Rodger L. Feldt – March 4, 2024

 

Rodger L. Felt, age 82, of Katy, Texas, passed away on March 4, 2024. He was born in San Diego, California on February 2, 1942 to Lawrence Willard Felt and Marion Olive Felt. Rodger had a career in oil and gas as an engineer for Shell and Abercrombie before eventually becoming self-employed when he opened Rodel Oil and Gas and Manufactured Pipehandlers. In his free time, he enjoyed writing poems, and cheering on his favorite teams including the Texas A&M Aggies, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Astros.

Rodger was preceded in death by parents, Lawrence and Marion Felt, as well as his son, Bradley R. Felt. He is survived by his wife, Delind Felt; son, Gregory Felt; daughter, Deema Mata and husband, Jeremy Mata; sister, Sally Felt; niece, Sarah Felt; niece, Olivia Mendoza and husband, Kevin Mendoza; grandson, Tyler Felt; grandson, Aidan Felt and his fiance, Temple Trapp; grandson, Mason Mata; and great nephew, Elijah Lee Michaelson Mendoza.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Katy Funeral Home, located at 23350 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 77494, to be followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. A small family graveside service will occur on Monday, March 11, 2024 at Rodger’s final resting place in Waco, Texas.

Lynette (Muchow) Baugh –
January 22, 2024

 
 

Bev (Murphy) Wells informed me last night around 6:00 pm that Lynette (Muchow) Baugh passed away. Lynette was so faithful to help with all reunions and to attend any WHS function that she could as long as her health permitted.

In early January, Lynette fell and broke her vertebrae and had to be placed on Hospice. She was at home when she died with loved ones by her side: Jarod (Lynette’s husband) Lindy (her daughter) and Chris, (Lindy’s husband).

Lindy and her husband live next door to Jarod and Lynette. They bought the house next door which had belonged to Lindy’s grandmother. Chip and Joanna Gaines did the remodel, and their house was featured on the Fixer Upper TV show several years ago. Lynette and Jarod and whole family were featured in the home at the end of the original airing.

In case this link doesn’t work, it is titled: Hewitt Hideaway, April 10, 2017. Bing Videos

Jeanne

Bev, who was a dear, dear friend of Lynette has offered this wonderful heartfelt tribute for us. 

“Lynette Muchow Baugh and I went to Gurley Elementary together; we met in first grade. Every year our school would have a May Pole dance event and the girls would dress up like butterflies and dance around the May Pole. Lynette was a beautiful butterfly and now her spirit will continue on in my memory as a beautiful butterfly.

Lynette passed away this evening, Monday, January 22, 2024. She would have turned 82 on March 8th.

Lynette was a loving wife to Jarod, who loved her dearly, and she loved her three beautiful daughters (Leann, Lorie and Lindy), and her grand-children, and her little dog, Buddy. Lynette loved the wide-open spaces of their farm and would even help mow the acreage from time to time and enjoyed doing it. Lindy and Chris lived next door to Lynette and Jarod and that gave Lynette and Jarod great comfort.

Jarod had built Lynette a beautiful guest home right behind their home where guests would stay when visiting. It was decorated retro and was almost like a museum. She knew every detail about every item in that home. It brought back a lot of historical memories for me.

When we were girls in high school, she worked at McCory’s and I worked at Kresses both on Austin Avenue, right across from each other. We were making 50 cents an hour and thought we were rich!

Lynette was a historian. She was involved as a docent at the Earle-Napier-Kinnard House but was involved in some of the other historic homes too. She knew a lot about Waco history too. It was amazing how much history she remembered and related. Lynette was involved in other ladies groups including her sorority and other functions and involved in her church.

When I would visit Lynette and Jarod, we would watch old war movies or westerns together…what fun! Lynette was a great cook and one of her specialties was marinated pork tenderloin with vegetables, sooo yummy! And, she made a great banana pudding (nothing boxed, all from scratch) too! She would get up early and have breakfast for her guests. A true B&B! She loved having her guests visit.

I was so thankful that I got to see Lynette in October. She just hugged me and called out my name. What a thrill that was!

