Don Robinson 1938 - 2022

 

Donald G. Robinson

March 13, 1938 – January 4, 2022

 

Donald Robinson graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Co. where he met his wife, Suzanne, of 63 years. Don received his MBA from the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. He had a successful career in sales and marketing, which led him to establish his own manufacturing representative agency, Robinson Sales. He enjoyed his time in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and also was a Mason. He was a man of faith and served as a deacon, lay counselor and elder, most recently at Glenkirk Church in Glendora. He was also a leader at his retirement community, serving on and leading multiple committees over the years. Furthermore, he loved playing golf, racquetball, and staying physically fit.

·       FAMILY

• Suzanne Robinson Spouse
• Debra Lynn Kohler Daughter
• Craig Duffy Kohler Son In Law
• Donald Mackintosh Robinson II Son
• Jill Jablonski Robinson Daughter In Law
• Grandchildren: Kaitlin Kohler, Anna Kohler, Chloe Robinson and Tyler Robinson

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to the American Heart Association and the Boy Scouts of America.

Glendora, California

 

Barbara Billingsley Mitchell 1938-2021

 

Barbara Billingsley Mitchell

March 16, 1938 - November 30,2021

 

Barbara Billingsley Mitchell, 83 of Lake Hills, Texas passed from this life
on November 30,2021 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born March 16,1938 in
McAllen, Texas to Samuel Jesse and Mary Goodwin Billingsley. 
 

Barbara "Babs" Mitchell grew up in Houston Texas and graduated from Lamar
High School. She continued her academic career at Baylor University on a
debate scholarship. Graduating from Baylor with a teaching degree, Babs
taught the majority of her teaching career at the San Antonio Northeast
School District. She also taught several years in Lindale and Winona, Texas.
She married Carl Eugene Mitchell on September 9, 1959.  Bab's was known her
quick wit and contagious laughter. She lived her life with deep faith in God
and was always quick to share her faith with others. Raising two daughters,
Cindy and Wendy, she was sure to instill in them a great independence and
individuality. She would always remind them that "you can do anything you
put your mind to." As she did with her girls, she always encouraged her
students intellectually and with great motivation. She would remind them
that they were all gifts and were gifted. Babs faced many challenges and
trails in life but she persevered through faith and fierce grit.   
 

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Samuel Jesse and Mary Goodwin
Billingsley; sister, Sydney Billingsley Frederickson and husband, Carl
Eugene Mitchell. 
 

Those left to cherish and honor her memory include daughters, Cindy Mitchell
Maddox and husband, Gary of Lake Hills, Texas and Wendy Mitchell Cuyler and
husband, Chris of Midland, Texas; grandchildren, Beau Maddox, Amber Maddox
Scholz, Aaron Maddox, Evan Cuyler, Audrey Cuyler, Chase Cuyler and great
grandchildren, Shyanne Maddox, Bryson Scholz, Maddox Scholz and Royi Cuyler.

A Private Family Service will be held at a later date. 

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals
at Kerrville Funeral Home (830)895-5111
 

 

Sharon Dincans Steen

 

Sharon Dincans Steen 1938-2021
April 13, 1938 - November 30, 2021

Sharon Dincans Steen was born in Dallas, Texas on April 13, 1938 to Louise Todd and was adopted at birth by Jennings and Florence Dincans of Houston. She was raised in Houston with her brother Burton Dincans enjoying a loving and idyllic childhood. Sharon attended Lamar High School in Houston, the Hockaday School in Dallas and the University of Texas in Austin.

Sharon is predeceased by her parents Jennings and Florence Dincans, her brother Burton Dincans, her birth mother, Louise Todd Madsen, her stepfather Jack Madsen and her remarkable friend, E. M. "Buck" Schiwetz.  Survived by her loving husband Gary Dunnam of Victoria and by her children Lias Jeff Steen (Barbara) of Houston, Shannon Steen Mann (Jamie) of Houston, Jennings Steen (Yuniedth) of Austin and stepdaughter Katharine Dunnam Tretter (Kevin) of Austin. Her lasting legacy is bright as she is survived by six wonderful and talented grandchildren, Jake Steen of Houston, Fauye Bennett of Austin, Ian Jennings Mann of San Antonio, Emma Louise Mann of Fort Collins, CO, Scarlett Jennings Steen of Austin and Lias Fletcher Steen of Houston. The grandchildren called her "Ma'am" because she was forever telling her oldest grandchild Jake to say "Yes Ma'am" when he was a baby and she has been "Ma'am" ever since....

