Obituaries

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.

Charlotte Tettleton Coats entered into eternal rest on March 29th, 2025. Charlotte was born on January 28th, 1944 to Clifford and Jo Tettleton in Wichita Falls, TX. She graduated from Nocona High School in 1962. She married the love of her life, Wayne B. Coats on September 8th, 1963. Charlotte and Wayne built a beautiful life together, and welcomed 3 wonderful sons in their 62 years of marriage. Charlotte was a devoted housewife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was an unwavering woman of faith and devoted her time to working as the secretary at First Baptist Church. Charlotte enjoyed teaching Sunday School and working with the youth, and always enjoyed her bible study classes on Monday. Charlotte’s kids, grandkids, and great-grans were the joy of her life. She was an outstanding woman of faith, and even in the years of her suffering, she never wavered in her faith and never gave up. Visitation will be Wednesday April 2nd, 2025 from 6pm-7pm at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. A Celebration of Life will be Thursday April 3rd, 2025 at 1:30pm at the First Baptist Church of Nocona. The church will be livestreaming the service on the First Baptist Church Facebook page. Charlotte is preceded in death by her parents, brother Otis Tettleton, brother-inlaw Dale Linn and nephews Michael Linn and Mark Linn. Charlotte is survived by her husband Wayne Coats of Nocona, TX. Sons Darryl and Mearllyna Coats of Amarillo, TX. Carl and Denise Coats of Grapevine, TX, Jeff and Amy Coats of Cozumel, Mexico, Sister, Darla Linn of Nocona, TX,  Denise and Joe Thedford of Denison, TX, Grandchildren Candace Storey of Gainesville, Kera and Michael Barrett of Canyon, TX. Kaylee Coats of Amarillo, TX. Tyler Coats of Carrollton, TX. Drew and April Coats of Azel, TX. Cody Coats of Seattle, WA and Bryson Coats of Fort Worth, TX. Great-Grans Mason, Maddison, Marleigh Barrett, Connor Storey, and Kastin Cantrell. And bonus grandchild Maddie Yeargin and Sister-in-law, Joan Tettleton of Nocona, TX. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the First Baptist Church Youth Camp or a charity of your choice.

Eddie Mae (Banks) Tramell, 94 of Nocona, Texas passed away March 27, 2025 in Wichita Falls, TX. Family visitation will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 5 – 6 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona. A funeral service will be held at Nocona Hills Community Church at 1 P.M. on Monday, March 31, 2025. The graveside service will follow at 2:30 P.M. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Woodbine, TX officiated by Pastor Paul Coronado. Eddie Mae was born, January 6, 1931 in Gainesville, TX, to George and Ardina Banks. She grew up in a close-knit family and community where she formed lifelong friendships. She married Billy Ray Tramell on May 13, 1950, and they made their home in Gainesville and later moved to Nocona. She was a devoted mother to her two daughters, a cherished grandmother to her four grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to her seven great-grandchildren. Eddie Mae was a woman of many talents. She was an exceptional cook, renowned for her homemade meals that brought family and friends together. Her famous fried chicken was especially beloved by her grandchildren, and she took great joy in sharing her culinary secrets with the next generation. Eddie Mae was also an avid golfer, a ferocious 42 player, and loved dancing. Her vibrant personality and kindness left a lasting impact on those around her. She was an active member of the Nocona Hills Community Church. Eddie Mae is survived by her two daughters, Brenda Pirkey and Barbara Hoover and son-in-law, Donald Hoover; her grandchildren, Jason Pirkey and his wife Nancy, Kenny Foerster and his wife Brittnay, Adam Rehfeld and his wife Cherie, and Jennifer Rehfeld; and her seven great-grandchildren, Natalie Pirkey, Jacie Pirkey, Travis Foerster, Brooke Rehfeld, Jessica Rehfeld, Makenzie Moon and Kennedy Foerster. Pallbearers will be Jason Pirkey, Kenny Foerster, Adam Rehfeld, Travis Foerster, Joe Banks, and Danny Morris. Honorary Pallbearers are Carroll Keck, Tommie Sappington, and Richard Haralson. Memorial donations may be made to Cherry Street Village, 200 E. Cherry St., Nocona, TX 76255.

