 1995 in Celya, Mexico Guanajuato. Pedro is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Rosa, and Juana Gomez, and nephew, Juan Gomez Jr. He is survived by his wife, Blanca Olvera of Nocona, TX, son, Pedro Jr. Olvera of Nocona, TX, daughter, Mariana Hampton & husband Blake of Gainesville, TX, sisters, Yolanda of Nocona, and Margarita of Mexico, brothers, Juan, Luis, Santiago and Francisco all of Mexico, grandson, Aiden Hampton of Gainesville, TX and many nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be a rosary at 6 P.M. on the evening of May 18, 2025 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona. A funeral service will follow on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 12 P.M.at St. Jospeh’s Catholic Church in Nocona. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Robert “Mark” McCall, 70, passed from this life on May 6, 2025 at his home in Denton, TX. He was born June 16, 1954 in Nocona, TX to C.S. McCall & Elizabeth “Betty” Terrell McCall. Mark grew up and went to school in Nocona. He had and unbelievable passion for music and it was a big part of his life for years. While in school he was a drummer in the school band. He later went on to play for a country music band for many years. Mark had his BA in banking and worked as a banker for his career. He married the love of his life Jayne Vickery on November 10, 1979 in Las Vegas, NV. Mark was loved by all and will be missed greatly. He is survived by his wife, Jayne McCall of Denton, TX, daughters, Rachel McCall of Melissa, TX, Mary Catherine McCall & Fiancé, Ethan Gardiner, of Keller, TX, Robert “Mark” McCall Jr. & Cori of Grand Prairie, TX, sister, Holly McCall of Nocona, TX, brother, John T. McCall of Dallas, TX, and three grandchildren, Miguel Lira Jr., Nevaeh Lira, and Damon McCall. There will be a visitation on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 12 P.M. until service time at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in Nocona. A funeral service will follow at 1 P.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nocona with Father Albert Frances officiating. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be W.R. Yarbrough, Brent Burke, Robbie Storey, David Paine, John Grigsby, and Larry Gee. Memorial donations may be made to Autism Speaks,www.autismspeaks.org. or Lucky Paws Animal Shelter, 653 Airport Rd., Nocona, TX 76255.

Robert Edward Adams, Jr., born on August 14, 1952 in Ashtabula, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 5th in Richardson, TX, leaving a legacy grounded in love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bob was the beloved son of Robert Edward Adams, Sr. and Janet Morehouse Adams. At the time of Bob's birth, his father was away on a fishing trip and received a telegram from his wife, which read, "I bet I have a bigger catch than you." Bob's early and unexpected arrival foreshadowed his adventurous spirit, which he carried with him across his entire life. Bob spent his childhood years exploring God's creation along the shores of Lake Erie where he learned to sail and fish and cultivated an unending curiosity for the natural world. Alongside his neighborhood friends, he could often be found deep in the woods building forts and studying insects, birds, and mammals. At the age of ten, Bob's mother sent him to a Christian boy's camp, Deerfoot Lodge, in the Adirondack mountains just north of Speculator, NY. While attending Deerfoot Lodge, he accepted Christ as his Savior and returned for many summers as a camper and as a staff member. The majestic beauty of the mountains and forest, the camaraderie of his fellow campers, and the spiritual mentorship from the Deerfoot staff were an integral part of his spiritual formation. Bob graduated from Colorado State University in 1976 with a BS in Natural Resources. He remained in Colorado for several years teaching before moving to Dallas, TX. In 1984, he received his MS in Education and Biology from North Texas State University. After receiving his masters, he began a 35 year career teaching at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, TX. Bob taught Biology I and II, and uniquely cherished building and teaching the Marine and Field Ecology curriculums in both the middle and high school. In his early TCA years, Bob enjoyed coaching football and wrestling as he walked alongside and mentored student athletes. He was perennially passionate about showing students the beauty and complexity of God's creation. During his many years at Trinity Christian Academy, he found encouraging and abiding friendships with his colleagues and took great joy in watching his students become as mesmerized with nature as he was. In March of 1988, he married Rhonda Ice Adams. Subsequently, they were blessed with three daughters: Aubrey, Brianna, and Autumn. Bob was a loving, gentle, and ever adventurous husband and father. Always the teacher, he welcomed his family into his interests and taught everyone SCUBA diving, sailing, snow skiing, canoeing, birding, hiking, genealogy, bee keeping, photography, hunting, love of travel, and all things field ecology. Most importantly, he taught us to study and cling to the Bible. He was a wonderful example of our Heavenly Father as he tenderly and patiently walked alongside "his girls." Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Rhonda; his children, Aubrey Fults (Walker), Brianna Hein (Justin), and Autumn Adams (fiancé, Michael Powell); his three grandchildren; and his sister, Ruthie Shook. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Bob's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trinity Christian Academy's Student Tuition Aid program or Deerfoot Lodge. Bob touched many people positively in his life, living out God's will for us to love Him and to love others. He was so easy to love and is so hard to let go.

