Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Obituaries
Wanda Smith Center
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Wanda Smith Center, 70, of Cherokee, TX went to be with her Lord on March 3, 2021. She was surrounded by her family after a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Wanda was born July 31, 1950 in San Antonio, TX to TJ and Loraine Smith. She grew up in Pearsall, TX moving to Eagle Lake, TX in 1964. She graduated from Eagle Lake High School in 1968, and attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA. In 1969 Wanda married the love of her life, Samuel Center in Eagle Lake, TX. They were blessed with a son, Brian Scott Center in 1972, and their family was complete in 1975 with the birth of their daughter Leslie Kay.
Early in her marriage, Wanda was a night dispatcher for the City of Eagle Lake Police Department and worked for the Eagle Lake Insurance Agency by day. In 1982 Sam and Wanda purchased the Snack Center, where she spent many rewarding years providing delicious meals to their customers and friends throughout the community. Wanda also enjoyed her time as the librarian at the Eula and David Wintermann Library from 1989 until 1994. In 1994 Sam transferred to the vacant Game Warden Captain position in Llano where they started a new adventure. Wanda found a rewarding career and many wonderful friends during her 10 years working in San Saba at TDCJ and TYC as a purchaser. She retired from the state in 2004.
Wanda loved traveling with friends, hunting, fishing, spending time with granddaughters, but most of all, spending time together with Sam. She was an avid quilter making over 100 quilts for those she loved. She enjoyed baking her famous sourdough bread, and was always welcome when she delivered it with eggs and homemade jelly.
Wanda loved the Lord, and was baptized in the Medina River at the age of 8. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Cherokee, and could always be found in the nursery, singing in the choir, or helping in any way she could.
Wanda is survived by her husband of 51 years, Sam Center, son, Brian Center and Wife Karen of Garwood, TX, daughter, Leslie Marik and husband Tommy of Bellville, TX, granddaughters, McKinley Brooke and Gracyn Center, Kirby and Samantha Marik. Brother Tommy Smith and wife Debra of Pearsall, TX, brother Steve Smith of Llano, TX, sister Leanne Waligura and husband Joe of Leakey, TX, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones. Wanda was preceded in death by parents TJ and Loraine Smith, Sam’s parents, MJ and Laura Huffman, and granddaughter Riley Elizabeth Center.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 5, First Baptist Church, Cherokee, TX, and a graveside service will be at 1:00 PM, Monday, March 8, Pilgrims Rest Cemetery, Bellville, TX.
Pallbearers scheduled are Norman Clark, Larry Crum, Van Estill, Joey Gordon, Gary Kasprzyk, Roddy Maddox, John Thomas, and Ken Thomson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Texas Game Warden Association, Llano Co Library, Wintermann Library of Eagle Lake, or any charity of your choice.
Shawn Alan Stephenson
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Shawn Alan Stephenson was born on February 13, 1980. He went to be with the Lord on March 1, 2021. He is survived by parents Bruce and Melinda Stephenson of Kingsland, sister Kristina Bailey and husband Morris Bailey of Burnet, brother Blake Stephenson of Kingsland, nephews and nieces Braden and Hunter Bailey and Kiley, Korbin, Virginia and Luke Stephenson. Grandparents Mary Moss of Kingsland, Gloria Long Daghlian and husband Jack Daghlian of Oklahoma, and Sharon Stephenson of Lubbock. And numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is proceeded in death by great grandparents Grandad and Nanny Pharr, Heyward A. Moss and Billy Earl Stephenson
One of Shawn’s greatest joys was spending time with his nephews and nieces. He will always be remembered for his love of family, his caring heart for others, and his ability to love deeply.
A graveside service will be held at Kingsland Family Cemetery on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 1:00P.M.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to His Joshua House in Kingsland, TX at www.joshuahouserecovery.org.
