Obituaries

LaJuana Smart Rathjen, longtime resident of Midland, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 9, 2021, with her loving twin daughters at her side. LaJuana was born March 25, 1931, in Granite, Oklahoma, to Amos and OdaLee Smart.

Ida Mae Goad, 91, of Wheeler, went to her heavenly home on April 14, 2021, after a long bout with lung cancer. Services were held on Saturday, April 17, at the Wheeler Church of Christ with Carroll Thomason and Garrett English officiating. Burial followed at the Wheeler Cemetery in Wheeler. Arrangements were by Robertson Funeral Directors of Wheeler.

Barbara Gale Best, née Wheeler, 76, of Pottsboro, passed away in her home on the evening of Monday, March 8. Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Addella Marie Wright, 83, of Deming, New Mexico, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021, in El Paso. Memorial services are pending in Deming and Canadian.

Robert “Bob” Floyd Nelson, 70, of Higgins, gained his angel wings on March 31, 2021, at his home. A memorial graveside service will be at 1 pm on Saturday, April 10, in Higgins Cemetery with Ron Braun, of Wichita, Kansas, officiating.

Alma Jean Bettis Smith, age 98, of Merit, Texas, passed away Wednesday evening, March 24, 2021, in Greenville. She was born on March 29, 1922 to John P.

Holli Diane Rackley, 66, of Liberal, Kansas, formerly of Canadian, died March 18, 2021, in Amarillo. Viewing for family and friends was held on Monday, March 22, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Home in Canadian.

Marva Lee Petree Hohertz, 90, of Canadian died Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Hansford Manor in Spearman, Texas. Funeral services will be at 2 pm Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church of Canadian, Pastor David Gerhardt officiating.

John Michael “Mike” Rollins Sr., 81, of Canadian stepped into the arms of Jesus on March 1, 2021, in Canadian. Services will be at a later time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael- Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian.

Betty Jo Hennard had a huge and loving family of blood relations, children of choice, and dear friends. Everybody thought of Betty as particularly “theirs.” She was known as Grand and Grandma to her 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren (plus two new “greats” due this spring); Jo or even Jobeanus to the friends and family of her youth; and Betty to the cherished children of her heart who she loved and cared for as both children and adults, as well as the many people in Wheeler County who were touched by her counsel and good works. Betty shared herself unstintingly with everyone that she folded into her rich life. On Feb. 25, 2021, after a sudden illness, this wonderful, caring and giving woman peacefully passed on to what she often called “the next chapter.”