Gloria Ann Stone, 93, passed from this life on March 4, 2025 in Nocona, TX. She was born on July 23, 1931 in Oakland, CA to Robert & Laura Frace VanCleave. Gloria was a hard-worker all of her life, working as a Dental Assistant. She had many hobbies including being a tailor and was known to be able to sew anything together, she also loved to play bridge and other card games. She was a member of Nocona Hills Community Church, The Delphians and The ARC’s. She is preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law, Henry “Hank” Starke and brothers, Robert & Edward Van Cleave. She is survived by her children, Laura Starke of Nocona, TX, James H. Stone & wife Deana of Fort Meyers, FL,brother, Phillip VanCleave of Midlothian, VA and grandson, Christian Johnson of Austin, TX. There will be a memorial service for her on Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at Nocona Hills Community Church at 11 AM with Pastor Paul Coronado officiating. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The Stanley Fulton Memorial Veteran’s Fund at Nocona Hills Community Church, 104 Nocona Dr., Nocona, TX 76255

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sarah Blasingame on March 13, 2025 at the age of 90. She was born on November 20, 1934 in Corinth, MS. Sarah was a loving mother, grandmother and a beautiful soul who would help anyone. Her radiant smile lit up any room she entered. She enjoyed going to church, bible study, picnics, canning jelly with her granddaughters, traveling, reading and beating everyone who would play cards, dominoes or checkers with her. She lived life to the fullest and loved spending time with her family, and being the best Mimi to her grandchildren. Perhaps her most profound achievement was her loving and enduring marriage to her husband of 43 years. Together, they built a family grounded in love and respect, sharing eight children together.  Sarah was preceded in death by her husband Neal Jay Blasingame, parents Jack Akin, Luther and Ethel Wilkins, brother Jeri Wilkins, son Wayne Blasingame, daughters Barbara Harell and Inez Crain, grandchildren Christine, Charles and Travis, and great grandchildren Randy, Taci and Kaylee. She is survived by her sister Shirley Chileski, children Harold and wife Karen, Larry and wife Ellen, Roy, Mike and Kay Blasingame, 24 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, 19 great-great grandchildren and 3 great-great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Though she spent the majority of her life in Montague County, Sarah spent her final months of life residing in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where she was cherished by all she came in contact with. She never met a stranger which for her meant each person she met became an instant friend. She will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on through us. Pallbearers: Scott Dixon, Clayton Fellows, Hunter Climer, Mark Means, Kash Means, Michael Blasingame and Scott Blasingame.  Honorary Pallbearers: Jim Blasingame and Kelly Hall. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 1 P.M., Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel.  A funeral service will follow visitation at 2 P.M. on Saturday, March 22 at Jerry Woods Chapel with Bryan Boothe officiating.  Interment will follow the service in Dye Mound Cemetery, Montague County Texas. A special thank you to Church on the Move, Sonny Ozuna and Rob Means. Thank you for your love, support and prayers.  