Annie Ruth Satterla
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Annie Ruth Satterla passed away peacefully in Llano, TX on February 23, 2021 at the age of 91. She was born in Hughes Springs, TX, the third of seven children born to Lovie and Irvin Vinson. Annie Ruth was a long time resident of Llano. She was active at the Llano Senior Center where she had many friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Llano and a volunteer at the Llano Food Pantry. She loved many of life’s simple pleasures like playing games, working puzzles and just visiting and chatting with friends. Annie Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Arnett “Bud” Satterla. She is survived by her sister Doris Rainwater also of Llano, brothers Donald Vinson (West Sacramento, CA) and Houston Vinson (Stockton, CA), as well as by many beloved nieces and nephews. She will be missed very much. Interment is at Llano City Cemetery. There will be private memorial service when it is safe to gather.
Dorothy Nell Paslay
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Dorothy Nell Paslay, of Tow, Texas went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday February 17, 2021, peacefully, at her home in Tow, Texas.
She was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on October 26, 1929.
She leaves to honor her memory, Carol Minter Coleman of Warner Robbins, Georgia, Rachel Guidry and husband Ron of Houston, Texas, Charles Dale Minter and wife Janet of Plain Dealing, La, Cris Forrest of Iowa, Louisiana, Gwynn Houston of Lake Charles, Louisiana and numerous great nieces and nephews, as well as numerous cousins.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Paslay, her parents Alex and Clara Minter and her brother, Charles Ray Minter. They have greeted her and are showing her around Heaven at this moment.
Dorothy graduated from Eunice, New Mexico in 1947. And attended Hardin Simmons for a time, before marrying Carl Paslay on March 13, 1948 and becoming a homemaker.
She moved to Tow in 1978 and she and her husband built the house they lived in. She was active in the community and well-liked by many. She always found the good in people and situations.
She was very active in her church. She began playing piano for her church in her teens and continued playing the until after her ninetieth birthday, when she retired. She taught Sunday school off and on for a number of years, teaching youth, young adults and adults. She was active in WMU, training union, GA’s, and numerous other activities.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Tow First Baptist Church at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Ed Walker officiating. Interment to follow at Bluffton Cemetery.
Mary Natasha “Tasha” Rhoades Rivera
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On Sunday, January 24, 2021, Mary Natasha “Tasha” Rhoades Rivera, loving wife and mother of four children, passed away at the young age of 40.
Tasha was born on October 31, 1980, in Llano, Texas to Kenneth Rhoades and Janie (Rhoades) Prew. After she graduated from Llano High School, she served in the United States Air Force for 5 years, as an Aerospace Maintenance Journeyman, from 1999-2004. Tasha received several accommodations and awards during her years of service. She completed her service while stationed RAF Lakenheath UK.
After her separation from the military, she made her way back to Texas, where she met and married her husband, Selwyn “Rocky” Rivera II. They raised 4 beautiful children, Emilee, Christian, Selwyn III, and Adeline.
Tasha was always so “in the moment”. Taking pictures and creating lasting memories of her family and friends was very special and meant so much to her. Even when she was being as brat about it and insisting on pictures, you always gave in. Tasha was so passionate about her kids and husband and making sure that they were always busy doing fun, family activities, like going to see the new Disney or Pixar movie or going to the park to play or pool to swim. And she’s got the pictures to prove it! Tasha also loved all things chocolate! Anyone who knows her, knew that about her. She could always be counted on to bring a dessert to whatever event she was attending and always so happy to see everyone. What else can I say about Tasha… she always thought of others before herself. When she loved you, you knew it! And in typical Tasha fashion… the last thing that Tasha did was give herself to others. She selflessly and graciously donated her organs to save the lives of others in need. Her spirit will live on through this amazing act of kindness and one that her family will cherish forever.
Tasha was survived by her husband, Rocky, her four children, Emilee, Christian, Selwyn III and Adeline, her mother and stepfather Janie and Jim Prew, her father and stepmother Ken and Betty Rhoades, her sister and brother-in-law Rhonda and Bob Gilde, sister Jeanie Lawry, nieces Payton and Madison, nephew Chase and several cousins, aunts and uncles.
