Obituaries

Mary Virginia Gifford passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019 peacefully in her home in Newport. 

Mary was born November 27, 1931 to Emery Pierce Grammer and Ruby Naomi Grammer in Fort Worth, Texas. On May 1, 1948 she married Roy A. Gifford at the age of 16. Together they had seven children. Mary devoted her life to her family. Everyone who ever knew her knew she was a model of selflessness, compassion, love and what a godly woman should be.

Kevin Michael Kelly, 62, of Jacksboro, Texas, died in Wichita Falls, Texas, Thursday, April 18, 2019.

He was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1956, the son of Leslie Stewart Kelly (deceased) and Naomi Helen (Stevey) Kelly of Simla, Colorado. 

Bernice Evelyn Rumage passed away Thursday April 18, 2019 in Jacksboro, Texas at the age of 93 years old.

Bernice was born February 22, 1926 in the Silver Hill Community in Jack County, Texas. She was the daughter of Frank H. and Annie Kitty (Burch) Riddle. She and the Late James Thomas “JT” Rumage married February 9,1946 in Mineral Wells, Texas. 

Eva Faye Mitts-Fenter, 79, of Thackerville, Oklahoma, formerly of Jacksboro, died Saturday, March 30 in Marietta, Oklahoma.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, April 3 at Hope Cemetery in Henrietta, Texas.

Betty Jean Little died on March 19, 2019 at Faith Community Hospital in Jacksboro, Texas surrounded by good friends. She was 90 years old.

She was born October 22, 1928 in Jacksboro, Texas.

Betty was the daughter of Bert and Lois Slate. She attended schools here in Jacksboro, graduating in 1947. After graduation, she worked at numerous jobs until she landed a job at First National Bank. She retired from the bank in 1993. 

Betty was a member of First United Methodist Church, Business and Professional Women’s Club, and Oakwood Cemetery Association.

Andrea L. Mayen, 54, went to be with the Lord on March 17, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. 

She was born in Azle, Texas April 5, 1964. Andrea was proud of her work as a camp counselor for Camp Sweeny for Children with Type I diabetes. It was there she spent many summers and gained many lifelong friends. Andrea also worked for QVC for 23 years. Andrea loved to laugh and make others laugh. It is that laughter shared that will help us get through these difficult days. She was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, and aunt who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

Henry Dalton Birdwell Sr. went to be with his Lord Friday, March 15, 2019 at his home in Bryson, Texas surrounded by his family.

Jerry Edward “Bullwhip” Staley passed away Monday, March 4, 2019 in Jacksboro, Texas at the age of 79 years old.

He was born July 8, 1939 in Jack County, Texas to Will Edgar and Ruthie Mae (Spradling) Staley. He worked as a truck driver. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; son, J.C. Beesinger; brother, Royce Staley.

Rainard Walterscheid, 80, passed away Sept. 16, 2018. The family will host a memorial service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1186 US Highway 148, Jacksboro.

Dennis Leroy Bennett passed away Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Jack County, Texas. He was 58 years old.

He was born on August 16, 1960 in Bowie, Texas to Leroy and Earlene (Shaw) Bennett.