Amy Hancock was born in Nocona, Texas, August 17, 1953. Though there are no pictures to confirm it, anyone who knew Amy would not be surprised if the nurses in the room had said she was already smiling and laughing within a minute or two of her birth. And the reality is that she rarely ever stopped. Her mother and father were so proud of their beautiful daughter. She was the apple of her daddy’s eye. She was her mother’s little angel. Whether she and her sister were playing in their “kitchen” or entertaining each other with a “tea party”. Amy was laughing , her laugh was infectious. When she started, everyone within earshot would join in. She had a bubbly personality and was a friend to everyone. She was a part of a large extended family and had many cousins. Amy was everyone’s favorite cousin. Both of her grandmothers loved her and enjoyed having her with them. As she grew up, Amy had many, many friends. She was in the Bluebirds and Campfire girls. She loved attending Camp Letoli! Later, she became a member of the Rainbow Girls. She was dedicated and was valued by her friends an the adults in the organization. She was a regular participant in the “twirling” camps offered each summer. Amy loved twirling her baton. She worked hard to perfect her skills and was rewarded by being named one of the majorettes for the Nocona High School Band. She was popular and was elected Band Sweetheart in 1971. After high school, Amy attended beauty school. Her real success was in loving little kids. Whether it was her nieces and nephews, the children of her nieces and nephews, or the children of friends. Amy simply loved kids. She helped raised so many in and around Nocona. Amy loved sports and supported all those kids with attendance to their games for as long as her health allowed. She was treasured by everyone whose life she touched. On Thursday, February 27, 2025, Amy passed on to eternal life, reunited with her parents and a multitude of family and friends in heaven. Amy is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Vane and Frances Marsh, paternal grandparents, Joe and Cora Hancock, parents, Billie Joe and Georgia Hancock Faver, and stepfather, Forrest Faver. She is survived by a sister; Becky Fleming and her husband Kendel, a stepsister, Lisa Shepard, and a host of nieces, nephews and their children. Although she wasn’t a mourning person and often started her day in a less-than-ideal mood, she was for the most part,a happy, loving and caring person, whose presence was a blessing to all who knew her. We are all fortunate to have had her in our lives. There will be a celebration of her life on Sunday, March 16, from 2:30 – 4:30 P.M. at the VFW in Nocona, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lucky Paws, Nocona Senior Center/Carpenter’s Shop or American Cancer Society.

Edward Arnold Fenoglio Jr (Eddie, Bubba)

Eddie was born April 5, 1970, in Graham, Texas, to Kathy Maisen Fenoglio and Edward Arnold Fenoglio, Sr. Eddie (Bubba) was raised in Montague County farming, ranching, and attending school in Montague and Nocona. Throughout his early years, he earned many accolades, from All-State Spitting Champion at age 13 to Mr. NHS, Best Looking, and Most Athletic at Nocona High School. He participated in FFA, football, track, basketball and baseball. Eddie was a State Qualifier in Debate and Livestock Judging, Regional record holder in Pole Vault, and a State Qualifier in 440/mile relay. Eddie was a member of the Nocona Masonic Lodge#753, Bowie Masonic Lodge#578, Royal Order of Jesters Ct. 85, Maskat Shrine, Scottish Rite, and Knights of Columbus. After high school, Eddie attended Cooke County College, Midwestern State University, and Southwestern Texas State University where he earned a BSBA in Management and Finance along with his Long-term Care Administration Degree. Over the past 30 years, Eddie worked in long-term care – 20 years with Brookdale Living, holding many positions of leadership and ultimately becoming a consultant for several companies. His influence continues to be felt across the industry to this day. His standards of care and culture are unprecedented and unsurpassed by anyone. A former CEO stated, “Give it to Eddie, and he will turn good to gold.” Eddie is survived by his wife, Chris; sons, Benjamin Baker (Angela), Hunter (Kaycee), and Chandler; grandsons, Ryder, Paxton and Rhodes; sisters, Becky Fenoglio Hankamer (Hank) and Jennifer Fenoglio Langer; nephews, Maisen Hankamer and Samuel Martin; nieces, Isabella and Katherine McCaskill. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. His pride and joy were his children. To have sons was the ultimate blessing in his life. He provided and worked endlessly to support his family. He was the rock, foundation, and builder of all his family is or ever will be. There are no words on paper to describe or fully embrace who and what Eddie (Bubba) was, but one thing is for certain – God created a great man and now he can rest in God’s presence fulfilled. There will be a visitation on Saturday, March 8, from 4 -5 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will follow on Sunday at 2 P.M. at Montague County Cowboy Church, Montague, TX with Pastors Joe Caballero, Paul Coronado and Father Albert Francis officiating. Interment will follow in Montague Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Wichita Maskat Shrined, Montague ISD or Nocona ISD.

