OBITUARIES
Martha Anne Orton
Martha Anne Orton
August 21, 1942 – September 13, 2014
HOUSTON – Martha Anne Orton Hacker, age 72, passed away on Sept. 13, 2014 making her peaceful transition into God’s loving care. She was released from a two-year struggle with ovarian cancer.
Friends are cordially invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Anne during a celebration from 5-8 p.m. Sept. 18, in the grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Please join us for a toast in remembrance to this smiling, loving lady.
At a later date the family will gather for a private memorial service.
Anne was born on August 21, 1942 in the Gainesville hospital, while her family was living in Nocona, TX. She grew up on the Orton Angus Cattle Ranch and Farm in Bellevue, TX with her loving family; parents, Oliver J. Orton and Martha May Johnson Orton; and three sisters, Rebecca, Nancy Elizabeth and Susan.
She attended school in Bellevue and graduated from Bowie High School in Bowie, where she met her husband James L. Hacker, later graduating from the University of Texas in Austin. She was a teacher at Westchester High School and Kingwood High School.
Anne began a new enjoyable and rewarding career in January of 1984 when she became a sales associate representing decorative accessories and home furnishing lines. In January of 1999, until she retired in August of 2008 she was self-employed as an independent manufacturers’ representative serving major furniture retailers, interior design studios, designer showrooms and contract designers. Anne enjoyed her career, the people she worked with and all the many relationships she developed and served.
Anne and Jim had a wonderful time traveling after their 2008 retirements. They are members of and enjoyed attending Unity Church of Houston.
Anne and Jim loved to reflect on the enjoyment of their children; of their growing up with new schools, new friends, church camps and camping all over Colorado and of course, the pleasure of seeing their daughter and son grow into responsible and successful adults with their own loved ones.
Anne is preceded in death by her parents, Oliver J. Orton and Martha May Johnson Orton.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 55 years, Jim Hacker, a retired Houston banker; her daughter, Janét Falcone and husband Gregg; and their three sons, Brett, Ross and Christopher; son, Jim A. Hacker and wife Jeanne; her sisters, Rebecca Sikes and husband Robert; Nancy Elizabeth Van Auken and husband Tom; and Susan Friedman and husband Larry; and a fun and enjoyable bunch of nephews and nieces. 
Anne was a loving and caring person with a wonderful smile and attitude and will be missed by all.
We would like to thank Dr. Levenback and his team at MD Anderson for their efforts, personal care and friendship. We would also like to thank Houston Hospice for their excellent and thoughtful care. Thanks to all our friends for their prayers and support which helped us through the many challenges we have faced and now, as we feel the loss of this lovely lady.
In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Anne’s memory may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.
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OBITUARIES
Maggie Killen
November 5, 1938 – April 18, 2026
WICHITA FALLS – Maggie Killen, 87, died on April 18, 2026.
A graveside service took place at 1 p.m. on April 27 at Salona Cemetery near Bowie.
She was born on Nov. 5, 1938 in Bowie to Bertha Irene (Brewer) and Emmett Franklin Thompson. She was a graduate of Bowie High School. She was an oil information secretary and later in life as a business office manager in a skilled nursing home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha Irene and Emmett Franklin Thompson: sisters; Gracie McNatt, Berneice Oliver, Ola Mae Deeton, Ernestine Ray and Dorothy Woolf: brothers; Kelly Thompson, John Thompson, Lonnie Thompson, Wayne Thompson and Tommy Thompson; son, Ricky Wallace and daughter, Vicki Cullens.
She is survived by two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to University Park Nursing and Rehab.
OBITUARIES
Sammy Joe Mitchell
June 4, 1947 – April 19, 2026
SPAINSH FORT – Sammy Joe Mitchell, 78, died on April 19, 2026.
There was a visitation from 5-6 p.m. on April 24 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona.
A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on April 25 at Spanish Fort Cemetery in Spanish Fort.
He was born on June 4, 1947 in Nocona to Bonnie O. Mitchell Jr. & Mary Lou Cross Mitchell. He grew up in the Spanish Fort area and went to school at Prairie Valley Schools. He was a hard-working farmer, rancher and mechanic all of his life and served his nation in the Airforce. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Spanish Fort. He married the love of his life Robbie Hawthorne on May 8, 1971 in Nocona.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steven Chris Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife, Robbie Mitchell, Spanish Fort; children, Joe Chris Mitchell, Spanish Fort and Kasie Hamilton, Bowie; sister, Bonnie Robertson, Spanish Fort; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to The Montague County Youth Fair, c/o Kenton Holloway, 5549 F.M. 1758, Bowie, TX 76230.
OBITUARIES
Lesli Jan Phipps
November 8, 1958 – April 20, 2026
NOCONA – Lesli Jan Phipps, 67, died on April 20, 2026.
There was a funeral service at 2 p.m. on April 23 at Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona with Pastor David Rogers officiating. The interment followed in Hope Cemetery, Henrietta. Pallbearers were Will Johnson, Ben Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Kaye Rhoades, Tom Skinner and Bill Holcomb.
She was born in Nocona on Nov. 8, 1958 to Gerald “Jerry” and Lucia Painter Johnson. She grew up in Nocona and graduated Nocona High School in 1977. She attended Bethel Baptist Church. She later attended college at Midwestern State University and was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She worked mostly in accounting for Northrop Grumman. She married Curtis Phipps on June 3 2021 in Henrietta.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Curtis Phipps, Nocona; children, Blake Gantz, Euless, Emily Gantz Hicks, Hoover, AL and Garrett Palla, Denton; brother, Craig Johnson; and one grandson.
Memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation at www.komen.org.
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