Jean Elizabeth (Isley) Lovell

Jean Elizabeth (Isley) Lovell, 87, formerly of Odessa, passed away in the early morning hours of January 5, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.   

Jean was born May 7, 1921 in Limestone County, Alabama to Edward and Sarah Isley.  She was the youngest of their twelve children and was raised in Alabama.  Jean married Paul Powers Lovell on September 24, 1938. Together, they had five sons.  The family moved to Odessa in the summer of 1960.  Paul preceded her in death in 1974. Once the five boys were grown, Jean went back to college.  She was proud to be a member of one of the first graduating classes of UTPB.  While in Odessa, Jean worked for Texas Instruments and as a substitute teacher.  Jean was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church during her years in Odessa.  She often spoke of God and was grateful for His many blessings.  In the last 8 years, due to declining health, Jean lived in Kermit, Midland, and most recently Dallas.     

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, her eleven brothers and sisters, her husband, and her son Stan in 2000. 

Jean is survived by four sons and their wives, Steve and Louise Lovell of Dalzell, South Carolina; Lon and Kathy Lovell of Dallas, Texas; Lowell and Kitty Lovell of Odessa, Texas; and Ashley and Beverly Lovell of Kermit, Texas.  She is survived by six grandsons and six granddaughters, Allen, Paul, Joe, Andy, Steve, Lonnie, Lauri, Melanie, Stephanie, Jessica, Carianne, and Amanda.  Jean also had 16 great-grandchildren.

If Jean could tell people the best thing about her life, it would be that she raised five wonderful boys and was truly a “mother” to them.  Throughout her life, Jean loved being a mother and a grandmother.  She cherished her boys, their wives, and their children more than anything else.  She enjoyed painting, writing and reading poetry, learning about literature, reading, sewing, and cooking.  Jean was a joy to be around, and people who knew and loved her were often blessed by her laughter and happiness.          

Services to celebrate Jean’s life are under the direction of Family Services Funeral Parlor in Kermit, Texas and will take place this week in Marietta, Georgia.  Pallbearers will be Jean’s six grandsons.        

Bruce Ali Mendez, age 31 of Kermit, TX passed away Monday, January 5, 2009 in Lea County, NM. Bruce was born on Wednesday, September 7, 1977 in Ojinaga, MX. 

Bruce was a very devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with his kids. Much of his time was spent taking his children fishing and riding 4 wheelers. He enjoyed playing the guitar and lived life to the fullest.  

Those left behind to cherish his memories are his wife: Sabrina Mendez of Kermit, TX; one son: Braedon Mendez of Kermit, TX; two daughters: Lyric Mendez of Kermit, TX and Aisha Mendez of Kermit, TX; parents:  Alfonso and Leonor Muniz of Kermit, TX; two sisters: Brenda Mendez and husband Manuel Torres of Odessa, TX and Carime Muniz of Ft. Hood, TX. 

Funeral Services will be 10:00 am, Friday, January 9, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel with Brother Mike May officiating.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery in Kermit, TX. Pallbearers will include Manuel Torres, Adan Bustamante, Luis Muniz, Tommy Webster, Oscar Rodriquez, Iver Ramirez, Scotty Pilcher and Stanley Pilcher. Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Joy L. Richardson

Joy L. Richardson, age 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 5, 2009 from Hospice House in Odessa.  She was born Saturday, April 12, 1919 in Stonewall, OK to George Early and Lettie Jane (Harris) Barnes.  She married Jim Arthur Richardson on March 27, 1957 in Lovington, NM.   

