Katie Riser Simpson (07-01-2009)
With characteristic grace, sweetness, and quietude, Katie Riser Simpson passed away June 30, 2009 after a brief illness. Just three months shy of her 99th birthday, she lived a long and happy life, with faithfulness, contentment, modesty, and sacrifice the hallmarks of her enduring presence amongst her adoring family. Katie was born in Ruston, La., Sept. 14, 1910, one of seven children born to Nat and Viola Calcote Riser: Volney, Ethel, Allen, Ben, and Bert (all deceased) and Deryl of Arlington, Tx. She inherited her family’s work ethic, love of God, and unmistakable Riser attributes of humility, kindness, and a naturally endearing countenance. She was a lifelong Christian in the Methodist denomination, spending most of her adult years as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston where she was a faithful participant in congregational life. She applied her well-honed sewing talents to making clothes for the Methodist Children’s Home and spent many happy years in fellowship with other Trinity women serving in this mission area.
She attended Louisiana Tech for two years, a math major, until her marriage in 1930 to local boy Gordie “Fynlon” Simpson from a neighboring farm. Together they built a life on a foundation of Christian virtues and the simplest of joys found in their large Calcote/ Riser/and Simpson families, a thriving garden, and an honest day’s work.
In addition to her brother Deryl, Katie is survived by her four children and their families: Glen of Grand Prairie, TX; “the twins” Jack of Lufkin, TX and James of Austin, TX and Bill of Austin, TX. Always shy of being the center of attention, Katie became a reluctant matriarch of her large family when Fynlon passed away in 1986. She rose to the occasion by never wavering from what she knew best: love people unconditionally, prepare a place in your home for everyone, always have a pie crust in the freezer, keep it simple, work hard, take time to listen to the birds, and keep your Bible near. These timeless virtues are her legacy to her four sons and daughters-in-law, 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and devoted friends.
Services will be held in Ruston at Owens Memorial Chapel at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 2. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Rev. Rolly Walker will officiate at the service and the internment at the Riser Cemetery immediately following. Pallbearers will be John Ellis, Cal Simpson, Jason Simpson, John Perry Simpson, Scott Simpson, Troy Simpson, and Tyler Simpson. Honorary pallbearers will be Derrel Simpson, Larry Simpson, Mike Simpson, Molly Simpson Ellis, and Kathy Simpson Taylor. To leave an on-line memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Oliver L. Poole (06-30-2009)
Mr. Oliver L. Poole, 87, died Saturday, June 27, 2009, in Ruston, LA. He was a native and longtime resident of Gloster, MS., and current resident of Ruston. He was born April 18, 1922 in Gloster, the son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Farley “Boss” Poole.
Mr. Oliver was a graduate of Crosby, MS High School. He played football at the University of Mississippi. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corp and while in the V-12 program, where he played a year of football for the University of North Carolina, he was All-State, All-Southern Conference, and AP Honorable Mention All-American. He also played professional football for the New York Yankees, Baltimore Colts and Detroit Lions. Oliver coached junior college and high school football in Mississippi and Louisiana, spending most of his time as a teacher and coach in Jonesville, LA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Farley “Boss” Poole and a sister, Avis Jean Poole. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Gayle S. Poole, his daughter, Peggy Gilmore and her husband, Danny Gilmore, his son, Lamar Poole and his wife Meghan Poole, a sister, Murl Strong and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Oliver L. Poole, Sr., will be Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Gloster United Methodist Church, Gloster, MS., with Reverend Jimmy Pyles officiating. Interment will be in Roseland Cemetery, Gloster. Services are under the direction of Brown Funeral Home of Gloster.
Sharon Aycock Brooks (06-29-2009)
Funeral services for Sharon Aycock Brooks, age 62, of Choudrant, LA will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ruston, LA. Dr. Michael Hawley and Rev. Bill Sanderson will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in Beulah Cemetery in Calhoun, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, June 29, 2009 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.
