Obituaries

Feb 9, 2025

Brenda Sue Simpson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on February 9, 2025. She was born on January 22, 1951, at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, TX, to Alfred and Clara Zimmerman, who instilled in her a strong sense of compassion and community.  

Throughout her life, Brenda exemplified love and service. A proud member...

Feb 9, 2025

Cecil Rayford Christopher of Lorena, passed away on February 9, 2025 at home surrounded by family. Visitation will be 4-6pm, Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. Services will be 11am on Friday, February 14, 2025 with Ryan Christopher officiating at Grace Garden Funeral Home with a time of greeting at 10:30 am. The burial will be at Hallsville...

Feb 8, 2025

Rodney Byron Barnett, a beloved Brother and Friend, passed away on February 8, 2025, at Baylor, Scott, & White - Hillcrest. Born on July 28, 1967, Rodney’s early years were filled with curiosity and a passion for fishing and music. 

Rodney was dedicated to his career at Clayton Homes, Rodney consistently strived to make a positive impact on those around him....

Feb 7, 2025

Heath Lee Carrizales, 53, of Waco, Texas passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born on July 31, 1971, in Shelby, Heath grew up with a love for life, family, and community. He graduated from University High School in the Class of 1989. Heath worked as an HVAC tech before moving to office at Jacobs Cathey Company...

Feb 7, 2025

Louise Hillyer, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away on February 7, 2025, at her home in Waco, Texas, surrounded by the warmth of her children. Born on February 28, 1946, in Abilene, Texas, Louise lived a life rich with love, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.  A time of greeting with the family will...

Feb 5, 2025

Troy Lee Spohn passed away on February 5, 2025 at the age of 50. He was met in heaven by his father and surrendered into the arms of God. 

Troy was born on July 12, 1974 in Waco to Dwayne and Sarah Spohn. He was raised and attended school in McGregor where he was involved in football, 4-H, and Ag. After...

Feb 4, 2025

Madisyn Paige Vansyckle of Waco, TX entered the gates of Heaven at age 25. In her short life, Madisyn was a blessing to those who knew her while making the day brighter for all she encountered. She brought laughter and warmth to everyone she met and leaves an indelible mark on the lives of many.

Madisyn was a 2018 graduate of...

Feb 1, 2025

Dear sweet Kaye Collins passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, following a lengthy illness. She was a wonderful woman with a beautiful smile and contagious laugh. She loved her husband, family, friends, students, bright colors and life. She was patient, warm, kind, gracious, welcoming, and a servant to all. She will be greatly missed. 

A memorial service celebrating her life...

Jan 31, 2025

Alan Cherry North, age 70, of Waco, TX, passed away on Friday January 31st, surrounded by his loved ones.

Alan was born on December 21st, 1954, in Fort Worth, TX, to Dwan and Mary Cherry North. He grew up in Waco and met the love of his life, Martha Tweedie North at a Baylor college football game in October 1968. He...

Jan 30, 2025

Jan 28, 2025

Shelba Jean Wilson, affectionately known as "Nana," born on August 17, 1938, in Frosa, Texas, departed this earthly realm on January 28, 2025, in Hewitt, Texas. A beacon of kindness and warmth in the lives she touched, Shelba legacy is woven through exceptional contributions as devoted librarian at Waco Christian School and Cedar Ridge Elementary, nurturing generations with knowledge and...

Jan 27, 2025

Joe Bob Whitt passed away on January 27th, 2025. There will be a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, February 22th at 11:00am, with Pastor Barry Camp officiating.

Joe Bob was born on November 12th, 1940 in Marlin, TX to JD and Juanita Whitt. He moved to Waco at age 8 and graduated from Waco High School in 1959, following...

Jan 23, 2025

Stephen Kenneth Salvesen passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 23, 2025. He was the loving husband and soul mate of Carol (Frels) Salvesen, father of Sarah Salvesen Mills and John Salvesen, loving father-in-law of Jon Mills and doting grandfather of Jaxson and Parker Mills.

Steve was born in Staten Island, New York, on June 18, 1952. He lost his mother, Irene,...

Jan 22, 2025

Betty Louise Cooper of Moody passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday January 22, 2025.Betty was born March 26, 1974 in Gatesville to Larry and Louise Cooper.

Betty was caring, pure, and loving. She was a one of a kind soul always seeing the good in people and although she preferred to be alone she always loved to be around...

Jan 22, 2025

Candace Jean Hurd, affectionately known as Candy, departed this world on January 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy woven with threads of passion, dedication, and an indomitable spirit. Born on May 21, 1945, in the serene landscapes of Coryell County, Texas, she grew into a strong-willed woman whose impact resonated profoundly through her roles as an educator, advocate, and cherished...

Jan 21, 2025

Jan 20, 2025

Jerry Wayne Smith, age 83, of Waco, Texas passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025. Jerry was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. He was born October 3, 1941, in the town of West, Texas. Jerry was the son of the late Percy Edward and Eunice Muriel Smith.

Jerry is survived by the love of his life,...

Jan 19, 2025

Erik Rodriguez, 42, was born on September 18, 1982, in Plano, Texas, and passed away untimely on January 19, 2025. 

Erik is widely remembered for his smile, and his positivity and kindness toward others. Erik never met a stranger. He will be remembered for his love of exploring life and his joy for his nephews.

Erik was preceded in death by his...

Jan 19, 2025

Bobby Joe Dreyer, passed away on January 19, 2025, with his loving wife by his side. Bobby was born on December 28, 1951, in Gatesville, Texas to Konrad and Hennie Dreyer.

Bobby dedicated over 30 years of his life as an estimator for Trautschold Millwork, where his expertise and work ethic earned him the respect of colleagues and clients.

Beyond his professional...

Jan 16, 2025

Theresa F. Jordan, of Waco, passed on January 16, 2025. A visitation and celebration of life will take place Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Woodway, Texas, from 11-1.

Theresa was born on April 13, 1961 in Evreux, France, while her family was living abroad as her father, Pedro Z. Garcia was enlisted in the United States...