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Joy’s love was her Lord and she spent many hours reading the Bible.  She enjoyed cooking, working in the yard and crocheting. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her son:  Tom Walker of Odessa; one daughter:  Joleta Mangum of Kermit: nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded to heaven by her husband:  Jim Richardson; one grandson:  Travis Daniel Berry II; four brothers; and four sisters. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Friday, January 9, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Henry Freund officiating.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Pallbearers include:  Jeff Walker, Wallace Berry, James Townsend, Alex Carstens, Charlie Moon and Billy Stevens.  Arrangements were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Mary Louise Hunsinger

Mary Louise Hunsinger of Wink passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2009 in Wink, TX. Mrs. Hunsinger was born Saturday, April 28, 1934 in Royston TX to O.F.  and Itaska “Tessie” (Clinton) Decker.

Mrs. Hunsinger enjoyed reading, movies, cooking, and spending time with her family. She was very devoted to her family. She was a sweet, compassionate, and very considerate person; who was known for being able to keep a secret.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son: Earlex R. Hunsinger and wife Anita of Dallas, TX; her daughter: Judy Gail Evitts and husband Michael of Irving, TX; two brothers: Stanley L. Decker of Tucson, AZ and O. Rodney Decker and wife Oneda of San Angelo, TX; two sisters: Edith Jones of Wink, TX and Margaret  McCarty of Argyle, TX; two grandchildren: Amanda Leigh Mize of Richardson, TX and Nathan Wayne Hunsinger of Dallas, TX and one great-grandchild: Elijah Lucas Mize of Richardson, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents: O.F. and Itaska “Tessie” (Clinton) Hunsinger and her brother: Ray F. Decker.

Services will be 2:00 pm Sunday, January 18, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel.  Pallbearers will be: Ray Decker, Carlos Barajas, Jacob Grubbs, Shane Decker, Heath Clark and Rowdy Thomas.  Brother Richard Ray will officiate. Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Services are entrusted by Family Service Funeral Parlor.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Charlene B. Shuman, age 89, of Kermit passed away Friday, January 16, 2009 at Midland Memorial Hospital.  She was born January 2, 1920 in Durant, OK to Charles E. Euchley and Maide (Craley) Euchley.  She was a retired hospital housekeeper.

She is survived by two sons:  Chester Vaughn of Kermit and Charles Vaughn of Tallahassee, FL and one daughter:  Jane Easley of Ellijay, GA; nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lyle, and one daughter:  Mary Brisbin, as well as several brothers and sisters.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.  Services were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor of Kermit.

Josefa Olivas Briones, age 92, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2009 in Kermit, Texas. She was born on Sunday, August 27, 1916 in Mulato, Chihuahua, Mexico to Antonio and Francisca (Gonzales) Olivas.  Josefa married Cosme Briones on November 2, 1934 in Redford, TX., and he preceded her in death in 1992.  Mrs. Briones enjoyed spending time cooking, gardening and sewing.  Her true love was reading her bible and going to church.  She was known to have helped many with her prayers.  She loved her family, being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great- grandmother brought her much joy.

Those left to cherish her memory are three sons:  Tomas Briones and wife Emma of Phoenix, AZ., Carlos Briones and wife Eliza of Kermit, TX., and Paul O. Briones and wife Olga of San Antonio, TX;  three daughters:  Marcela Martinez and husband David of Kermit,  TX., Alicia Ortiz and husband Tomas of Andrews, TX., and Delma Sanchez and husband Julian Jr. of Kermit, TX.;  two brothers:  Pedro Olivas of Redford, TX., and Celestino Olivas and wife Maria of Grandfalls, TX.; two sisters:  Julia Quiroz of Midland, TX., and Delia Porras and husband Calistro of Monahans, TX.; 20 Grandchildren; 37 Great-Grandchildren; and 10 Great-Great-Grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband:  Cosme Briones; one daughter:  Angie Carrillo; one son:  Cosme Briones Jr.; one grandson:  Tommy Briones; 5 brothers and 4 sisters.

