Obituaries

Betty Yankie, 69, of Clarendon passed away on Thursday, November 11, 2021, in Dallas.
Services will be held at a later date.

Michael Shayne Branigan, 75, of Memphis died Friday, November 5, 2021, in Amarillo.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021, in Fairview Cemetery in Memphis. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021, in the First United Methodist Church in Memphis.

Viewing will be held Thursday at the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
Michael Shayne Branigan, 75, was born October 31, 1946, to Elmont Branigan and Florita Salazar Branigan in Memphis, Texas.

Mike attended Memphis schools, graduated in 1965, met Linda Carol Miller January 1963 was engaged in 1964 and married July 2, 1966. Mike and Linda lived in Oklahoma City where he attended HC Lewis School of Electronics and was employed with J.C. Penney’s. They moved to Granbury where Mike worked for General Dynamics in 1968. In 1969 Michelle was born, shortly thereafter they moved back to Memphis where Mike began his jewelry manufacturing courses in 1972. In 1973 Michael Shayne II was born. Mike worked using his talent to manufacture several unique, personalized designs of jewelry for many people. He also repaired antique clocks. In the late 70’s he took on the position as city manager. During his tenure, several streets were paved, and city drainage and sanitation was planned and completed. In 1982, following the loss of his father Elmont, Mike began a long career in the medical field as an EMT, Paramedic, then earned his BSN with honors in August of 1996. Mike worked as a charge nurse for Hall County Hospital until it was closed. Mike began working as the Infirmary Administrator at the T.L. Roach Jr. Unit for Childress Regional Medical Center in February of 1998 until Mike retired in July 2015.

Throughout Mike’s life, he was a lifetime Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Mike was Lodge Chief in Order of the Arrow as a vigil member of the Lone Wolf Lodge Adobe Walls Council and participated in numerous ceremonies. Mike was Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge #729. Mike bought and managed properties at Club Lake where he served as president of the board for several terms. Mike was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, he was a pilot, a scuba diver, motorcycle rider, powerlifter with numerous state and national records in deadlift and bench press. He was also a member of the Memphis Lion’s Club.

Mike was a wonderful husband to Linda for over 50 years. They travelled many places together and sometimes included children and grandchildren. His grandchildren fondly remember the trips to Carlsbad Caverns, The Precious Moments Chapel, White Sands, and multiple snow skiing trips. Unfortunately, Linda lost her leg in 2013 and Mike went above and beyond to take excellent care of her until she passed away in 2017. He married Sondra Stargel on January 2nd, 2020. They enjoyed spending time with friends, feeding fish, watching the wildlife, and especially enjoyed the beautiful Texas sunsets while sitting on the deck.

Mike passed away surrounded by family at his bedside on November 5th, 2021, after complications from West Nile Virus.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and wife Linda Miller Branigan.

Mike is survived by his wife Sondra, sister Elmonette and husband Russell of Clarendon. Daughter Michelle Branigan and soulmate Mark Sweatt of Memphis, son Shayne Branigan and Angie of Memphis, Grandchildren Michaela and Jeremias Torres of Lubbock, Savannah Lee of Lubbock, Jessica Lee of Lubbock, Maddi Bryant of Childress, Hannah and Andrew White of Memphis, Liam Branigan of Memphis, and Abbey Branigan of Memphis, great granddaughter Sierra White of Memphis. Nephew Stephen Bivens and family of Clarendon, and Nephew Scott Bivens and family of Chattanooga, Tenn.

In Lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to First United Methodist Church of Memphis, Texas or the Memphis Lions Club.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Kay Ellen Pfeiffer Lindsay, 71, of Clarendon died Thursday, October 28, 2021 in Amarillo.

Graveside services were held on 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 31, 2021 in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with Branson Cruse officiating.

Kay was born March 13, 1950 in Amarillo to Joe Paul and Jo Ellen Robertson Pfeiffer. She grew up in Clarendon and was a graduate of Clarendon High School. She had worked as a high school counselor and a teacher for 20 years prior to her retirement.