Sharon was born on October 13, 1946 in El Dorado, AR and died June 27, 2009 in Choudrant, LA as a result of an automobile accident. She was member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and was employed by Louisiana Tech University for over 35 years. Sharon was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed going shopping.
She is survived by her husband Wayne Brooks of Choudrant, LA; son, Terry Brooks of Choudrant; daughters, Mandy Bain and husband Barry of Springdale, AR; Anna Chandler and husband Brandon of Magnolia, AR; grandchildren, Bethany Bain, Jonathan Bain, Landon Chandler and Grace Chandler; sister, Sandra Pellegrin of Memphis, TN; brothers, Clyde Aycock of Ruston, LA; Calvin Aycock of Memphis, TN; Billy Aycock of Dubach, LA; mother in-law, Mary Alice Guidry of Ruston, LA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Hammons, Keith Hammons, Glen Grigsby, Dave Myers, V. A. Hennen, Calvin Gullatt, Ken Martin, Max Hammons, and Lamar Spillers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Aycock, Scott Brooks, Randall Aycock, Russell Aycock, Seth Hillman, Lee Aycock, Dr. O. J. Hall, and Dr. James M. King.
Memorials may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church or The Gideons International. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com
Marion Johnson Morales (06-29-2009)
Marion Johnson Morales, a 44-year resident of Ruston, has passed away at the age of 79. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 29th, 2009, at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston with Rev. Blaine O'Neill, O.F. M. officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston. Marion was born on October 15th, 1929, and passed away on Saturday, June 27th, 2009.
An officer’s wife during their tour in Germany, she was known for her talents in organizing and hostessing social events. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a professional and charitable sorority. Marion was a devoted wife, a most loving and caring mother and grandmother, an excellent cook, and a matriarch to her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time in her garden and caring for her dogs Spencer and Scooter. Her loving ways were evident to all who knew her and will be passed on from generation to generation for years to come.
Marion is survived by her three children: Kathe Morales Staser of Baton Rouge, Mike Morales and his wife Kelly of Shreveport, and Garner Morales and his wife Belinda of Watson. Her loving bereaved grandchildren are Kimari Lunn, Mark Morales, Alyson Staser, Brandon Morales, Dr. Aimee Staser, Blake Morales, Emily Morales, and Tanner Morales; her great- grandchildren are Robert Lunn, Gavin Morales, and David Lunn. She is preceded in death by her husband Fred Morales of Ruston.
Pallbearers for the family service will be grandsons Mark, Brandon, and Blake Morales, as well as Doug Craft, Jim Hays, and Kenneth Slocum Jr. The family is grateful for the care given by the staff at Northern Louisiana Medical Center to our mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. Be at peace, MeeMaw.
In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to The Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home 901 South Vienna Street Ruston, LA 71270. To leave an on-line memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
Mr. James Buford Goss (06-28-2009)
Memorial service for Mr. James Buford Goss, age 89, of Bossier City, LA will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Bossier City. Officiating the service will be Rev. David Dietzel and Rev. Aline Carson. A graveside service will follow on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Vienna Cemetery in Vienna, LA. Rev. Jerry Hilbun and Rev. David Dietzel will officiate the graveside service under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.
Mr. Goss was born to the union of Ivy Owen Goss and Allie Bell Causey Goss on June 24, 1920 and passed away in Shreveport on June 25, 2009.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Kathryn Eugenia Wolfe Goss and grandson: James Charles Tarbutton, Jr. He is survived by daughter: Virginia Kay Goss of Bossier City; son: James Stephen Goss and wife Bonnie of Curlew, WA; grandson: Stephen Louis Tarbutton and wife Breanna of Ruston; great grandchildren: Brighton King, and Bryce and Brittain Tarbutton.
The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses and other Allied Health Associates that cared for Mr. Goss in his final days. Pallbearers will be Maxie Norsworthy, Ralph Hughes, James Goolsby, Berle Winston, Glenn Stewart, and Steve Powell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert G. Thomas, Dr. Robert C. Hernadez and Harold Knotts.
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 28, 2009 immediately following the graveside service until 7 p.m.. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Bossier City or to the charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com .
