Ralph Elledge 1938-2021

 

William "Ralph" Elledge
1938-2021

 
William "Ralph" Elledge passed away peacefully on Monday, May 24, 2021. Born on June 2, 1938, he is survived by the love of his life, Karen Conger Elledge. They met at First Presbyterian Church, Houston on the day Ralph returned home from his tour of duty in the US Army.
Ralph and Karen were wed on February 24, 1962 and enjoyed more than 59 years together. Travelling was one of their favorite pastimes. They both attended Lamar High School. Ralph then went to Texas Tech University and finished at the University of Houston.

Ralph is also survived by his son, Chris Elledge, and fiancé Christene Wood; his daughter Julie Powers and her husband Jeff; Granddaughter Christy Steiger and her husband Garrett; and his great grandchildren, Freya Leigh and Soren John Steiger.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, William Richard Elledge and Elaine Morrow Elledge, and his grandson John Clayton.

Ralph was seen as a leader in business and in the community. He was the founder of Baytown Valve and Fitting (initially Thomas A. Read and Company), established in 1969; he served as President and Past President of The Rotary Club of Baytown. He was also active in the Chamber of Commerce and was involved with supporting teachers from Goose Creek ISD. He also supported many charities in Baytown, usually anonymously.
Ralph also served his country, serving in the army from 1961-1965.

Ralph and Karen raised Shetland Sheep Dogs together and excelled in competition. They had the top winning Sheltie not once, but twice in the nation.

Ralph's greatest pride was taken from being a good husband and father. He led by example, and spending time with his family took precedence over all other pursuits.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 5-8 pm, Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX 77521. The funeral service will be held at 1 pm, Friday, May 28, 2021, in the Navarre Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jeff Powers officiating. Burial will follow at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery, 8624 Garth Rd., Baytown, TX 77521.

 

Martha McAshan Guerin 1938-2021

                                    Martha McAshan Guerin 1938-2021

Martha McAshan Guerin, 82, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2021 after a period of failing health. She was born on June 20, 1938 in Houston, TX to Harris and Frances (Corn) McAshan. She grew up in River Oaks and spent time at her grandparents' ranches in Tarrant and Parker counties. She graduated from St. Mary's Hall in San Antonio and attended the University of Texas in Austin.
Martha married James T. Robison III, MD and they raised their family in Austin. She was active in the Junior League of Austin and served on the board of the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation. Martha was an artist/sculptor and was an owner of the Kerbey Lane Art Gallery in the 1980's. She was especially proud of one of her sculptures, Sandcastles, which is displayed in the Healing Garden at Dell Children's Medical Center. It is a life-sized seascape of three children playing in the sand.
Later in life, Martha married John Guerin, a retired University of Texas Art Professor. Together they travelled around the world and shared their love of art. John and Martha enjoyed 25 happy years of marriage until his death in 2006.
Most importantly, Martha was a loving mother and was devoted to her family. A true Texas Matriarch, she was a beloved mother to her 4 children and their spouses, a beloved grandmother of 7, and great-grandmother of 5. She was a sister, aunt, great aunt and friend. Martha was a kind and generous person who loved to be with others. Her compassion and dedication to those around her was always evident and she loved that many of her friends and extended family considered her to be a second mom to them.
In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husbands, John Guerin and Jim Robison, her daughter, Helen Brady, and her sister, Ann Baker. She is survived by her children, James Robison IV (Cheryl), Frances Osborne and Joel Robison; her son-in-law, Steven Brady; her grandchildren Hunter Houston (Elizabeth), Louisa Houston Vann (Philip), Mac Brady, James Robison V (Lauryn), Thomas Robison (Caroline), Kathryn Robison and Kylar Osborne; her great-grandchildren, Martha Winslow Vann, Houston Vann and Henley, James VI and Peyton Robison; her sister, Aline Gaubert (Paul); her first husband, Whipple Newell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the many people who have helped Martha in the past few years and especially the past few months. She appreciated each of her various 'caregivers' and thought of them all as friends. A special thanks goes to Erika Munoz for her dedication to Martha.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 13 at 3:00 pm at The Church of the Good Shepherd. A reception will follow at Westwood Country Club.
Remembrances may be shared at www.wcfish.com. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, Austin, TX – (512) 452-8811

 

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Published in Houston Chronicle from May 6 to May 9, 2021.