She worked in Dallas, Texas; Shanghai, China; and Monterrey, Mexico. She moved back to Clarendon in 2015 to enjoy her retirement. She was a talented seamstress and passionate piano player who volunteered her talents in whatever way she could to give back to her community, no matter where she was living at the time.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her paternal grandparents, Otto and Annie Laura Pfeiffer; her maternal grandparents, Sam and Rubye Alice Robertson; and her beloved canine companion, Jiaoza.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Umpleby and husband John of Salado, Stefanie Reasoner of Austin, and Kimberly Jackson and husband Andre of Rockwall; her sister, Paulette Kidd and husband Roy Arnold of Clarendon; her grandchildren, Jessica, Alena, Sarah, Marie, Parker, and Brady; her great granddaughter, Amore; her a sister by choice, Patricia Klekamp; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas, where a memorial will be held on November 6, 2021. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran School 6121 E. Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75214 or Mission of Christ Network 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball, TX 77377.

Linda Jean Spoon, 73, of Claude died Sunday, October 31, 2021 in Claude.

Memorial services will be held on 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021, in Robertson Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon.

Linda was born December 9, 1947 in Weslaco, Texas, to her parents JC & Ruby Hill. She passed away October 31, 2021 in her home. Linda married Lloyd Spoon on June 12, 1999. They lived in Claude putting them close to family.

She is survived by her Husband of 22 years, Lloyd Spoon of Claude. Daughter: Lori Baggett of Claude. Grandson: Brady Baggett and wife Jacy Baggett of Claude Granddaughter: Brooklyn Morgan and husband Tre Morgan of Claude. Also, a great grandson: Parker Lewis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Son: Todd Roberson, Grandson: Adam Nagle and Brother: Jerry Hill.

Linda served most of her time helping others feel beautiful as a cosmetologist for 50+ years. She touched so many lives by doing what she loved. Those who knew her would best describe her as being unapologetically herself. Which is a rare gift that they all cherish about her. When she loved you she loved you fiercely and with her entire heart. Linda loved God and prayed for those she loved often.

One of the most important things she left her family was her knowledge of life. She taught them to let go of small things that seem big in the moment, because really they aren’t big at all. She loved get togethers and family functions. You could see in her eyes how much she loved her family. What a blessing she was.

One of Linda’s prayers her family stumbled upon explains her love for them perfectly. She wrote- “Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer. I am thankful in all things. Thank you for my life, and my beautiful children. I lift Lloyd, his family, Lori, Brady and his family, Brooklyn and Tre up to you. Father I ask you open their hearts so that they may receive your blessings. Father, place your total armor around them and protect them from any evil…”

Flowers can be sent to the funeral home. If you would rather send a donation, the family asks that they be sent to Claude EMS.

Buford Holland, 98, of Hedley died Friday, October 15, 2021 in Amarillo.

Graveside services were held Monday, October 18, 2021, in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley with Rev. Bruce Howard, officiating.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Buford was born May 23, 1923 in Donley County to Waymond C. and Katie Katherine Hassell Holland. He grew up in Donley County and was a graduate of Lelia Lake High School. He married the love of his life, Geraldine Patricia Foster on December 12, 1942, in Lelia Lake.

Buford was a World War II veteran serving in the US Army Air Force. He had been a resident of Hedley since 1949 and was a rancher. Buford had served as a Donley County Commissioner for 12 years, served on the Lelia Lake and Hedley school boards, the Donley County Hospital District board, and the Rowe Cemetery Association board. He was a member of the American Legion, Hedley Lions Club, and the First Baptist Church in Hedley. Buford was the backbone of the Holland family and he lived life to the absolute fullest.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 76 years, Geraldine in 2019; a son, Lynn Holland; and his brothers, Calvin Holland who was missing in action during World War II and Eldon Holland.

He is survived by two sons, Otis Darrell Holland wife Barbara of Hedley and Glyndol Holland and wife Kathi of Amarillo; a daughter, Gail Hill and husband Johnny of Hedley; a sister, Cliftie Johnson and husband Mike of Clarendon; nine grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Buford was not a flowery type of man. He did not want to waste precious water or money on flowers. So, the family asks that you consider a memorial to one of the Hedley organizations listed below. He would be happy to know that someone benefits from your kindness.
Rowe Cemetery Association, PO Box 213, Hedley, TX 79237 or Hedley Sr. Citizens, PO Box 216, Hedley, TX 79237.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Mary Ellen Christie Noble, 93, of Amarillo passed away peacefully Sunday morning, October 10, 2021.

