Margaret Spence
CARLSBAD — A memorial service for Margaret S. Spence, 99, of West Ridge, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Landsun Homes Chapel with the Rev. Erwin Van Essen officiating.
Mrs. Spence died Wednesday, March 29, 2000, at Landsun Health Service Center.
West Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.
Margaret S. Spence was born Feb. 5, 1901, in Berlin, Neb., to Albert and Ida Mae Seybert Shrader. She moved to Kansas at an early age and grew up in Cedar Vale, Kan.
She taught one year of country school then attended Kansas State University and received her bachelor’s of science degree in home economics. Mrs. Spence then taught four years in Tularosa High School.
She married R.T. Spence on July 24, 1924, and they moved to Carlsbad May 2, 1942. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, the Woman’s Club, Order of the Eastern Star and the past president of Chapter YPEO Sisterhood. She was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Fine Arts Museum.
Mrs. Spence was preceded in death by her husband Feb. 14, 1957.
She is survived by her brother, M.S. Shrader, of Harper, Kan.
Donations may be made to Landsun Health Service Center, 2002 W. Ridge Road, Carlsbad NM, 88220.

Tommie Little
CARLSBAD — Tommie “Ruth” Little, 73, of Ohio Street, died Sunday, April 9, 2000, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Albuquerque.
Denton-Funchess Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Dennis Bliss Jr.
CARLSBAD — A graveside service will be held for the infant Dennis Lawrence Bliss Jr. at 3 p.m. today at Babyland in Carlsbad Cemetery with the family officiating. There will be no visitation.
Dennis died Friday, April 7, 2000, at Carlsbad Medical Center.
Denton-Funchess Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Dennis Lawrence Bliss Jr. was stillborn April 7, 2000, in Carlsbad to Dennis Lawrence and Tonya Kincaid Bliss Sr.
He is survived by his parents of the family home; brothers, Ryan Ellis and Trey Troublefield of the family home; sister, Katelyn Troublefield of the family home; paternal grandparents, Gary Bliss of Kermit, Texas, and Ramona Fuller of Artesia; maternal grandparents, Norman Kincaid of Grove Spring, Mo., and Margaret Condon of Keota, Okla.; and paternal great-grandmothers, Ruby Bliss of Kermit, Texas, and Clarise Lattion of Artesia.

Joe Hinds
CLOVIS — A funeral service for Joe Hinds, 71, of Clovis, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Central Baptist Church in Clovis with the Rev. Gene Hawkins and Sherman Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Hinds died Saturday, April 8, 2000, at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis.
Steed-Todd Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Joe Hinds was born Dec. 2, 1928, in Stinnett, Texas, to Joe and Cressie Hinds. He graduated from Clovis High School in 1947. Mr. Hinds was a member of the 1947 state football team and received a football scholarship to attend UNM. 
He married Stella Faye Howard on Jan. 16, 1949, in Clovis.
He was a lifetime resident of Clovis and was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad, retiring after 42 years. 
He served in the New Mexico National Guard for 11 years with the rank of captain. He loved writing poetry, listening to music and working with wood as well as spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Hinds was preceded in death by one brother; a son, David M. Hinds; and one grandson.
He is survived by his wife, Stella Hinds of the family home; son, Robert Hinds of Canyon, Texas; daughters, Linda Douglas of Carlsbad and Judy Morrow of House, N.M.; brothers, Jack Hinds of Hermiston, Ore., and Jim Hinds of Pensacola, Fla.; sister, Goldie Colvin of Clovis; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Michael Jack Hinds, Joe Howard, Lee Howard, Rocky Hinds, John Reid, Greg Hinds, Tom Colvin, Thomas Hinds and Jim Crook. 
Honorary pallbearers will be Hinds’ friends and co-workers.
Visitation will take place at the funeral home.
Donations to a children’s charity may be made.