So my dear friend, Lynette, you will live in my heart and memory. And, some day, we will see each other again! I have no doubt that she is with her Lord! Please keep Jarod and their family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”

Jane (Rogers) Turner – October 22, 2022

 

Graveside service for Rita Jane Rogers Turner, 80, of Ferriday, LA were held at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Friday, October 7 at 10 AM, under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.

Mrs. Turner was born in Waco, Texas on April 7th, 1942, to Harold Rogers and Hazel Rogers. She passed away on October 2, 2022 in Ferriday, LA. Jane graduated from Waco High School in Waco, TX. After High School, she attended Kilgore College in Kilgore, TX. She was a Kilgore Rangerette and danced in the 1961 & 1962 Cotton Bowls. Jane was a homemaker who enjoyed spending time with her family, entertaining friends, and traveling with her husband, who competed in cutting horse events in the rodeo circuit. She also enjoyed gardening, tennis, and was a member of Sevier Methodist Memorial Church and the Panola Woods Country Club. She judged the South Natchez Colonial Ladies Try Outs and Co-Sponsored the Huntington Canine Cuties Dance Team with Penny Daye.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Rogers and Hazel Rogers, and her husband, Harry Arch “Sonny” Turner.

Mrs. Turner is survived by her son, Blake Turner and wife Elizabeth of Natchez, MS; daughter, Jill Turner Clark and husband Roger of Rogers, AR; grandchildren, Brittany Funderburg Rogel and husband Zach, Brooks Elizabeth Turner, and Megan Jones King; great grandchildren, James Campbell “Camp” Blunschi, Collins and Chloe Rogel, and Kaylee King; sister-in-law, Charlaine Turner Yerger of Tallulah, LA; brother-in-law, Charles “Bo” Edward Turner and wife Melody of Chattanooga, TN; and nieces and nephews, Nina Charlaine Yerger, Jason Arch Yerger,Jonathon “JT” Turner, and Rachel Turner.

Honorary Pallbearers were Camp Blunschi, Jason Arch Turner, Jonathon Turner, and Max Mullins, JR.

For additional pictures

Hurricane Idalia …

 

This was last evening (August 29th) from Bev Murphy Wells who lives in The Villages, Florida:.
“The good thing about The Villages, all electric lines are underground and all water have run off canals that takes the water to the ponds where in turn they use that water to water the golf courses. Interesting set up! The bad thing is unless your lot is extra large it’s difficult to install a generator because they need to be installed 20 feet away from any other building.
This morning (August 30th) update: All’s well! So far I haven’t heard about any loss of life which is the upmost importance to me. Idalia hit more in a rural area where there are nature preserves and less population. There could be flooding in that area though. The storm surge in Treasure Island caused flooding. St Pete hit too, especially in the bay area!
Cat3 at landfall
125 winds
16 ft storm surge

 

This morning From Pat Payne who lives in Naples, Florida:
“This turned into a Cat 3 and maybe a 4 when it comes ashore in the FL panhandle later this morning. Had some heavy rain about 2 pm yesterday here in Naples and now off and on as the bands go through. SW FL was fortunate this time. Relatively low wind of 40 mph max. No surge of any concern. Not damage to property in the area. However, September is our peak hurricane month. The very warm water in the Gulf is like throwing gasoline on a fire.”
“This thing is a monster. Look how tight that eye in as in approaches FL panhandle.”

“Just took our dog for a walk. The wind is about 20 with some gusts. No rain. People are driving to work like a normal day. So besides a heavy rain yesterday, which we needed, we all have let out a sigh, said a prayer for northern Florida, and getting back to normal.”

From David Dibb in Florence, SC:
“In Florence SC we are expecting 20 consecutive hours of rain starting about noon today. Most of that storm is still in Georgia dumping up to 3 inches per hour”

Bob Easter – August 11, 2023

 

Robert Collins (“Bob”) Easter, Sr. passed from this realm on August 11, 2023 while surrounded by his family. They know that he is now free of all pain and worry as he has been welcomed into Heaven as a good and faithful servant. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and intentional action that will continue to inspire all who loved him.