She was born on April 25, 1928, in Hedley, to Lesker Olen and Sallie Christie. On July 28, 1946, she married Theo V. Noble in Lelia Lake. She and Theo lived in Lubbock and Amarillo raising a family of six boys and one girl.

Mary worked for the City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department for 17 years before retiring in 1989.

She continued being very active is various clubs, as a Sunday School Teacher and on the golf course. She was a long-time member of Paramount Baptist Church where she raised her family and participated in the choir. She loved to sing and participated in the Singing Women of Texas for many years.

Mary was an avid golfer and at one time served as President of the Women’s Golf Association.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Theo, her son Larry, three brothers, and a sister.

She is survived by five sons and one daughter, Ronnie Noble and wife Glenda of Grand Junction, CO, Debra Wilcox and husband Rick of Amarillo, Texas, Tommy Noble and wife Karen of Albany Texas, Mark Noble of Amarillo, Texas, and Gary Noble and wife Jo Beth of Amarillo, Texas, and Neal Noble and wife Meg of York, Pennsylvania; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 14, 2021, in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. She will be buried in Clarendon at Citizens Cemetery next to her husband and son. Viewing will be available from Noon- 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home.

Memorial can be made to Southpark Baptist Church in Lubbock.

Rugena Jake Rogers Torrez-Osborne (Jeannie) born on March 19,1958 in Clarendon, Texas. She was received into the loving arms of Christ Jesus on September 11, 2021.

She leaves behind her three sons Jerimiah Torrez and wife Kaylee, Joshua Torrez and wife Courtney, and Elijah Torrez. She had five grandchildren Jordan, Ryker, Justice, Draco, and Grace.

Jeannie was born into a large family of nine children. She was the baby sister to Steve Nolan Rogers of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Susan Rhoades of Tuscola, Texas, Lois Havens of Rosebud, Texas, Steve and Kathy Rogers of Ovalo, Texas, Tim and Vicki Rogers of Burns Kansas, Becky and Lonnie Lockeby of Clarendon, Bonnie and Charles Roe of Tuscola Texas, Tina and Tim carter of Saginaw, Texas.

She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Jeannie was preceded in death by her father and mother Steve and Helen Rogers, a nephew Jason Lockeby, Grandparents Earl and Katie Collins, Starling and Myrtle Rogers, Sister-in-Law Mary Rogers, Brother-in-Law Gus Havens
Jeannie was a free spirit who was fearless, brave, loving, and compassionate. Despite her health conditions she was the definition of a true survivor and a fierce fighter. Jeannie dedicated her life to helping others during her nursing career. She was loved by her patients. Her smile always made them feel better.

We celebrate her life and the wonderful years entrusted to us by our most gracious God.

Written by her son Joshua Torrez.
We lost our amazing mother this Saturday after her battle with cancer. She amazed us all with her grit and determination to live as she endured the maliciousness the disease inflicts.

I’ll always remember her as she was in this picture, before the sickness eroded her body in a backwards crescendo, where instead of coming together in harmony, things slowly fell apart till her human form was no longer whole enough to exist on this earthly plane.

I have been wanting to post something on here for the last couple days to honor her in some way, but I’ve struggled to compound the words to convey the gratitude we have for this woman. How do you editorialize and express the essence of someone to whom you could never repay in multiple lifetimes for the love and sacrifice they’ve given to you and the world? Before she passed, she would occasionally apologize for the increasing responsibilities we were faced with, but I would immediately let her know that no matter what challenges we went through helping to care for her, we would still forever be indebted, and any credit accrued would continue to be in her favor.

I could write for days about mom’s many hardships and how she overcame them with grace and positivity but right now organizing the thoughts and words that are swimming through my head is akin to trying to organize fish through the aquarium glass, so I’ll try to succinctly close this thread. No assemblage of words no matter how eloquently arranged will do her justice anyways.

Jeannie Jake, a single mom that never thought of herself first or received a break in life, was a martyr on earth, a soldier of light, tirelessly attacking the darkness with the weapon of love. Her reward will be in Heaven as she joins our loved ones that went before her.

