Willie “Pete” Gearl Petruy passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, in Ennis, TX. He was 93. Born in Ennis on April 8th, 1932, he was the youngest child of John Petruy and Christine Skopik Petruy. In 1951, he joined the US Navy and served for 30 years, spending much of that time serving on submarines. After his retirement, he briefly tried his hand as a rancher before returning to work as a civilian for the Department of the Navy.
We praise God for the life, love, and friendship of an extraordinary man. Stephen Edward Nash was born to Nelson Edward Nash, Jr., and Helen “Lucille” Bullard Nash on Oct. 24, 1954, in Ennis, TX. Steve went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Oct. 27, 2025, at age 71. Steve was raised in a Christian home and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at age 9. He lived his life as a committed Christian.
Steavy Slovak Jakubik, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most. Born to Steavy Holy Slovak and John J. Slovak on December 12, 1937, in Ennis, Texas, Steavy grew up with a spirit as bold and bright as her laughter. In 1956, she married the love of her life, Alfred Jakubik, and together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, family, and faith. Steavy was the proud mother of Renee and Freddy, “Granny Steavy” to her four granddaughters, and “Gaga” to her seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy.
James Ken Newman, 81, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025. Born December 15, 1943, in Ennis, Texas, to Edgar Kendall Newman and Eloise Solomon Newman, Ken lived a remarkable life marked by entrepreneurial vision, dedication to healthcare, and deep love for his family. Ken graduated from Ennis High School in 1962 and earned his BBA from North Texas State University in 1966, followed by a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from Trinity University in 1970. His career in healthcare administration began at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he quickly rose through the ranks.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a loving soul, Thomas Elisha Baxter, Jr., who peacefully left us on September 19, 2025. Born in Meridian, Texas on September 30, 1950, to Thomas Sr. and Ruby Baxter, Thomas, or Tommy as he was affectionately known, was a beacon of reliability and loyalty. His life was characterized by a profound generosity of spirit that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dr. Ronald Treman Oglesby, 79, passed away in Ennis, Texas, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. He was born September 5, 1946, in Tyler, TX, and was raised in Mineola, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, Treman Roger Oglesby and Bertha Faye Radney. Ron grew up an only child in a loving and supportive home. He excelled in all sports, from football to pole vaulting and his most beloved, baseball. Academically, he was top of his class and was a true leader. He was President of his class and later his fraternity at Baylor University. Ron knew from a young age that he wanted to go into medicine and never wavered from his goals that would achieve his dream of becoming a dentist even though he was offered several opportunities to play baseball in college. Ron enrolled at Baylor University and in 1964 and graduated in under 4 years. He was accepted to the Baylor School of Dentistry in Dallas. Upon completion, he enlisted in the US Army, where he was a Captain and served as a dentist at Ft. Meade in Laurel, Maryland. After 2 years, he made Ennis home for his new family and private practice.
Eva Lee Nash, 97, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on September 4, 2025. She was born in Waco, Texas, on March 24, 1928 to Jesse G. and Betty Parelee (Taylor) Harding. She met her husband, the late Harold W. Nash, in Mc Gregor, Texas, while they were both working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Eva Lee and Harold were married on February 25, 1949, in Paris, Texas She retired from Southwestern Bell as an Operator in Ennis when they went Dial. Afterward, Eva Lee and Harold continued to live in Ennis and raise their two children, Steven Wayne and Susan Darlene. As a homemaker, she enjoyed sewing, embroidery, cooking and gardening. Throughout the years, she especially loved caring for their special pets. One of her greatest strengths was supporting her family in whatever they chose to do. After 72 years of marriage, she loved being a wife, mother, grandmother (Mamaw), great grandmother and great great grandmother. Eva Lee was a member of Anthony Drive Baptist Church where she and Harold attended church together until they were no longer able.
215 N. Dallas St., Ste. D
PO Box 100, Ennis, TX 75120-0100
(972) 875-3801
PRINT ISSN 3069-5015
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