Tommie Little
CARLSBAD — A funeral for Tommie “Ruth” Little, 73, of Ohio Street, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Denton-Funchess Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Fred Connell of First Assembly of God Church officiating. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery.
Mrs. Little died Sunday, April 9, 2000, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Albuquerque.
Denton-Funchess Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Tommie “Ruth” Little was born Monday, Dec. 27, 1926, to James Henry and Mary Jo Adams Morgan in Wewoka, Okla.
In 1937, she moved to Carlsbad where she graduated from Carlsbad High School.
On April 1, 1957, she married Jack Little. He preceded her in death in 1983.
Mrs. Little had been employed as manager of the Gas Light Lounge in the Ramada Inn for more than 10 years. She received a business degree in Albuquerque.
She was Baptist by faith.
Survivors include a son, Ronnie J. “Ducker” Martin of Carlsbad; brothers, Joe Morgan of Carlsbad and Wiley Morgan of Green River, Wyo.; and one grandson.
Pallbearers are Charlie Lewis, Andy Rice, Frankie Funk, Jerry Fox, Harold West and Bob Bird.
Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Denton-Funchess Funeral Home.

Paul P. Wyrostek
CARLSBAD — Paul Peter Wyrostek, 88, of Thomason Road, died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at his daughter’s home.
Services are pending with Denton-Funchess Funeral Home.

Richard A. Bell
CARLSBAD — Graveside services for Richard A. Bell, 83, of Lakeview Christian Home, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Sunset Gardens in Carlsbad with Joe Pierce officiating.
Mr. Bell died Wednesday, April 12, 2000.
Direct burial will take place under the direction of Sunset Gardens Direct Burial Service.
Richard A. Bell was born Dec. 18, 1916, in Alpine, Texas. He moved to Carlsbad in 1973 and was a substitute teacher with Carlsbad Municipal Schools.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Arbielou Bell.
Survivors include his wife, Catherine Bell, of Carlsbad; son, R.A. Bell II of Lafayette, La.; daughters, Pamela Witt and Rhonda Aten of El Paso, Reggie Chandler of Farmington and Rowena Anderson of Odessa, Texas; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Catherine, Steve and Carly Knapp
EAGLE POINT, Ore. — Catherine “Cathy” Molinar Knapp, 41, of Eagle Point, Ore., and formerly of Carlsbad, died Friday, April 7, 2000, in a car accident. Also killed were her husband Steve, 45, and their daughter, Carly, 16.
Cathy Molinar Knapp was born in Carlsbad to former Carlsbad businessman A.J. and Anita Molinar.
She was employed as an executive chef. Her husband, Steve, was a logger. Their daughter, Carly, was a high school sophomore in Eagle Point.
Mrs. Knapp was preceded in death by two brothers, Johnny Molinar and Daniel Molinar.
Survivors include parents and grandparents, A.J. and Anita Molinar; son and brother, Juan, also injured in the accident but expected to survive; sister and aunt, Missy Quesada of Rio Rancho; and brothers and uncles, Victor Molinar of Austin, Texas, David Molinar of Tijeras and Atilano Molinar Jr.

Faustino C. Perez
ARTESIA — A funeral for Faustino C. Perez, 77, of North Roselawn Avenue, will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with the Rev. Vincent Petersen officiating. Interment will follow at Twin Oaks Memorial Park.
A rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
Mr. Perez died Thursday, April 13, 2000, at New Mexico Heart Institute in Albuquerque.
Terpening and Son Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Faustino C. Perez was born Feb. 15, 1923, to Liborio and Paula Campos Perez in Ruidosa, Texas.
He married Natalia Jimenez Nov. 27, 1942, in Marfa, Texas.
They moved to Artesia from Marfa in 1948. Mr. Perez was a carpenter.
He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Cursillistas, Knights of Columbus and the Moose Lodge.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Oralia Hernandez, in 1990.
Survivors include his wife, Natalia Perez, of the family home; sons, Faustino Perez Jr. of Midland, Texas, Ruben Perez of Artesia and Ricky Perez of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughters, Emma Salgado of Artesia and Yolanda Leyba of Odessa, Texas; brothers, Henry Perez and Gonzalo Perez of Artesia; sisters, Cruz Galindo, Natividad Ramirez, Marianna Carrasco and Aramita Montez of Artesia and Rosa Molina of Hobbs; 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Nick Perez, Jamie Salgado, Sammy Leyba Jr., Alex Perez, Steven Hernandez and Aaron Perez. Honorary pallbearers are Mr. Perez’s grandchildren.
Friends may call beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday at Terpening and Son Mortuary.

