OBITUARIES
Ruby “Claudine” Stom Kiles
January 15, 1933 – Septemeber 2, 2025
BOWIE – Ruby “Claudine” Stom Kiles, 92, went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 2, 2025 in Wichita Falls, TX.
The family received friends from 1:30-3 p.m. on Sept. 5 prior to the service at the church.
The funeral service was at 3 p.m. on Sept. 5 at First Free Will Baptist Church in Bowie with Pastor Glenn Neff officiating. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie.
Claudine was born Jan. 15, 1933, in Bowie to Claude Osborn Sr. and Ethel Cardellia (Parr) Stom.
Claudine dedicated her life to caring for others through a lifelong career in nursing at Bowie Memorial Hospital and Bellmire Health Care, with a brief period working in custodial services for Bowie Independent School District, all while lovingly raising her four children. In 1980, Claudine married Arthur “Ben” Kiles in Montague.
She was a devoted longtime member of First Free Will Baptist Church where she found joy in singing and spending time with her church family.
In her younger years, she enjoyed boating and family trips to New Mexico. Claudine, or “Granny” as she was known by most, held a deep love for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her endless pride and happiness.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur “Ben” Kiles; daughter, Ruby “Carolene” Alexander; grandson, Michael McCarn; and siblings, C.O. Stom Jr., Eugene Guy Stom, George Stom, Roy Stom, Dawn Craig, Carl Stom and June Walker.
Claudine is survived by her children, Billy “Ray” White, Bowie, Teresa Spivey and husband Charles, Duncan, OK, and Elizabeth Dunn, Bowie; grandchildren, Jason Burgett and wife JoAnna, Cody Spivey and fiancé Tracey, Deanna Mendinghall and husband Jimbo, Amanda Conley, Toby Dunn, and Casey Dunn and wife Lindsey; bonus granddaughter, Brittany McPherson and husband Matthew; great-grandchildren, Kenzi Burgett, Chase Burgett, Zach, Isaiah, Charlee Mendinghall, Bryelyn Mendinghall, Tayla McCarn, Chase McCarn, Ashleigh Boatright, Aslynn Dunn, Jaden Dunn, Hank Dunn, Avaleigh, Waverlee, Emberly Papagno and Matthew McPherson Jr.; great-great-grandson, Beau Burgett; and dear friend, Lanny Hunt.
In lieu of flowers, should friends desire memorials can be made in honor of Claudine to God’s Table at 505 Strong St. Bowie, TX 76230.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
OBITUARIES
Annie Belle “Ann” Worley Bell
June 5, 1924 – June 27, 2026
BOWIE – Annie Belle “Ann” Worley Bell, 102 went to be with the Lord, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, service, hard work and love for her family and community.
The service was at Turrentine Jackson Morrow (Meador) Funeral Home in Whitesboro. A visitation was from 6-8 p.m. on June 30 and the services was at 2 p.m. on July 1 officiated by Ricky Patterson. A graveside service followed by at Oakwood Cemetery where she was laid to rest beside her husband.
Annie Belle “Ann” Worley Bell was born to Alfred Worley and Ella Dean King Worley on June 5, 1924 in Lancaster. She attended Lancaster schools and graduated as salutatorian of her class. She was the only daughter among eight children and was raised on the family’s cotton farm, where she developed the strong work ethic, determination and compassion that defined her remarkable life.
Following her marriage to the love of her life, John B. Bell and in making their home with their four children in Sherman, she began her career with International Business Machines. They later moved to Boulder, CO where she advanced in her profession and served as lead personnel analyst until her retirement in 1980.
Following her retirement from IBM, Ann and her husband moved back to Texas and became owners and operators of Bell Hardware & Feed in Collinsville. After selling the business, she worked for many years at the Gainesville Livestock Market. Later in life, she devoted her time to service as a volunteer and ultimately volunteer director of Your Neighbor’s House Food Bank in Whitesboro.
During her career with IBM, Ann was recognized for her leadership and accomplishments, including her 1965 nomination as the second female president of the IBM Club. Following her retirement, her volunteer work and dedication at Your Neighbor’s House Food Bank earned her the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award and the Humanitarian Award from the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce.
She later moved to a senior living facility in McKinney, where she lived for nine years and continued her volunteer service before moving to Bowie to be near her daughter.
Ann will be remembered for her extraordinary work ethic, sharp intellect, generous heart and unwavering commitment to helping others. She believed every opportunity to serve was a blessing.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Bell; parents, Alfred Worley and Ella Dean King Worley and seven brothers.
She is survived by her four children, James ‘Jim’ Bell, John A. Bell and wife Robin, Jeryl ‘Jerry’ Bell, and Janis Crawley and her husband, Joe; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; loving nieces and nephews, dear friends and many others whose lives were touched by her kindness, wisdom and example.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowie Mission Food Bank in Bowie.
Paid publication
OBITUARIES
Billy Charles Akins
April 14, 1952 – June 27, 2026
BOWIE – Billy Charles Akins, 74, died on June 27, 2026.
At a later time, there will be a memorial ride in his honor with the United Brothers of Wise County chapter.
He was born on April 14, 1952, in California to Charles and Eleanor Akins.
He was a proud retired member of the United Brothers and valued the friendships and fellowship he found there throughout his life.
He is lovingly survived by his daughters, Brandy Karr and Moriah Hal; three grandsons; sister, Karen Akins; one niece; one nephew; brother, Michael Akins; an aunt; one cousin and their son; and two close friends.
In lieu of flowers send donations to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
OBITUARIES
Tommy Morgan
September 17, 1940 – June 20, 2026
NEW BRAUNFELS – Tommy Morgan, 85, died on June 20, 2026.
A visitation was from 6-7:30 p.m. on June 25 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel.
A funeral service followed at 11 a.m. on June 26 at First Baptist Church in Nocona officiated by pastor Dave Woodbury. Interment followed at Center Point Cemetery.
He was born on Sept. 17, 1940 in Powell, OK to S.G. and Dolly Avery Morgan. On Feb. 4, 1967 he married Wanda Gayle Ice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Center Point Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 401, Saint Jo, TX 76265.
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