A memorial graveside service will be held at the Six Mile Cemetery, in Llano, Texas on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at1:00 P.M. Flowers or donations may be sent to Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home in Llano.
Dennis Dwight Milligan
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Dennis Dwight Milligan passed away Saturday, February 13, 2021 in Llano, Texas at the age of 77. He was born September 18, 1943 in Williamson County, Texas to William Milligan and Janie (Waters). Dennis was a resident of Llano, Texas for 41 years since coming from Cottonwood Shores.
Dennis was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Navy and he worked as an electrician with the Chemical Lyon Co. in Burnet, Texas for over 20 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William Milligan and Janie (Waters); his wife, Shirley Milligan, and his daughter, Sabrina Fontenot.
Dennis is survived by his son, Robert Milligan of Buchanan Dam, Texas; step-son, Greg Confer; step-daughters, Debbie Sanford of Kingsland, Texas, and Vanessa Bussey of Clovis, New Mexico; brother, Hartley Milligan of Austin, Texas, 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time.
Joyce Rogers Taylor
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Joyce Rogers Taylor, daughter of Lee Roy Rogers and Merle Reed Rogers, was born on November 20. 1932 in Llano, TX. She was a longtime resident of Llano county having lived near Lone Grove until her passing on February 12, 2021.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Nolan Taylor, her parents, her sister, Loyce Majkszak and two sons, Christopher Taylor and Rex Taylor. She is survived by two children, Cynthia Lott and husband Rodney, and Anthony Taylor and wife Jamie, both of Llano. She also is survived by four grandchildren, Jeremy Taylor of Kerrville, TX, Brian and Lari Taylor of Houston, TX, Crysta and Jade Baker of Warwick, NY, and Kendall and Laura Lott of Phoenix, Arizona, along with five great-grandchildren.
She attended High School in Llano and was known for her love of poetry and literature. She kept that love through out her life, always having a book in hand with a voracious appetite for reading. Secularly she would write articles as a contributor to the Austin American Statesmen and also worked in real estate for some time.
Of all the books she read though, her favorite was the Bible. From a very young age, she not only read it regularly she shared what she learned with others, encouraging them to follow bible principles to enrich their lives. Even in her last years in assisted living, she continued to share her Christian beliefs with her caretakers. Because of her strong faith, she dedicated her life to God and was baptized on December 3, 1938. She regularly attended meetings at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and it was at a bible convention in Los Angeles, California that she met another delegate, a man of like faith that she eventually married on October 8th, 1950. They shared 67 years of marriage until his death on October 22, 2017.
She will always be remembered as a loving mother, a wonderful cook and an avid gardener with a tremendous sense of humor. But most of all, it was her strong faith that identified her. She kept her focus on the scriptures and the promises found in them, such as the verses at Revelation 21:4. She looked forward to fulfillment of the promise there that soon there would be a day, that sickness, sorrow and even “death would be no more, neither will mourning, nor outcry nor pain be any more”.
A memorial service will be held via Zoom by personal invitation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at jw.org donations.
Clayton Dean Brewer
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Lifetime Llano County resident, Clayton Dean Brewer, passed away at age 68 on the afternoon of February 10, 2021 at the Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Marble Falls.
Clayton was born in Burnet on August 6, 1952 to his parents James Wesley (J.W.) and Virgie West Brewer. He grew up in Llano, attended school and was a hard worker throughout his life. While he traveled and worked in other states, his heart was always in Texas.
Starting in the spring Clayton would be on take Buchanan fishing which was his passion. His freezer was always full of catfish ready for the next fish fry. His numerous friends and family all knew that Clayton was a very generous man. lt could even be said by many that he was their best friend because he was always helping people in times of need. Although he appeared to have a rough exterior, he was a very kind and gentle man.
