Jim Ricketts, a longtime Sherman resident, died of a broken heart on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at his home at the age of 77.
Jim was born on December 7, 1943 in Greenville, Texas to Alvie Ricketts and Esther Marie Lambe Ricketts. Jim was one of four siblings who grew up in Wolfe City, TX.

He was an all-state football linebacker for Wolfe City High School and his love of sports continued all of his life. Jim was named Mr. WHS his senior year of high school. He joined the Army and did a tour of service in Germany before returning home. Jim married the love of his life Mary Louise Lazenby in 1971 after being introduced to one another by his friend Larry from high school.

Jim was a certified public accountant and had retired several years ago to spend time with Mary Louise. Jim was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church along with Mary Louise. He enjoyed attending worship and reading daily devotionals. Jim was an avid runner, bicycler, and continued to work out daily. He loved to garden with Mary Louise.

Jim is survived by his two nephews, Timmy Davis (Molly) and Steve Davis (Beckie) both of Wolfe City, and a large number of great nieces and nephews, as well as, Carol Lee Parrish (Mary Louise’s sister) and her family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his three siblings, and his wife Mary Louise.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will take place on Saturday, June 26th, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church of Sherman, TX. Rev. Lisa Perkins will officiate. Interment will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church of Sherman, TX or to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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If you are struggling there is help. Reach out to the National Suicide hotline 1-800-273-8255.

Verna Lorene Stroud, age 84, passed away May 28, 2021 at Clyde W Cosper Texas Veterans home in Bonham.  She was born to Berry Pink and Lorene Hemphill Murdock October 9, 1936 in Wolfe City.
Verna attended Wolfe City High School before marrying Carol Leon Stroud December 25, 1952 in Wolfe City.  She raised four children and was a faithful member of our local Baptist churches, originally at First Baptist Church, then she joined Calvary Baptist Church.  In her spare time, she enjoyed journaling.
She is survived by her four children: Marcia Ticer Holloway and husband Everett of Wolfe City, Marilynn Henderson and husband Butch of Bonham, Crystal Helms of Wolfe City, and Kirk Stroud of Mineola.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, April Caves of Mineola, Kelsey Ticer of Bonham, Jared Henderson and wife Rachelle of Rock Springs, Wyoming, Amber Henderson of Austin, Calandra Helms of Clarksville, Jason Stroud of Bullard and Matthew Stroud of Lindale, and her great-grandchildren Ashli Foster, Alycia Carrigan, “Trey” Kenneth Reeves III, Jaina Henderson, Noah Criger, and Chase Stroud, and her great-great-grandchildren Leon, Nolan, and Skylar.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and 2 sons-in-law Tommy Ticer and Donald Helms.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, May 31, 2021 at Owens Funeral Chapel in Wolfe City.  The funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church in Wolfe City.  Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Kevin Sorrow, Mike Doyle, James Edward Scott, Terry Don Brent, Valton Ticer and Tommy Jones.  Cary Mashburn will be an honorary pallbearer.

Elaine Pruett Lumpkin, age 94, passed away May. 26, at Mesquite Specialty Hospital.  She was born April 23, 1927 in Pontotoc County, Mississippi.  Elaine was 1 of 7 children to Mermon and Clora Romans Pritchard. She is survived by sister Martha Victoria Pettit of Houston, Mississippi.
Elaine married Jessie W. Pruett on November 12, 1945 in Marks Mississippi during WWII while he was on furlough US Army Air Force.  She attended nursing school at Lambert, Mississippi. Mr. Pruett preceded her in death May 22, 1975.
Survivors include; 4 children Jessie and Billy Pruett of Hunt County, Carl R. Pruett of Katy Texas, and Annete Pruett Luttrell of Kaufman, Texas. 13 grandchildren, 21 (living) great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grand daughters, and several step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.
She married Lawrence E. Jack Lumpkin August 14, 1979 who preceded her in death in 1991. They enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping together.
Elaine’s prize winning jelly and quilting entries at local county fairs earned over 100 creative arts awards and ribbons over many years. She was acknowledged for a decade of food service to elderly at Wolfe City Senior Center in 2015 and is a true care giver in the communities where she lived.  She was loved and will be missed by many.
The graveside service will be 1:00 P.M. Sunday, May 30, 2021, at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.  Please come by the funeral home Friday or Saturday to sign the book.
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Cecil Jack Butler, 95, of Wolfe City passed away May 15, 2021 at the Wesley House in Sulphur Springs, Texas.   He was born May 27, 1925 in Gober, TX to William John Butler and Savanah Idella Wagoner Butler.  He married Mable Ardina Smithey on April 5, 1946 in Greenville, TX. They were married 71 years.  He was a member of West Main Church of Christ in Wolfe City and recently, League Street Church of Christ in Sulphur Springs.

