OBITUARIES
Monica René Sanford
February 28, 1977 – March 12, 2026
BRIDGEPORT – Monica René Sanford, 49, went home to be with Jesus on what we believe was Aug. 23, 2025, though the official date is March 12, 2026. While only God knows the exact moment Monica entered the gates of heaven, we find comfort in trusting that she was welcomed with love, peace and grace.
A celebration of life for Monica René Sanford will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 23 at U-Turn World Ministries in Chico. Pastor Kevin Alexander will officiate.
Monica René Sanford was born on Feb. 28, 1977, in Bowie to William “Tony” Sanford and Billie Faye Miller. Her time with us ended far too soon, leaving a deep ache in the hearts of those who loved her, but her memory will continue to live on through the lives she touched, the love she gave and the moments that will forever be cherished.
Monica found great joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life. She loved spoiling her grandchildren and making them feel cherished, whether through her time, her attention or the special memories she created with them.
She also enjoyed fishing, scrapbooking, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. These were more than hobbies to Monica—they were ways she shared her heart, celebrated the people she loved and filled everyday moments with warmth, laughter and love.
Monica was preceded in death by those who surely welcomed her with open arms: her mother, Billie Faye Miller; grandmother, Darla Howell and her grandparents, B.F. “Red” and Helen Sanford.
Monica’s memory will be cherished by her sons, Noah Allen, River Robertson and Christopher Collins; daughters, Destiney Woodward and Caci Allen; father, William “Tony” Sanford and wife Deborah; sister, Darla Hastings and husband, Kyle; beloved grandchildren, Zoltan, Ivan, Darla, Brantley, Asa, Ava and Azariah as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Paid publication
December 26, 1942 – August 28, 2026
BELLEVUE – Jimmie Dale Johnson, 83, died on Aug. 28, 2026 in Wichita Falls.
A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 26 at the First Baptist Church of Bellevue Life Center.
He was born Dec. 26, 1942 in Fort Worth to James Jeffrey and Nellie Mae (Frazier) Johnson. He worked in the oilfield and for Robert’s Radiator Shop in Bowie for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; partner, Arlene Denton; brothers, Bill Lewis and Bob Lewis; sisters, Betty Huber, Mary Goodner, and twin sisters, Jessie Mayo and Peggy Ferrin.
He is survived by his stepson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
August 8, 1972 – September 5, 2026
BOWIE – LaDonna Mae Howell, 54, died on Sept. 5, 2026.
A funeral service took place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 10 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
She was born on Aug. 8, 1972. She was a graduate of Kinta High School in Kinta, OK where she graduated in 1990 as the valedictorian.
She continued her education at East Central University in Ada, OK earning her bachelor degree in accounting with honors in 1994. That same year, she became a certified public accountant.
She worked for Beverly Industries and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma before serving as vice president of business affairs at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. Later, she became the comptroller at North Central Texas College in Gainesville. She also served as the treasurer of the Bowie High School Mighty Marching
Maroon Band Boosters for many years.
She is survived by her son, Andrew Charles Howell, Longtown, OK; daughter, Amanda Rae Howell, Bowie; her children’s father, Michael Ray Howell, Saginaw and three grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
January 26, 2026 – September 4, 2026
NOCONA – Bobby (Jerry) Orrell, 87, died on Sept. 4, 2026.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
He born in Decatur on Jan. 26, 1939 to Elizabeth and Willie.
He was a United States Army veteran who served his country in Germany. He worked for ARCO National Supply in Gainesville as a supervisor. He worked for Bell Helicopter, Otis Elevator and General Dynamics. He also worked for Boeing as an engineer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Willie; sister, Norma Morby and brother, Bill (Buster) Orrell.
He is survived by his sons, Hannan and Caton; three grandchildren and brother, Leo Orrell.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
-
NEWS3 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS4 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS4 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS3 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS3 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
Show us something good9 years agoCountry music star children perform in Bowie
-
100th Birthday4 years agoLooking back at the 1958 Centennial edition of The Bowie News
-
NEWS3 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death