June 3, 1950 – February 19, 2026
VAN ALSTYNE – Donna Ruth Wilson (Copley), 72, passed away on Feb. 19, 2026.
In accordance with Donna’s wishes, there will be no public funeral or burial. A family memorial service will be announced at a later date
She was born on June 3, 1950, as a twin in Fort Sill, OK to James Frederick Copley and Hazel Agnes Roper. Donna graduated from Saint Jo High School in 1968 and went on to attend Southwestern Assembly of God College in Waxahachie.
Donna enjoyed spending time outdoors and cherished the companionship of her beloved pets. She worked in the insurance industry until her retirement, where she formed many friendships and appreciated the opportunities for travel that her career provided. On May 7, 1988 she married Ivan Wilson, her partner in mischief.
She will be remembered fondly by her friends, neighbors, and coworkers for her kindness and willingness to help others.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, James and Hazel Copley, Saint Jo; husband, Ivan Wilson, Jefferson City, TN; twin brother, Donald Ray Copley, Saint Jo; and sister, Patricia Ann Copley, Saint Jo.
Donna is survived by her brother, Johnny L. Copley Sr. and wife Pat, Frisco; nephews, Chris Gann and wife Kristi, and Johnny L. Copley Jr. and wife Kim; nieces, Angel Moore and husband Jim, and Shirley Copley; as well as numerous cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s honor to cancer research at engage.utsouthwestern.edu/donate-now. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. Paid publication

All Texas Cremation – Plano
101 E. Park Blvd, Plano, Texas

March 9, 1937 – February 18, 2026
DECATUR – Shirley Ann St. John Blake, 88, went home to be with her Lord Feb.18, 2026 in Decatur, TX.
A graveside service was at 2 p.m. on March 2 and a visitation was at 1:30 p.m. at the Chico cemetery.
She was born March 9, 1937 in Sunset to J.W. and Annie (Rich) St. John.
Shirley married Joe Blake in Sunset in 1954 and together they had two sons. She worked hard all of her life working at several different sewing factories including Howard Wolf and Marlins then moving into home health in her later years where her kindness and compassion really shined.
She absolutely adored her family and her many grandchildren. You could usually find her at a grandkid’s ballgame or just piddling. She was always busy, but give her a set of dominoes for 42, a new puzzle to put together, or a puzzle book to work through and she was a happy lady.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Blake; parents, J.W. and Annie St. John; son, James Blake; sisters; Mary Jo Hukill and Wanda Maxwell; and brothers, Bobby St. John, Alvin St. John and Raymond St. John.
She is survived by her son, Stephen Blake and Trish; daughter-in-law, Nolinda Blake; grandson, Josh Blake and Loyce; granddaughters, Jo Weatherly and husband Bart, and Jamie Phillips and husband Nathan; 15 great grandkids; 10 great-great grandkids; brothers, Dan St. John and wife Carolyn, Ruben St. John and wife Janice, Jerry Don St. John, and James St. John and wife Lana; sisters, Linda Trahern, Ethlene Perry, Helen Johnson and Lois Story; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
Paid publication

February 22, 1936 – March 1, 2026
NOCONA – Kennie Bates, 90, died on March 1, 2026 in Nocona, TX.
A visitation was from 6-7:30 p.m. on March 4 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel.
A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. on March 5 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Cody Bates. There will be a reception following the funeral at the Veranda Event Center in Nocona.
He was born on Feb. 22, 1936 in Canton to Leila Corlley and Herbert Bates. He was a union iron worker; he laid out and erected structural curtainwall on high rise buildings.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nawona Caldwell and brother Jack Bates.
He is survived by his sons, Kennie Rathmell Bates and Stephen Bates; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.