A Prayer Service will be 7:00 pm, Monday, January 26, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel.  Funeral Service will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at Family Services Funeral Chapel officiated by Fernando DeLuna. Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery in Kermit, TX.  Pallbearers are: Tim Briones, Sammy Briones, Art Briones, Eric Ortiz, Pete Ortiz, Rudy Sanchez, Andy Carrillo, and Tony Carrillo. Honorary Pallbearers are Carlos Briones Jr., Fabian Carrillo Jr., Adam Carrillo, and Raul Briones, Gilbert Gonzales.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor of Kermit, TX.

I thank God,,, When I remember you. II Timothy 1:3 

Narda “Jean” Berta, age 72, left this world for heaven on January 26, 2009. She was born to Manie and Raymond Kinstle on January 19, 1937 in San Angelo, TX. She was born to Manie and Raymond Kinstle on January 19, 1937 in San Angelo, TX. Jean found the love of her life, Alan Berta and they were married on June 16, 1955. 

Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Our beloved Jean was gentle and kind. She was not only an excellent wife and mother, but also a hard worker, caretaker and provider. The smell of sugar and chocolate chip cookies Jean baked will always be one of our favorite memories; not only for her husband and kids, but; also her daughter-in-laws and grandkids. Her grandkids will continue baking those cookies, filling the air with Jean’s love. She loved all her kids and grandkids beyond measure. While on earth, she made many wonderful friends. She brought laughter and joy to those she touched; she was a gift to all that knew her. 

Survivors include her husband Alan Berta, three sons: Mike and wife Brenda of Wink, TX, Ray and wife Micky of Hobbs, NM and Bryan and wife Celeste of Andrews, TX; one daughter: Becky and husband Jeffrey Kubisak of Los Lunas, NM. She is also survived by her two brothers: Bob and Wayne Kinstle of Llano, TX and by her grandchildren: Jennifer, Jason, Michael, Randal, Cole, Karissa, Bailee, and Harmony; great-grandchildren: Gage, Taylor, Payton, Kaitlyn, Brody, Issiah, Xavier, Teagan and Maddie. 

Services will be 10:00 am Friday, January 30, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel; officiated by Brother Rick Cundieff. Pallbearers will be: Jason Berta, Michael Berta, Doro Mendoza, Dmitri Figueroa, Cole Clark, Randal Clark and Kevin Brown. Honorary pallbearer will be Milton Hopkins.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor. 

The family wishes to express their thanks to the Home Hospice for their care and compassion. --May you always have an Angel by your side.

Celeste Gallegos, age 11, passed away at her residence on January 25, 2009 in Kermit, TX. Celeste was born on Monday, March 31, 1997 in Odessa, TX to Alonzo and Sonia Gallegos.  

God blessed our lives with Celeste for a short time. During that time she delighted in listening to music, going to the movies, riding horses and playing loteria. She enjoyed hanging out with her friends and loved spending time with her loved ones and family.   

Those left to cherish her memory are her parents: Alonzo and Sonia Gallegos of Kermit, TX; two brothers: Alonzo Gallegos Jr. and Manuel Gallegos of Kermit; two sisters: Elena Gallegos and Margarita Gallegos of Kermit; three grandparents: Elia Muniz of Kermit, Raul Arturo Medrano of El Paso, TX and Ignacia Olivas of Ojinaga, MX; two great-grandparents: Eugenio Muniz and wife Maria of Kermit and Bernave Medrano and wife Maria of Fort Hankock, TX.; and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather: Manuel Rey Gallegos.  

Rosary will be said at 7:00 pm at Family Services Funeral Chapel Thursday, January 29 and Friday, January 30, 2009. Mass will be held 10:00 am Saturday, January 31, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Celebrant will be Father Waiwood. Pallbearers will be: Raul Arturo Medrano Jr., Bernave “Bernie” Medrano, Oscar Urias, Juan Manuel Muniz Jr. Andres Gallegos, Abdiel Ortega, Manuel Herbey Urias Jr. and Apolinar Bustillos. Honorary pallbearers will be: Alonzo Gallegos Sr., Alonzo Gallegos Jr. and Manuel Gallegos.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Elodia Jordan age 91, of Kermit, passed away Monday, February 2, 2009 in Odessa, TX. She was born to Thomas and Rosa (Morales) Dominguez, in Castolon, TX. 