Clayton is survived by his mother, Virgie West Brewer, his brother Ronnie and wife Brenda Brewer, his sister Carol and husband Dickie Taylor, his son and daughter-in-law Dustin and Blair Polk, his daughter Angela Menchaca, his niece Kellie Brewer and nephews Jim Brewer, David Taylor and Coy Taylor. Along with his immediate family, he also had many cousins who were very close to him and gave him a lot of support through his long journey.
There will be a private ceremony with the family to intern his ashes. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring with a fish fry and barbeque.
He was deeply loved and will be missed!
Lawrence Joseph La Fond
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Lawrence Joseph La Fond, age 51, passed away on the morning of February 9th, 2021, in Marble Falls, TX.
Larry was born on April 11th, 1969 in Weslaco, TX, to parents Lloyd E. La Fond and Cindy Hudson Newby.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Willis La Fond, his son, Noah Joseph La Fond, his daughter, Alexandra Nicole Van Ness, her husband, Jeremy Van Ness, his parents, Lloyd and Doris La Fond and Cindy and Glenn Newby, his sister, Lisa La Fond Rial, his stepsister and brother-in-law, Missy and Robbin Munson, and four nieces and two nephews.
Larry was a loving husband, father, and friend. He married Peggy in Sarasota, Florida in 2016, and the couple enjoyed 10 beautiful years together with their children, Noah and Alex.
Larry lived many lives in his 52 years, with memories far greater than most. He was unafraid of taking chances and was never one to let things weigh him down. He brought light to every life he touched. Larry deeply loved the family he gained while working at ProPave in Virginia, and always kept them close to his heart.
A funeral is scheduled for 11:00am on Saturday, February 13th at the Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home in Llano, TX. Pastor Shannon Bond will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Larry’s life. The family would like to thank everyone for their condolences.
Seth Joseph Edwards
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Seth Joseph Edwards passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021 in Austin, Texas. He was born on Friday, January 15, 2021 in Austin, Texas to Brian Edwards and Ashlee (Franz).
A graveside service will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Honey Creek Cemetery at 12:00 P.M. with Dr. Matt Richard and Reverend Rick Cundieff officiating.
Full Obituary will be posted as soon as possible.
Mary Bell Chambers Ratliff
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Mary Bell Chambers Ratliff passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the age of 97. She was born in DeLeon, Texas on October 9, 1924 to Lulla Bell Jackson Chambers and Todd Robinson Chambers.
Mary Ratliff is survived by her daughter Sandra Coward, grandson Henry Coward, III, and granddaughter Christy Coward.
She is also survived by her nieces Jackie Campbell, Drue Denson, Suzan Anderson, and Robbie McGuire and nephews Milton Fox and David Moore and their families.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents Lulla Bell and Todd Robinson Chambers, her husband Floyd Ratliff, and daughter Robin Ann. She is also preceded in death by her brother Bruce Chambers and sisters Juanita Chambers and Audrey Moore.
A graveside service was conducted at Six Mile Cemetery on Saturday, January 30, 2021.
Honorary pallbearers for her service were Henry Coward, III, David Moore, Milton Fox, Walt McGuire, Ken Anderson, Bert Denson, Henry Coward, Jr., and Sonny Seewald.
Lorilea Deats Wenzel
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Lorilea Deats Wenzel passed away Friday, January 22, 2021 in Llano, Texas at the age of 57. She was born May 9, 1963 in Llano, Texas to Ward Lee Deats and Lenora Wisdom (Levensailor). Lorilea was a lifelong resident of Llano, Texas.
Lorilea was always very involved with her daughters extracurricular activities and community events. She had many extra children that she adopted along the way, family was a big piece of her life. Lorilea was a beautician, owner of Air King Service, owner Hometown Floral and was a member Grace Episcopal church in Llano.
