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ELIZABETH MARTINEZ

Obit taken from Lovington, NM Newspaper

TEXAS SERVICES HELD FOR CHILD

The Mass of the Angels was celebrated March 21, 1989 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fort Stockton, Texas, for four-year-old Elizabeth Martinez of Lovington. Burial followed in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Fort Stockton.

She had been hospitalized since February 14 following severe injuries suffered at her home. Charges have been filed against Gilberto Santiesteban, 30, and Esequiela Martinez, 35, mother of the child, in connection with the injury and death of Elizabeth. They remain in custody in Lea County jail.

Griffin Funeral Home of Hobbs was in charge of local arrangements and services and burial were under the direction of the Fort Stockton Funeral Home.

Survivors include her father, Arturo Martinez of Fort Stockton; her mother, Esequiela Martinez of Lovington; two brothers, Reuben Anthony Martinez and Arturo Martinez Jr., both of Lovington; and a sister, Christina Martinez of Lovington

Loma J. Murphy, 89, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002. Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 8, 2002, at the Imperial Community Center with the Rev. Raquel Mull officiating. Burial will follow in the Imperial Cemetery under the direction of Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home.

Loma was born April 4, 1912, in Lovelady, Texas, to Boykie Kue and Gertrude Palmer. She married Wince L. Murphy on Sept. 29, 1933, and they had two children, Prince Boykie and Deneise. She and her husband helped build Red Bluff Reservoir, raised sheep, goats, cotton, cattle and a wonderful family. Loma and Wince helped build the Methodist Church in Imperial, Texas, where they resided for over half a century. Loma never knew a stranger and could make friends with anyone in a short period of time. She loved visiting with people and would make time in her busy schedule to just visit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, one grandson and her loving husband of over 51 years. She is survived by her two children, Prince Boykie of La Grange and Deneise Reid of Midland; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

William Harrison Morris, 75, of Sheffield died Wednesday, Nov, 12, 1997, at his residence.

Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sheffield Church of Christ with burial in Sheffield Cemetery . Arrangements are by Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home.

He was born March 29, 1922, in Montell and had been a resident of Sheffield since 1976. An Army veteran of World War II, he was a ranch worker and a member of the Sheffield Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Annie Lois Morris of Sheffield; two sons, Charlie Ross Morris and Keith O'Neal Morris, both of Sheffield; a brother, Paul Medith Morris of Fort Stockton; three sisters, Pauline Everett of Fort Stockton, Jenella Poitevint of Pecos and Juanita Pixley of Bryan-College Station; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews

An original Bronco, 'Bud' McFadin, 77, stayed true to team

Lewis P. "Bud" McFadin, a defensive lineman on the inaugural 1960 Broncos team, died Monday at age 77. The 11- year veteran of professional football played four years for the Broncos. He was chosen to play in the AFL All-Star Game in 1961, 1962 and 1963.He spent his final two AFL seasons with the Houston Oilers, then began a five-year stint as the Oilers' defensive line coach the following season.

"He was a strong man - as far as physically, as far as his constitution and his personality," said Mr. McFadin's son, Mark, a priest in Victoria, Texas. "He was very strong but very kind and gentle at the same time. Very mellow, very easygoing. Just pretty much an old cowboy."

A standout two-way lineman at the University of Texas, Mr. McFadin was chosen in the first round of the 1951 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He served in the Air Force during the Korean conflict that year and was unable to join the Rams until late in the 1952 season. He played with the team until 1956.

After being switched from an offensive guard to defensive tackle in 1955, the accolades started rolling in for Mr. McFadin. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1955 and '56 and was chosen as an Associated Press All-Pro in 1955.

He retired abruptly after the 1956 season following an accidental shooting incident while hunting. He stayed out of football until the AFL was established in 1960. He came out of retirement to play for the Broncos, a team he still followed through this season.

"He followed Denver very closely each year," Mark McFadin said. "We were disappointed we didn't make it past the Steelers (in the AFC Championship Game), but yeah, he always followed the Broncos." Mr. McFadin, who was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1983, was an All-American and All-Southwest Conference player for the Longhorns in 1949 and 1950. "He was really remembered well here, especially for his years with the Longhorns," Mark McFadin said. "A lot of the old-timers and guys from his generation remember playing against him. Even in my profession, I have people coming up to me, telling me they played against him in high school."