Bob was born November 18, 1941 in Waco, Texas and was the youngest of eight children born to his parents Christopher Columbus Easter and Essie Marie (Smith) Easter. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Carolyn (Castille) Easter, with whom he proudly shared a blended family. Surviving children are: son Robert C. Easter, Jr. and wife Lea (Anthony) Easter; son Christopher Easter and wife Lori (Elam) Easter; son Patrick Easter and wife Jennifer (Fowler) Easter; daughter Catherine (Bowyer) Dant; son John Bowyer and wife Irene Bowyer.

The grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him so much joy! All will remember their BeBe with love: Jordan (Easter) Taylor and husband Steele along with their children Samuel and Margaret; Will Easter and wife Ann Banks (Blackwell) Easter; Alden (Easter) Lopez and husband Max; Chloe Easter; Rylee Elam; Christopher Easter; David Easter; Amanda Easter; Madison Dant and fiance Kabryn Hodgson; William Dant and fiance Paige Bartok along with their infant son Alexander; and Christopherous Bowyer.

Bob worked continuously on genealogical research and he learned his family’s American story began with indentured servitude in 1664 in Virginia. Members of the family have served in every aspect of military and farming life since the beginning of our country, which Bob recognized as honorable work to form and support a great nation. He had high hopes for the United States to continue growth with integrity. The call of his ancestors led to amazing work restoring a family cemetery in Alabama and he has collaborated in publishing the stories as well. “May your thirst and understanding of this history fill your soul with a renewed hope for the future” was his inscription. The numerous family members whom he has connected over the years were all very special to him.

Work ethic was strong with Bob, and it is a value which he encouraged in his children. He worked from very early in his youth (picking cotton, delivering newspapers on a bicycle, helping on the family farm) and learned valuable lessons from each experience. His career in the newspaper business included his position as Director of Circulation at the Austin American-Statesman. He went on to the real estate business, where he owned and operated Easter and Easter, Realtors for many years and became known as “Mr. Sold Mine” during the 1980’s. He was always a consumer advocate and sought out creative ways to improve the industry.

With all of his professional accolades and accomplishments, he would most like to be remembered for his family and for his gardening. A proud certified Texas Organic Gardener, he was at his happiest when digging in the dirt. And what perfect dirt it is! (Texas A&M said so; yes his soil was tested.) His tomatoes and leafy greens are legendary, and he was proud to grow nutritious and heirloom food year-round for his family and for the local food pantries. While he thought no one was listening, those around him have absorbed countless insights into what makes a garden grow, what plants are best companions, and what foods our ancestors ate for best health. Friends and family will always remember him when using seaweed or planting garlic in their own gardens. Bob recently reminded us that the garden was the first gift from God to Man and Woman. He found spiritual connection in the garden and especially among his friends at Sunshine Community Gardens and the Grow Together Community Garden at Gateway. Bob also donated food to and lived the mission of the Micah 6 organization, which is based on Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Bob Easter was most definitely a humble man, and he constantly gave thanks to God and to all the people whom he encountered. No matter how he met each person, he was truly interested in their stories and he fostered connection at every opportunity. Hopefully his example can help others spread a bit more kindness throughout the world. With gratitude, the family would like to thank all those who have blessed his life with friendship and support.

In lieu of flowers, kindly contribute to Sunshine Community Gardens or Gateway Church in memory of Bob Easter.

Additional information and pictures

Waco Town Crier – August 2023

It has been so hot in Texas, there is not much else to say. We need rain so badly and a break from all this heat. Waco has had 24 days of over 100-degree temperatures with 11 straight days of the blistering heat. Waco is still on water rationing as Lake Waco is still very deficient. Everyone, please stay hydrated and protect yourselves from the sun. Excessive heat like this is supposed to be dangerous for the elderly.
Jeanne
 
Here’s the August Town Crier

  • From the Editor
  • From Our Graduates
  • Updates
  • Regarding Jeri Borne Guyton’s Gardening Expertise
  • For Rita and Ed Burnett
  • Regarding our Deceased List
  • August Birthdays
  • Work History by Howard Dudgeon
  • Did You Know?
  • Pictures
  • Humor

 

Nancy Kay (Lehman) Kehl –
June 25, 2023

Nancy Kay (Lehman) Kehl passed away in the early morning hours of June 25, 2023 at her home in Valley Mills.