Elodia enjoyed sewing, cooking, and gardening. She also delighted in spending time with her grandkids. 

Those left behind to cherish her memories are her three daughters: Maria Elena Hinojos and husband Isidro of Midland, TX, Haide Jordan and husband Octavio of Coahuila, MX and Rosie Lujan and husband Javier of Kermit, TX; seventeen grandchildren: Homero, Norma, Sandra, Carlos, Zulema, Malena, Ofrael, Lourdes, Antonio, Hernando, Cerbando, Anna, Yaridalia, Irma, Jorge, Dioscelina and Javier; and thirty eight great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband: Jose Jordan; her son: Jose Jordan Jr.; and two daughters: Elizabeth Palomo and Irma Jordan. 

Rosary will be said 7:00 pm, Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at Family Services Funeral Chapel. Mass will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Celebrant will be Father Richard Waiwood. Pallbearers will include: Pedro Munoz, Sammy Hernandez, Silvano Navarrete, Ofrael Ramirez, Jose Angel Munoz and Rolando Castro. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Genaro Reynosa, Homer Hinojos, Javier Lujan, Javier Lujan Jr., Her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

Ernest “Red” Gruben a resident of Kermit for 63 years, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2009.  “Red” was born to William and Samantha Mae (Williams) Gruben in Roby Texas with a given name of Ernest Steve on June 6, 1922. His red hair quickly earned him the nickname of “Red”. Following his childhood years on the family farm, Red entered the U.S. Army in 1940. 

While serving as a Military Policeman during the occupancy of Germany in WW II, Red met Margrit Wilhelm while on patrol. It was love at first sight.  Red returned to West Texas and continued his courtship with Margrit by mail for several years. Margrit and Red were married on June 21, 1947 in Royston, Texas; three days after Margrit arrived in the United States. Red and Margrit traveled to Germany on several vacations, including a trip to visit Margrit’s family and celebrate Christmas in 1994. 

Red worked in various positions in the oil field and operated the Fina service/gas station on East Austin Street in Kermit for many years. He retired from Pioneer Natural Gas as a driller in 1982. Following retirement, Red built an operational brass drilling rig to scale with extensive detail including a mud pit, derrick, traveling blocks, blowout preventer and crew. 

Red greeted each morning with hope and a smile. He loved to read the Bible. He tended to many stray animals and under his watchful eye, they found a wonderful home with an abundant amount of food. Life at the Gruben home centered on Red’s love for God, his family and his adopted animals-especially a black lab named “Val”.  

Red was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. He is survived by his bride of over 61 years, Margrit Gruben, son: Eddie Dane Gruben and daughter-in-law Carol Tenison Gruben of Tulsa, Oklahoma, daughter: Sylvia Lou Lewis and son-in-law Terry Kirk Lewis of Midland, Texas; four grandchildren: Courtnay Michele Lewis Pogainis and husband Bob of Brussells, Belgium, Ashlay Nicole Lewis Wazel and husband Corey of Austin, Texas, John Ryan Gruben of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Stephen Chase Gruben of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one great-granddaughter: Shyanne Noelle Gruben; and in-laws Karl and Gina Wilhelm of Frankfurt, Germany. Red was preceded in death by: his parents, six brothers, seven sisters and an infant son. Red was the last Gruben family survivor of his generation.  

Memorials may be given in Red’s honor to the American Lung Association. 

Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church in Kermit, TX; officiated by Rev. Mike Fickenscher.  Pallbearers will be:  Jerry Magallanes, John Gruben, Stephen Gruben, Billy Max Gruben, Corey Walzel, Terry Lewis and Ed Gruben. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Bob Pogainis, Don Armstrong, Al Prukop and Jed Walzel.  Interment will follow at Kermit Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.

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