L. Elizabeth Tank, 76, passed away on June 5 at home in Pagosa Springs of natural causes. She was born in Denver, to Rube Forest and Edith Lorraine. She graduated from North High School in 1955. She resided in the Boulder area until 2000, when she relocated to Kentucky. In 2011, she returned to Colorado and took up residence in Pagosa Springs.

She was a supporter of public television, missionary causes, enjoyed playing bridge, reading, bird watching and being with family.

She is survived by one brother, Phillip, and his wife, Ruth; three sons and two daughters, Dan and his wife Taletha, Geoff, Eric and his wife Tracie, Kate and her husband John, Julie and her husband Sid; plus seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Jeremias, Alexander, Francesca, Nathan, Haley, Evan, Carlie, Liah, and Jayden. She was preceded in death by her husband James, three brothers: Robert, Joseph and James Douglas, and three sisters: Lucile, Edith and Madelon. A small family memorial was held on June 6.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Veterans for Veterans of Archuleta County, P.O. Box 5331, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. A thank you is extended to Melissa Adams, Hospice of Mercy, and the staff of Mercy Regional Medical Center and the Pagosa Springs Medical Center. She loved life and all creation.

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Gerald Smith, 79, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, at his home in Council Grove, Kan. He had struggled with COPD and cancer.

He was born Jan. 5, 1935, in Crystal Springs, Miss.

Gerald is survived by his wife Shirley, of the home. He is also survived by his daughter, Sandra Isaacson (Don), of Pagosa Springs; son Dana Smith, of Winslow, Ariz.; stepsons: Bruce McAntee of Solomon, Kan., Doug McAntee of Emporia, Kan., Jud McClanahan (Kathy) of Salina, Kan., Monte McClanahan (Shawn) of Salina, Kan., Joel McClanahan of Missoula, Mont.; grandchildren: Nicole Isaacson and Casey Isaacson; and step-grandchildren: Lauren McClanahan, Eric McAntee and Mariah McAntee. He also leaves five great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his twin sister, Jean Smith Sullivan, of Wesson, Miss.; first wife, Geraldine Smith, of Winslow, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper Leon Smith and Ida Belle Wingate Smith; wife, JoAnn McClanahan Smith; and four brothers: Leon “June” Smith, Jr., “Pud” Smith, Sam Smith and Jimmy Smith.

Gerald left Mississippi to enlist in the United States Air Force at the age of 17. He served from 1952 to 1956. After leaving the Air Force in Gallup, N.M., he worked for the telephone company on the Navajo Indian Reservation, working on the telephone system there. In 1964, he moved to Salina, Kan., working for the REA as a field engineer and loan administrator helping rural telephone expand and update their systems. It was during this time that he helped with the expansion of the Tri County Telephone System.

After 30 years, he retired from the government job and continued to work with the rural telephone industry traveling for a company called MACC of Blair, Neb., selling telephone-related computer equipment.

In 2001, Gerald married Shirley Trimmell. The couple settled in Council Grove. Gerald loved delivering Meals on Wheels, playing golf, cooking, entertaining, traveling and regaling his many friends with stories guaranteed to bring a laugh.

Memorial services were at the First Baptist Church in Council Grove, Kan., on Saturday, May 31. Inurnment was at Walnut Grove Cemetery west of Salina.

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Anita Louise Peirce, 63, of Pagosa Springs, died on June 7 in Denver after a long illness.

Anita was born in Oakland, Calif., on Sept. 5, 1950, to the late John and Alice Francisco. Anita married Gary Peirce in 1976 and lived in Pleasanton, Calif., before retiring to Pagosa Springs in 2007.

Anita is survived by her husband, Gary Peirce, of Pagosa Springs, and children Jessica Schorr, of Sacramento, Calif., and Kristine Peirce, of Denver; sisters Callie Furtado, of San Leandro, Calif., Connie Howard, of San Lorenzo, Calif., and brother Jake Francisco, of Castro Valley, Calif.