Nancy was born on January 7, 1942 in Waco, Texas to Ruby Pearl (Garrett) and Elmer Schrader Lehman. She was born one month after the bombing at Pearl Harbor. Nancy graduated from Waco High School and later attended 4C Business College in Waco. She met her future husband, Jon Chapman Kehl, on a blind date. They were married on October 6, 1962 and celebrated 53 years of marriage before his passing on December 15, 2015.

Nancy worked for several years at Lone Star Gas before going to work at Lake Shore United Methodist Church where she worked for over 20 years. She was an active member of Praisewind Church on the Rock in Bellmead for many years and later also at the Church of Christ Valley Mills. Nancy loved being a part of the church and was a true “prayer warrior”. She never met a stranger and cherished her many friendships.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Jon Kehl; parents, Ruby and Elmer Lehman; brother, James E. Lehman and nephew, James E. Lehman, Jr.  Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Stephen Paul Kehl and wife Samantha Najvar Kehl, and their sons, William and Harrison all of Hurst, Texas; son, Mark Chapman Kehl and wife Jennifer Starks Kehl, and their children, Kobe and Tanner Alba, Ethan Kruger and Brianna Kehl all of Valley Mills, Texas; and a host of other family and friends.

In happier days when Nancy’s beloved husband was alive:

Kay (Ulrich) Wells – June 9, 2023

This is the “official” Obit for Kay.

Lynnette Kay Wells (known as Kay by family and friends) entered eternal joy, peace, and perfect love on June 9, 2023, after fighting the good fight, keeping the faith, and finishing her race. Born during World War II on December 27, 1941, in Waco, TX to Harry Ullrich and Lydia Grohowski Ullrich, Kay grew up with a tangible love of all people and embraced diversity. Coming into the world fresh on the heels of the Great Depression also shaped her formative years. She had a green thumb and started working at a florist shop as a teenager to help her family pay the bills, with gardening (flowers, plants, vegetables, and fruit) remaining a passion throughout her life. Kay continued mastering the art of frugality in adulthood by clipping coupons, sewing clothing items from scraps of material, adding to the family’s dime jar to save money for household items, and finding innovative ways to repurpose various objects most others would have tossed. Down-to-earth Kay knew what really mattered to her, and earthly possessions did not make her values-based list.

In 1958, Kay was at a friend’s house, with her tiny dog peeking out of her purse, and in walked a dashing young man, Doyle Wells, who was heading off to college to study preaching. He was immediately smitten, but she wasn’t convinced. They exchanged handwritten letters for a couple of years until Doyle stopped replying. In response, spitfire Kay mailed a one-sentence note announcing that if that’s how he was going to be, she was done…that is, until Doyle unexpectedly appeared at her door, walked her to his 1956 Chevy, and proposed. Thus began a 62-year story of ministry, triumphs, and heartbreaks, enveloped in dedication and unconditional love that included the meaningful relationships she shared with her many in-laws, friends, and future family.

Inventive, creative, and passionate are three words to describe Kay’s Sunday School teaching. She spent countless hours designing visual aids with an overhead projector, and little ones’ eyes were glued to her as she captivated them with her storytelling. Kay (a history buff) and Doyle also went on mission trips to Mexico, Czechoslovakia, and Czechia, returning with many insights about the historical changes between their visits.

Kay embraced her role as a minister’s wife and served from the kitchen using her excellent culinary skills. She delivered made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls and sourdough bread to loved ones and those who were sick or otherwise suffering. She hosted parties for congregation members, including an annual Stone Soup gathering. Kay and Doyle provided the melt-in-your-mouth cornbread and soup base, to which each attendee added a can of vegetables. There was a lesson in virtually everything she did, with this one exemplifying the benefits of sharing, collaborating, and supporting one another. No party was complete without games; two of her favorites were Bridge and Dominoes. Rarely could anyone be in a room without hearing Kay’s spirited, infectious laugh (or legendary sneezes). She could “have a conversation with a fence post,” having never met a stranger and knowing how to make newcomers feel welcome. She loved, remembered, and served people wholeheartedly.