 

JEAN MARIE HOGABOOM STEMMONS 1938-2021

Jean Hogaboom Stemmons, 82, of Beaumont, formerly of Dallas, passed on Friday, April 9, 2021, at Christus Saint Elizabeth Dubuis Hospital - Beaumont. She was born on September 1, 1938 to Ollie Smith Hogaboom and Stephen Rice Hogaboom, in Ennis, TX. Jean was a graduate of Lamar High School in Houston, and she attended North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. In 1991, she married the love of her life, John M. Stemmons, Jr. Jean was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Jean worked for Industrial Properties Corporation for many years and served as the President of Executive Women International for the Dallas chapter.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Debi Allen and husband, John Allen, of Carrollton, TX, her daughter, Shari Brewer and husband, Tim Brewer, of Beaumont, TX, her son, Steve Feemster and his wife, Kate Feemster, of Tulsa, OK, her grandsons, Zachary Giese and Jared Giese of Carrollton, TX, her granddaughter, Erin Brewer, grandson, Clayton Brewer, and granddaughter, Melanie Brewer, of Beaumont, TX, her grandsons, Thomas Feemster, Matthew Feemster, and Samuel Feemster, and granddaughter, Lluisa Pascuzzi of Tulsa, OK, and her stepdaughters, Ellen Stemmons Harbison and Brooke Stemmons Jackson of Dallas, TX, and her sister-in-law, Allison Simon, and husband, Heinz Simon, of Irving, TX.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and her husband, John M. Stemmons, Jr.

A graveside service for Ms. Stemmons will be at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, April 11, 2021, at Grove Hill Memorial Park, 3920 Samuell Boulevard, Dallas, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706; the Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701; or Pups In Peril, P.O. Box 1655, Groves, Texas 77619.

 

Bill Gallagher 1939-2021

 

Bill Gallagher 1939-2021

William Jordan Gallagher was born in Toledo, Ohio March 5, 1939. His adventurous spirit was nurtured by his mother, Mary Alice Parker Gallagher. They moved often, living in Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and finally Texas where he attended San Marcos Academy and then Lamar High School in Houston. Bill attended UT-Austin, where he pledged Kappa Sigma fraternity graduating with a degree in Business Administration.

He was a risk-taker with a notoriously positive attitude. Bill started many businesses including venture capital, computers, convenience stores, opened a winery and at the same time acquired and restored the Gruene Mansion (which had not been lived in for 60 years); developed a nutritional shake product, expanded a rotisserie restaurant chain, and started a chain of blues/barbecue restaurants with a line of retail barbecue sauces. Bill had recently started a new business making a homeopathic nasal spray.

Bill (a.k.a) SuperChicken had friends of all ages and walks of life and loved to have fun, listen to music and dance, especially Rammin' to Los # 3 Dinners.

Bill truly lived an adventurous life, never complained, forgave easily and made the most of his time here on earth.

He is preceded in death by his mother Mary Alice Parker Gallagher and stepfather Eugene Francis Gallagher. He is survived by his son Benjamin Gallagher, his daughter Brook Rosser and son-in-law Steves Rosser, and his granddaughters Augusta and Isabel Rosser. He loved all of his friends.

Published in San Antonio Express-News on Mar. 26, 2021.

Mavris Sandra (Sandy) Smith 1938-2019

Mavris Sandra (Sandy) Smith 1938-2019

 

Sandy Smith, 81, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 12, 2019, at Orange Park Medical Center.

 

Sandy was born September 1, 1938, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Percy and Mavis Smith. She graduated from Rice University in 1960, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and became a researcher at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. She later graduated from the University of Florida with a Master of Education degree in 1980. Sandy spent 37 years teaching biology in both Duval and Bradford counties. She was well-respected within the educational community, being recognized as the Teacher of the Year for Bradford County.

 

Sandy was a talented tap dancer, currently dancing with the Minettes. She also was a gifted artist, preferring the media of oil and pastel. Sandy was an avid Gator fan and attended games for many years. She also volunteered within the Clay County school system.

 

Sandy is survived by her dear friend and companion, Allison Aljets; sister, Ginny Schoolfield (Kerry); brother, Percy A. Smith, Jr. (Mira), Traci Tennant, Gayle Aljets, Terri Gooding (Rick); grandsons, Brandon Prevatt (Amber), Jason Prevatt (Kelli), and Cory Tennant; granddaughter, Brittany Howell (Tyler); nephews, Matt Schoolfield (Kristin), Steve Hogue (Tammy); nieces, Alisa Wamble (Danny), Lori Smith (Bill), Sarah Petrino (David), Linda Selby; six great grandchildren; ten great nieces and nephews; and her beloved Shihpoo, Phoebe. Sandy is predeceased by her parents and Greg Aljets.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.

 

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville 904-737-7171.

