Charles Anthony Brooks, better known as Tony, 62, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2019 in Bedford, Texas. Tony was a family centered man, and in his last moments, he was surrounded by his beloved family and friends. 

    A memorial will be held at Cleburne State Park March 16th, 2019 from 1p.m.-4p.m.. 

    Tony was born October 11th, 1956 to Charles and Nancy Brooks in Fort Worth, Texas, Tony graduated from Richland High School in 1975. 

    He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Brooks, and his beloved pup, Pugsly. 

    He is survived by his mother, Nancy Brooks; his sibling, Jesse Brooks; his children, Jeremy , Cody, Daniel, and Tiffany; his grandchildren, Madyson, Taytum, Teagan, Grayson, and Karter; his great grandchildren, Karson, Bayleigh, Kendrix, and Ethan; and his beloved pup, Bandit. 

    Tony was known for his big heart, sense of humor, love for hunting and fishing, and his love for cars. He loved attending car shows with his trucks. His ‘68 Chevy, ‘56 Ford, and his ‘05 Ford. He won many awards for his trucks and was very proud of them. 

    Tony will be greatly missed by friends, colleagues, and loved ones. 

    We love you so much and we’ll see you when we get there! 

Charles Anthony Brooks, better known as Tony, 62, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2019 in Bedford, Texas. Tony was a family centered man, and in his last moments, he was surrounded by his beloved family and friends. 

    A memorial was held at Cleburne State Park March 16th, 2019 from 1p.m.-4p.m.. 

    Tony was born October 11th, 1956 to Charles and Nancy Brooks in Fort Worth, Texas, Tony graduated from Richland High School in 1975. 

    He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Brooks, and his beloved pup, Pugsly. 

    He is survived by his mother, Nancy Brooks; his sibling, Jesse Brooks; his children, Jeremy , Cody, Daniel, and Tiffany; his grandchildren, Madyson, Taytum, Teagan, Grayson, and Karter; his great grandchildren, Karson, Bayleigh, Kendrix, and Ethan; and his beloved pup, Bandit. 

    Tony was known for his big heart, sense of humor, love for hunting and fishing, and his love for cars. He loved attending car shows with his trucks. His ‘68 Chevy, ‘56 Ford, and his ‘05 Ford. He won many awards for his trucks and was very proud of them. 

    Tony will be greatly missed by friends, colleagues, and loved ones. 

    We love you so much and we’ll see you when we get there! 

Jack Alfred Coker passed away on March 13, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas.

There will be a memorial service at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at Mountain Valley Funeral Home located at 3407 S.W. Wilshire Blvd, Joshua, Texas.

Jack, better known as Poppie, was born and raised in Bangs, Texas, the son of Jack and Cecil Maurine (Satterwhite) Coker and a resident of Burleson since 1963. Jack was a maintenance welder at Miller Brewing Co. for 30 plus years. Poppie adored Caleb and treasured watching him ride motocross. Poppie was Madison’s biggest fan and showed anyone he could her Judo accomplishments. They were the lights of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Clara (Harris) Coker; his son, Curtis Coker and his wife, Leah; daughter, Candice Montgomery, and husband, Eugene; grandchildren, Caleb Wayne Coker and Madison Blaire Montgomery; three sisters, Dolores Robertson, Reata (Carroll) Pruitt, and Alice Cuthers. He leaves behind best friends for nearly 60 years, Eugene Schumacher amd wife Dorothy.

Tamara Kay Lewis, 52, passed away on March 21, 2019 to be with our Lord in Heaven.  Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M. Thursday, March 28, 2019, at Burleson Church of Christ located at 1150 NW John Jones Dr. in Burleson, Texas.  Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at Laurel Land, 7100 Crowley Rd. in Fort Worth, Texas.