In his professional career, Mr. McFadin played in 125 games and scored 24 points - three touchdowns on fumble recoveries and two field goals - and made one interception.

Mr. McFadin is survived by his wife, Patsy; sons Mark and Lewis; daughters Paige Holloway and Barbara Collins; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services are this afternoon at Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Victoria, Texas.

Retrieved from the Rocky Mountain News

Vicenta Garcia Miranda

Vicenta Garcia Miranda, 68, of Odessa, who was born July 30, 1935, in Presidio, Texas, to Guadalupe and Maria Elena Garcia, passed away Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at her residence.

At the age of 6, after the death of her father, Vicenta moved to and lived in Fort Stockton until 1948, when she decided to move to Odessa where she met her loving partner in Christ, Juan Miranda.
Vicenta Garcia and Juan Miranda united in marriage on April 24, 1952, and to this unification was born 14 children.
She was a loving housewife, mother and an active and devoted Christian and Church member of The Way, The Truth and The Life.

Mrs. Miranda was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Joseph Miranda; one daughter, Fatima Lourdes Miranda; one grandson, Johnny Alexander Miranda; and two sisters, Lisa Armendariz and Dolores Lopez.
She is survived by her husband, Juan Miranda of Odessa; seven sons, Manuel Miranda, Gene Miranda, Anthony Miranda, Andrew Miranda, Mark Miranda, Michael Miranda and Malachi Miranda, all of Odessa; six daughters, Consuelo Ramirez, Patsy Rios, Martha Miranda, Gloria Miranda, Tabitha Payne and Mary Miranda, all of Odessa; one brother, Marcelo Garcia of Odessa; two sisters, Jesus Garcia and Catherine Garcia, both of Odessa; 29 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Malachi Miranda, Michael Miranda, Jasper (Andy) Miranda, Michael Joseph Miranda, Richie Miranda and Jesse Dominguez.

A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday Jan. 19, 2004, at Odessa Funeral Home Chapel. Chapel Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004, at Odessa Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Clark and Humberto Porras officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Services by Odessa Funeral Home.

Pioneer Staff Writer

Accidental asphyxiation was ruled the cause of death of Doug McIlwaine, former Fort Stockton resident, according to a statement issued by the Gallup Police department public information officer Erin Pablo. Officers and an emergency medical team responded to a call from Amber McIlwaine at approximately 2 a.m. Friday morning. They found the man unconscious and rushed him to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to police reports, McIlwain had eaten pizza and was drinking with a friend earlier that evening. His wife went to bed, and awoke around 2 a.m. She found her husband in the garage, unconscious in a lawn chair. His jeep was turned on, but appeared to have run out of gas. He was not breathing, and she called 911.

Joy Woolman, of the Office of Medical Investigation, ruled the cause of death as accidental asphyxiation.

Ora Mae Felts Meli, 76, Fort Stockton, died Saturday, March 11, 2006 after a courageous battle with respiratory failure. Born November 19, 1930, in Sabinal, she was the daughter of Oliver L. Shelton, constable of Sabinal and Ethel Henry Shelton his wife of 46 years. She was a graduate of Sabinal High School. On February 14, 1949 Ora Mae was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, James (Jimmy) Edward Felts. He was a sergeant in the United States Air Force. The couple lived in Uvalde and Sanderson before moving to Fort Stockton in 1958. Ora Mae became a member of the First Methodist church, was a scout leader and was active in the P.T.A In 1961. Ora Mae and Jimmy bought the Yucca Trailer Park. Ora Mae became the owner/manager. James preceded her in death January 3, 1970.

December 21, 1975, Ora Mae was united in marriage to John T. Meli, her best friend. He survives. She joined the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Stockton, offering her talents to God and the church family she loved dearly.

Her love of children compelled her to open her home and heart to 28 foster children sharing her lessons in life. Ora Mae loved to learn new things and became a licensed insurance salesperson. She was an accomplished artist in the Fort Stockton Art Association. She was also a volunteer English teacher at Butz School for Spanish speaking children.

Known for her great sense of humor, Ora Mae had an incredible talent for finding time for everyone. She was unique in so many ways, overcoming many infirmities throughout her life and still she rose with fire in her eyes saying, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." She lived by the golden rule and remains special to so many people.

In addition to her first husband, Ora Mae was preceded in death by her sister, Eunice Spears.