Before retirement, Anita ran a daycare business for 17 years, and after was a Visiting Angel and was active with the Friends of the Library.

Anita will be cremated in Denver, and no services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Agape Hospice Services of Denver at 6041 S. Syracuse Way, Suite 220, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

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Pete Millich, Sr., 79, died Monday, June 9, in Ignacio. A rosary will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. The Mass will be Friday, June 13, at 10 a.m., also at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, and burial will follow at Rosa Cemetery in Arboles.

Pete was born June 6, 1935, in Ignacio, the son of Emil and Virginia Millich.  He grew up in the Oxford/Ignacio area. Pete attended Ignacio schools, where he met the love of his life, Della Quintana. He attended Barber School in Pueblo and was a barber for 18 years. Pete and Della were married Jan. 9, 1961, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Durango.

Pete began working in construction and developed skills that allowed him to become an operator for La Plata Electric.

Pete loved all outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, riding horses and camping. He was a gifted craftsman in leatherwork and woodcarving and taught his offspring and grandchildren.

He is survived by his children: Ena Millich, of Ignacio; Raymond Millich, Sr., of Cortez; and Pete Millich, Jr., of Allison; grandchildren: Roger Millich, Michael Millich, Kara Beth Martinez, Cody Likes, and Jessie Likes; great-grandchildren: Ezekiel and Serenity; a brother, Lawrence Millich, of Durango; a sister, Theresa Martinez, of Blanco, N.M.; sister, Betty Millich, of Chicago, Ill.; and sister, Grace Sandoval, of Denver.

He was preceded in death by his spouse, Della Millich; his grandson, Raymond Millich, Jr.; and two great-grandchildren.

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A viewing will be held for Allan Kuderca on Friday, June 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pagosa Springs Funeral Home. He passed away on June 16 following a short illness. Allan passed away at home with his wife, Carla Kruger, and loving friends at his side.

A full obituary will be printed in the June 26 newspaper.

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Allan Kuderca 

A viewing will be held for Allan Kuderca on Friday, June 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pagosa Springs Funeral Home. He passed away on June 16 following a short illness. Allan passed away at home with his wife, Carla Kruger, and loving friends at his side.

A full obituary will be printed in next week’s newspaper.

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Milo M. Smith

There will be a memorial potluck July 4 at 3:30 p.m. for Milo M. Smith. The location is 4500 W. U.S. 160 in Pagosa Springs (across from Boss Hogg’s). Smith died Sept. 16, 2013, and a complete obituary was printed at that time.

Come help us commemorate the many Fourth of July cookouts Milo provided for friends and community, and share your best memories.

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Longtime Monte Vista resident James O. Kingsley, 84, passed away on June 19 at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake.

James was born in Pagosa Springs, on March 7, 1930, to Homer and Myrtle Jones Kingsley. In 1952, he married Shirley Pargin. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy at the end of the Korean Conflict and was able to travel to Japan and Korea during his enlistment. Following his time with the Navy, he worked for the Colorado Department of Transportation. During his time with CDOT, he worked on Wolf Creek Pass during some of the big snow years. After 30 years with CDOT, he retired. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and four-wheeling with friends.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Kingsley, his children, Charles (Shirley Lan) Kingsley, Paul Kingsley and Shawna (Greg) Baker, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two sisters, one brother and his cousin Junior Sorenson of Pagosa Springs.

James was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Larry Kingsley.

Cremation was selected and a memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake. To express condolences to the family or to view an online guestbook, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com.

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In memory of Allan J. Kuderca, who passed away on June 16, in his Pagosa Springs home with his loving wife and friends by his side, following a short illness.