Tamara was born on January 29, 1967, in Fort Worth.  She was the youngest of three children born to Charles and Patricia Massey of Burleson.  She lived in Burleson the early part of her life where she attended school and graduated from Burleson High School in 1985. After graduation, she attended The University of North Texas, where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education in 1990.  Tamara began her career as a school teacher for the Burleson ISD, but she always had a passion for fitness.  As she became more involved with workouts and various fitness classes, she realized her calling to be a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor.  She touched so many lives during the next eight years as she took on those roles, up until 1997 when she took on the role of "Mom".  After the birth of her first child, Hope, her passion turned to full time Mom.  Over the next 5 years, Tamara brought into the world 2 more children, Hayden and Harrison, and she continued to be the most unbelievable mother to her children that you could ever imagine.  She loved the Lord, loved her Family, and she lived her life to the fullest each and every day.  Tamara and her family enjoyed an active life of camping, riding ATV's, taking ski trips to Colorado, and just the love of being together as a family.   Another of her great loves was her love for animals.  Tamara spent countless days throughout her life helping animals.  She was the one in the neighborhood that made sure that not only were animals cared for, but helped those that were lost find their way back home.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Massey, along with her grandparents and several aunts,uncles, and cousins.

Survivors include her husband of almost 28 years, Darrin Lewis; children, Hope , Hayden and Harrison Lewis; Mother, Patricia Massey; Brother, Todd Massey  and wife, Lori; Brother Trent Massey and wife Heather;  In -Laws, Celia and Dale Lewis; Brothers-in-Law, Kevin and Steve Lewis;  Nephews, Hunter, Justin, and Dakota Massey, Breckan Basham, Wyatt and Wesley Massey, Zach Lewis;  Nieces, Megan Myers, Savannah, Mary, Chanci and Hannah Massey; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from the Lewis, Massey and Richardson families, along with a host of extended family and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers, due to the great love Tamara had for animals, especially dogs, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society of North Texas.  Nothing would bring her more joy than to know this helped animals in need. 

Herman Glenn Worshamage 88 passed away on April 1, 2019.

Services will be held at the Burleson Church of Christ, Thursday April 4 at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be Tuesday April 2, from 6 to 8 PM at Mountain Valley Funeral Home.

Glenn enjoyed art as a personal hobby as well as being involved in his church, serving as an Elder for several years.

He is survived by his son, Robin Worsham (Tammy); his daughter, Amy Watson (Mark); Grandchildren, Michael, Monica, Clorissa, Alexandria, Joshua, Caytlyn, Hannah and Sawyer; several great-grandchildren, one nephew, one niece and many loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, and two sons, Randy and Mike Worsham.

Patricia Ann Sipowicz (Tillinghast), beloved wife and mother, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the age of 80 in Lubbock, Texas.

A rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m., with visitation following at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Resthaven's Abbey Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m..Thursday, April 11, 2019, at Christ the King Cathedral Catholic Church. Interment will follow at City of Lubbock Cemetery.

She was born in Ilion, New York. She married her love and partner in life, Thomas Sipowicz, on October 8, 1960. Together they raised six children. Pat worked in radio, advertising and later had a second career as a Parish Director of Religious Education. In addition to being a loving mother, wife and homemaker, she was a life-long artist, artisan and gardener. Pat was a woman of deep faith and lived it out in the most practical ways, particularly advocating and caring for those whose voices were not heard or whose needs were not met. In addition to her daughter, Linda, she was pre-deceased by her parents Kenneth and Agnes Tillinghast.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Thomas of Lubbock, Texas, and their children, Lauri Deckard, Timothy Sipowicz (Lori), Thomas Sipowic, Susan Martz, and Michael Sipowicz (Kimberly). She is also survived by her brother, John (Barbara) Tillinghast, her sister Ann Harris (Wayne), as well as by sixteen grandchildren, one great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made in her memory to the Childhood Leukemia Foundation. Online condolences may be offered on our website at

www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.

Mildred M. (Butler) Hoggatt, 92, passed away Friday, April 12, 2019. Visitation will be held at Laurel Land Funeral Home in Fort Worth, Texas, on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the Garden of Faith.

Mildred was born March 30, 1927, to William and Stella Butler in Raymondville, Texas. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leon Hoggatt; sisters, Melba Lee Keesee and Veatrice Brazelton; and brother, Edwin Butler.