Wade Shelton, 95, a long-time resident of Nocona, TX passed from this life on April 28, 2025 in Bowie, TX. He was born on November 24, 1929 in Nocona, TX to Walter Shelton & Mildred Kidwell Shelton. Wade was a hard-worker most of his life working mostly as an industrial machine mechanic and also managing the drive-in movie theater in Nocona. He was a very religious man serving as a member, deacon and sometimes ministering at Molsbee Chapel Church of the Brethren. He married the love of his life Thelma Wright on November 24, 1956 in Lubbock, TX. She preceded him in death in 2012. He is also preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Weldon Shelton, Paul Shelton, and sisters, Oleta and Bonnie Baggett. He is survived by his children, Serina Thomas of Bowie, TX, John Shelton of Sunset, TX, Steve Holcomb of Nocona, TX, 4 grandchildren, Jared Shelton, Stacia Lorenz, Casey Thomas, Samantha Richardson, 11 great-grandchildren, Kristen, Marlee, Jordan, Jalen, Caden, Chandler, Macy, Halo, Wyatt, Morgan, Chase, 1 great-great granddaughter, WrenLee, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be a visitation on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 2 P.M. in Jerry Woods Chapel on Saturday officiated by Pastor Phillip Weitner. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. 

James Edward Eckert, 81, passed from this life on Friday, April 25, 2025 in Nocona, TX. He was born July 5, 1943 in Sioux Falls, SD to Clarence Eckert and Novella Meinholdt Eckert. He grew up in Oak Cliff, TX, graduating from Kimball High School in 1961. He went on to graduate from North Texas State University in 1965, where he met Barbara Jones. They married on October 2, 1965 in Dallas, TX and shared 59 years together. He taught science and coached football and baseball in the Dallas area before moving to the Houston area, where he and Barbara started a successful medical supply business. James became well-respected in the industry, serving as president of the Texas Association of Medical Equipment Dealers. He and Barbara operated their business until their retirement in 2000, when they moved to north Texas to be closer to family. He was a lifelong Lutheran, serving as president of the local congregation in Houston. He played the trumpet, trombone, and flugelhorn in polka bands for most of his life, beginning in high school and continuing until his retirement, and played rec league softball. James had a larger-than-life personality and was unfailingly loyal, generous, and outgoing to friends and strangers alike. He was hard-working and dedicated to excellence and service, and he cherished his family and put their well-being and happiness above all else.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Mick Eckert. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Eckert of Nocona, TX; his daughter, Catherine Woodbury and husband Dave of Nocona; his daughter-in-law, Sharon Eckert of Celina, TX; his sister, Nina Griggs; five grandchildren, Jordan Eckert, Jared Eckert and wife Danielle, Charlie Woodbury, Madeline Woodbury, and Caroline Woodbury; four great-grandchildren, Lawson, Riley, Hunter, and Colt Higgins; one great-granddaughter on the way, Lilah Eckert; and numerous extended family members. Family visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 1pm in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Services will follow at 2:30pm with Pastor Dave Woodbury officiating. Burial will be at Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers are Byron Griggs, Mark Griggs, Brett Griggs, Johnny Hughes, Wayne Coats, Chris Keck, Ken Koontz, and Steve Watson.  Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 511 Cooke St., Nocona, TX 76255.

Frances Lorella Read, 97, passed from this life on April 16, 2025 surrounded by her loving family in Nocona, TX.  She was born on August 20, 1927 in Pampa, TX to Milton & AnnieLee Treadway Ford.  Lorella was a good-hearted, hard-working, Christian woman.  She worked as a teacher for many years of her life.  She taught in California for 35 years, some in Oklahoma and all over Montague County.  She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and Nueva Vida Bautista Church in Nocona.  She married Eddie Read Jr. on February 28, 1947 in Amarillo, TX.  He preceded her in death on April 13, 2018.  She is also preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Tom & Kenneth Ford, and sister, Leona Gage.  She is survived by her daughters, Della Symcox of Spring, TX, Sheila Walther of Ringgold, TX, Jennifer Sanchez of Ringgold, TX, sister, Joan Gaines of Georgetown, TX, 8 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.  There will be a visitation on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 5 – 6 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel.  A funeral service will follow on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 10 A.M. at Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Patrick Hill officiating. Pall Bearers will be Chad Symcox, Brian Symcox, Randy Hotz, Jacob Woolsey & Jairus Woolsey.  Interment will follow in Ringgold Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 310 7th St., Nocona, TX 76255 or Nueva Vida Bautista Church, Nocona, TX 76255.

