For the Week of January 5 - January 11, 2025

Graveside services for Lidia Martinez, age 49 of Lubbock, Texas and formerly of Seminole, will be held Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Gaines County Cemetery with Pastor Skip Rogers officiating. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home of Seminole, Texas. Her children have lovingly provided the following obituary.

Lidia Martinez was born in Seminole, Texas on September 15, 1975 to San Juana Aguilera and Salvador Martinez. Lidia was very eccentric and outgoing even though she couldn’t move around much. She was a person full of kindness and humor that most people didn’t find funny. You could talk with her about any topic, and she would be interested, even if everyone else thought it was uninteresting. She was an extraordinary mother who raised her children to have great morals and ethics that most people have forgotten. Lidia was always one to spoil her loved ones. She was the best friend you could never imagine, no matter who you were or what past you had, she would treat everyone equal. She hated feet being cold. She loved collecting anything and everything, no matter what the category or theme, and loved cloudy days full of thunder and lightning, easing her to sleep at night. She showed much love and kindness towards people who were not accepted no matter where they came from, she would accept who they were, regardless of their past. She always looked at both sides of an argument. Lidia Martinez was the strongest, bravest, most unique person in the entire world. She was the strongest warrior to walk this earth, and that will live on through the hearts and souls she showed love to.

Lidia Martinez passed away at her home in Lubbock on Sunday, January 5, 2025. She is survived by her companion, Eddie Ontiveros of Lubbock, Texas; one son, Andrew Ontiveros of Lubbock; one daughter, Isabella Ontiveros of Lubbock; her mother, San Juana Aguilera of Andrews, Texas; her father, Salvador Martinez of Denver City, Texas; and four sisters, Rachel Odasso and husband Gary of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Amy Regalado and husband Rene of Denver City, and Gina Martinez and husband Jason, and Damaris Martinez, both of Midland, Texas.

Funeral services for Elisabeth Groening, age 69 of Seminole, Texas, will be held Sunday, December 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Reinlander Mennonite Church with John Loewen officiating. Burial will follow at Reinlander Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mrs. Groening was born in Mexico on August 23, 1955 to Helena (Thiessen) and Abram Reimer. She married Peter Groening in Mexico on June 26, 1977. She was a homemaker and a member of Reinlander Mennonite Church. 

Elisabeth Groening passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Yoakum County Hospital in Denver City, Texas. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Peter Groening in 1992; one daughter, Lena Groening in 1979; one sister, and one brother. She is survived by five sons, David Groening, Abram Groening and wife Elizabeth, Peter Groening and wife Anna, Jacob Groening, and Johnny Groening, all of Seminole, Texas; five brothers, Abram Reimer of Canada, Cornelius Reimer of Mexico, Jacob Reimer and wife Sara of Mexico, Peter Reimer and wife Helena of Canada, and Heinrich and wife Maria of Mexico; two sisters, Maria Krahn and husband Johan of Mexico, and Anna Dyck and husband Jacob of Canada; four granddaughters, and seven grandsons.

Funeral services for Donna Hice,  age 77 of Seminole, Texas, will be held Monday, December 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Pastor Joe Stewart officiating and Pastor Easton Elrod assisting. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Portales Children’s Home 1356 New Mexico 236, Portales NM 88130. 

Mrs. Hice was born February 5, 1947 in Portales, New Mexico to Imogene (Maness) and D.W. Johnson. She married John Hice in Lovington, New Mexico on November 23, 1967. She loved gardening, decorating, and shopping; most of all she loved being with her family. 

Donna Hice passed away November 27, 2024 at her home in Seminole. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, John Hice of Seminole, Texas; one son, Wesley Hice and wife Whitney of Seminole, Texas; two daughters, Kristie Elrod and husband Michael Harlan, and Heather Cottrell and husband Doyle, both of Seminole, Texas; two sisters, Pam Worrell of Mt. Vernon, Arkansas and Tami Ebert of Hobbs, New Mexico; and eight grandchildren.