Allan was born in New Castle, Penn. (near Pittsburgh), in 1949. While growing up in western Pennsylvania, he participated in Boy Scouts, was addicted to history and loved football and baseball. After graduating high school and attending community college, he joined the Navy and married Nan Rowell. They had a son named Jeffrey. While in the Navy, he was stationed in southern California. Allan and Nan divorced and he continued to live in California after leaving the Navy. He worked for the City of Anaheim and other contracting businesses while there. In his free time, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially Yosemite National Park, and loved to play and coach baseball. One season, he coached a little league team to second place in the California state finals. He came close to his dream of playing in the winter leagues with the Anaheim Angels, but was hampered by a shoulder injury.

In 1989, Allan achieved his other dream to escape the congestion of the west coast by moving to Pagosa Springs. He eventually ran his own companies, Heritage Custom Homes and Heritage Log Works, and a few past co-workers followed to work for him here in Pagosa Springs. Over the last 25 years, Allan managed to build dozens of beautiful, custom log and frame homes all over Colorado and New Mexico. Several were featured in national log home magazines. He also built lasting relationships with many of the homeowners, as well as employees and other contractors.

Since moving to Pagosa Springs, Allan was able to reconnect with his son Jeff, who currently lives in Ohio with his wife, Yvonne, and their two daughters, Breanna and Natalee. They developed a strong bond, which Allan highly treasured. He was also proud to be the godfather of Dylan Lindberg, who has grown into a wonderful young man. Allan’s encouragement led Dylan to join the Cub Scouts many years ago and last year, he achieved his Eagle Scout badge. Allan met his current wife, Carla, here and they’ve had many wonderful years together.

Over the years, Allan enjoyed camping all over the Four Corners area, golfing, collecting Coleman lanterns, rebuilding his 1937 Plymouth and watching the Steelers, Broncos and Rockies. He had a special affinity for animals and they for him. Allan is survived by his loving wife, Carla Kruger, of Pagosa Springs, his son Jeffrey Kuderca (wife Yvonne) and granddaughters Breanna and Natalee, of Dublin, Ohio.

Allan’s remains will be cremated according to his wishes and there will be a celebration of his life later this summer. The date is still to be determined, but will be published in advance for all who might be interested.

For those who desire to offer gifts, instead please consider donating in Allan’s name to the Humane Society, the National Park Service or the Boy Scouts.

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Oct. 28, 1935 – June 22, 2014.

Sue Elleanore Fryer Ward, first secretary of aging for the state of Maryland, died Sunday, June 22,  from complications following a stroke. She was 78.

Ward owned a home on South Pagosa Boulevard in Pagosa Springs, and she and her family spent many happy times there. Ward especially loved to sit on the deck, communing with her beloved San Juan Mountains.

Ward was born in Albuquerque, N.M., on Oct. 28, 1935, to Ione Pierce and E. Reeseman Fryer, the younger of two daughters. Her first years were spent in Arizona on the Navajo Nation, where her father worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs; subsequently, the family traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally, following the path of her father’s career. Ward considered these to be formative years that profoundly shaped her sense of community and global citizenship.

Ward received her bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, Va.), with a year at the American University of Beirut (Beirut, Lebanon). She did graduate work at McGill University (Montreal, Canada) and earned her master of social work degree from the University of Utah (Salt Lake City). She was a licensed certified social worker in the state of Maryland and a board-certified diplomate through the American Board of Examiners in clinical social work.

Ward married the Rev. Dr. Archibald Ward on Nov. 3, 1959, and they settled in Clinton, Md. They had two children, Beth Ione Ward and Lucille Elleanore Ward (now Walker).

Throughout her career, Ward’s special passion was advocating for the rights of elders. She was director of the department of aging for Prince George’s County, Md. (1982-1991); director of the county’s department of family services, which included services for the aging (1992-1995); director of the Maryland Office on Aging (1995-1998); and the first secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging (1998-2003). After leaving government service, she became grassroots director for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (2003-2011). She was also a candidate for the United States House of Representatives in Maryland’s fourth congressional district in 1978.