She is preceded in death by her father, Ward Lee Deats; step-father, Boss Levensailor, and mother, Lenora Wisdom (Levensailor); brother, Lyle Bigger and sister, Linda Tow.
Lorilea is survived by her husband, Dudley Wenzel; daughters, Stephanie Jamison, Kendall Wenzel, and Kamryn Wenzel; brothers, William Bigger, Flay Deats, and Dwight Adams; sisters, Pat Slaughter, Debbie Adams, and Donna Koerner; grandchildren, Bryson Rhoades, and Molly Jamison; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 25, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Chapel in Llano, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Llano City Cemetery with Pastor Kelley Inman officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Cherokee Children’s Home, P.O. Box 295, Cherokee, TX 76832. Serving as pallbearers will be Pete Smith, Bub Vierus, Shawn Brown, Matt Soloman, Charles Wenzel, Dustin Wilson, Jerry Don Moss and Cecil Leach.
Mary Elizabeth Wilbern Rabb
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Mary was born December 31, 1925 in Ballinger, Texas and died January 18, 2021 in Llano, Texas where she lived most of her life.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Sam Warren Rabb and their son Richard; her parents Elbert Lee “Slatts” Willbern and Jean Robertina Fraser Willbern; her sister Dorothy Lee; and her brothers Eugene and Henry.
Mary is survived by her brother Jim Willbern of Cleburne, Texas and her sons Sam Warren Rabb Jr. and wife Carol, Hilton Stanley Rabb and wife Ginny, Russell Carl Rabb and wife Janie, and Richard’s wife Debbie Welgehausen Rabb. She is also survived by her grandchildren Scott Rabb, Jennifer Rabb Faz, Casey Rabb Kendrick, Cassidy Rabb, Nicole Levlon Rabb, Carson Rabb, McLean Rabb, Hayden Rabb, Preston Rabb and Layton Rabb; her great-grandchildren are Travis, Clayton and Kyndall Rabb, Avery and Camry Kendrick, Jacob Levlon, Paul Rabb and Quinna Rabb.
Mary was a wonderful and loving wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She was always very active in her boys lives and all of their activities. She and Sam were named Jackets for Life by Llano ISD in 2011. Mary loved to read, play bridge and golf in her younger days, and she enjoyed getting together with their friends for dinner club. However, her family was her passion.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021 Llano City Cemetery at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Llano County Library 102 E. Haynie St. Llano, Texas 78643 or Llano Jr. Livestock Show at P.O. Box 118 Llano, Texas 78643 or the charity of your choice.
Nell Ruth McDermott
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Nell Ruth McDermott went to her heavenly home on Sunday, January 17, 2021. She was born November 30, 1928 in Melvin, TX to Joe Justis and Donna Maud Bannings Justis. She married the love her life, Richard Carlton McDermott in Llano, TX on January 12, 1951. Nell graduated high school in Oceanside, CA and then moved to Llano with her parents where she worked in the Llano hotel as a switchboard operator. She also worked many years for Deck’s Butane and then for Waldrop, Hatfield, Hawthorne Funeral Home. Nell was a member of the Pittsburg Avenue Baptist Church in Llano.
Nell is survived by her 3 children: Ricky Carl McDermott and wife Mary of Linden, TX; Shannon Jo Oliver and husband Chuck of Scroggins, TX; and Linda Ruth McDermott of Llano. TX. She has 2 granddaughters: Dayna Lynn McDermott of Linden, TX and Amanda Jo McDermott of Conroe, TX. 3 great-granddaughters Hailey McDermott Gorman and husband Sean of Sierra Vista, AZ, Skye McDermott, and Kayla McDermott and 1 great grandson Austin McDermott. One great-great grandson Wyatt McDermott and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, her parents, 3 brothers and 4 sisters and her grandson Patrick Keith McDermott.
A graveside service will be held at Llano City Cemetery on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Danny Meegan officiating.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Pittsburg Avenue Baptist church or your favorite charity.