Funeral services for Annie Enns, 4 months of Seminole, will be held Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Reinlander Mennonite Church with Pastor Juan Loewen officiating. Burial will follow at Reinlander Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Annie Enns was born on July 27, 2024 to Eva (Wolfe) and Jacob Enns Fehr, and she passed away November 29, 2024 in Lubbock, Texas. She is survived by her parents, Jacob and Eva Enns of Seminole, Texas; two brothers, Cornelio and Pedro Enns of Seminole, Texas; two sisters, Helena and Justina Enns of Seminole, Texas; paternal grandparents, Abram Enns and wife Susana of Mexico, and maternal grandparents, Bernhard Wolf and wife Justina of Mexico.

Funeral services for Eugene Blackmon, age 78 of Seminole, Texas, will be held Monday, November 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church with Pastor Luke Blackmon officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home. 

Eugene was born in San Angelo, Texas to Sylvia Rasco and Sandy Blackmon. He married Lenda Crump in Seminole on June 14, 1975. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and worked in retail for Hicks Farm Supply. Eugene was a God-fearing and gentle man who wasn’t afraid to tell people about Jesus. He demonstrated God’s love, grace, and respect to all regardless of their background. He was the best example of a father, brother, husband, and friend to everyone he encountered. He loved collecting knives, guns, flashlights and hugs. Eugene loved his wife, known to him as “Pretty Girl,” with all his heart; he also adored his little dogs, Sadie and Millie.

Eugene Blackmon passed away at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, two sisters, one grandson, Ryan Weitman and one granddaughter, Kaci Fairchild. He is survived by his wife, Lenda Blackmon of Seminole; two sons, Dusty Blackmon and wife D’Ann of Seminole and Levi Blackmon and wife Mikki of Lubbock, Texas; two daughters, Wendi Weitman and husband Eugene of Wolfforth, Texas, and Ruby Blackmon of Seminole; one brother, Roy Blackmon and wife Liz of Santa Anna, Texas; one sister, Martha Jo Haddon of South Carolina; ten grandchildren, Katlin, Dallas, Caleb, Brandon, Kolt, Luke, Sylvia, Madison, Aryn, Courtney; five great-grandchildren, Jayden, Braylee, Rostyn, Kason, Aubrie; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Funeral services for Jesse Bishop, age 62 of Denver City, Texas, will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Trinity Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jesse Garcia officiating. Burial will follow at Denver City Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Memorial Chapel of Denver City, in association with Boyer Funeral Home of Seminole, Texas. His loving family has provided the following obituary. 

Jesse was born August 8, 1962 in Lovington, New Mexico to Toby and Wynelle Bishop who resided in Denver City from 1967 to 1999. He attended Denver City High School where he graduated in 1981. He married in December of 1982 and was blessed with two beautiful daughters. Jesse went to work in the oilfield after high school where he worked for various companies including G and G Tong Rentals in Denver City for several years. As time passed Jesse remarried and he had his one and only son in 1994. Jesse lived most of his life in Denver City where he grew up, but later moved to Gardendale while working in the oilfield. He even spent some years while he was working offshore drilling living in Louisiana. 

Jesse enjoyed playing men’s softball, fishing, bowling, watching his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys, whom he had a love for like no other, as well as kicking back with some cold ones, and we can’t forget to mention his love for Dr. Pepper. Everyone who knew Jesse at the bowling alley knew he was quite anal about his bowling, especially when things didn’t go in his favor and he wasn’t winning. All he came in contact with throughout his life knew how much he loved the Dallas Cowboys; he had a lifelong love for them boys in blue, and although we always gave him a hard time about them, you knew by the look he would give you that you better tread lightly with his Cowboys. 

Jesse Bishop left this world and entered into his eternal resting place on November 16, 2024 at Willowcreek Rehab and Nursing in Abilene, Texas after a battle with throat cancer. He is survived by his three children, Misty and husband Ray Ramos of Andrews, Texas, Ashley and husband Kevin Couch of Seagraves, Texas, and Jesse IV and wife Sidnie Bishop of Pinedale, Wyoming. He also had seven grandchildren, Hayden Lively, Andruw Ramos, Kayleigh Lively, Elyssa Ramos, Zayn Bishop, Ian Ramos, and Salem Bishop. He also leaves behind his only older sister, Freda Davidson of Abilene, Texas, who took care of her little brother as long as she could, and one older brother, Billy Bishop Sr. and wife Cindy of Midland, Texas, as well as lots of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Jesse (Toby), and Wynelle Bishop. 