Joe Don Johnston
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Joe Don Johnston, 46, of Las Vegas, Nev., died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at his home.
Services are pending with West Funeral Home.
Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at West Funeral Home.

George Cook
CARLSBAD — George “Gayle” Cook, 83, of Carlsbad, died Friday, March 10, 2000. 
Following funeral services he was laid to rest at Sunset Gardens Memorial Park Cemetery, Carlsbad.
Gayle is survived by his daughter, Linda Gayle Logan, of Napa, Calif.; son, Larry Frey of Amarillo, Texas; grandsons, Dan Shurtz and Nick Frey; granddaughters, Debbie Ruzicka and Nissa and Erika Frey; great-granddaughters, Savannah Brainard and Alexie Shurtz; great-grandson, Kenny Shurtz; niece, Betty Jo Broussard and sister-in-law Frieda Cook of Capitan and niece Mary Louise Warren of El Paso.
He was preceded in death by his father John Forest Cook, mother Ruby Bell Pruit Cook; four half brothers and four half sisters. His twin brother, Oscar Cook of Roswell passed away on June 25, 1999.
He is also survived by his third wife, Wanda Cook, of Carlsbad; stepdaughter, Karen McDonald of Odessa; three stepgrandchildren and 12 stepgreat-grandchildren.
After serving in the Army in World War II, stationed in New Guinea, he worked for U.S. Borax and Potash Mines until his retirement.

Benino T. Bernal
CARLSBAD — Benino T. Bernal, 68, of Los Angeles, died Friday, April 14, 2000, in Los Angeles.
Services are pending with Denton-Funchess Funeral Home.

Helen Buster
CARLSBAD — A funeral for Helen Buster, 69, of East Orchard Lane, will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Sunset Church of Christ with Michael Joiner officiating. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery.
Mrs. Buster died Saturday, April 15, 2000, at Carlsbad Medical Center.
Denton-Funchess Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Helen Buster was born Sept. 24, 1930, to Jim and Ruby Mae Wilson in Hereford, Texas. At age 10, she moved to Carlsbad where she grew up.
She married Jim Buster on Aug. 6, 1971, in Albuquerque. He preceded her in death on May 9, 1986.
She enjoyed oil painting, made sculptured dolls and loved animals.
Mrs. Buster was a member of Sunset Church of Christ.
Survivors include sons, Shane McGonagill and Sterling McGonagill of Carlsbad; daughters, Judy Bowman of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Charla Grice and Brenda Poe of Carlsbad; brothers, Bill Wilson of Denver and Bob Wilson of Carlsbad; sister, Nell McGonagill of Mansfield, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Steve McGonagill, Randy Wilson, Brad Grice, Michael Bowman Jr., Christopher Bowman and Terry Wilson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Skyridge Christian Youth Camp, c/o Sunset Church of Christ, 1308 W. Blodgett St., Carlsbad NM 88220.
Friends may call from 2 to 9 p.m. today at Denton-Funchess Funeral Home.

