Lee Dennis Jesko, age 86, of Lazbuddie passed away in Dimmitt on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Viewing was held from 9:00AM to 8:00PM with family visitation from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Saturday January 18, 2025, in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home with Rosary Services being held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bovina under the direction of Deacon Paul Herrera. Mass of Christian Burial Services were Monday, January 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bovina, with Monsignor Michael Colwell and Deacon Michael Glenn, nephew as Celebrants. The interment will follow in the Friona Cemetery with Casket Bearers being his grandsons. Arrangements by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
The fourth of ten children, Lee Dennis was born on July 22, 1938, in Clovis, NM, to Alexander John and Lucy Frances (Schmitz) Jesko, who instilled in him the values of faith, family and hard work. He attended Lazbuddie and Farwell Schools and graduated from Farwell High School in 1956. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army with his brother and best friend, Larry. He worked briefly as a lineman for SPS before returning to the family farm in the Clay’s Corner area. It was then that he met his wife to be and, in his words, “a real good woman” in the neighboring town of Friona, Tx. Lee Dennis and Brenda (Collier) were married on August 31, 1962, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Friona, Tx., and spent 62 wonderful years together in marriage.
Lee Dennis and Brenda made their home on the family farm where they raised their four children, Angela, Terry, Laura and Ginger and for a brief time, his sister, Debbie. He was dedicated to his Catholic faith and a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, in Bovina, Tx. As a Dad, he was the big tough man who taught his children respect, to lend a helping hand, the value of a dollar, there is always work to be done, and above all go to church. He loved the life of a farmer and in his younger years always made time for volleyball and softball with a team composed of local farmers and elk hunting in the Colorado mountains with friends. As his life progressed, he could be found at the casino sitting in front of a red, white and blue 7’s slot machine, on the golf course or playing a really serious game of dominos at Wilbur Ellis.
Lee Dennis continued his farming and cattle operation until 2008, when he retired and turned his life’s passion over to the capable hands of his son, Terry.
His greatest accomplishment in life was his family and his joy increased with the addition of each grandchild and great grandchild. He loved teaching his grandchildren the UNO card game, and he showed no mercy as he always seemed to find a way to win. His grandchildren inherited his competitive drive. His retirement allowed he and Brenda to follow their grandkids near and far, cheering them on in their activities. Each grandchild will assure you that they were “Papa’s” favorite.
Lee Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Donald, Larry and Kenneth Jesko; four sisters, Billie Jean Glenn, Mary Carolyn Jesko, Judith Ann Dennis, and Frances “Elaine” Larson; and his precious daughter, Laura Jesko.
Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife, Brenda. Children, Angela Barrett of Forest Hill, TX; Terry Jesko and wife, Janene of Lazbuddie; and Ginger and husband, Charlie Trimble of Lazbuddie; seven grandchildren - Chance and Christian Chatellier; Kayle and Stephanie Jesko; Jarrod Jesko; Lacey and Dustin Lennon; Emily and Dalyn Dalton; Regan and Zach Edwards; and Charlie May Trimble; and seven great grandchildren - Laiken, Bianca, Banks, CJ, Liam, Dennis and Collier. He is also survived by a brother, Wayne Jesko and wife, Liz; and a sister, Debbie Gallman; and many nephews and nieces, that he loved as if they were his own children.
His family would like to extend a special thanks to Deacon Paul Herrera, Castro County Nursing and Rehabilitation, Plains Memorial Hospital and Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care and comfort they provided.
The family request donations in memory of Lee Dennis Jesko be made to the Lazbuddie Fire Department, P.O. Box 155 Lazbuddie, Tx 79053.
You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book exclusively at: hansardfamily.com
Funeral services for Gail Dement, 68, of Clovis, will be held at 1:00 PM, Fri., Jan. 24, 2025 at the West 21st Street Church of Christ with Rick Hankins officiating. Burial will follow in the Floyd Cemetery with Steven Dement, Chance Chenault, Richard Bollema, Ky Graham, Buddy Blue and Randy McCasland serving as pallbearers. All of Gail’s grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Cynthia Gail Dement was born Feb. 2, 1956, in Friona, TX to the home of Valene “Joy” (Baxter) and Sterling Graham and died at her home in Clovis on the morning of Jan. 18, 2025. Gail was a 1974 graduate of Friona High School, where she was a member of the Girl’s Basketball team. Following graduation, Gail attended Lubbock Christian University (LCU) where she was active in choir and also played guitar. After attaining an Associate’s Degree, she moved to Clovis, NM where she attended Cosmetology School. While living and working as a hairdresser in Clovis, she became acquainted with Stan Dement, and the couple was married in Friona on Mar. 25, 1978. Shortly after their marriage, they moved first to Albuquerque and later to Hobbs. From there they moved to Houston, and Angel Fire and Taos before returning to Clovis where they made their home until 1990 when they moved to Portales.
Gail was a devoted wife and mother. She and Stan were involved in all of their children’s activities, and frequently hosted activities for them. She never missed a ballgame or any other event they were in. Many of the activities were centered around their church life at Third and Kilgore Church of Christ. In addition, Gail rarely missed her daily walk with her friend Lugene Blue.
Her husband, Stan preceded her in death on Aug. 14, 2019. Soon after his death she moved to Wheatfield Assisted Living in Clovis where she put her hospitality talents to use again as the President of the Activities Committee, organizing various events for the residents. While living there she became acquainted with Russell Tisthammer who was also a resident. They were married July 29, 2022, and later moved to Roswell. Mr. Tisthammer also preceded her in death on July 4, 2024. Gail had recently purchased a home in Clovis to be near her children, and was a member of the 21st Street Church of Christ where she attended services with all of her children and their families.
She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Ashley Wyatt of Portales, Chelsey and Chance Chenault of Clovis, and Carley and Richard Bollema of Texico and a son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Sassha Dement of Farwell, TX; twelve grandchildren, Shiloh and Judah Wyatt, Daniel, Deveney, Dreya, Dane and Diana Chenault, Dawson and Harper Bollema and Aaliyah, Shaddix and Lincoln Dement; her mother Joy Graham of Graham, TX; a brother and sister-in-law, Ky and Lanis Graham of Graham, TX and a sister-in-law, Linda Heisch-Click of Ruidoso, NM. In addition to her husbands, Gail was preceded in death by her father Sterling Graham in 2007.