Mom, everything that is good in me came from you. You loved and provided for us with all of your heart, mind, body, and soul. As a nurse you always cared for your patients with compassion.

Your boys, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, and all other family and friends love you SO much! You’ve amassed true riches that sparkle not in the hand but rather in the confines of the heart where the priceless treasure is kept.

You will be missed eternally but will forever live on in all of us that have been blessed to know your undying love. Say hi to our people for us…we’ll see you all when our time comes.

, 67, of Clarendon died on Thursday, September 16, 2021.

Services were held on September 20, 2021 in The Robertson Saints’ Roost Chapel, burial followed in Citizens Cemetery with Joe Neal Shadle officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Fern was born January 19, 1954 in Clarendon to John Calvin and Billie Kimbrow Ashcraft. She married James Edward Watts on May 7, 1996 in Clarendon. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, music and the outdoors. Family was important to Fern, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren very much. Fern was a resident of Donley County most of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter Elizabeth Watts.

She is survived by her husband, James; son, Jerry Stegall and wife Tammy of Pampa ; daughters, Tammy Christopher and husband Clay of Clarendon, Denita Davis of Clarendon, Jamie Watts and fiancé Jerry Reynolds of Balch Springs, Patty Bell and husband Billy of Honey Grove, and Linda Massey and husband Kenneth of Honey Grove; grandchildren, Caitlyn Burrow and husband Byron of Clarendon, Elizebeth Christopher of Pampa, Lane Stegall, Sonny Stegall and Brittany Stegall all of Lefors, Megan Bowley and husband Geoff of Pampa and Heather Schroder and husband Ben of Lefors and many step grand and great grandchildren. She is also survived by many other family members, her friends at Fresenius Dialysis Center in Amarillo and her special caregivers at Kindred Hospice.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to a charity of choice.

Bobbie Ruth Louis, of Clarendon was called home on Friday, September 10, 2021, in Amarillo at the age of 95.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 18, 2021, in Robertson Funeral Directors Saints’ Roost Chapel in Clarendon. Burial will follow in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon. Viewing will be held from 9:00 until service time on Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Bobbie Ruth Louis was born June 3, 1926 to Frank and Myra Duncan in the community of New Mountain, Texas. She graduated from Valley View High School in 1946. While there she was active in music, drama club, and athletics. She married her husband McKinley Louis in 1946 and was married for 53 years before his passing. Five children were born to this union. She moved to Clarendon, Texas, in 1946 and was a housewife, until she attended nursing school and worked as an LVN in Claude Nursing Home, Clarendon Nursing Home, and did home nursing until she retired.

She was preceded in death by her husband McKinley Louis; a son, Merle Travis Louis; and a daughter, Joyce Dianne Louis Clay; and her parents, Frank and Myra Duncan.

Leaving to mourn are her sons, Odell Louis and wife Rose of Albuquerque, New Mexico, John L. Louis of Clarendon, Texas, and Charles Mavis Louis and wife Winnie of Amarillo, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; 17 great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Sign the online guestbook at www.robertsonfuneral.com

Eddie Norman Miller, 83, of Howardwick, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021, in Amarillo. He was born on December 17th, 1937 to Bill Byrle and Texas Irene Watson Miller.

Memorial services will be held on September 22 at 1:30 p.m. at Robertson Saints Roost Chapel in Clarendon.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Eddie deeply enjoyed his lifelong career as an auto mechanic, but his real passion was restoring old cars, taking road trips on his motorcycle through the mountains and collecting guns. He loved being on the lake and having his family around for boating, fishing and campouts. Playing golf was also something he enjoyed with his brothers and friends. Eddie was a prankster and loved to make people laugh and he always greeted his friends and family with a big smile, a handshake or hug. He never met a stranger. People were drawn to him because of his character and charm. He was loved so much by all and will be dearly missed.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and his step-son.

He is survived by his wife, Tobey of Howardwick; three daughters, Kim Miller and Rhonda Yatsco of Fort Worth, Tami Pierce of Howardwick; five Grandchildren; Amber Stanford, Aimee Freese, Matthew Miller and Dillon Merz all of Fort Worth, and Jake Pierce of Austin; and four Great Grandchildren.