Pallbearers include Hayden Lively, Andruw Ramos, Matthew Sappington, Shay Mann, Denny Fulcher, and Glenn Jones and Honorary Pallbearers, Billy Marcus Bishop, Jr. and his lifelong friend Broderick Williams. 

Funeral services for Connie Dagley, age 82 of Seminole, Texas, will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Westside Church of Christ beginning at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Bernie Yedor officiating and David Williams assisting. Burial will follow at Gaines County Memorial Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Mexico Children’s Christian Home, 1356 NM 236, Portales, New Mexico 88130, or the Seminole Volunteer Fire Department, 208 SE 2nd, Seminole, Texas 79360.

Mrs. Dagley was born in Paris, Texas on August 19, 1942 to Syble (Wilhite) and Hubert Songer. She attended high school in Odessa and married Don Dagley there on March 25, 1958. She was a longtime member of Westside Church of Christ where she taught bible classes for over 30 years. She had lived in Seminole since 1972, moving from Artesia, New Mexico. She worked for many years alongside her husband at their insurance firm. 

Connie Dagley was a successful businesswoman, but her first passion was serving others. Her family is still learning of things she did to help people. One of her favorite pastimes after coming home from work was to kick off her shoes and go to work in her garden and yard, caring for plants. She was a fervent supporter of the Seminole Volunteer Fire Department, and one of her greatest joys was gathering donations for their annual Christmas party. She continued to do this even after she had officially retired.

Connie Dagley passed from this life on November 8, 2024 in Hobbs, New Mexico. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Don; three brothers, and two sisters. She is survived by one son, D.A. Dagley (wife Nona) of Seminole; two daughters, Claudia Sue Donaldson of Seattle, Washington and Candi Welch (husband Shane) of Seminole; one brother, Hubert Edwin Songer (wife Vickie) of Garland, Texas; four sisters, Elaine Kennedy of Sherman, Texas, Louise Michell (husband Jim) of Arlington, Texas, Kathy Jarrett (husband Lee) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Sheila Pitts (husband Harold) of Bonham, Texas; six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass for Maria Perez, age 87 of Seminole, Texas, will be celebrated Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church with Father Joseph Thanavelil officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. Rosary will be held Friday, November 15, 2024 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home. 

Maria Perez was born in Starr County on September 26, 1937 to Elvira (Lopez) and Pedro Bazan. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church, and had lived in Seminole for 51 years. She married Encarnacion Perez in La Gulla, Texas on March 14, 1959. 

Mrs. Perez loved to cook. She worked for SISD in the cafeteria for about 10 years, but also helped her husband run Perez Tamales. She had a great love for her family but was always strict with both her children and grandchildren; if anyone missed curfew, they were in trouble! She often picked up her grandchildren after school and enjoyed having them around often. She stayed busy constantly, always doing something – cleaning her house, carefully tending her rosebushes, and cooking. Once she had cleaned, the children knew not to mess anything up or leave on any lights or they would hear from her. She enjoyed western movies, and no matter where she was, even in the hospital or nursing home, the western channel better be available or heads would roll. 

Maria Perez passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Shinnery Oaks Nursing Home in Denver City, Texas. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Encarnacion Perez; one son, Encarnacion Perez, Jr.; one daughter, Maria Elena Perez; and one brother. She is survived by one son, Alejandro Perez (wife Marry Ann) of Seminole; one daughter, Joanna Rodriguez (husband John) of Seminole; one sister, Imelda Ramirez of Rockdale, Texas; seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life for Truman Hayes, age 92 of Welch, Texas, will be held Monday, November 4, 2024 at Welch Church of Christ at 11:00 a.m. with Kalith Brown and Kirk Hayes officiating, and Keith Hayes assisting. Burial will follow in Terry County Cemetery, Brownfield, Texas. The family will hold a visitation to greet friends at the church on Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home of Seminole.