Those left to mourn her passing in addition to her husband, John T. Meli, Fort Stockton; her son, Robert L. Felts and his wife Debbie, Big Spring; her daughter, Vicki Felts and her husband, Don, San Angelo; five grandchildren, James, Margaret, patty, Brooke and Annalee Felts, all of Big Spring. She is also survived by: her sisters, Viva McDevitt, El Paso, Barbara Henley, Dallas and Mary Whetstone, Webb City, Mo; and her best friends for more than 50 years, Lee Harris and Melba Ward, both of Fort Stockton.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 15 at the Fort Stockton Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 16 at the First Presbyterian Church, Fort Stockton. Reverend Jim Miles will officiate. Interment will follow at the East Hill Cemetery . Arrangements are under the direction of Fort Stockton Funeral Home

Adan Galindo Morales, 68, Fort Stockton, died Tuesday, January 24, 2006. Born November 20, 1937, at Presidio, he was the son of Luis and Josepha Galindo Morales. They preceded him in death.

Surviving Adan is: his sons, Adam Morales, Fort Stockton and Jimmy Robert Morales, Fort Davis; his daughters Kelly Joe Morales, Marfa and Delma Mays, Austin; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by: his brothers, Ben Morales, Marfa and San Morales, Amarillo.

A rosary was held January 27 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marfa. Funeral services were held January 28 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Father Mike Alcuino officiated. Interment was in Mercedes Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home, Fort Stockton.

Ferrell Matthews, 96, died January 14, 2006 at Fort Stockton. Born January 10, 1910 in Austin, she was the daughter of Adolf William and Maude Vaughan Seekatz. She attended St. Mary's Academy in Austin. Before her marriage, Ferrell worked as a secretary to her future husband, Laurence Matthews. Ferrell and Laurence were united in marriage August 8, 1929 in Austin.

They began their married life at Rancho Resendez in Mexico. During the depression they came back to the United States with their daughter, Luisa. Although they lived many places their home base was considered Laredo. She had lived in Fort Stockton since 1988.

When Laurence began his career as a metal arts teacher at Laredo's Martin High School, Ferrell worked with him and the students to make a strong VICA club that won many honors, both for participation in club activities and in creativity in their metal work. When Laurence was not able to be at class for the day, Ferrell would take her knitting and tend class for the day. She and Laurence had many wonderful memories of the time spent with "the boys". In fact, they kept in touch with many of the students to this day.

While Ferrell did not work outside the home after her marriage, she volunteered many hours of her time. She worked with the Pink Ladies in many capacities at Mercy Hospital in Laredo. When the Pink Ladies no longer had an organization, she volunteered thousands of hours through the Red Cross at Fort McPherson Medical Unit in Laredo.
Active in her church, Ferrell worked on a parish and diocesan level. She was the president of the National Conference of Catholic Women, working also with the Altar Society and the PTA. Ferrell was known for her strong devotion to her faith. Ferrell had strong standards for behavior, honesty and fairness. She was generous with her time, advice and financially as well. She will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

She is survived by: her daughter Luisa McNeil and her husband, John, Castle Rock, Colo.; her niece and nephew Rosalie and Joe Sullivan, Fort Stockton; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A rosary was held January 17 at Fort Stockton Funeral Home. Funeral services were held January 18 at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Father Floro Hinacay officiated. Interment was in East Hill Cemetery . Arrangements were under the direction of Fort Stockton Funeral Home

Estefana B. Montanez, 89, a laundry business laborer, died Tuesday, July 2, 1997, in Fort Stockton. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today at Fort Stockton Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Charlie Geller officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery . Arrangements by Fort Stockton Funeral Home.

She was born in Alpine and was a resident of Fort Stockton.

SURVIVORS: Husband, Thomas Montanez of Fort Stockton; sons, Eddie Bustamente and Roman Montanez, both of Seminole; daughters, Virginia M. Gonzales of Fort Stockton and Eva Flores of San Angelo; brother, Pidel Cano of Alpine; sister, Rebecca Fuentes of Bronte; 20 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren and one great-great-great-grandchild

Ena McKee, 90, of Iraan died Friday, Jan. 9, 1998, at her residence after a brief illness. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. today at Restland Cemetery . Arrangements by Richard W. Box Funeral Home.

She was born in Bridgeport, Okla., and had lived in Iraan since 1958. She was Methodist.