He farmed for 15 years then began carpenter work for 30 years.  He built and remodeled many homes in the surrounding area.  He also had numerous other vocations of restaurant and antique store owner, landlord, and rancher.  He worked with his church and community and was honored as Wolfe City Chamber Member of the Year.  He was a member of the American Legion for 74 years.

He was a WWII veteran where he was awarded two purple hearts, the Bronze Star and numerous other medals.  He landed on Normandy Beach 3 days after D-Day.  For 18 months he and his company fought their way across France to the Huertgen Forest battle; where in his company alone, 480 men were cut off for 3 days and nights.  He was one of the 16 that survived.  Out of those 16 all had frozen feet except one. From there he proceeded to the Rhine River and the war   ended soon after.  He made 3 trips to England for injuries; the third stemming from frozen feet.  He also suffered many wounds from gun shots and shrapnel.

He is survived by daughters Sherry Parten (John), Deanna Clark (Randy); one son, Dr Randy Butler (Wanda); 5 grandchildren, William Butler (Emily), Tyson Clark, Weston Butler (Stormi), Ryan Clark (Michelle), and Jennifer Russell (William); 6 great grandchildren, Eva Butler, Bliss Butler, Ezra Butler, Camdyn Clark, Easton Butler, and Alicia Clark; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his 6 siblings and his loving wife Ardina Butler.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 18, 2021 from 6 PM to 8 PM.  His funeral service will be Wednesday May 19, 2021 at 1:30 PM at R W Owens Funeral Home in Wolfe City, TX.  Burial will follow at Mt Carmel Cemetery.

The service will be conducted by William Butler and Mark Eldridge.  Pallbearers will be Marlon Madrigal, Pat Painter, Aaron Deary, Daniel Turner, Jim Ainsworth, and Scott Holey.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tommy Deary, Mike Johnston, and Tommy Caldwell.
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We request that attendees practice appropriate protocol for health issues.   The family wishes to express their gratitude and heart felt thanks to nurses and providers at Heart to Heart Hospice, Wesley House and Hopkins Place for their kindness and loving care.  Also, a special thanks to Morresa Bain for the special care and loving services she provided.

Ethel Marie Ivey McKay, 87, of Wolfe City, passed peacefully to Heaven on May 5, 2021 surrounded by the love of her family. A celebration of life will be Monday, May 10, 2021, at 2:00 P.M., at First Baptist Church of Wolfe City 103 S. Preston St. Wolfe City, Texas, with Pastor Tim Hearn officiating, burial will follow at Mt Carmel Cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday at the church from 1:00 PM until service time. Arrangements are under the direction of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home.


Ethel was born in Ladonia, Texas on June 19, 1933 to Flora Mayfield Ivey and Sam Ivey.  She was the fourth of eight children.  She spent her childhood years in Wolfe City and attended Wolfe City schools.   Ethel met the love of her life, Tommy McKay, in Wolfe City and they married in Dallas, Texas on February 11, 1950.


Ethel was a long and loyal employee of Hennington Industries in Wolfe City for fifty years. Along with raising a family and work, she was a partner with Tommy in their farming and ranching operations.  Ethel’s passion was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She loved her family, Sunday dinners, which included her love for gardening and canning.  “Meme’s” legacy is how she impacted the lives of all her grand and great grandchildren through her deep love and support.


Ethel is survived by her children, Beckie Davis and husband Steve of Wolfe City, Joel McKay and wife Kim of Wolfe City, Tammie Parkes and husband Joe of Sherman, grandchildren Jennifer Reed, Jill Woodruff, Jake Davis, Brandon McKay, Grant McKay, Matthew Turney, Keagan Boggs, Kirsten Vaughan, Allison Carter, Katie Spencer and fifteen great grandchildren.  


Ethel was greeted in heaven by her parents, her husband Tommy, all her siblings and her precious great grandchildren Leddy Davis and Beckett Spencer, grandson Chris Boggs and a very special friend Orville Castle.


Grandsons and great grandsons will serve as pallbearers.


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