Survivors include brother, Al Butler and sister, Alberta Bohannon; son Ronnie Smith, and daughter, Gay Lynn Reeder and her husband Ronny Reeder; grandchildren, Kristy Philips and husband Alex Philips and Clay Reeder; and one great grand-daughter, Madison Philips.

Elbert “Teet” Jay Miller, 81, of Joshua, Texas passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019. He was born March 24, 1938, in Joshua.

The service was 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2019, in the Mountain Valley Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Roy Gee and Pastor Seth Wolverton officiating. Interment was at Union Hill Cemetery in Joshua, Texas.

Teet loved his family, his cattle, gardening, deer hunting, going to the river and genealogy. He worked for the railroad for 44 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Miller; grandson, Christopher Wheelis; brother, James “Bud” Miller; and sister, Janie Sparks.

He is survived by two sisters, Alice Payne and Kay Wolverton; T.J. Miller and wife, Denise, and Si Miller and wife, Misty; daughters, Starr Heath and husband, Stan, Tema Shelton and husband, Rick, and Kay Bailey; three step-children,Beverly Nelon, Sandi Cormier and Kenny Collins; grandchildren, Jason Miller, Clayton Miller, Robyn Purcell, Shawn Heath, Mikel Heath, Brandy Weis, Shay Miller, Justin Shelton, Matthew Shelton, Hannah Bailey, Hank Bailey andSamantha Bailey; several great-grandchildren; numerousnieces and nephews; and extendedfamilyand friends.

Irvin Curt Apel, went home to be with his LORD and Savior on April 26, 2019, three days after his 85^th birthday.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Burleson, Texas.

Curt was born in Coryell County, Texas, on April 23, 1934, the youngest of eight born to Albert Eric Carl Apel and Elise “Lizzie” Schaub Apel. He graduated from Gatesville High School in 1951 and married Billie Verne Graham on May 30, 1953 the day after she graduated from High School. He went on to graduate from Baylor University in 1956.

He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary while working as a carpenter and began his career building houses in the South Hills and Wedgwood areas of Fort Worth in 1958.

In 1960, he moved his building business to Burleson and constructed many homes in Hillery Heights and Ranchette Estates among others.

At Thanksgiving time in 1961, he moved his family to Burleson. There was one blinking, yellow light at Hwy. 174 and Renfro Street. The population was 2,345. He was elected to the Burleson City Council in 1963-65 and was instrumental in the connection of Renfro Street to I-35 from Hwy 174 and the construction of the sidewalk down Johnson Avenue from Renfro Street to the former high school which is now Kerr Middle School.

He then worked as a Veteran’s Administration Building inspector for several years before establishing Century 21 Curt Apel Real Estate. His final working years were spent as a catastrophe claims adjuster for State Farm Insurance and FEMA for earthquake and flood losses. After that he became the chief cook and grocery shopper for Billie while she continued her career with Lollar and Associates.

He loved to fish and play dominoes, but most of all he loved his family and provided many enjoyable vacations and family gatherings for them.

He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Billie; brother, Eddie Apel and wife, Eva Lou; children, Julie and husband, Michael Maples; Tony and wife, Laurie Apel; Shelly and husband, Brian Ollar; grandchildren, Erica Bower and husband, Clint; Trey Pedersen and wife, Deanna; Jeremy Apel and wife, Julie; Whitney Dial and husband, Jorden; Zachary Apel and wife, Kaitlin; Mason and Matthew Ollar. Great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Landry, Gentry and Ellery Bower; Hudson, Jonah and Mallory Kate Apel; Emerie and Rowen Dial; Theodore and Keller Apel; and numerous other loved ones.

Honorariums may be made to Jennifer’s Angels, 4400 Oak Knoll Drive, Plano, TX 75093 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678

Arif “Poppy” Arslanovski, age 83, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Arif was born November 17, 1935, in Prespa, Yugoslavia to Istref and Salina Arslani.

Arif married Carole Christine Sterns July, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois. Arif worked as a Chef in some of the finest restaurants and country clubs in the greater Chicago area until 1985. Arif and his wife Chris had always dreamed of owning their own restaurant. In 1986, Arif and family moved to Burleson, Texas

and opened the very first Our Place Restaurant. For many years he operated Our Place with his family until his wife fell ill with cancer. He eventually decided to close the family business so they could spend as much of her remaining time they had left together. After his retirement, Arif spent his time traveling to Europe to visit his place of birth, he consulted for friends that were opening restaurants and he guided his sons in the re-opening of the Our Place Restaurants.