Ward was active in the Maryland and national associations of Area Agencies on Aging, the National Association of State Units on Aging, the Maryland Gerontological Association and the Commission on Legal Problems of the Elderly, a program of the American Bar Association. Among the numerous community and professional boards on which she served were Hospice of Prince George’s County, the Older Women’s League, the Center on Global Aging at Catholic University and the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center.

Ward was an ardent volunteer and activist throughout her life, from tutoring reading to children with learning difficulties to agitating in support of civil rights, from staffing polls on Election Day to marching for women’s reproductive freedom. One of the activities that made her most proud was attending demonstrations with her daughters.

Among other recognitions, Ward was recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maryland Gerontological Association, the Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Award to Women in Government Service and the Gladys Noon Spellman Award for Excellence in Public Service. In 2010, she was named a “Social Work Pioneer” by the National Association of Social Workers.

Ward is survived by her sister, Ann Fryer Van Fossen; her daughter, Beth Ione Ward, and spouse Ay Ling Han; her daughter, Lucille Ward Walker, spouse Carl Martin Walker, and grandchildren Ian Archibald Walker and Reeseman Adams Walker; her stepdaughter, Ann Ward Little, spouse Philip G. Little, and grandchildren Lisa Little Barr, Laura Little Thorne and David P. Little; her stepson, John Ward; and a large community of family and friends (her “family by affection”). Her husband, Archibald Ward, predeceased her in 2000.

The memorial celebration of Sue Ward’s life was held Wednesday, July 2, at 4 p.m., at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Croom, Md. For those who are so moved, contributions in Ward’s memory may be made to the Maryland Women’s Heritage Center, P.O. Box 719, Brooklandville, MD 21022, or online at www.mdwomensheritagecenter.org.

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Frank Andrew Caler passed away on July 1. His service will be held at the community center on Tuesday, July 8, at 2:30 p.m. A full obituary to follow in an upcoming issue of The SUN.

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Amanda Rivas Stollsteimer

Mother (Amanda),

I never realized how much I want and need you. So many things we didn’t get to do. The laughter. The cries. The no goodbyes.

I know you’re happy as can be with our Lord all mighty pain free. Just remember I love you, ma, eternally with every ounce of all of me.

I think of you now every day since the day you passed away. I grieve the love no longer felt as emptiness fills my heart. My angel you are and will always be the best living part of me.

Until that day we meet again I’ll do everything I forever can. I say now a final goodbye to the one and only mother of mine.

I love you to the moon and back and don’t you ever forget that.

I miss you, mom.

Lala Willingham

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Jim Kelley was born in Lynwood, Calif., to Frank and Mildred Kelley on Oct. 22, 1941. He always wished he’d been born in Durango like his brother and sisters.

He grew up in Durango and graduated from Durango High School in 1959, having excelled in wrestling and football. He was affectionately known as “Dunk,” a name that stayed with him his whole life. He was certain he’d grown up in the best time and place in the world.

Shortly thereafter, he joined the Army and served as a paratrooper and in communications until 1962. He followed that with various construction jobs in southwest Colorado. On a trip to visit his mom in California in 1967, he met Carol Dando. They married on Feb. 16, 1968. They had a son, Barry, and moved from California to Farmington, N.M., where he found his calling in sales. First in cars and trucks, then in 1979, he got his Colorado real estate license. He moved his family to Pagosa Springs where he had a long and fulfilling career in real estate and log home sales and construction.

Jim loved living, raising his son and making a living in these wonderful mountains for 35 years. He loved his family dearly and cherished his many friends and classmates. He is survived by his wife, Carol; son Barry and wife Jennifer, of Pagosa Springs; brother Marc and wife Michele, of Westminster, Colo.; sister VeAnn Kelley, of Durango; and sister DiAnn Hitchcox and husband Jim, of LaSalle, Colo.; a granddaughter and six nieces and nephews.

Jim passed away Sunday, July 6 at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango.

