Stuart Schafer 1937-2025

Stuart Schafer 1937-2025

Stuart Joseph Schafer, age 87, passed away on April 4th, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in 1937 during a brief stay in Dallas, Stuart grew up in Houston. He attended Lamar High School, then UT Austin and Stephen F. Austin. Returning to Houston he married, began his career, and started a family. After nearly a decade in California, he and the family returned to Texas, settling in what is now Oak Leaf.

Stuart began his career in the oil tools industry, becoming an early expert in computerized manufacturing. He pioneered data centers and automated processes at Grove Valve in Oakland, California and Larkin in Waxahachie, Texas which he later led. In the 1980s he returned to the family Geophysics firm, Sidney Schafer and Associates, later becoming President. As a teen, he helped his father take gravity readings in the Gulf of Mexico-data so precise it remained valuable for over half a century.

Stuart shared a joyful and devoted 62-year marriage with Diane. They were best friends, partners, and an inspiration to their children and grandchildren. He is survived by Diane and their children: Doug Schafer (Wanda) of Laguna Niguel, CA; David Schafer (Stacy) of Torrance, CA; and Karen Scott (Michael) of Oak Leaf, TX. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Christopher (Cheyenne, WY), Suzi (Provo, UT), Joseph (Lehi, UT), Jonathan and Ian (Oak Leaf, TX), and Olivia and Hannah Rose (Torrance, CA).

Stuart was a 40+ year member of Midlothian Bible Church where he found great fellowship. He served his community in many roles, including Scoutmaster of Troop 652 and as a member and officer of his local fire board. Early in his career he served in the Air Force Reserve.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Wuanita, and his brothers, Stephen and Mark. Stuart's life was a gift to his family, community, and everyone who had the privilege to know him. He will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. on Saturday, April 26 at Midlothian Bible Church, 4250 FM 663. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the charity of your choice.

 

Published by Dallas Morning News on Apr. 13, 2025.

 

BEBE GIPS WALKER 1937 - 2025

BEBE GIPS WALKER 1937 - 2025

Altaleen Gips Walker, affectionately known as “Bebe” to family and friends and “Bunkie” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born in Houston, Texas on October 8, 1937 to Alton and Sybil Gips. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on April 21, 2025. 

Bebe proudly spent the first 42 years of her life in Houston, graduating from Lamar High School in 1956.  She often shared fond memories of growing up in Bellaire and of dear friends that she kept from kindergarten all the way through graduation and beyond.  She cherished those lifelong friendships and attended many reunions, as recently as April 20, 2024.

Her childhood summers were spent in Yorktown, Texas with her beloved German grandparents.  It was there that her grandfather, a masterful bridge player, taught her the game that would become one of her lifelong passions. Bebe continued to play bridge several times a week throughout her life, as well as participating in “bridge retreats” where she would spend the whole weekend playing with friends.   She had a fierce love of games and a legendary competitive streak. Whether it was bowling (she proudly earned multiple trophies and 300-point pins for perfect games), or family favorites like “Hot Dice” and “Dum Dum,” Bebe played to win—and she usually did. 

In her early years, while raising her young children, Bebe worked at Pace Management, where she created advertising campaigns and helped produce shows, races, and concerts. She was instrumental in organizing major events at the Astrodome and the Summit—even contributing to the grand opening of the Superdome in New Orleans.

Later, Bebe began a successful career in real estate, where she met the love of her life, Johnny Walker. Together, they built a life and a business partnership that lasted over 50 years. Their first venture—AWC Video Corp, which reflected their sense of humor and stood for “Are We Crazy?”—evolved into Texas Televideo and Video Specialists. The business grew to include more than 40 locations across Texas and Arkansas.  Johnny and Bebe eventually returned to Livingston 30 years ago. 