Major Tiral ‘M.T.’ Harkness
n CARLSBAD — A funeral for Major Tiral “M.T.” Harkness, 67, of Roberson Road, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at First Assembly of God Church, 1502 W. Mermod, with the Rev. Fred Connell officiating. Interment will follow in Loving Cemetery.
Mr. Harkness died Friday, April 14, 2000, at his home.
West Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Major Tiral “M.T.” Harkness was born April 10, 1933, to William Joseph and Dollie Dell Wood Harkness, in Lake City, Ark. He spent his early childhood there before his family moved to Loving. It was in Loving that he grew up and finished his schooling.
After high school, M.T. began working with the Carlsbad Irrigation District and then U.S. Borax. 
He married Doris Hillman on Nov. 27, 1954, in Lovington.
Mr. Harkness served two years in the Army, returning to U.S. Borax after his discharge.
In 1982, he began his employment with the Eddy County Road Department, retiring in 1995.
M.T. was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, loved his family, the outdoors and his trees.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Billy and Eddy Harkness, and a sister, Wilma Slack.
Survivors include his wife, Doris Harkness, of the home; son, Ronald Harkness and wife, Zay, of Loving; brothers, Jullean Harkness and Roy Harkness of Carlsbad; sister, Naomi Johnston, of Carlsbad; and grandchildren, Terrell Wayne Harkness and Vanessa Harkness of Loving.
Pallbearers are Steve Dycus, Bob Westfall, Woodrow Burkham, Richard Perez, Bobby Smith and Larry Charlet.
Honorary pallbearers are C.A. Mosier, Pokey Hunt, Elex Onsurez, Leonard Fennell, Bon Smith, George Vasquez, Jim Vanzant and all employees of the Eddy County Road Department.
Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to noon Monday.

Joe Don Johnston
CARLSBAD — A funeral for Joe Don Johnston, 46, of Las Vegas, Nev., will be at 10 a.m. Monday at West Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Brad Reimers officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Gardens Memorial Park.
Mr. Johnston died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at his home.
West Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Joe Don Johnston was born Aug. 12, 1953, at St. Francis Hospital in Carlsbad to Ruel Carey and Annie Lou Smithson Johnston. He was educated from elementary through junior high school in Loving and graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1971.
Mr. Johnston attended college at ENMU at Portales and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
He moved to Las Vegas, Nev., and became a cage supervisor for the Buffalo Bill Casino.
He was preceded in death by his father Oct. 31, 1980.
Survivors include his mother, Annie L. Johnston of Carlsbad; brothers, Gerald Johnston of Valley View, Texas, Billy L. Johnston of Carlsbad and Jimmy Johnston of Fort Worth, Texas; sisters, Barbara Mosier of Daingerfield, Texas, and Judy Williams of Deer Park, Texas; 13 nieces and nephews; and 24 great-nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Britt Mosier, Terry Johnston, David Williams, Michael Williams, Ross McMullen and Rodney Holcomb.
Honorary pallbearers are Wade Johnston, Scott Johnston and Ken Kellogg.
Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. today at West Funeral Home.

C.B. Porter 
CARLSBAD — C.B. Porter, 86, of South Thomason Road, died April 16, 2000. Graveside services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 19 at Carlsbad Cemetery with the Rev. Jack Drake officiating. Pallbearers will be members of Carpenters Local 1245.
West Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. There will be no visitation. 
Porter is survived by son Bob Porter and his wife Angie Forni Porter of Carlsbad; daughter Margie Porter Blackburn and her husband Leo Blackburn of Carlsbad; grandson Sgt. Brian Blackburn and his wife Jeanne Fincher Blackburn and daughter Abby Gail Blackburn of Ft. Hood, Texas.
Porter was born June 25, 1913, near Grand Saline, Texas, to parents Frank Marion and Georgia Annie Booth Porter. He married Jessie Margaret Cooper May 31, 1937, in Hugo, Okla. They moved to Carlsbad in 1939. Porter worked in construction for most of his life. For many years, he worked for Vasey Construction and R.O. (Bud) Beatty, both local contractors. He was a charter member of the Local District of Carpenters 1245 for 58 years. 
Porter was preceded in death by both parents; his wife of 50 years in 1986; infant son Charles Bernard Porter in 1939; and all of his brothers and sisters, with the exception of Ervin Porter, formally of Carlsbad and now living in Princeton, Texas.
“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30.