The family has planned a memorial to celebrate the life of this very special man. Details will be released soon. Jim Kelley was passionate about animal welfare. A gift to the Humane Society of Pagosa Springs would be a gift to him as well.

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Pete Millich, Sr., 79, died Monday, June 9, in Ignacio. A rosary will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. The Mass will be Friday, June 13, at 10 a.m., also at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, and burial will follow at Rosa Cemetery in Arboles.

Pete was born June 6, 1935, in Ignacio, the son of Emil and Virginia Millich.  He grew up in the Oxford/Ignacio area. Pete attended Ignacio schools, where he met the love of his life, Della Quintana. He attended Barber School in Pueblo and was a barber for 18 years. Pete and Della were married Jan. 9, 1961, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Durango.

Pete began working in construction and developed skills that allowed him to become an operator for La Plata Electric.

Pete loved all outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, riding horses and camping. He was a gifted craftsman in leatherwork and woodcarving and taught his offspring and grandchildren.

He is survived by his children: Ena Millich, of Ignacio; Raymond Millich, Sr., of Cortez; and Pete Millich, Jr., of Allison; grandchildren: Roger Millich, Michael Millich, Kara Beth Martinez, Cody Likes, and Jessie Likes; great-grandchildren: Ezekiel and Serenity; a brother, Lawrence Millich, of Durango; a sister, Theresa Martinez, of Blanco, N.M.; sister, Betty Millich, of Chicago, Ill.; and sister, Grace Sandoval, of Denver.

He was preceded in death by his spouse, Della Millich; his grandson, Raymond Millich, Jr.; and two great-grandchildren.

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Blaine Thomson

Our Heavenly Father welcomed lifelong Colorado resident Blaine Thomson into His open arms after a lengthy battle with bone cancer and acid reflux disease on Saturday, June 28, in Farmington, N.M., at the Bridge Assisted Living Center. Blaine was 82.

Blaine was born to Archibald “Al” and Geneva Thomson on Nov. 16, 1931, in Durango. He graduated from Pagosa Springs High School with his lifelong love and future wife, Mary. They had been sandbox buddies since the tender age of 2.

Blaine and Mary were married on May 10, 1951, in Pagosa Springs, after graduating from high school in 1950. Both came from registered pioneer families in Colorado, something they were very proud of. The couple had lived in Durango since 1980.

Blaine proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was a longstanding and proud member of both the Masonic Lodge and American Legion.

Blaine worked for the Colorado Department of Transportation for 32 years before retiring in 1989. He had under his command those brave souls that plowed the mountain passes of southwestern Colorado. More than once, he was knocked around by snow slides on Coal Bank and Red Mountain passes. One such slide on Red Mountain is known as Thomson’s Slip in his honor. During his tenure, he lost one man, Terry Kishbaugh, to Riverside Slide on Red Mountain Pass, something that haunted him to the very end.

Blaine and Mary enjoyed nothing more than to explore the four-wheel-drive roads of the Four Corners. They were known for going where they might not technically have been allowed to travel in their Jeep. And, as many may bear witness, there was nothing quite as beautiful as Blaine’s rose garden.

Blaine enjoyed all sports and was a huge fan of all the Colorado teams. He could have opened a sporting good outlet with all of the Bronco memorabilia he collected over the years. Golf was a passion that he enjoyed with his wife, friends and sons up until the very last days. He even told some visitors the week before his passing that they had awakened him when he was having a “very good round.”

Blaine’s greatest loves were that of his family and faith. He and Mary were very active in the Methodist Church and Methodist Thrift Shop.

Nothing pleased him more than to watch his grandchildren and great-grandson growing up. His love for them was measureless.

Blaine is survived by his sons, Rocky Thomson and his wife, Lorie, of Farmington, N.M.; Ricky Thomson and his wife, Wendy, of Lakewood; sister Alene Cole, of Allison; three grandchildren: Camille Larson, of Durango; Jared Thomson, of Seattle; and Jane Thomson, of Lakewood; and one great-grandson, Stone Larson, of Durango.