She is also survived by her lifetime friend and the father of her children, Lias "Bubba" Steen of Westhoff and a wonderful group of nieces and nephews. Barbara Steen Smith of Corpus Christi, Tricia Mayfield Crane (Joe) of Bay City, Mark Steen (Terrie) of Corpus Christi, Russell Mayfield (Dawnica Owens) of Corpus Christi, Casey McDonough (Julie) of Edmond, OK, Brady McDonough (Kelly) of Edmond, OK and Kyle Burton Dincans (Nikki) of Hockley, TX. Also surviving Sharon are multitudes of creative and successful cousins and cherished friends.

Sharon's life can best be described as a "life well lived"! Her engaging smile was an open invitation to friends and strangers alike. While she grew up in Houston, her personality was better suited to a smaller community, and over the past 60 years, Cuero and Victoria repeatedly reaped the benefits of her civic enthusiasm and her refusal to take "no" for an answer!
She took great pride in breaking barriers and upsetting apple carts. Sharon was the first woman to run for and be elected to the Cuero City Council, opening the door for many qualified women to serve in elected office over the next 50 years. She ran for Mayor and only came up a few votes short in a still-standing record turnout, but a woman running for Mayor certainly got the "good ole boys" at the Cuero Dairy Queen stirred up.......

Sharon was proudly progressive, open minded and a champion for those individuals less fortunate than herself. While many folks adopted pets, she adopted people, especially those that may have been in a rough place in life. While she was long on advice, she was even longer on compassion, love and empathy. Sharon was never happier than when a troubled friend recovered and went on to lead a healthy, happy life. She was vulnerable and emotional while extending a gentle hand that was strong and secure, a wonderful trait that comforted many people who faced difficulties in their lives.

She was a tireless advocate for all things artistic and for historic preservation, even after surviving her "Tie-Dyed, burlap bag and zebra wallpaper phase" as a Founding Member of "Mama Mussett's Terrell Street Mod Squad" in the mid 1960's.....
She survived breast cancer when she was 44 years old and found her birth mother in the process. That event opened a wonderful chapter in the second half of her life and her combined and expanded family was greatly enhanced and all get along splendidly to this day!
She met the love of her life 35 years ago and crafted a life and marriage with Gary Dunnam. It was a loving union filled with incredible music, art, unstoppable laughter, fine wine and special times with creative and engaging friends from all walks of life. Legendary dinner parties under grand crystal chandeliers with spirited conversation was the order of the day. She could not cook a lick, but Gary's culinary prowess in the kitchen made an invitation to Liberty Street and Glass Street a coveted ticket. Sharon's table settings and dining decor were ornate, eclectic and chocked full of unmatched whimsy.  Sharon's personal sense of style could best be described as unique, bold and elegant..... You knew the moment she entered any room, it demanded your attention and it generally made you smile... Gary loves to tell the story of when they were appearing before the Victoria City Council in support of a historic preservation project. It was required to step up to the microphone and give your name, Sharon steps up and says confidently, "I am, Sharon Steen!" Once she finished her impassioned remarks, Gary steps up and says, "I am Mr. Sharon Steen!" Everyone in the room had a good laugh! That's just the way Sharon Steen rolled.....In Victoria, she never saw a civic project she could refuse to support when they issued a call for help. Over the years she served in leadership and key volunteer positions in a long list of civic and philanthropic organizations.

Sharon served three terms as President of the Victoria Regional Museum Association, President of the Victoria Fine Arts Association and President of Victoria Parks and Recreation. She served as Chairperson for the Victoria Holiday Lights Project, Member of the Victoria Planning Commission and on the Steering Committee for the Restoration of the 1892 Victoria County Courthouse. Sharon served on the Board of Habitat for Humanity, Victoria Preservation Inc. and was honored to be selected as one of three South Texas Women of the year in 2000. She served for years as part of the Reach to Recovery team of the American Cancer Society.  During her lengthy terms as chairman of the exhibits committee at the Nave Museum, Sharon's extensive knowledge of art and connection to notable Texas artists enabled the museum to have numerous exhibits of a recognized standard of excellence.  Along with like-minded friends she worked to establish the DeWitt County Historical Museum, reinvigorate The Turkey Trot into Turkey Fest and served on the board of Bluebonnet Youth Ranch.

She was not overly religious, but deeply and profoundly spiritual. She lived and taught the importance of "listening to your inner voice", not letting the difficulties and distractions of daily life get in the way of your intended destination. She encouraged everyone who would listen to "get off the beaten path and to march to a different drummer," if it so suited you.  Sharon was passionate about teaching her children and grandchildren to embrace diversity, extend compassion and always to respect others, no matter what differences existed. Like most mothers and grandmothers, she would bend your ear about how proud she was of her brood and how well they were prepared for the bumps in life.  She fought a graceful and valiant battle with Alzheimer's and left on her own terms in a peaceful way.