SURVIVORS: Several nieces and nephews

Gary Alan McCowen, 44, of Fort Stockton, a roustabout for Cougar Drilling Co., died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998, in Ozona. Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Fort Stockton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at East Hill Cemetery . Arrangements by Fort Stockton Funeral Home.

He was born in Beaumont and had lived in Fort Stockton since 1983. He was a member of the Assembly of God.

SURVIVORS: Wife, Gracie McCowen of Fort Stockton; parents, Nathan and Joyce McCowen of Lumbertin; daughter, Gwendolyn McCowen of Seminole; stepsons, Christopher Najar and Gabriel Najar, both of Fort Stockton; brothers, Richard McCowen of Beaumont and Greg McCowen of Combine; sisters, Debbie Allen of Arlington and Sherry Page of Boling

William B. "Bill" McAdams, 42, of Fort Stockton, a production specialist for Chevron, died Friday, Jan. 30, 1998, at Pecos County Memorial Hospital in Fort Stockton. Services will be held at 3 p.m. today at First Baptist Church with Mike Buckley officiating. Burial will be at East Hill Cemetery . Arrangements by Fort Stockton Funeral Home.

He was born in Clinton, S.C., and has been a resident of Fort Stockton since 1980. He was Baptist.

SURVIVORS: Wife, Pam McAdams of Fort Stockton; daughter, April McAdams of Farmington, N.M., and son, Brandon McAdams of Fort Stockton.

Fernanda S. Martinez, 54, of Fort Stockton, a motel housekeeper, died Tuesday, April 28, 1998, in Fort Stockton. Services will be held at 10 a.m. today at Templo Los Olivos. Burial will be at East Hill Cemetery . Arrangements by Fort Stockton Funeral Home.

She was born in Fort Stockton and was a lifelong resident. She was a member of Asambleas De Dios Templo Los Olivos.

Survivors: Father and step-mother, Lorenzo and Isadora Subia of Fort Stockton; sons, Charles Martinez and Bobby Martinez, both of Fort Stockton, Wayne Martinez of Odessa; daughters, Betty Hernandez of Hobbs, N.M., Kilvie Martinez and Annabelle Montoya, both of Fort Stockton; brothers, Andres Subia and Joe Subia, both of Fort Stockton; sisters, Carmen Gonzales of Dallas, Irma Subia and Frances Acosta, both of Fort Stockton, Carolina Lamore of Odessa; and 16 grandchildren.

Eska Belle Morgan, 84, of Fort Stockton, a restaurant owner, died Saturday, May 16, 1998 in Odessa. A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the Fort Stockton Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Apostolic Church. Burial will follow in East Hill Cemetery . Arrangements by Fort Stockton Funeral Home.

She was born in Rattler. She was Apostolic.

Survivors: Husband, Ennis Morgan of Fort Stockton; son, Bobby Glen Kelsey of Columbus, Ga.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Bruce T. McKenzie, 70, a rancher, died Saturday, Oct. 17, 1998 in Fort Stockton. Services will be at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Stockton, with the Rev. Dr. Larry Kruger officiating. Burial will be at the McKenzie Ranch Cemetery . Arrangements by Fort Stockton Funeral Home.

He was born in Pecos and was Methodist.

SURVIVORS: Wife, Carolyn McKenzie; sons, Ted McKenzie of Fort Stockton, and Bryan McKenzie of Lubbock; sister, Virginia Chapman of Tyler; brothers, Bill McKenzie, and Gregg McKenzie, both of Fort Stockton, Roy McKenzie of Bakersfield, and L.B. McKenzie of Ruidoso, N.M.; five grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren

Ruth Malm, 78, of Fort Stockton, a secretary and bookkeeper, died Sunday, Oct. 25, 1998, in Fort Stockton. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Fort Stockton Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Richard Schroeder officiating. Burial will be at East Hill Cemetery . Arrangements by Fort Stockton Funeral Home.

She was born in Manor and moved to Fort Stockton in 1938. She was Lutheran.

SURVIVORS: Nieces, Linda Smith of Kermit and Katy McKenzie of Midland

Jerry Ann McKenzie, 66, of Fort Stockton, a homemaker, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 1998, in Midland. Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Fort Stockton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at East Hill Cemetery . Arrangements by Fort Stockton Funeral Home.

She was born in Marathon and was a lifelong resident of the Fort Stockton area. She was Protestant.