The family would like to thank the literally hundreds of card senders and visitors of the past few months. It means more to them than they could ever express. This giant teddy bear of a man will be missed by all. It is comforting to know that he is finally at rest with our Lord and Mary now.

A celebration of his life was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at the First United Methodist Church of Durango.

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1925-2014

Lillie Lobato, longtime resident of the Pagosa Springs area, passed away peacefully at home on July 9 with her family by her side.

Lillie was born on Nov. 20, 1925, to Ben and Feliciana Gurule in Lumberton, N.M. She met the love of her life, Joe Santiago Lobato, in Pagosa Springs; they were married on Aug. 17, 1953. They were married for 55 years before God called her beloved Joe home.

From this union they were blessed with five children: Martha, Vangie, Rick, Susie and Inez.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Feliciana Gurule; her husband, Joe S. Lobato; her sisters, Stella Gallegos, Ida Enriquez and Clarita Gurule; a grandson, Joseph Wayne Winter; and her nephew, Tony Gallegos.

She is survived by her children, Martha Avera (Tom), of Morrisville, N.C.; Vangie Martinez (Alfred), of Flora Vista, N.M.; Rick (Stella) Lobato, Susie Montoya (Mel) and Inez and Dan Winter, of Pagosa Springs. She is also survived by her niece, Ruby Carrillo, whom she and her husband considered one of their own.

She was blessed with 15 grandchildren: Valerie Anaya, Alexis Goble, Jessie Abeyta, Tammy Sanchez, Marlene Abeyta, Tiffany Wykoff, Alfred Martinez Jr., Jennifer Lobato, Taylor, Megan and Travis Loran, Meghan Montoya, Miranda Velarde, Ashli Stretton and Gabrielle Henderson. And one of her greatest blessings were her 20 great-grandchildren: Esaia, Claudia and Corrina Anaya; Jarred Komyati; Jacob Goble; Jessiny and Jessin Abeyta; David Redwine; Davon Abeyta; Dominick and Raymundo Granados; Bobbie Sanchez; Evan Wykoff; Ashton, Ethan and Anika Velarde; Kyler Henderson; and Madisen, Hannah and Benjamin Stretton. She is also survived by sister-in-law Eliza Lucero, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lillie was a very strong and faithful woman; she fought renal failure for many years with diligence.

Her greatest achievement in life was being a wife, mother and grandmother. She cherished every second that she spent with her family. She always put her family before herself. She will be dearly missed by everyone who loved her.

Her rosary will be recited on Sunday, July 20, at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be will be celebrated on Monday, July 21, at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pagosa Springs. Interment will follow at Hilltop Cemetery.

Her husband’s ashes will be placed with her as they are now together for eternity in Heaven.

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Mary Ellen Quezada was born in Edith, Colo., to Eufemio and Margaret Talamante Oct. 29, 1959. She worked many years at The Junction Restaurant and was loved by all the employees, as well as the customers. She had two kids but adopted many more through her years at The Junction.

Mary Ellen passed away June 9 in her home at 5:45 p.m. She is survived by her husband, Manuel Quezada, son Eric Quezada, daughter Ana Quezada, daughter-in-law Rachael Quezada and five wonderful grandkids: Enrique, Viktory, Oscar, Ana J. and Daniel Quezada.

She loved spending time with friends and family, laughing and just enjoying life to the fullest and even though her health wasn’t very good, she was strong and always had a smile on her face, she was a counselor, mom, wife, grandma and a wonderful person who will be missed by many. We love you, mom. See you in heaven.

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In Loving Memory of Andy A. Talamante, July 23, 1969-Oct. 16, 2010

“Happy Birthday” mi Andy, we know how hard the last four years have been for us, but we think of you every day, every holiday and wonder why?

God only knows why. We don’t question it, we accept why things happen.