Alma Williams
BARRY, Texas — The funeral for Alma Kate “Katie” Williams, 74, formerly of Carlsbad, will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Denton-Funchess Funeral Home in Carlsbad, with James McCormick officiating.
Burial will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Kenny Jones, Don Eckland, Bret Jones and Cody Jones.
Visitation will be 2 to 9 p.m. today at Denton-Funchess Funeral Home.
Mrs. Williams died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2000, at Navarro Regional Medical Center in Corsicana, Texas.
Denton-Funchess Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Alma Kate “Katie” Williams was born Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1925, in Hurley to George “Emzy” and Myrtle Rogers Conn. She attended high school, in Hope and one year at State Teacher’s College in Silver City. She married Curtis Allen Teel on June 25, 1944. She married Alvis Earl Williams on Nov. 17, 1961. She worked as a legal secretary for the Carlsbad Irrigation District from 1959 to 1982. She was a member of Oasis Christian Fellowship, and later Abundant Life Fellowship after moving to Texas in 1998. 
Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; two brothers, Robert and Leonard Conn; three sisters, Jessie Koch, Virginia Mary “Vergie” Conn and Nina Turley; and a daughter, Lela Jane Teel on Feb. 5, 1967.
She is survived by two daughters, Roma Teel Eckland of Mount Vernon, Ken., and Colleen Teel Jones of Barry Texas; two sisters, Mayme Earl of Gridley, Calif., and Edna Mae Howard of Idaho Falls, Idaho; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Benigno Bernal
LOS ANGELES — The funeral for Benigno T. Bernal, 68, formerly of Carlsbad, were held Monday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Los Angeles.
Visitation will be 6 to 9 p.m. today at San Jose Catholic Church in Carlsbad.
A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. today at San Jose Catholic Church, with Julian Ramirez officiating.
The local funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at San Jose Catholic Church, with the Rev. Valentine Jankowski officiating.
Burial will follow at Santa Catarina Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Ben Guzman, David DeLaTorre, Daniel Granillo, Victor Rubio, Steven Estrada and Benjamin Chavez. Honorary pallbearers are Mr. Bernal’s grandsons and nephews.
Mr. Bernal died Friday, April 14, 2000, at his home in Los Angeles.
Denton-Funchess Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Benigno T. Bernal was born Saturday, Feb. 13, 1932, in Balmorhea, Texas, to Jose and Norberta Trujillo Bernal. He grew up in Carlsbad and attended Carlsbad schools. In 1952, he moved to Lovington and lived there until 1969, when he moved to Los Angeles. He had worked for the Lovington School District. He had worked for First Security Bank in Pasadena, Calif. as a security guard and later worked as a courier for St. Matthew Publishing.
He loved music and antique cars. 
Mr. Bernal was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Manuel Villareal; and a sister, Maria Granger.
He is survived his wife, Paula Bernal, of the family home; two sons, David DeLaTorre and Ben Gonzales both of Los Angeles; five daughters, Rosario Burgarin, Etelvina “Vina” Frausto, Sherry Guzman and Linda Granillo, all of Los Angeles, and Olivia Layola of Amarillo, Texas; four brothers, Israel, Manuel, Carlos Bernal, all of San Carlos, Mexico, and Carlos Bernal of Odessa, Texas; nine sisters, Ofelia Estrada, Irene Rubio, Celia “Sally” Chavez and Frances Hernandez, all of Carlsbad, Rosemary “Rosa” Davenport of Phoenix, Ofelia Galindo, Angelita Lujan and Soila Garcia, all of San Carlos, Mexico, and Letecia Delhirro of Freeport, Texas; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Gertrude Estell Caudill Langlitz
CARLSBAD — Gertrude Estell Caudill Langlitz, wife of the late William Louis “Bill” Langlitz, passed into Jesus’ arms Monday, April 17, 2000, at her home.
She will lie in state Wednesday, April 19, 2000, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Denton-Funchess Funeral Home.
A memorial praise service is to be held to celebrate her life at 1 p.m. at the Hillcrest Baptist Church with the Rev. Billy Weckel of First Baptist Church, Deming, officiating the service and assisted by Pastor John Hinze of Hillcrest Baptist Church.
She will be placed to rest alongside her husband, Bill, and next to her late grandson, Michael Lee Trembly, in the Caudill family plot at 4 p.m. at the Lovington Cemetery, Lovington, N.M. The family will receive visitors afterward at the home of nephew, Glen Boland, south of Lovington.