Arif is survived by his children, Otto Arslanovski, Salina Andersen, Richard Arslanovski and Benji Arslanovski; his daughter-in- law, Monica Arslanovski, son-in-law, Erik Andersen, daughter-in-law, Kristian Greenleaf, daughter-in-law, Samantha Arslanovski; grand son-in-law, Derek Embry. His Grandchildren, Vanessa Embry, Ryan Arslanovski, Alek Andersen, Tyler Arslanovski, Carter Arslanovski, Conrad Arslanovski and great grandson, Franklin Embry.

Family, friends and others that have been touched by the life of Arif Arslanovski attended his celebration of life at Crosier-Pearson Funeral Home in Cleburne, Texas on May 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

Paul Click, 92, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2019.
Visitaton was Tuesday, May 21 and his service was held at 10:00 a.m. May 22, 2019 at Lucas & Blessing Funeral Home in Burleson, Texas. Interment was at 2:15 p.m. May 22, 2019 at DFW National Cemetery.

Paul was born December 10, 1926 in Santa Anna, Texas, to May Williams and George Click, the oldest of three sons. At the age of one, Paul moved with his family to the Duck Creek community near Paint Rock, Texas, in Concho County. He graduated from Paint Rock High School in 1944 and joined the U.S. Navy. Paul attended boot camp in San Diego and after that was stationed on Ebeye one of the Marshall Islands. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he returned to Paint Rock and began working as a manager for Armstrong Lumber Company at the age of 21. Paul married Lillie Bell Duckworth in a double ceremony with Maurine Warren and Tracy Comerio on February 28, 1948. During a severe drought, the Clicks moved to Fort Worth for a job in a better economy. He opened and operated a new Texaco service station at the corner of I-35 and Seminary. For a short time, he and an old friend formed Corsair Marine Corp. and built boats.

During this time he met and became friends with Bill Wilson, a young Fort Worth Policeman. Having a lifelong interest in law enforcement, Paul joined the Fort Worth Police Department and had a 30-year career there. While working the hit and run division he was humbled when awarded the Outstanding Officer of the Year.

Soon after retirement in 1985, Paul and Lillie traveled for several years. When land and a big house became a bit too much, the couple moved to Burleson and later to Heritage Place, a retirement center. Paul was a lifelong Methodist, a member of the First United Methodist Church Burleson since 1970.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Lillie, daughter Patricia and a brother Elton Click.

Those left to cherish the memories are his daughter, Paula McAnally and husband Jimmy; grandchildren, Jamie Nix and wife Amber, Jeremiah Nix, Henry McAnally, Della McAnally Galvan, Kristan Loya and husband Curtis, Rowdy McAnally and wife Tiffany, Rory McAnally, and Emily Yanez and husband Pete; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous friends.

Mona Lee Gaither, 89, of Burleson, Texas, passed away due to complications from an injury. on May 25, 2019.

Mona was born on August 22, 1929, to Emma and Lee Johnson in Benbrook, Texas, and grew up in the small town of Aledo, Texas. Mona graduated from Godley High School in 1947. She excelled at office management tasks and was proud of her excellent typing abilities. She worked diligently in the insurance business until she began a family.

Mona married Arlon Gaither in 1959, and they lived on Melody Street in south Fort Worth. After the birth of their first child, Mona and Arlon bought a house in Forest Hills, in southeast Fort Worth. They had their second child about a year later. While raising her children, Mona was active in her church, and took a great pride in making the home comfortable for her family and growing flowers in the outside beds around the home.

Mona and Arlon raised their family in Forest Hills for 25 years, then moved from the suburbs to the country, then later moved to Burleson, Texas where she and Arlon lived for the rest of her life.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Arlon Neal Gaither of Burleson; a daughter, Nell Sylvia Gaither, of Dallas; and a son, Robert Lynn Gaither, of Springtown, Texas. Her two brothers, Tommy Johnson of Bedford, and Don Johnson of Belton, Texas also remain.

