OBITUARIES
Luella Mae Pirtle
June 1, 1925 – November 9, 2021
BOWIE – Luella Mae Pirtle, 96, Lubbock, TX, formerly of Bowie, TX, went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 9, 2021.
A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Nov. 13 at the United Presbyterian Church of Montague County in Bowie, with the Rev. Joe Gambill officiating. The burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Luella was born on June 1, 1925 in Clayton, NM to William and Nora Wright. As a child she moved to Bowie from Dalhart in 1935 during the notorious Dust Bowl. Luella graduated from Bowie High School in 1942, and attended business school in Fort Worth before being employed by the Johnson Poultry Ranch where she worked in the office handling shipping orders. Thus began Luella’s years of being an intricate part of Bowie and the surrounding area. Luella married Willard Pirtle in Oct. 28, 1959 in Bowie, the couple lived in the Bowie and Sunset areas for the entirety of their married, while raising two sons. Luella was the matriarch and operator of the Mark P. Hereford Ranch.
She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church for over 75 years. Not only did she enjoy singing in the choir, but also taught Sunday school for many years and was a former member of the governing session.
Luella served as a member of the board of directors of the Bowie Senior Citizens’ Project and volunteered at the Bowie Mission for 12 years. In past years, when her sons were in Bowie schools, she served as president of the Parent-Teacher Association and was awarded a lifetime membership. She also was a vital part of the Band Parents’ Association. Luella was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award for her work with the Boy Scouts of America. She was one of the last members of the McDowell Music Club of Bowie and was a past worthy matron of Bowie Eastern Star.
She is a member of the Texas Hereford Association and the American Hereford Association, as well as, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. In 1982 during the Bowie Centennial Celebration, she was honored to serve as duchess on the Pioneer Queen’s Court. Thirty-three years later, in 2015 she was again honored to represent Jim Bowie Days as Pioneer Queen and continued to contribute to the ongoing pioneer spirit of the community that she so dearly loved.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Floyd Willard Pirtle in 2003.
Luella is survived by her sons, Floyd Pirtle and wife, Susan, Lubbock, Philip Pirtle and Cindy, Spring and grandchildren, Andrew Pirtle, Katie Pirtle and Cassie Pirtle.
Should friends desire, memorials can be made in honor of Mrs. Pirtle, to the Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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(940) 872-9993 www.thewhitefamilyfuneralhome.com
November 4, 1950 – July 17, 2026
NEW BRAUNFELS – Joy Dean Duncan, 75, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on July 17, 2026.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on July 22 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
A private graveside service will take place for immediate family.
Joy was born Nov. 4, 1950 in Nocona to Newell and Flora (Ice) Dean of Saint Jo. She graduated from Saint Jo High School in 1968 and went to East Texas State University in Commerce. Joy graduated with a degree in education and later received a masters degree in curriculum and instruction from Texas Eastern University in Tyler in 1975.
For more than 40 years, Joy devoted her life to education, touching the lives of countless children as a dedicated and compassionate teacher. She believed every child deserved the opportunity to succeed. The impact she made extended far beyond academics, as she inspired generations of children to believe in themselves.
As much as Joy loved teaching, her greatest pride was being a mother. She shared an incredibly close and cherished bond with her only child, Julie. One built on unwavering love, friendship and countless treasured memories. Whether they were taking mother-daughter trips, enjoying brunches, shopping adventures or simply spending time surrounded by family, those moments brought her immense happiness. She was her daughter’s biggest supporter, fiercest protector and most trusted confidante.
Being “Mimi” to her only granddaughter, Karli, was also one of Joy’s greatest blessings. The bond between them was something special. Saturday nights were reserved for movie nights filled with laughter and making memories. They shared a special relationship and Karli could always get a good laugh out of her Mimi.
The love she poured into her family and friends will remain one of her beautiful legacies, forever living in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughter, Julie Kirkland and husband Ryan and granddaughter, Karli, New Braunfels.
In lieu of flowers, please support Hope Hospice of New Braunfels or your local hospice organization. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Hope Hospice for their kindness, compassion and exceptional care over the past year, providing comfort and support to Joy and her loved ones over the past year.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
May 15, 1938 – June 30, 2026
BOWIE – Peggy Tucker died on June 30, 2026.
A graveside service will take place at 10 a.m. on July 24 at Hopewell Cemetery in Stoneburg.
She was born May 15, 1938 in Ryan Oklahoma to Letha Graham and Reese Harrison.
She worked at Russell Newmans for many years in Saint Jo and she also worked at Hager Slacks Company in Bowie.
She was married to Harold Tucker of Bowie.
She is preceded in death by first husband, Winford Woods; second husband, Harold Tucker; son, Ronnie Woods; daughter, Becky Sanders; a stepson and sisters, Betty Tucker and Jean Green.
She is survived by survived by daughters, Sherry Sims and Penny Shoefstall, both of Bowie; sons, Wayne Woods, Nocona and Eugene Woods, Bowie; four stepchildren; brother, Doug; many grandchildren; great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
October 1, 1941 – July 16, 2026
FORESTBURG – Jimmie Charles Robertson, 84, died on July 16, 2026 in Nocona.
A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on July 28 at the Montague County Cowboy Church with Pastor Joe Caballero officiating.
He was born Oct. 1, 1941 in Nocona to Walter Lee and Syble Bernice (Hanson) Robertson. He graduated from Birdville High School in North Richland Hills. On June 18, 1960 he married Edna “Louise” Helms in Haltom City.
He had a lifelong career and an assembler with General Motors until his retirement. He was a member of the Montague County Cowboy Church, the Forestburg Masonic Lodge #523 and a long-time Shriner.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Louise Robertson; sister, Patricia Gayle Robertson; brother, Ronnie Lee Robertson and two grandsons.
He is survived by his children, Connie Cozby, Rhome, Eddie Robertson, Forestburg and Carmen Warner, Bowie; six grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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