Denton-Funchess Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
The daughter of pioneer parents, William Everett Caudill and Eunice Alma Wright Caudill, who came to the New Mexico territory in 1908 to homestead in what is now Lea County, five miles north of Lovington, she was born at their homeplace Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1916.
She attended the one-room Hester School for eight years and graduated from Lovington High School in 1937. That same year she married her high school sweetheart, Bill.
She shared many happy memories of growing up within a loving Christian family who traveled long distances in a wagon to attend “brush arbor” or tent revival meetings, which usually included “dinner on the ground,” whenever a preacher came into the area. As often as not, the preacher was invited to return home with the family for a day or two so Bible study could continue around the family altar, which was a bench taken from behind the kitchen table and used for placing the Bible on and for kneeling around during prayer.
In summer time, she and her six siblings were joined by a young lady who resided at the Baptist Children’s Home in Portales. She was taught very early in life to share with others. This was a teaching she followed throughout her life. Many have enjoyed her homemade jellies and jams, which she freely gave to family and friends. Her skill as a seamstress was also enjoyed by those who were fortunate enough to wear her creations or be covered by one of her quilts. The warmth of her love seemed to be sewn into each stitch.
She and husband, Bill (W.L.), moved with son “Little Bill” (W.O.) from Seminole, Texas, in 1939 to Carlsbad where their other three children were born and reared with all four graduating from Carlsbad High School.
She taught the 2- and 3-year-old Sunday school class and worked in the nursery of Hillcrest Baptist Church for many years. She was a member of the T.E.L. Sunday school class there.
She was a leader and committee member while working in the Boy Scout, Cub Scout, Girl Scout and Brownie troops of which her children were members, and was active in the Hillcrest Elementary School P.T.A. She was supportive of her husband’s efforts in organizing the Carlsbad Micro Midget Club and had held every office of its auxiliary organization.
“Nana” as she was affectionately called by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many of their friends also leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Bill and wife, Nancy, Berkstresser Langlitz of Flora Vista, N.M., and Dennis and wife, Pam, Brooks Langlitz of Carlsbad; daughters, Mozelle and husband, Pat Trembly, of Alto, N.M., and Sandy and husband, David Cecil, of Allen, Texas; sisters, Velma Boland and Eunice Hudgens of Lovington; 12 grandchildren, Leonard and wife, Patsy Langlitz, of Albuquerque, Randy and wife, Toni Langlitz, of Chesapeake, Va., Seretha Langlitz of Seattle, Wash., Shelley and husband, Freddie Lucero, of Elida, N.M., Tim Trembly of Santa Fe, Leslie and husband, Korbin Price, of Albuquerque, Collin Langlitz of Lubbock, Texas, Matt Langlitz and Nathan Langlitz of Carlsbad, J.D. and wife, Denise Cecil, of Allen, Texas, Jill Cecil of El Paso, Texas, and Steven Cecil of Allen, Texas; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, “Dusty” Rhoades of Lovington and Jesse and wife, Pat Langlitz, of Midland, Texas; seven sisters-in-law, Frankie Caudill of Lovington, Faye Caudill and husband, Dewey Dillard, of Carlsbad, Alice Sumruld and Loreen Cockrell of Lovington, Eva Mae and husband, Calvin Brown, of Hobbs, and Geneva and husband, Gerald Phelps, of Amarillo; many nephews and nieces; and a host of friends.
We believe in God’s promise that even though we are in pain through the night, JOY comes in the morning. We will see our beloved Nana again, and we know that she is in God’s loving arms awaiting our arrival.
She was preceded in her homegoing by husband, W.L. “Bill” Langlitz, in 1968; a sister, Elsie Mozell Caudill in 1931; three brothers, K.V. in 1975, Elmer “Red” in 1989, and Alva “Alvie” Caudill in 1997; grandson, Michael Lee “Mike” Trembly in 1989; as well as her parents, Everett and Alma Caudill in 1975, all of whom are interred within the family plot in Lovington.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Randy Langlitz, Tim Trembly and Collin Langlitz; great-grandsons, Travis Trembly and Levi Trembly; and nephew, Carroll Caudill.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gertrude Langlitz Memorial Fund, Gray Fox Ministries, P.O. Box 434, Alto, N.M. 88312-0434.
 
