For the Week of June 28 - July 4, 2020

Graveside services for Margie Orona, age 72 of Seminole, Texas, will be held Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Gaines County Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Tony Pitcox officiating. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Ms. Orona was born October 4, 1947 in Seminole, Texas to Rosalee (Brooks) and Buster Pitcox, Sr. She was a homemaker and enjoyed being with her grandchildren and family. She was a very outspoken woman who loved to joke with people, listen to music, and loved animals.

Margie Orona passed away Friday, June 26, 2020 at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and one sister. She is survived by one son, Kirk Alan Orona; two daughters, Dawn Pitcox and husband Ronnie Atcitty, and Victoria Orona and husband Louis Ramirez, both of Seminole, Texas; one sister, Joycie Williams of Cuero, Texas; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Rhonda Howell, age 55 of Seminole, Texas will be held Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. at West Side Church of Christ with Brother Skip Rodgers officiating. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Lubbock Children’s Home at 4404 Idalou Rd, Lubbock, TX 79403. The church will allow a limited number of attendees inside for the funeral service, and it is suggested that a mask be worn and social distancing practiced, in keeping with CDC guidelines.

Rhonda Howell was born January 3, 1965 in Abilene, Texas to Jennie Lea (Avery) Howell and Loving Elonzie Howell, Jr. Rhonda was a loving mother and grandmother who deeply loved her children and grandchildren. She was a very giving person with a heart of gold. She always wanted to be there for others, and all she asked in return was to be loved back. One of her dreams was to someday live in the mountains. 

Rhonda adored her little sister Renee, even though when they were younger she thought Renee was a pain. The family says Rhonda remembered being made to play with Renee when she didn’t want to, yet every Friday Rhonda would go to Wacker’s Department Store in Seminole to buy Renee clothes for her Barbie dolls.

Rhonda Howell, age 55 of Seminole, Texas, passed away at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. She is preceded in death by her parents. Rhonda is survived by four sons, Nicholas Howell, Joel Devlin, and William Devlin of Seminole, and Scott Devlin of Payette, Idaho; one brother, Randy Howell and wife Mary Lou of Lubbock, Texas; one sister, Renee McCollum and husband Rob of Canyon, Texas; and four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass for Guadalupe Rodriguez, Jr., age 82 of Seminole, Texas will be celebrated Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church with Father Jose De Dios Gonzalez officiating. Rosary will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at St. James Catholic Church from 6 to 7 p.m. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

The church will allow a limited number of attendees inside for the funeral service, and it is suggested that a mask be worn and social distancing practiced, in keeping with CDC guidelines.

Mr. Rodriguez was born in El Paso, Texas January 20, 1938 to Faustina (Aguilar) and Guadalupe Rodriguez. He was a Catholic and worked in agriculture. He married Eva De Los Santos in Seminole on January 13, 2000. Guadalupe enjoyed fishing, rodeos, cooking out, western movies and his horses; he loved living on the ranch. He especially loved being around his grandchildren.

Guadalupe passed away May 31, 2020 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. He is preceded in death by his wife Eva Rodriguez in 2019, one son, and two brothers. He is survived by his children’s mother, Aurora Rodriguez of Seminole; four sons, Johnny Rodriguez, Sr. and wife Juanita of Odessa, Texas, Marty Rodriguez of Seminole, Victor Rodriguez and wife Misti of Artesia, New Mexico, and Daniel Rodriguez and wife Brandy of Seminole; three daughters, Joann Villalva and husband Albert of Athens, Texas, Marisol Ramirez and husband Paul of Midland, Texas, and Monica Castaneda and husband Matthew of Seminole; 44 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass for Nicoli Lucio Navarro, age 26 of Seminole, Texas will be celebrated Friday, June 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church with father Jose De Dios Gonzalez officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. Rosary will be held at St. James Catholic Church Thursday, June 4, 2020 from 7 to 8 p.m. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home. The church will allow a limited number of attendees inside for the funeral service, and it is suggested that a mask be worn and social distancing practiced, in keeping with CDC guidelines.

Nicoli Navarro was born June 17, 1993 in Odessa, Texas to Vicky (Alvidrez) and Lucio Navarro, Jr. He loved being with his big brother and never met a stranger. Nicoli was always happy and had a big smile.

Nicoli Navarro passed away at his home in Seminole June 2, 2020. He is preceded in death by his father, Lucio Navarro, Jr. in 2005. He is survived by his parents, Vicky and Frank Rodriguez of Seminole; one brother, Patrick Navarro and partner Amanda Balderas of Seminole; his maternal grandparents, Tomas and Juventina Alvidrez of Seminole; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Graveside services for Laphane Burkett, 84, of Seminole will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2020, at Gaines County Cemetery with the Reverend Buck Wheat of South Seminole Baptist Church officiating.  Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery under the care and direction of Boyer Funeral Home of Seminole.

