Obituaries

Jerry Rankin Griesenbeck passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023, in Ennis, Texas. Jerry Rankin Griesenbeck was born in Rankin, Texas, on December 23, 1942, to Marshall and Josephine Rankin. She attended school in Rankin, Byrd, Bardwell and graduated high school in Ennis, Texas, on May 27, 1960. After graduation, Jerry moved to Dallas and started a career at Mercantile National Bank. She also worked as a secretary at Beverly Hills Hospital. She later joined Loeb Rhodes, a brokerage firm. After many mergers, and at the time of her retirement, the name was Smith Barney. She retired in 2009 after 32 years of service. Jerry worked for the same man, Ron Gard, for those 32 years and continued to work for him as a personal assistant, after retirement. Jerry was a member of Fundamental Baptist Church of Palmer and Austin’s “Old 300.”

Mildred Watkins Mingus (Mimi) after a long life of almost 102 years is in the arms of Jesus. She died on November 3, 2023 in her home in Ennis, Texas. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held on what would have been her 102nd birthday, at 1:30 PM Thursday, November 9, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Friona. Services will be livestreamed at https://fbcfriona. com/livestream and other First Baptist social media platforms. Local arrangements by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.

Mary Ann Allred, 84, of Ennis Texas, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on October 23, 2023. Mary was born on February 16, 1939, to Mable and Bill Christian in Ennis, Texas. She is a graduate of Ennis High School. She worked as a nurse and private caretaker.

Billie Jeane Ferguson was born and raised in Ennis, Texas and died peacefully at home after an extended illness on October 20, 2023. As a young girl, Billie Jeane began to study voice and her vibrant and beautiful singing opened many doors of opportunity. She was a featured soloist not only in her own church, First Baptist, Ennis, but for many area churches, revivals, camps and conferences across Texas and neighboring states. She recorded an album of classic and contemporary gospel songs on the Salvation Records label in 1976.

Naomi Adams loved Jesus. She was one of the beloved South Dallas Street Mothers whose well known generosity, helping her Hispanic friends, neighbors and those in need was her calling here on earth. Naomi, born July 8, 1938, in Bryan, Texas, was one of eight children of Felix and Maria Salas (both deceased). She passed peacefully on October 17, 2023, at home in her fated hometown of Ennis, Texas, where she lost her beloved and second husband, John Adams, and Hero Grandson Timothy Lee Gauna.

Joe Kostak was born June 4, 1932 in Ennis, TX to James and Annie (Hubacek) Kostak and Passed from this life on October 11, 2023 in Crowley, TX. Joe proudly served his country in the US Army from February 10, 1953 to February 9, 1955. He was honorably discharged from the reserves on January 31, 1961. Joe married the love of his life, Charlene on September 19, 1959. Soon thereafter they built their forever home in Red Oak. Joe was a successful businessman; he mastered the challenge of being a business owner by owning and operating three successful auto parts stores in Dallas and Lancaster, by connecting with people and always being willing to help those in need. Joe enjoyed farming and working the land each day. After working in the parts store all day, he would go home, eat supper, and climb on his tractor to get in some farming before going to bed. Joe loved to travel the world with his lovely wife and their best friends, the Byrums. Joe loved many things, but his greatest love was the time he spend dancing the evenings away with his beautiful bride Charlene.

David Michael “Mike” Little, age 72 of Bryan, TX, passed peacefully into heaven in his home on October 10, 2023. Mike was born on February 14, 1951 in Corsicana, TX to Jimmie & Wanda Little of Chatfield, TX. He attended Ennis High School where he played football, was the class president and a member of the national honor society and graduated in 1969. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor of business administration in marketing as a proud member of the fightin’ Texas Aggie class of 1973. One of Mike’s greatest joys was being an Aggie. He loved the traditions, the camaraderie of the 12th man and any opportunity to spend time with family & friends at Kyle Field.