Marcus Anthony Collins,64, died at his home on February 19, 2025 in Montague County Texas. He was born on November 23, 1960 in Wichita Falls, TX to Grant Collins and Jonquetta “June” Collins. Marc worked as an RN at Nocona General Hospital. He married Janean Emory whom he leaves behind with his passing. He is survived by his wife, Janean Burget of Montague County Texas and his daughters, Cheyenne Collins, Lacie Collins, and Brooke Collins all of Montague County Texas and one sister. Julie. There will be a private family service for Mark at a later date.

Gabe Markwood Groves was born on December 25, 1939 in Nocona, TX to Claude and Fannie (Roberts) Groves. He was preceded in death by his parents. He passed away at the age of 85, on February 23, 2025 in Nocona, TX. He is survived by brothers, Bob Groves and Homer Groves & wife Pam both of Nocona, sisters, Fannie Curnutte and Dorothy Etter both of Gainesville, Nancy Lester of Mustang, Oklahoma and Mae Groves of Nocona, and many neices and nephews. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2 P.M., at Shady Grove Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Joe Crow. 

Carolyn Joyce Bell, beloved daughter, sister, wife, Mom, Nana, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025 in Denton, Texas at age 76. Born, July 31, 1948 in Saint Jo, Texas, she attended Nocona schools and graduated in 1966. Her career commenced at the Nocona Boot Factory. Carolyn then dedicated over 43 years in Montague County, serving in various courthouse roles, including the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office, where she played a vital part in promoting youth programs. Regularly, Carolyn was a smiling face at Bell’s Drive In. Carolyn shared 48 years of marriage with her high school sweetheart, Ronnal Bell, and they raised their sons, Bobby and Brady, in Montague. After retiring, Carolyn and Ronnal spent time with their children, grandchildren, family and friends. Carolyn enjoyed quilting, gardening, cooking Bell’s famous burgers, Hallmark movies and traveling. Carolyn lived a life filled with love, dedication and compassion to friendships and community, and a kindness that touched all who knew her. Preceded in death by her parents, George Paskel Larison and Mattie Evelyn Burke Larison, and her husband Ronnal. Carolyn leaves behind her sister, Barbara Culwell, brother, Larry Larison (wife Kim); sons, Bobby (wife Cora) and Brady (wife Brandi) and grandchildren, Mikaella, Nikolas, Breecia, and Maverick. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Carolyn’s warmth, strength and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed. Her legacy will continue to shine through the lives with whom she crossed paths. She continues her life in the presence of Jesus Christ, her Savior. There will be a visitation on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 6 – 7 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will be held on February 22, 2025 at 2 P.M. at Nocona Cemetery with Rev. Dave Woodbury officiating.

Catherine “Cathy” Bonilla, 68, passed from this life to the next on February 8, 2025 at her home in Bowie, TX surrounded by her loving family. Cathy was born on November 14, 1956 in Henderson, KY to Whitey Templeton and Betty Tapp Templeton. Cathy was family-centered and a hard-worker all of her life. She loved and supported her family whenever she could. She married the love of her life David Bonilla on April 2, 1975 in Lewisville, TX and they shared a happy life together. Cathy loved to help others with her time. She volunteered many hours and helped many people at the Clear Choice Pregnancy Resource Center in Bowie. She was also a member at Freedom Life Church in Bowie. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, David Bonilla of Bowie, TX, children, Dereck Bonilla & wife Sarah of Bowie, TX, Kathleen Bonilla of Bowie, TX, sisters, Carol Riggins of Rowlett, TX, Mary Templeton of Lewisville, TX and three grandchildren, Easton, Avery and Elias. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Clear Choice Pregnancy Resource Center, 110 W. Wise St., Bowie, TX 76230