DOROTHY ISAAC KIGHT

 

Dorothy Isaac Kight 1938-2020

Dorothy Kight passed away peacefully on November 21, 2020 to spend eternity with her savior, Jesus Christ. She is now home and reunited with her husband, Michael John Robson Kight, her brother, Edward Charles "Ike" Isaac Jr., and her parents, Edward Charles Isaac and Ruth Purdy Isaac.
Dorothy was born on October 25, 1938 in Houston, Texas. She attended River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Junior High, Lamar High School, and the University of Texas at Austin. She married Michael John Robson Kight on November 18, 1961 at St. Anne Catholic Church. Dorothy and Mike enjoyed eight wonderful years in the Larchmont neighborhood where they made lifelong friends. In 1970, Dorothy and Mike moved to the house on Pelham Drive where Dorothy was raised. Their home was a meeting place for adults and children for over 27 years. Dorothy always had the door open and was the consummate hostess. Dorothy and Mike eventually left Houston and spent their twilight years on the San Bernard River in Sweeny, Texas. This was Mamma Sue's happy place, as she was lovingly known to her grandkids. If she was not edging the yard with scissors or tending to her plants, she was enjoying the peacefulness and beauty of the river.
Dorothy was admired for her quiet, reserved and polite disposition. She had so many sweet and loyal friends gathered from her school days and commitments to Tri Delta Sorority, PEO Sisterhood, River Oaks Garden Club, the Brown Thumb Garden Club from Larchmont, The Church of St. John the Divine, St. Anne Catholic Church, St Thomas Mother's Club, The Guild Shop, and so many more. She had an amazing life surrounded by the love and admiration of family and friends.
Her children always said it and believe it to be true; she was a living angel. She loved the Lord completely and was servant hearted in a way that is seldom seen these days. Dorothy Kight will always be the finest example of the generous and selfless life that Christ asks of us all.
Dorothy is survived by her three sons and their families; Renee and Michael Kight and their children and families, Anna and Johnny Kight and their son Luca, Kayla and Jake Kight, Annie and Kelly Kuni, and Ashley Kight; Catherine and Rick Kight and their children CJ, Kristin and William; Hollianne and Allen Kight and their children Bryan and Ellie.
Due to the current health crisis, the family will conduct a private burial at Glenwood Cemetery later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial contributions be directed to Camp Allen, 18800 FM 362, Navasota, Texas 77868 or https://www.campallen.org/support.html .
While we mourn her loss, as Dorothy always said, "This too shall pass." This is the hope we have in Jesus, and for this, we give eternal praise!

 

Carol Kinney Williams

 Carol Kinney Williams 1938-2020

 

Carol Kinney Williams, the most zestful life-lover that many of her friends or family have ever known, passed in Dallas, Texas on November 1, 2020, a day short of her 82nd birthday.

"Carol" to husband Jimmy, her family and friends; or "Mama" to Trey, Todd, and Leslie; or "Gigi" to her four grandsons: Tanner, Ben, Jack and Joe; has died after a brief illness. A survivor of the mid-century Texas polio epidemic, our beloved matriarch is now dancing with Jimmy and running around Heaven seeing all the sights. The face she longed for the most has always been that of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and we have no doubt she rushed to His Arms at full speed with brand new legs.

Carol was born in Dallas, Texas on November 2, 1938 and grew up in the Houston area the daughter of Harry A. Kinney, an insurance professional, and Betty Winn Kinney, a homemaker. As a 6-year-old girl, in 1945, Carol was stricken with polio, a horrible disease that afflicted many American children in the years before the vaccine. At the Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis, Carol spent a year fighting to survive while separated from her family. She emerged from this ordeal with a permanent limp and an iron will to live her life with gusto.

After graduating Lamar High School in 1956, Carol, a talented pianist, attended SMU-Dallas and received her Bachelor of English in 1961. At SMU, Carol met Jimmy, a trained tenor, and from that moment on they accompanied each other. Carol was instrumental, through her boundless gift of evangelism, in Jimmy’s decision of faith. They served in full time ministry, first with Campus Crusade, and then with Probe Ministries, for the rest of their lives. They were married in 1963 and raised three children: Trey (1964), Todd (1968), and Leslie (1970).

In the mid-1980s, Carol, along with other survivors of the polio era, began to experience what came to be termed “post-polio syndrome” where sufferers had some of the same symptoms previously thought conquered. Carol fought back, hard, and founded the Dallas-Area Post Polio Association to foster community with her fellow survivors. During this work, Carol completed her Master’s in Counseling (LPC) at North Texas University in 1989 and practiced for several years until retirement.

Our Gigi had a zest for life that lit up the room. She never met a travel brochure she didn’t like. She meticulously researched the local cuisine to ensure she didn’t miss a single sensation. She was passionate about sharing her faith. And she loved her family with all her heart. She will be missed for her lusty laugh, her sincere love of people, and her relish of life.

Carol is survived by son and daughter-in-law Trey and Aide Williams of Plano; son and daughter-in-law Todd and Amy Williams of Dallas; daughter and son-in-law Leslie and Matt Blum of Carrollton; grandchildren Tanner Williams, Ben Williams, Jack Williams and Joe Williams; sisters Sue Patrick and Harriett Linenberger of Houston; brother Alex Kinney of Houston; and extended family and friends.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'” Proverbs 31:28-29

After a private burial at Sparkman-Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas, a celebration of Carol's life will be held at 11 o'clock AM on November 14, 2020 at Grace Bible Church, 11306 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75229. Masks Required. Reception immediately following.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded at the following link:
https://livestream.com/accounts/23169952/events/6961783