In a private ceremony, her ashes will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery in the Dincans' family plot next to her parents. Per her specific instructions, a festive and appropriate memorial service will be planned at her beloved Windy Hill Ranch in DeWitt County in the coming months. As her friend Buck Schiwetz would say, the memorial service will be an occasion for "urologies (eulogies) to be given!"

The family is grateful for the care and concern of Pola Gutierrez, Natalio Marquez, Del Staten, Ronnie Acosta, Reyes Sherman, and her loving team of care givers.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Avenue, Victoria, Texas 77901, The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, PO Box 866, Cuero, TX 77954, the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, FL. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or to any organization of your choice.

GOD BLESS YOU "MA'AM!" Thank you for the difference you made in this world and ALL our lives!!

 

Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 12, 2021.

 

 

Barbara Coonrod Rathke

Barbara Coonrod Rathke 1937 - 2021

 

Barbara Ellen Rathke passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021 in Kingsland, Texas at the age of 83. She was born on November 29, 1937 in Galveston, Texas to James and Angeline Coonrod. She grew up in Houston, and although an only child, was raised with family living on the same street. Her cousins were like siblings to her, especially Joann, Josephine and Vincent (Bubba), whom she remained very close to her whole life.

After graduating from Lamar High School in 1956, Barbara moved to Fredericksburg, Texas, where she later met and married Calvin Rathke in 1969. They were married 52 years and were members of Couples Bowling Leagues, The German Club and many other organizations that they danced with. Barbara also volunteered for the Animal Welfare Society. They spent the majority of their marriage in Kerrville and, together, raised four children - Michael, David, Jamy and Christine. Employed by the VA hospital from 1969 to 1996, Barbara then worked for Starlite Recovery Center a short time before retiring. She and Calvin purchased a waterfront lot at Lake Buchanan in 1982, where they built and eventually relocated to, full-time, in 2002. Since then, they've enjoyed gardening, bird watching, entertaining family/friends and fishing right off the wall in front of their beautiful home.

She is survived by her husband, all her children, five grandchildren (Jennifer, Jeanette, Joann, Calan and Kate), plus 8 great grandchildren. Cooking was her passion and she loved sharing recipes with family and friends - including her famous lemon meringue pie! She often reminisced about childhood memories, passing down stories to her children and grandchildren. The last years of her life were spent with those she loved most and she will be dearly missed, while resting in peace.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Chapel in Llano from 10:00A.M. to 12:00P.M. A graveside service will follow at 2:00P.M. at Bluffton Cemetery with Richard Vandeventer officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send a live plant that can be planted outside, cared for and enjoyed for years to Calvin Rathke at 115 Brazos, Bluffton, TX 78609.

 

