Obituaries

April 4, 2025

Lynda Ann Swoveland, 83, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025. Born February 7, 1942, in Moody, Texas, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who lived with grace and warmth. A devout Christian, Lynda found strength in her faith and is now home with the Lord.

She had a long and accomplished career as an...

April 3, 2025

Pauline (Paula) Cantu Gonzales of Waco, Texas, age 89, went home to be with her Savior and Lord on April 3, 2025. A visitation in her honor will be on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 10:00am, Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home with...

April 3, 2025

Donald E Routte, 97, of Waco, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, officiated by Roger Huff. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery will follow the service. Visitation with the family will be on Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral...

April 2, 2025

Janis Roberson, a beloved 5th-grade teacher, mother, sister, and friend, left this world on April 2, 2025, in her home in Lorena, Texas, her loyal companions, Lil' Bit and Piper, at her side. Born on October 6, 1944, in Port Arthur, Texas, Janis dedicated her life to education and caring for others. For 31 years, she made a lasting impact...

April 2, 2025

Jeffrey Kenneth Wooten, 37, of Bruceville, Texas, passed away on the morning of April 2, 2025, at Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Woodway. Visitation will begin at 11:30 AM, followed by a memorial service at 12:30 PM.

Jeffrey was born on December...

April 1, 2025

Barbara Lynn (Jenkins) Bayer passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Round Rock, TX.  A memorial graveside service will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 11:30am, at Stanford Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Scott Talley officiating the service. 

Barbara was born August 8, 1939, in Odessa, TX to Claudia and Phil Jenkins. Barbara was an only child and grew up...

March 31, 2025

Rebecca Louise Hadley, affectionately known as Becky, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Waco, Texas, under the compassionate care of Providence Hospice. She was born on August 11, 1942, in Dallas, Texas, and her journey through life was marked by her unwavering spirit and dedication to family.  In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services.

Becky devoted...

March 30, 2025

Maria Elena Veliz II passed away March 30, 2025, in Hewitt, TX. A funeral mass honoring Maria’s life will take place on April 24, 2025, beginning at 11am, at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church with a Rosary at Burns Mortuary taking place the night prior to on April 23, 2025, beginning at 6pm. Both at Our Lady of Angels...

March 30, 2025

March 29, 2025

Audrey Ruth Michalk Abel was the second child of missionary parents, born in Ambur Province, India March 6,1948. She awoke in heaven on Saturday, March 29, 2025. She became a child of God with her baptism on March 21, 1948, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church in Ambur, North Arcot Dt. of South India by her father Rev. T.A. Michalk. She...

March 26, 2025

Clara Mae Williams, a faithful follower of Jesus, went home to be with the Lord on March 26, 2025. She was surrounded by her son, Larry and his wife, Cyndy. Clara lived a long life that was full of much love, joy, and faithful service to Jesus. There will be a celebration of life May 3 at 10:30 AM at...

March 25, 2025

Laurie Lynn Guest, 62, of Woodway, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, March 25, 2025. A visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 31, 2025, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home with Dr. David Tate officiating. Interment will follow at Moody Cemetery.

Laurie...

March 24, 2025

Harold "Butch" Wayne Highfill, 79, passed away on March 24, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 7, 1945, in Carlisle, Arkansas, he moved with his family to Texas at an early age. Butch was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

An entrepreneur and a pillar of his community,...

March 23, 2025

Robert Alvin McMahan (81) of Bruceville, was carried on the wings of angels, entered the gates of the Lord with great thanksgiving, and entered the court of the Lord with praise Sunday, March 23, 2025 surrounded by love, light and his adoring family. Celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 27, at Community Fellowship Church of the Nazarene,...

2025

Michael Anthony Wartha, a husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away March 22, 2025, at the age of 75. A memorial service will be April 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.

Michael was a very intelligent, composed man, with a very dry sense of humor. It was hard to get to know the real Mike because of...

March 21, 2025

Debra Beckmann, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and nurse, passed away on March 21, 2025, in Waco, Texas, surrounded by her loved ones.

Debra was born on January 2, 1955, in Houston, Texas. She spent her childhood in Girl Scouts, youth group activities, and running around with her lifelong best friend, Darlene Mott. She earned her Associate’s degree in Nursing and...

March 21, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Willie May Lutz, affectionately known as "Billie", who left this world peacefully on March 21, 2025, in Woodway, Texas. Born on June 17, 1927, in Oskar, Texas (now known as Oscar in Bell County), Willie May was a remarkable woman whose life was marked by love, laughter, and a...

March 19, 2025

Larissa McLean, a beloved mother, sister, gammy , and friend, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, in Temple, Texas, due to medical complications. She was 54 years old. Born on June 23, 1970, in Waco, Texas, to her loving parents, Larry Little and Mary Dockery.Larissa's life can be characterized by her unwavering kindness and commitment to caring for others....

March 19, 2025

With heavy hearts and minds woven with memories, we celebrate the life of Carol Lyn Stine, born February 1, 1972, in Flemington, New Jersey. Carol graced this world for 53 beautiful years, embodying kindness, wisdom, and an infectious wit that left a mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Carol, a beloved daughter of Elaine Csisek, went...

March 17, 2025

“The Man, The Myth, The Legend”

Donald Ray Groseclose, 82, of Waco, passed away March 17, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Don was an exceptionally brave man, who never met a stranger and dedicated his life to bringing joy and laughter to others.

A memorial visitation in Don's honor will be from 5pm to 7pm, Friday, March 28, 2025 at Grace Gardens...