Johnny D. Gentry
CARLSBAD — A funeral for Johnny D. Gentry, 55, of Old Cavern Highway, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Cavern Baptist Church with the Revs. Gary Wolfe and Patrick Newman officiating. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery.
Mr. Gentry died Monday, April 17, 2000, at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.
Denton-Funchess Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Johnny D. Gentry was born Friday, Jan. 12, 1945, in Carlsbad to John Arthur and Dorsey Earlene McElroy Gentry. 
He grew up in Dell City, Texas, graduating from Dell City High School in 1962. He attended Texas Western University for two years. He then returned to Dell City to help his dad farm.
He and his family started Gentry Equipment and Trailer, living in Carlsbad since 1981.
Mr. Gentry was a member of First Baptist Church, Dell City. He attended Cavern Baptist Church.
He was a past member of the BPOE No. 1558. In his earlier years he enjoyed to rodeo.
He was preceded in death by his father in March 1997.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Gentry, of Carlsbad; son, John R. Gentry of Carlsbad; daughters, Vicki Collis of Carlsbad and Cindi Becker of Houston; mother, Earlene Gentry of Carlsbad; sisters, Sharon Young and Valarie Gentry of Carlsbad and Brenda Billings of Sanderson, Texas; and five grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Jim Morgan, Harvey Sims, Allen Walker, Paul Gentry, Larry Barker, Jake Hill and Dave Hill.
Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Lee, Perry Rowland, Ronnie Barker and Henry Hill.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 629, Portales, NM 88130-0629.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Denton-Funchess Funeral Home.

Mary Ann Sparks
CARLSBAD — Mary Ann Sparks, 70, of North Canal Street, died Monday, April 17, 2000, at Lakeview Christian Home of the Southwest Inc., North Canal Unit.
There will be no local services or visitation. Cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Mattoon, Ill.
Denton-Funchess Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Ann Sparks was born Wednesday, June 12, 1929, in Dallas to Benjamin and Myrtle Brooks Pleasant. She grew up mostly in Mattoon, Ill., graduating from Mattoon Senior High School.
In 1957, she married Omar Newton Sparks. In 1974, they moved to Carlsbad.
Mrs. Sparks was preceded in death by her husband on June 30, 1994, and by a son, Kenneth Sparks.
Survivors include sons, Lawrence L. Sparks of Rockford, Ill., Donald E. Sparks of Lake Mary, Fla., and James E. Sparks of Carlsbad; daughters, Margaret “Peggy” Bryan of Powell, Wyo., and Jean Marie Haynes of Sanford, N.C.; brothers, Lawrence Pleasant of Montana and Warren Pleasant of Texas; sisters, Ruth Wilkins and Emma Jean Christenson of Illinois; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.