Truman Hayes passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. He has gone to join all the redeemed saints from every nation and every race who are gathered around the throne of Jesus, singing His praises, and was anticipating the joy of that moment. 

Truman was the son of Odilla (Mullins) and Chrystal (Chris) Hayes, born March 22, 1932 in Grayson County, Texas. He lived in Grayson and Collin counties until his father was killed in 1942. He then moved to Eden, Texas, where he was a member of the Bulldogs football team that beat Marfa 19-17 in 1949 for the regional championship. He graduated from Eden High School in 1950. He moved to Welch, Texas in 1952 and married Mauriene Coor on May 17, 1953. It was in Welch that he spent the rest of his life as a farmer and minister. He served for 2 years at the Welch Church of Christ as their preacher, and spent many years after holding preaching appointments at several churches in the area while farming full-time. He deeply loved the Welch Church of Christ and served there until his death. He was active in Young Farmers, served on the Dawson ISD board for almost 30 years, and was a huge supporter of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sports and other activities. He had a passion for prison ministry and spent many years ministering to men in prison. He said if it makes a difference in one man’s life, it is worth it. He and his wife were further involved in ministry in Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi, and made numerous trips to Africa in support of these missions. 

He is survived by his wife Mauriene, their five children, Keith (wife Melanie) Hayes, Chris Hayes, Vaughn (husband Kalith) Brown, Kirk (wife Susan) Hayes, and Tonya Hayes, 13 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren. Included in these are: Melissa (& Matt) Cox and their children, Kenah & Koy; Jada (& Nick) Shock and their children, Aubryn (& Andrew) Cuellar, Leif, Keirah, Emry, Krae, & Tait; Laurel (& Rob) Warren and their children, Aiden, Adyson, Hudson, & Holden; Brandon (& Shanna) Hayes and their son Karter; Kyla (& Alan) Muns and their children, Ava, Micah, and Preston; Sena (& Daniel) Reese and their children, Addalie, Asher, River, & Ryker; Benjamin Truman (& Becca) Hayes and their children, Braylon, Brooklyn, & Britain; Bridget (& Matthew) Hershman; Kanyon (& Erika) Brown and their children, Brindle, Riggin, and Kap; Ryan (& Justine) Hayes and their children Amelie, Lily, & Rylee; Ashton (& Alex) Orr and their children, Maddox, Sutton, & Beckett; Ty (& Sharlagne) Hayes and their children, Addie, Beth, Charlotte, Andrew, & Emmy; Landon (& Bailey) Brown and their children, Truman and Clara. These all were one of the greatest joys of his life. He is also survived by three sisters, Ruth (husband B.) Shelburne, Verlen Ketchersid, and Mary Chris (husband Doug) Wilks. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Chrystal Leo Hayes, his mother, Odilla Vivian (Mullins) Hayes, one brother, Roland Hayes and sister-in-law Wanda; and one brother-in-law, Eddy Ketchersid.

Fond memories of Truman often included his time with his family at “Deer Camp”- a place he took his kids and grandkids for many years. He also loved watching the deer in the cotton fields daily. He was sure to pass on his love for popcorn with grape juice, as well as Peanut M&Ms and bubblegum to all his descendants. 

Truman shared the love and light of Jesus with anyone he encountered. He had a way of making every person feel valued, and every grandchild thought he/she was his favorite. He boldly proclaimed his love for scripture and for Jesus while in the hospital, even in the midst of terrible pain. His life and legacy will always be remembered and his impact in the kingdom of God cannot be fully measured. As he passed from this life into his eternal home, surely a chorus of voices rang out, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Kenya Church of Christ Children’s Home c/o Welch Church of Christ, PO Box 187, Welch, TX, 79377; Namikango Mission, PO Box 16528 Lubbock, TX 79490; or South Houston Bible Institute (SHBI) PO Box 891246, Houston, TX 77289-1246.