SURVIVORS: Husband, Douglas C. McKenzie of Fort Stockton; son, Mark Austin of Stanton; daughters, Veverly Lloyd and Kathy Bomar, both of Midland, Barbara Jean Peterman and Jeannie Johnson, both of Fort Stockton; brothers, Tom Hollis of Junction, Bill Hollis of Waco and Bob Hollis of Huntsville; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Maria P. Martinez, 89, of Fort Stockton, a homemaker, died Saturday, November 21, 1998, in Fort Stockton. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Church with the Rev. David Herrera presiding. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today at St. Joseph Hall. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery . Arrangements by Fort Stockton Funeral Home.

She was born in Durango, Mexico and lived in Fort Stockton for 80 years. She was Catholic.

Survivors: Daughters, Margaret Macintosh of Fort Stockton; sons, Jose Martinez and Manuel Martinez, both of Fort Stockton and Juan Martinez of Odessa; brother, Jose Perez of Mexico; sister-in-law, Consuela Primera of Monahans; three nieces; 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren

Virginia Monroe, 81, of Iraan, died Friday, Jan. 1, 1999, at Seabury Nursing Center in Odessa. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the Iraan Christian Church with the Revs. Frank House and Clark Racca officiating. Burial will be in Sheffield Cemetery in Sheffield. Arrangements by Richard W. Box Funeral Home of Iraan.

She was born in Texarkana, Texas. She was a longtime resident of Iraan and a member of the Iraan Christian Church.

SURVIVORS: Daughters, Sandra McDaniel and Barbara Belcher, both of Odessa, and Carolyn Slover of Del Rio; sister, Dorothy Collins of Fresno, Calif.; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren

Arcilia Marquez, 60, of Odessa, died Sunday, April 22, 2007, in Odessa.
A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Ruben Reyes officiating. Burial will be at Fort Stockton Catholic Cemetery .

She was born in Fort Stockton.

Survivors Daughters, Patsy Aguilar and Lupe Marquez, both of Odessa and Rosario Ramirez of Greeley, Colo.; brothers, Alonzo Gonzales of San Antonio, Rudy Gonzales of Fresno, Calif., Luis Hernandez of Tyler, Henry Gonzales of Midland and Orlando Gonzales of Fort Stockton; sisters, Enriqueta Martinez of San Antonio, Elida Gonzales and Ninfa Colunga, both of Fort Stockton and Diana Serrano of San Antonio; and 12 grandchildren

Mary Mitchell MacFarland, Fort Stockton, died Tuesday, May 29, 2007, in Fort Stockton. She was 91 years old.

She was born in Atlanta, Ga., December 24, 1915. She was a resident of Fort Stockton since 1918, after moving from Atlanta, Ga., with her family. She was a homemaker. The last years she resided with Mr. and Mrs. Glen Luning. She was also lovingly cared for by Olivia Hernandez, Della Ortiz, and Alberta Olivas.
She graduated Fort Stockton High School in 1933 and attended Texas Women's University in Belton and Sul Ross State Teacher's College in Alpine.

Mary was a very loving and caring person. She was involved in all of her children's activities from scouts and PTA to Sunday school. In the early 50's she founded the First Youth Center. Mary was a member of the First United Mehodist church, Magno Usui Study Club, and the Fort Stockton Literary Club. She played in four bridge clubs, and was a member of the New Centuary Social "42" Club. In 1990, she was selected First Lady of Fort Stockton.

Mary and Bishop Mitchell were united in marriage November 9, 1935, in Fort Stockton. He preceded her in death December 14,1964. She was united in marriage to Roy Lee MacFarland March 31, 1979. He preceded her in death April 10, 1981.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Mitchey Strong; and son-in-law, Raymond Armstrong.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Nancy Hammond and husband, Sherman, Fort Stockton; and Vera Ann Strong, Tow; and a son, J. B. Mitchell and wife, Marsha, Wesleco. Ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren also survive her.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 1 at the Fort Stockton Funeral Home chapel. Rev. Dr. Jim Miles, First Presbyterian church, officiated.

Interment was in East Hill Cemetery, Fort Stockton.

Pallbearers were Delmon Hodges, Paul Dionne, Billy Moody, Harlan Lambert, Sherman Hammond, and Steve Hammond.

Arrangements were directed by Fort Stockton Funeral Home, Fort Stockton. Memorials may be donated to American Diabetes Association, West Texas Boys Ranch or a favorite charity.