 

Bebe lived life to the fullest and had a magnetic presence that lit up every room she entered. She was a natural storyteller, known for her wit, her spunk, and her unmistakable style. Though petite in stature, she was a firecracker with a big personality who made a lasting impression. She had a gift for bringing people together—whether it was her cherished “Sister Fest” or “Birthday Fest,” the Community Concert series that she helped organize, or spontaneous family gatherings. Her home was always warm and welcoming, from festive Christmases to lazy summer afternoons by the pool filled with an endless supply of waffle mix and grilled cheese sandwiches. And she did it all with perfect hair, polished nails, and color-coordinated outfits—from her jewelry to her shoes. Inspired by her grandmother, Bebe also found joy in her “silly flowers,” and her home and yard were always bursting with color and blooms.

Bebe was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Johnny, and her stepdaughter Jennifer McCage. She leaves behind her children: daughters Leigh Ann McCoy and Cathy Gips, both of Austin, Texas; sons Dan David Cryan, Jr. (Rhena) and Kenneth G. Cryan (Trudy), both of Sealy, Texas; and her sisters Judy Hodge (Marshall) and Jeri Winslett (Walter). Her legacy lives on through her 11 grandchildren—Christine Madison, Lauren McCoy, Trey Cryan, Patrick Cryan, Brett Cryan, Kayleen Moseley, Kendra Fitzhenry, Preston “Bo” Cryan, AJ McCage, Blair McCage, and Joseph McCage—12 great-grandchildren, and many lifelong close friends.

A celebration of Bebe’s remarkable life will be held at the First Methodist Church of Livingston on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1:00pm.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bebe’s memory to Bethel Baptist Church at 8815 FM 350 North, Livingston, TX 77351.

 

Mary Ruth Sheldon Valerius 1938-2025

Mary Ruth Valerius

February 25, 1938 – March 19, 2025

Mary Ruth Sheldon Valerius died on March 19, 2025 in Houston Texas, after a short battle with cancer.

She attended Lamar High School and continued her education at The University of Texas at Austin where she became an active member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority.

She married Robert Valerius in 1959 and lived in several cities before settling in Corpus Christi for 44 years raising a family. Once her children began school, she earned a B.S degree in Nutrition at Texas A&I in Kingsville (now Texas A&M) traveling about 40 miles each way every day. She says she could not have done it without the support of her loving husband. After working for a short time as a dietitian, she began working with Robert at his new oil and gas business. Mary Ruth loved traveling with close friends and entertaining them and family at their vacation home on the Blanco River in Wimberley Texas. She loved sewing, music, cooking and hosted many dinner parties with close friends. In 2006 she and Robert moved to Houston and joined Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. She became involved with the food ministry and had the honor of being asked to become an elder. Mary Ruth was an active member of P.E.O. in both Corpus Christi and Houston.

Mary Ruth is preceded in death by her father John Francis Sheldon, her mother Lillian Augspurger Sheldon, her sister Barbara Sheldon McKeown, and her brother, John Augspurger Sheldon. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert David Valerius and their three married children, David Valerius (wife Sarah), Kathy Valerius Rice (husband Mark) and Karen Valerius Shannon (husband Chris) and six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (pchas.org)

Memorial Service Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77024, with a reception to follow at the church.

 

Arthur Elden Smith 1937-2019

 

Arthur Smith 1937-2019

 

Arthur "Art" Elden Smith Jr. passed away on March 28, 2019 with his loving family by his side. He headed home after a full, successful, and blessed life. He was born on January 17, 1937 and spent his youth hunting and fishing around the bayous of Houston, Texas. A lifelong student and educator, Art taught for 38 years in San Antonio and Houston followed by 13 years of substitute teaching. He relished his free time in the outdoors, enjoying nature. A devoted and caring husband, he met the love of his life, Martha, in high school. They shared 58 delightful years of marriage. Art is preceded in death by his mother, Grace Smith, and his father, Arthur Smith, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Martha Smith; son, Art Smith (Valerie); daughter, Cindy Berman (Bobby); sister, Sally Webb (Buster); grandchildren, Sam Berman, August Smith, Adam Berman, Matthew Berman, Olivia Smith, Brian Berman, and numerous well-loved nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Aransas County (HFHAC), P.O. Box 2375, Fulton, Texas 78358 or to a charity of your choice.