But one sweet day we’ll all celebrate your day and we’ll give God the glory for letting us be together.

But for now we cry for you, we long to touch your face. To sit out on the deck and have pizza, to laugh and remember the fun and crazy days. But for now all we have is our thoughts, heavy hearts and tearful eyes and days.

We love you and again, Happy Birthday.

May the angels and God watch over you as well as your family, friends and those hearts you touched. We don’t forget about you, a thought or a joke crosses our thoughts and we share a smile, and say to ourselves, yea, that was Andy.

God bless you.

Love always, your family.

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Martha Layne (Couey) Givens, 92, died April 21, in Houston, Texas.

A Celebration of Lives service with Clarence Givens, Jr. will be Friday, July 25, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd UMC in Cypress, Texas, with Dr. Richard Klein officiating.

Martha Layne was born April 23, 1921, to Virginia Ross Couey and Marvin Layne Couey in Stephenville, Texas.

Martha Layne’s family moved to a ranch near Garden City and then to San Angelo in 1934, where she graduated from high school in 1938, then eloped and moved to San Diego during the war, worked in an airplane factory as a Rosy Riveter. After the war, she moved to Midland and raised her two sons, then moved to Reno, Nev., Waikiki, Pagosa Springs, and then to Sierra Vista.

In February of 2014, due to health issues, she moved to Cypress, to live with her son and his wife; unfortunately, she was so ill that she went to the hospital very quickly and spent the remainder of her life in Woodwind Rehab.

She was Worthy Matron for Eastern Star and worked as a professional insurance woman.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ross, and sister-in-law, Catherine, of El Campo, and son, Joel Dennis Givens. She was survived by her husband, Clarence Givens; her son, C. Layne Givens and wife, Linda; her six grandsons and wives: Brian and Maggie of Rockville, Md.; Steven and Danielle, of Martinez, Ga.; Chris Combs and Marissa, of Cypress; Kery and Shannon, of Anchorage; Kris and Holly, of Katy, Texas; and Jaime and Shannon of Billings, Mont.; 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Her husband, Clarence, was ill, so no memorial could be held for Martha Layne at her time of passing. It was decided that since they spent 75 years plus together, it was natural they should have their memorial together.

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Clarence Givens, Jr., 94, died July 6, in Houston, Texas.

A Celebration of Lives joint service with Martha Layne Givens will be Friday, July 25, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd UMC in Cypress, Texas, with Dr. Richard Klein officiating.

Clarence Givens, Jr. was born Oct. 10, 1919, to Kate Magnolia Givens and Clarence Givens in Idabelle, Okla. Clarence was raised by his stepfather, Cortis G. Short, and Kate Magnolia Short in San Angelo.

He eloped with his high school sweetheart, Martha Layne, in 1938. Clarence worked 1940-1942 on building the Alcan Highway in Alaska. In 1944, he joined the Navy. He spent his life an architect in Midland, Reno and Waikiki. In 1982, he retired and moved to Pagosa Springs, and then to Sierra Vista, Ariz. In February of 2014, due to health issues, he moved to Cypress to live with his son and wife; unfortunately, he was so ill that he went to the hospital very quickly and spent the remainder of his life at Woodwind Rehab.

He enjoyed his many hobbies including scuba diving, model airplanes, travel and his retirement.

He is preceded in death by Martha Layne Givens; son Joel Dennis Givens; brother-in law Ross and wife, Catherine, of El Campo. He was survived by his son, C. Layne Givens, and wife, Linda, of Cypress; his six grandsons and wives: Brian and Maggie, of Rockville, Md.; Steven and Danielle, of Martinez, Ga.; Chris Combs and Marissa, of Cypress; Kery and Shannon, of Anchorage; Kris and Holly, of Katy, Texas, and Jaime and Shannon, of Billings, Mont.; 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Clarence was ill so no memorial could be held for Martha Layne. Since they spent 75 years married together, it was natural they should have their memorial together.

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