Visitation is Thursday, May 30, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Laurel Land Funeral Home in Fort Worth, Texas.

Her service is Friday, May 31, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in Laurel Land Chapel of the Chimes.

Becky Aves Clay Insall, (Granny Becky), 71, went home to Jesus May 31, 2019, in Texarkana, Texas.

A former resident of Burleson, “Granny Becky” was born August 8, 1947, in Fort Worth, Texas. She devoted her life to giving to and caring for others. She was known for miles around for her kindness, her generosity, and her gallon of sweet tea she always had in the fridge. She loved and cherished every soul she encountered in her own special way every step throughout her life.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 6, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mountain Valley Funeral Home in Joshua, Texas.

A graveside service will be Friday, June 7. 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Caddo Cemetery in Joshua, Texas.

Becky was preceded in death by her mother, Cora, her grandmother, Velma, her son Doug, and two great grandsons, Kale and Michael.

She is survived by her sister, her three daughters, over a dozen grand kids, and two dozen great grand kids.

Mervin Reno Smith, Jr. (Smitty), 79, of Burleson, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019.

He was born on January 25, 1940 in Champagne, Illinois.

Smitty spent his career as a welder, machinist and a millwright. He never met a stranger, was loved by his family and friends and he will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Elvia Smith, of Burleson, Texas; son, M. Andrew Smith, wife, Tanya, and son, Christopher, (Lisa), and their son, Christopher; his daughter, Kellie Smith; stepson, Leonardo Provencio; stepdaughter, Adrianna Elvia Provencio. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Hopper, her husband, Russ; Sister, Elizabeth Hawthorn, her husband, Jerry; grandchildren, Joshua Smith (Toni), Garrett Smith, Dante Uriostegui, Brandon Dimmitt, Tara Steward, and Jacob Smith, and Emma Provencio; and great grandchildren, Abrianna, Brendan,

Zakk, and Magnolia.

Barbara Ann Hobbs passed away June 2, 2019. A celebration of her life will be held later in September, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

She was born January 3, 1968. She loved animals and was a veterinarian tech most of her life. She was a hoot with her big loud laugh and big smile.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Pollye Bailey, and father, R.H. (Bob) Hobbs.

She is survived by her sister, Dianna (DeeDy) Snider, and brother-in-law, Tim Snider;

her fur babies, Bella and Zeke; several nieces and a nephew, and her loving friend, Cody Lacy. Barbara had many friends and she will be greatly missed by everyone.

JOSHUA -- Gerald "Jerry" Mills, 79, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away Friday, June 28, 2019.

A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 6, 2019, at Birdville Baptist Church.

Jerry was born August 7, 1939, in Cuero, Texas, to Mattie and Royce Mills. He served with the U. S. Navy from 1957 until 1961. Jerry was an engineer with Union Pacific Railroad and retired after 31 years. He loved the Lord and was a member of Rock Creek Baptist Church.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kaye Mills; daughter, Donna Shaw and husband. Rex; daughter, Lori Mills and fiance, Manny; grandchildren, Benjamin Shaw and wife, Kirby; Allie Shaw and Hannah Mills; and sister, Kay Steputes.

Mr. Campbell passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Funeral services for Howard Monroe Campbell, 77, of Cleburne, Texas were conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, June 24, 2019, at the Joshua Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastor Dave Tucker officiating. Burial followed in Keene Memorial Park Cemetery.

A visitation for family and friends was held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2019, at Rosser Funeral Home in Cleburne.

Serving as pallbearers were Tristan Radke, Dakota Rayburn, Robert Campbell, Brian Rayburn, Greg Radke and Jacob Campbell.

He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on April 21, 1942, the son of Ida (Vines) and George M. Campbell.

Howard and Margaret (Reed) Campbell were married on June 21, 1970 in Arlington, Texas.

He served his country in the United States Army and was a HVAC technician. Mr. Campbell was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Squire Campbell, Dahlia Vines, Richard Emanus and Huey Vines.