NAN MARGRAVES 1939-1921

Nancy Margraves-Hoover 1939-2021 Nancy Margraves-Hoover passed away peacefully on September 17, 2021 with her daughter Elizabeth at her bedside. Nan was born in Houston on January 27, 1939 to Nina Benware and Dr. Ross D. Margraves and attended River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Middle School and graduated from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in 1956. A close knit family, the Margraves spent weekends at their Green Prairie Ranch in Wellborn, TX where Nan and her brother Ross grew up shooting targets, riding horses, attending games at TAMU's Kyle Field and spending time with family and friends. Nan was a 1960 graduate of Southern Methodist University with BAs in History and Education. Mrs. Hoover taught at Stratford High School in Houston for many years and at McCallum High School in Austin. She was a dedicated teacher of history with a compassion for students, going above and beyond the curriculum with interesting stories and visuals of historic figures, places and events. Her students knew they could come to Mrs. Hoover for help or advice on other matters which she only gave when asked. Nan was an Austin resident for 26 years, having moved there in 1993 to care for her ailing son Michael. After her retirement, Nan settled into a quiet life in Austin, volunteering with several animal rescue groups and working in her garden. Nan loved reading, gardening and being with her animals. In 2019, Nan moved to Houston to be near her family. We will miss Nan's warmth, beautiful smile and gracious manner. Nan was a private person who had quiet reserves of strength and an abiding faith in Jesus Christ. She was raised as a Methodist, attending St. Luke's Methodist Church in Houston and later converting to the Episcopal Church after marriage. Nan is preceded in death by her parents Nina Benware and Dr. Ross D. Margraves; by her son Michael Drennan Hoover, and by former husband, Howard S. Hoover, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Hoover Rotan and husband Matthew Rotan and their children: Edward McCall Rotan (Mac 25), Nina England Rotan (23), Elizabeth Sterling Rotan (Ellie 22) and Katherine Ross Rotan (Kate 19). She is also survived by her beloved brother Ross D. Margraves, Jr. and wife Madeline of Houston, and their adult children Ross D. Margraves III and wife Joanne and their daughter Megan; Paul Murray Margraves II and his children Sloane, Daulton and Max; Lisa Ann Margraves and wife Tiffany Otting and her son Ross B. Margraves; Scott Margraves and wife Lory and their children Madeline, Missy and Molly; Susan Margraves Anderson and husband Michael and their children Daniel and Elizabeth; and Stuart Margraves and his daughter Sara. Nan also leaves behind former in-laws Margaret and Jim Perkins of Tyler and Rusk, TX and their adult children James Perkins III of Houston and Conroe and Laura Perkins of Tyler, TX; and former sister-in-law Glenda Sullinger Margraves of Houston. Nan is also survived by her dearest friend Betty Ann Bair Newsom of Austin, TX. The Margraves-Hoover Family would like to thank the sixth floor staff at The Tradition Woodway (both Stellas, Star, Victoria, LaTonya, Elizabeth, Diana, Kayla and Reagan) as well as Seasons Hospice nurses Cirsteen and Kendra who took beautiful care of Nan. Contributions can be made in Nan's memory to the Houston SPCA at https://www.houstonspca.org/ or to Citizens for Animal Protection (CAPS at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/CitizensforAnimalProtection or to the Nance National Alzheimer's Center at Houston's Methodist Hospital at https://givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/NantzGivingForm . There will be a private family burial at a later date. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.— Ephesians 2:8-10 Published by Houston Chronicle from Sep. 20 to Sep. 21, 2021.

Wanda Johnson Beaudry Stanzel 1938-2021

Wanda Johnson Beaudry Stanzel
1938-2021
Wanda Johnson Beaudry Stanzel died October 3, 2021 at the age of 82 after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband, Theodore Edward (Ted) Stanzel, whom she married in 2011. Survivors include step-daughters Desiree Beaudry and Lisa B. Waters (Michael); brothers-in-law Baker Coulter, Ron Koska (Donna) and James Stanzel; nephew Seth Coulter (Janice); nieces Kellye Young (Maury) and Sara Whitlock (Kelvin); nephew and godson Steven Koska (Camille); niece Sherilyn Noland; step-grandchildren Shannon Toth (Gregory), Mathew Waters (Heather) and David Waters; and three step-great-grandchildren
A celebration of Wanda's life was held on October 8, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg, Texas with interment at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery.
Wanda was born on December 23, 1938 in Golden Meadow, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. After earning her degree from the UT Health School of Dentistry in 1958, Wanda worked as a dental hygienist in the Houston area. Later in her career, she excelled as a real estate sales associate. Wanda was a member of the Houston Yacht Club and The Blue Bird Circle and served as an enthusiastic tour guide for the Painted Churches in Fayette County.
Wanda loved life including dancing, playing golf and traveling. She believed God was good to her all the time.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Oct. 24, 2021.

Louis Wyatt Chenault Jr. 1938-2021

April 15, 1938-September 8, 2021

Louis Wyatt Chenault Jr. went home peacefully into the arms of the Lord Wednesday, September 8th, 2021.

Lou was born on April 15th, 1938, in Memphis Tennessee. The family then moved to Houston Texas when he was 3 years old. Lou made many lifelong friends throughout his years of living in Houston. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1956 and went on to graduate from the University of Texas with a degree in business in 1961.

The Bemis Bag Company brought Lou out to California in 1965, where Lou met his loving wife Joan of 46 years. He went on to sell strawberries and other produce for various companies until he retired in Santa Maria, Ca. at the age of 72.

Lou was a longtime member of Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande, Ca. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend. He was active in prison ministry and a leader in Community Bible Study, which made his heart happy.

Lou will be remembered for loving Jesus, giving out the gospel, golf, watching his favorite football team, go hook um horns, his generous servants heart, ice cream, Fritos, and his mom's lemon pie.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Wyatt Chenault Sr. and Effie Ola Anthony Chenault and his 2 beautiful daughters, Lisa and Michelle.

He is survived by his wife Joan, his sister Ann, and his children, David and wife Denise, Frank, Charles, Suzanne and husband Garth and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lou will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Monday, October 25, at 1:00pm at Grace Bible Church, 100 Rodeo Dr, Arroyo Grande Ca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory to CRU, Care Net of Santa Maria, and Prison Fellowship.