Norma Charlene Russell Whitten, 86, of Bovina peacefully passed and went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 2, 2020, in Amarillo, Texas. Viewing was held from 9:00 A.M to 8:00 PM Thursday, June 4, 2020 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home with family visitation from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Celebration of Life Graveside Services were held 10:30 AM Friday, June 5, 2020 at the Bovina Cemetery with Steve Friskup of Muleshoe officiating. Burial following by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Norma was born on September 9, 1933, in Miami, Texas, to Charley B. and Allene Coffee Russell. She attended school in Miami until her junior year of high school when she and her family moved to a farm south of Claude in Armstrong County. She graduated from Claude High School in May 1951. She then attended West Texas State College, now West Texas State A&M, in Canyon, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education.
Norma married Earl F. Whitten of Carey, Texas, on November 11, 1954, in Claude. In 1965, they were blessed with their only son, Bret. They made their home in Amarillo until 1966 when they moved to Bovina. She would spend the next 54 years in Bovina, serving the community she loved in many capacities. She served on the Bovina School Board for 12 years and was President for several years. She also served the district as a substitute teacher and was a Club Scout Den Mother. She was active in her church, helping with VBS for many years. She emceed pageants and other civic activities and was active in the Women's Study Club for many years. Norma was honored by this community in 1974 as "Woman of the Year."
She loved being outside and had one of the most beautiful yards and flower gardens in town. She also loved to sew and enjoyed making her family members outfits and blankets.
To many she was Norma. To others she was Mrs. Whitten. But to those she loved so dearly she was Mom, Maka, and Nannie. Her love for and impact on her family will always be a presence, influencing generations to come. She will also be remembered for her strength through numerous health trials, including being a twice-survivor of breast cancer.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Kay Hungate and her husband Larry Hungate.
She is survived by her husband of over 65 years, Earl, and her son, Dr. Bret Whitten and wife Sherri of Bovina; three grandchildren, Megan Whitten Taylor and husband Jared of Canyon; Colby Whitten of Farwell, and Chloee Whitten of Bovina; and a precious great-grandson Kyler Taylor of Canyon. She also had a host of nieces and nephews and a very special friend/caregiver, Debbie Smith, whom she loved very much.
The family requests memorials be made to Parmer Medical Center, 1307 Cleveland St, Friona, TX 79035; Prairie Acres Nursing Home /
Heritage Assistant Living Estates, 201 E 15th St, Friona, TX 79035.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the online guest book at www.hansardfamily.com
Gaspar Jimon Tipaz, infant son of Isabel Jimon Hernandez and Maria Tipaz AC of Friona passed away June 3, 2020 in Friona. Viewing was held beginning at 6:30 P.M. on Friday June 5, 2020 at Iglesia Evangelica Nueva Jerusalen in Friona with Celebration of Life Services set for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 6, 2020 at Iglesia Evangelica Nueva Jerusalen with Pastor Benito Mejia, officiating. Burial following in the Friona Cemetery by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Survivors include his parents of Friona, 1 sister- Tomasa Tipaz AC, grandparents-Miguel Jimon Ortiz of Friona, Simona Hernandez Miranda of Guatemala and Gaspar Tipaz Perez of Cactus, Texas.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the online guest book at www.hansardfamily.com
Margie Roberts Herring, 95 of Friona passed away June 8, 2020 in Lubbock.
Viewing will be held 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, June 11, 2020 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home with Celebration of Life Graveside Services set for 10:30 A.M. Friday, June 12 in the Friona Cemetery with family officiating. Burial following by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Margie was born Oct 14,1924 in Ladonia Tx to Jim and Mamie Roberts. She had 6 siblings that she remained close to all their lives. She especially cherished her time and close relationship with her sisters Wanda and Evelyn. Their spirit and fun filled every room they were in. Her family moved to the South Plains where she was valedictorian of her 8th grade class in Fieldton. She graduated from Amherst, Tx where she met and fell in love with D.C. Herring. They married April 22, 1944 and began a wonderful life that started with her being a war bride and working and traveling from base to base as D.C. trained. When the war ended they had a new baby, Glen, and Carolyn and Tim soon followed. After farming a bit, they moved to Friona where she has lived for the last 71 years. There she was an active part of their business, Herring Imp. Co. for 40 years She also was involved with numerous organizations, her children's activities, church, & the school. But her greatest involvement was with her family. She cherished them all and set a wonderful example of, love, kindness, patience, strength of character, intelligence, generosity, living, and fun.
She was a friend to all and a giver of her time, talent, compassion, friendliness, wisdom, and warmth. She shared food, money, laughter, a listening ear and grace with so many. She especially loved and was good at dominoes,traveling, and living life to the fullest.
She loved the Lord, DC, her family, her friends, America, and Friona,..and has been a gift beyond measure to all who've been blessed to know her. There has never been an easier person to love or be with. We cherish our wonderful time we spent with her. Her legacy includes her 3 children and their spouses, 10 adored grandchildren, 25 great children and 2 great, great grandchildren. Now that's a life worth cherishing !
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and sisters, her beloved husband of 67 years, D.C. Herring; and 2 precious granddaughters Jill Herring Cotoia, and Jamie Herring. Margie is survived by her children, Glen and wife, Mickey Herring, Carolyn and husband, David Carson & Tim and wife, Judy Herring.
Grandchildren and families Richie, Blaire Herring & Will, Macy, Zoe, Charlie and Stevie Jill; Kriste and Neil Haile & Holly, Conner and Trevor; Jennifer and Stephen Ogle & Carson, Cooper, and Sunny J; Wade and Kim Carson & Kate, Libby, and Brady; Jay Fred and Jenny Carson & Max, Margie, and Case; Terry and Dean Malone & Kennedy, Skeet, Charlie Jen, and Molly; Kellie and Casey Renner and Scott, Grant and Cameron, and Hayley Herring & Blake and London Also Jill and Scott Cotoia's children, Kyle, Colby, and Jake. Great granddaughters; Presley Jill, and Allie.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the online guest book at www.hansardfamily.com