Patsy Ann Skinner, 74, passed from this life, surrounded by her loving family on April 20, 2025 in Decatur, TX. She was born on August 22, 1950 in Bowie, TX to Frank & Venita Sperlin Geurin. Patsy married Tommy Skinner on November 15, 1968 in Nocona, TX, together they owned and operated Skinner Tank Trucks. Patsy loved spending time with her family always supporting them when she could, she loved spending time with her good friends, Mary “Puddin” and Sue Lemons, she also loved to sew and go gambling. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Joe Geurin and Calvin Huff. She is survived by her daughter, Kari Reid and husband Harry Don of Nocona, TX, sister, Willetta “Sis” Dean of Comanche, OK, brother Robert Geurin of Electra, TX, grandchildren, Tanner Reid & wife Kara, Tyler Reid, a great-grandchild, Kamdyn Reid, and many nieces and nephews. There will be a visitation on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 6 – 7 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona. A funeral service will follow on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 11 A.M. at Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona with Reverend Dave Woodbury officiating. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Randy Ritchie, Hobie Meekins, Gerald Ramsey, Tanner Reid, Tyler Reid and Jeff Skinner. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rick Skinner, Jose Cantu, Jerry Henry and George Hagemier. Memorial donations may be made to the Carpenter’s Shop, 400 Boston, Nocona, TX 76255.

Ricky Ratliff, 57, passed from this life on March 21, 2025 at his home in Clute, TX. He was born on December 30, 1967 in Hereford, TX to Wayne and Naomi Kerr Ratliff. Ricky was a hard-worker most of his life working many jobs mostly as a mechanic.  He is preceded in death by sons, Justin and Casey Ratliff. Ricky is survived by his son, Charlie Ratliff of Wichita Falls, TX, siblings, Dottie Ratliff, Jan Matejka, Fran Ratliff, Dee Hancock, Daniel Ratliff, Donald Ratliff, 2 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be a visitation from 11 AM to service time on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 12 P.M. at Longbranch Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Gary Charles Dobbs, 82, passed away on April 1, 2025 in Wichita Falls, TX surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 31, 1942 to Bill & Lelia Underwood Dobbs in Vinita, Oklahoma, Gary worked at the family grocery store and subsequently graduated from Vinita High School in 1960. During Gary’s undergraduate years, he attended Texas Christian University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1964 and was a member of ROTC.  As a result of his service to the ROTC at TCU during the initial stages of the Vietnam War, Gary was able to immediately attend Baylor University Law School thereafter, where he earned his J.D. or Juris Doctor degree in 1967.  Gary then enlisted in the United States Air Force and was initially stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Gary was an attorney in the Air Force in the Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG) and had achieved the rank of Captain at time of his discharge in 1972.  During his time in the military, Gary also began a long career of service to the local Shepard Air Force Credit Union which later became Union Square Credit Union under his leadership as Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Gary’s initial role was on the Board Credit Committee at Sheppard Federal Credit Union from 1970-71 before being appointed as Chairman of the Board, a position he proudly held for 50 years until his retirement in 2019. Through his pioneering vision and unprecedented tenure, Gary laid the foundation for tremendous and steady growth and success.  While serving at Union Square, Gary began his private legal career with attorneys Jack Banner and Ed McIntosh at the firm of Banner, McIntosh & Dobbs in Wichita Falls, Texas. Officing from the top floor of the Hamilton Building, Gary had a reputation as a fair, but fierce negotiator and litigator for his clients.  His law practice was as a General Practitioner and Litigator with an emphasis on Oil & Gas and Family Law and was well-known and respected as a go-to Attorney primarily in Wichita, Jack, Clay and Montague Counties in Texas. During his time practicing law, Gary also represented North Texas as a member of the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors. Then, after a remarkable twenty-year career practicing law, Gary leveraged his visionary nature and litigation expertise into a groundbreaking, first of its kind business with the goal to marry Law & Psychology and co-founded Courtroom Sciences, Inc. (CSI) in 1989 in Irving, TX with Phil McGraw, Ph.D.. Gary served as CEO of CSI from 1989 until his retirement in 2011. CSI blends psychology and law and provides clients with expert insights into jury behavior and juror decision-making in the field now called jury consulting and jury psychology.  And, after 35 years in business, CSI remains in his family and is thriving today. Gary was a firm believer in The Lord and knew the bible as he grew up in the First Baptist Church of Vinita, Oklahoma. After retiring and moving to Nocona, Texas, he became a member of Nocona Hills Community Church. Some of his passions were golfing, Oklahoma football, the old Dallas Cowboys and family. Whether it was about politics or business, he never lost a debate. He loved country music, dancing, a competitive game of golf or cards and most importantly a good joke! His quick wit, humor and practical jokes will particularly be missed by his family and friends. Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Paula (Ewing) Dobbs of Nocona, TX, son Brent Dobbs of Fort Worth, TX, daughter Darcie and Todd Lester of Southlake, TX, daughter Kari and Benji Brosch of Argyle, TX, grandchildren, Libby Lester, Leighton Lester, Brix Brosch and Bishop Brosch, his brother Keith Dobbs of Frisco, TX, and his sons Brian and Russell Dobbs. A funeral service celebrating Gary’s life will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11 A.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona, TX. Gary’s nephew, Brian Dobbs, will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rathgeber Hospitality House, 1615 12th St., Wichita Falls, TX 76301.