Mrs. Burkett peacefully departed from this world in Rio Rancho, NM on Thursday, May 21, 2020 with her grandson by her side.

Laphane was born on October 04, 1935, in Mills County, Texas to Oneita and Raymond Wilcox.  As a child growing up in Mills County, Laphane enjoyed living amongst a close-knit community of aunts, uncles, and cousins who were all descended from the early settler and pioneer families of that region of Texas. She started school at tiny Mt. Olive for only about three months before her parents moved to Purvis near Dublin in Erath County.  From there Laphane moved to Tom Green County near Wall where she attended school at Eola until she finally ended up in Seminole in 1951 and started her sophomore year in August.  In August 1952 Alton Parker “Salty” Burkett arrived in Seminole from Rayville, Louisiana and they were married in August of 1953, the year before she graduated from high school in 1954.  

Laphane united with South Seminole Baptist Church sometime in 1951 and remained a consistent member and a beloved Sunday School teacher for over 60 years.  She was an amazing cook, an excellent manager of her home, a faithful wife, a loving mother, and a very useful member of her community.  During her life she was involved with the Girl Scouts, worked tirelessly with Meals on Wheels since its inception, and was an accomplished artist who was a member of the Porcelain Arts Club.  However, Laphane’s eternal legacy is the unconditional love and laughter that overflowed from her heart toward everyone she encountered.  She lived a life of service toward her family and friends, especially enjoying baking wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and creating large elaborate Sugar Easter Eggs for the people in her life over the years.  She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Aten, Bill Barron, Louis Grissom, Nicholas Groves, Bob Malone, Bobby Huckabee, Ronald Beck, and Jim Wilcox Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ross Land, David Reyes, Ross Reyes, and Donn Mathis.

Laphane Wilcox Burkett was preceded in death by her husband Alton Parker “Salty” Burkett Jr., her sister Betty Jean Kidd, and great-granddaughter Evelyn Pagan.  She is survived by her beloved brother James Ross Wilcox Sr., her daughter Thelesa Mellon and husband Tim Mellon of Boise, Idaho and daughter Loree Meador and husband Ty Meador of Midland, Texas.  She is survived by six grandchildren; Travis Smith, Chrissy Barbee, Michelle Beck, Jennifer Land, Erik Jurek, and Barry Jurek.  She is survived by thirteen great-grandchildren; Zachary Smith, Parker Smith, Benjamin Groves, Nicholas Groves, Alexandra Pagan, Izzabell Pagan, Colton Beck, Courtney Beck, Grace Land, Michael Land, Heath Land, Charlie Land, and Ethan Land.  Laphane is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a legion of friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the South Seminole Baptist Church Youth Program at 211 SW Ave E, Seminole, TX 79360.

Graveside services for Joshua David Williams, age 33 of Seagraves, Texas will be held Monday, May 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Gaines County Cemetery in Seagraves with Pastor Daniel Reynolds officiating. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Williams was born June 23, 1986 in Fort Polk, Louisiana to Patricia Diane (Bishop) and David Wayne Williams. He married Stephanie Hoeve in Lubbock, Texas on June 6, 2009.  His favorite past times were fishing, video games and music. Josh had a charismatic personality and loved making others laugh. He was a talented artist and loving father. He will be greatly missed. 

Joshua Williams passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2020 in Seagraves, Texas. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Harold and Velma Bishop. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Williams of Lubbock, Texas; one son, Thatcher Williams, and one daughter Zoley Williams both of Seagraves, Texas; his parents, David and Diane Williams of Seagraves, Texas; one sister, Trisha Martin and husband Russell of Canyon, Texas; and his paternal grandparents, Edmond and Neva Williams of Seagraves, Texas.

Funeral services for Joyce Lee, age 71 of Abilene and formerly of Seminole, Texas will be held Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Seminole. Pastor Lavoid Ford will officiate. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home. The church will allow a limited number of attendees inside for the funeral service, and it is suggested that a mask be worn and social distancing practiced, in keeping with CDC guidelines.

Joyce was born April 11, 1949 in Deport, Texas to Ruth (Kay) and Odis Fry. She was a member of the Baptist Church and worked as an RN for many years as well as being a homemaker. She loved being a nurse. Joyce married Donald Lee on December 9, 1972 in Abilene; they were married 34 years before his death in 2006. 

Mrs. Lee was all about family. She enjoyed going out to eat in Midland with two of her kids after the loss of her husband. Her kids and grandkids were her passion – not only her own kids, but three who were not biologically – she considered them ALL hers. Her grandkids called her Mama Lee and argued over who loved her the most. She enjoyed playing games with her grandkids, and her favorite singer was George Jones. Joyce loved her Lord without a doubt and had an angelic voice when she sang at church. Due to declining health, Joyce left her home in Seminole after 34 years and moved to Abilene to live closer to family.