DIANA RIEDEL MELANSON 1938-2024

 

Diana Riedel Melanson

October 14, 1938 - May 4, 2024

 

Diana Riedel Melanson passed away May 4, 2024, at the age of 85. She was born in Houston, Texas on October 14, 1938 to the late Arthur J. and Florence B. Riedel. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

In 1960, Diana married J. Robert Melanson and moved to El Campo, Texas. Diana and Bob were married for 52 years.

While living in El Campo Diana taught many children piano lessons and played the organ for Christ Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church. Diana and Bob became a member of First Baptist Church of El Campo where she was an active member until 2021 when she moved to Fulshear to live with her son. She enjoyed spending time in the Texas Hill country at her country home in Wimberley. She enjoyed spending time out on Lake L.B.J. in Kingsland. She had a passion for her yard and spent countless hours tending to her many flower beds, and took pride as her flowers bloomed each season, especially her favorite flower the Texas Bluebonnet. She loved her many dogs, especially Annie.

Diana was very active in her community. She was involved in many clubs and organizations, The Sunshine Ladies, The Sesame Club, and the Garden Club were just a few.

She was a director at Commercial State Bank for many years until the bank was sold in 2010.

Diana's favorite things were spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved going to long lunches with her best girlfriends to solve all the world's problems.

Diana is survived by her son David Riedel Melanson and fiancé Denise Robbins of Fulshear, daughter Julie Melanson Fuechec and husband Jeff of El Campo, granddaughters Molly Melanson Mobley and husband Cody, Taylor Fuechec Kresta and husband Clay, grandsons Grant Riedel Fuechec and Mason Joseph Fuechec. Great Grandchildren Rhett and Rhylee Mobley. The family would also like to include Alesha Barrios, a special caregiver of Diana's for her unwavering love, support, and care during the six years that she was with her.

Thank you to Home Instead of Victoria, Angels Home Care and Vantage Hospice for everything they did to help during the course of her Alzheimer's illness.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Triska Funeral Home from 5pm-7pm. Funeral Services will be at the First Baptist Church of El Campo Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10:00am.

Pallbearers are Grant Fuechec, Mason Fuechec, Junior Garcia, Clay Kresta, Cody Mobley and Clay Wilkins. Honorary pallbearer is Rhett Mobley.

 

 

 

Ana Gardescu Villasana

 

Ana Gardescu Villasana 

1938 - 2024

 

Ana Villasana, 85, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024.

 

Faith and her daily walk with the Lord were most important to her. Ana remained involved with the Catholic Church by serving as secretary to a Bishop and Priest and helping St. Basil's Byzantine Rite Catholic Church establish itself in northern Harris County, Texas.

 

Second in importance was her family. Ana met her husband while a student at the University of Texas and went on ro have 9 children. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons. Ana is survived by her 7 children, 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, along with nephews, nieces, and other family members whom she loved and cherished.

 

A daughter of the General for the Romanian Army during World War I, genealoqy was Ana's passion and it brought her tremendous pride and joy to document her family’s ancestry.

 

An accomplished woman, Ana fluently spoke Spanish and French, played

the piano, and sang melodiously in Soprano. She played the electric bass ukelele for the Strummers and was involved with many charitable      organizations.

 

Ana will be remembered for her kindheartedness, her love of mystery movies, her positive outlook on life, her wit, and the groan inducing jokes          she told. She leaves behind a life for which, in her final words, she had*no regrets' and promised that she would “wait to greet you".  

 

MORRIS HOLLAND 1938-2022

 

MORRIS KYGER HOLLAND JULY 1938 – JANUARY 2022 (Source: FastPeopleSearch).  . 

 

No Obituary was found.