Mr. Campbell is survived by his wife, of 49 years, Margaret Reed Campbell of Cleburne; son, Robert Campbell and wife, Samie; daughters, Jennifer Radke and husband, Greg, and Elizabeth Rayburn and husband, Brian; sisters, Mildred Remedies and Velda Fay Sterling and husband, Wayne; and grandchildren, Bailey Campbell, Jacob Campbell, Victoria , Alexis and Tristan Radke, and Dakota Rayburn.

You may view the obituary online at www.rosserfuneralhome.net

Alfred D. Barfield,  80 years of age, from Burleson, Texas went home to our Lord, July 8,  2019. Al left behind his wonderful wife of 48 years , Mary Jane Barfield; sons, Jeffrey D. Barfield and wife,  Kimberly, G.Keith Barfield, Henry (Hank)P. Barfield and wife, Sandra; older brother, Johnny H. Barfield and younger brother, Herman A. Barfield

He and his wife, MJ, have been blessed with three grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. All know Al loved hunting and fishing as well as having fun family times. 

He was preceded in death by his mother and dad, as well as two sisters, Alma Neighbors and Geraldine O'flaherty. 

A memorial service was held July 11, at 2:00 p.m, at Pathway Church in Burleson, Texas

Jane LaVon (Williams) Felt of Burleson, Texas passed away on July 3, 2019, at the age of 88. Jane was born July 24, 1930, in Marion, Ohio to Harry and Helen Williams.

Jane is retired from GTE/Verizon after 25 years and enjoyed collecting teddy bears. Jane and her husband, Jack, moved to Burleson in 1994 to be closer to her son. She was a member of the United Methodist Women of the First United Methodist Church of Burleson, Texas and UMW President from 1996 to 2006.

Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Jack D. Felt. She is survived by her son, Eric W. Felt, and his wife Pamela of Mineral Wells, Texas; her granddaughter, Megan Anderson, and her two great-grandchildren, Dylan Van Wey and Levi Anderson of Midlothian, Texas. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Holcomb, and her family of Marion, Ohio. Jane also leaves several friends coast to coast. Jane will be interred with her husband Jack at the Dallas – Fort Worth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please send any contributions to the UMW of First United Methodist Church of Burleson.

Wanda Lou Bartley Ply was born September 24, 1925 and went to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 11, 2019.

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 18, 2019, at The  First United Methodist Church, 590 N.E. McAlister Road, Burleson, Texas. Rev. Eddie Smart will officiate.  Musicians will be Woody Martin and Jeff Hensley.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at The Lucas and Blessing Funeral Home, 518 S.W. Johnson Ave., Burleson, Texas.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Burleson Memorial Cemetery, 500 Memorial Plaza, Burleson, Texas.  Her grandsons, Ryan Swindle, Brendan Swindle, Mason Miller, Travis Miller, Hunter Whirley, and Preston Whirley, will be pallbearers;.

She was the seventh of eight children born to Eugene and Mary Elizabeth Bartley in Dalhart, Tx.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Roy Floyd Ply. The two met in San Antonio when she was attending nursing school.  She fell in love with the Navy man who danced a mean jitterbug.

After they married on December 23, 1947, they set up house in Corpus Christi.  They were joined by children Gary, Glenda, and Molly before their move to Burleson in 1959.  Their third daughter Amy would arrive to the family as Wanda and Roy were figuring out how to raise three teenagers.  Wanda will be remembered fondly by her four children, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Wanda was born into tribulation-the Dust Bowl of the Texas Panhandle.  She thrived during the Great Depression, becoming a nurse in efforts to support service members returning from World War II.  She served for years as a nurse, helping those in their most dire moments with her expertise, wit, and wisdom.   She was also a dedicated mother ready to chase her kids down in the kitchen to give them their vaccinations.  Her children still fondly recall these memories, hoping their mother would not bring home a bunch of shots.

Wanda was a dedicated Christian and sang in the choir for the First United Methodist Church for years.  Her hobbies included spending time with family, playing board games with friends, crocheting afghans, world travel, and telling all men they should be clean-shaven.

You will be missed, Wanda

Friends who wish to may make contributions to First United Methodist Church Music Ministry