The boundless love Kay exuded extended to her children. She never missed one of their events unless they occurred simultaneously, in which case she and Doyle alternated which activities they attended. She understood the power of being present and that modeling how to live was more profound than telling her kids how to live.

Kay was the bookkeeper for a nonprofit in Austin, TX during her senior years until a stroke altered her course. Healthcare workers raved about her positivity, perseverance, sweetness, and gratitude throughout her physical struggles, and several loved ones surrounded her on the day she went to her reward.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Vernelle Richter. Left to relish her legacy of love, faith, service, laughter, and cinnamon rolls are her beloved husband, Doyle; her two children, Evin “The Kid” (Michaella) and Heather “Punkin” Wells; and her adored grandkids, Brooke, Riley, Hayden, and Addison Wells, along with many cherished in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

If you wish to honor the life of Kay Wells, nothing would have made her happier than knowing someone did so by engaging in an act of service for another person.

Kay (Ullrich) Wells – June 9, 2023

 
 

Kay’s daughter, Heather Wells, posted this loving tribute to her mother on Facebook.

Mom is no longer in pain, and she now enjoys perfect love, peace, and joy. Her body left this world Friday night, but her spirit lives on.

My mom lovingly served people from the kitchen. We delivered made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls and sourdough bread to families in need, and not a week went by during her healthy years when people didn’t rave about her culinary skills, to go along with her numerous other strengths.

Mom was a devoted preacher’s wife and created the curriculum and staffing for Sunday school classes. She and I spent countless hours in the garage with an overhead projector designing visual aids (before the days of Google Slides or PowerPoint), and she knew how to make them come to life. Little ones’ wide eyes were glued on her as she captivated them with her storytelling.

People regularly share testimonials about how she transformed their lives with her teachings, and, more importantly, by the example she set. My dad liked to say that Mom could converse with a fence post because she had never met a stranger and knew how to make newcomers feel welcome. Who wouldn’t want to talk to a person with that gorgeous smile of hers? And she knew how to laugh with her whole body.

I am grateful to my core for her genuine heart, the example of service to others she personified, and the life lessons that helped mold me into who I am.

Because of my mom and various experiences with her, I learned:

  • People are multi-faceted. Mistakes or struggles do not indicate the quality of one’s character. Forgiveness, grace, and perspective are paramount.
  • Find what’s good. Instead of judging a book by its cover, take the time to read the pages.
  • The most profound personal growth often comes through trials, not on the mountaintops.
  • Adversity equips us to serve others on a more profound, empathetic level.
  • Providing unconditional love does not require us to lose our self-respect. Boundaries are essential.
  • No one “makes me feel” a certain way. I am in charge of how I handle situations.
  • Self-compassion makes it possible to love others more fully.
  • Everyone deserves to have a voice.
  • Authenticity is much more meaningful than a shiny persona.
  • Sweeping legitimate issues under the carpet instead of addressing them does not create enduring peace.
  • Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t worth it. A values-driven life is one worth living.
  • Tasks one person can accomplish easily might be a challenge for someone else, and vice versa. Even if we’ve traveled on a journey similar to another person, everyone’s story and responses are valid and unique.
  • Quality of life matters and can change in the blink of an eye. Relish the small moments.
  • Contemplating loss enhances gratitude.
  • Love and presence trump “perfect” parenting. Kids learn by watching their caregivers, including what they model beautifully and their inevitable missteps.

I request continued prayers for my precious dad and all those who are grieving the loss of Mom. I have had many heart-to-heart talks with Dad to prepare him as much as humanly possible for what was to come, and he is a man of devout faith, but he still lost the love of his life. We sang, prayed, hugged, held hands, and reminisced all day. Uncle Ray and Aunt Sharon drove for several hours so they could support Dad and me tonight. They love and serve well and are two of the most phenomenal people I have ever known.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the time you all have taken to encourage and pray for us. You have brought us so much comfort, and I believe you also helped Mom’s body let go peacefully. Saying thank you isn’t adequate to express what I wish I could convey right now. I’m sending you all love.