Joyce Lee went to join Jesus in heaven on May 10, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald in 2006; one brother; one sister; one granddaughter Madison in 2005; and one daughter-in-law, Jessica in 2019. She is survived by four sons, Thomas Lee and wife Amber of Weatherford, Texas, Terry Lee of Midland, Texas, and Timothy Lee and Todd Lee and wife Nettie, both of Abilene; two daughters, Tresa Lee and husband Mo of Seminole, Texas and Glenna Pickett of Texas; one “adopted” son, Kyle Abbott and wife Sara of Seminole; one brother, Aubrey Fry and wife Karen of Clyde, Texas; one sister, Mary Alice Lee of Seminole; 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a companion, Jimmy Fisher, and a host of dear friends. 

Graveside services for Janie Long, age 75 of Seminole, Texas will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at Gaines County Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Joe Stewart officiating. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mrs. Long was born October 20, 1944 in Colorado City, Texas to Angelita (Marmolejo) and Modesto Diaz. She married J.D. Long in Seminole, Texas in 1964. She was a Baptist and worked as a nurse for over 30 years. Janie enjoyed playing golf and being with her family.

Janie Long passed away at her home in Seminole on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, J.D. Long in 2015; and one brother. She is survived by one son, Jesse Long and wife Twyla of Andrews, Texas; one brother, Frank Guerrero and wife Susan of Denver City, Texas; one sister, Mary Rodriguez of Odessa, Texas; two grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. 

Graveside services for Guadalupe Molinar, age 77 of Seminole, Texas will be held Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Gaines County Cemetery with Father Jose De Dios Gonzalez officiating and Pastor Jerry Ramirez assisting. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mrs. Molinar was born June 6, 1942 in Marathon, Texas to Ignacia (Ramirez) and Luciano Rodriguez. She married Victor Molinar on July 29, 1961 in Alpine, Texas. She was a Catholic. She worked as a homemaker and a nurse’s aide, and then began working for the Gaines County Library system. She served as a clerk and volunteer and eventually worked her way up to head Librarian. She served in this post for 32 years, attending New Mexico Junior College and graduating Summa Cum Laude. She loved dogs, reading, arts and crafts, and sports and was always open to new adventures. When she became a grandmother she took that title and ran with it; she thought her grandchildren hung the moon. She always taught them at a young age to read; they lovingly called her “Nana.” Lupe always provided support for her children when they needed something, and told them, “If you want something it’s a no, but if you need it, then it’s a yes.” She traveled to many places with her children and made many precious memories with them.

Guadalupe passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020 at her home in Seminole. She is preceded in death by her parents; one son, Roberto Molinar; and two brothers. She is survived by her husband, Victor Molinar of Seminole; one daughter, Lynn Acosta and husband Richard of Odessa, Texas; and three grandchildren, Robert Boutwell, Victoria Acosta, and Nicholas Acosta.

Graveside services for Refugia (MaCuca) Venegas, age 84 of Seminole, Texas will be held Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Gaines County Cemetery with Father Jose De Dios Gonzalez officiating and Pastor Tony Cruz assisting. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mrs. Venegas was born November 10, 1935 in Fashing, Texas to Estanislada (Villarreal) and Marcelino Almaguer. She married Jose Venegas on February 18, 1954 in Artesia, New Mexico. She was a Catholic and a homemaker. MaCuca was always known as a gambler. She loved to play poker, bingo, slot machines, and buy lottery tickets. She was more than just the foundation of the family, she was the light and inspiration; their number one teacher. She taught the value in taking risks through the hobbies she enjoyed. For instance she always said, in the game of poker, you may be dealt the worst hand in the game but when the river is laid out, it only takes one or two cards to give you the upper hand. Her lesson was that in life there is always a risk of loss, but sooner or later God changes your hand for the better. She would ask are we the ones to always fold and quit, or do we see what God has to offer and play the game called Life. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly. 

Refugia Venegas passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jose Felix Venegas in 2015; one son, Johnny Venegas; one daughter, Lydia Torres; two brothers, and one sister. She is survived by two sons, Joe Felix Venegas, Jr. and wife Criselda, and Benny Almager Venegas, both of Seminole, Texas;one daughter, Minnie Amaton and husband Tommy of Seminole, Texas; two brothers, Larry Rodriguez and wife Mary, and Alfredo Cruz and wife Delfa, both of Artesia, New Mexico; one sister, San Juana Almaguer and husband Adam of Seminole, Texas; eight grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.