Obituaries

Marilyn Kaye Speed, 67, passed away on Jan. 12, 2020. Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 106 Harris St., Italy, Texas. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan.

Joe Frank Betik, age 85, passed away on Jan. 11, 2020, in Ennis, Texas at Bluebonnet Rehab. He was born on June 5, 1934 in Ennis, Texas, the fifth of ten children to Joe and Frances Marusak Betik. He attended Creechville Elementary schools and graduated from St. John Catholic High School in 1952. In his early years, he was a carpenter by trade, employed by Chance-Vaught in Grand Prairie for several years. He also worked as a pressman at Ennis Business Forms and retired after a long-time career. He was also a cattleman and farmer in Bardwell.He was a life member of St. John’s Catholic Church and a life member of KJT where he served as Vice-President. He spoke the Czech Moravian language fluently and loved the culture, food, and music.

Patricia Riley, age 60, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 13, 2020, peacefully in Ennis, Texas, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Dallas, Texas, on Dec. 17, 1959, to Joseph and Helen Barak. She graduated from Saint John Catholic School in 1978. She had her own business which she worked tirelessly to provide for her family.Patricia was a strong woman who worked hard every day and sacrificed for those she loved. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandma. Her children and grandchildren were her whole world. She made sure to attend every game, recital and extracurricular activity they participated in.

Funeral Services for Ms. Petra LaDawn Mc- Graw will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, at 11 a.m., at Fourth Ward Baptist Church, 1300 N. Shawnee St., Ennis, Texas 75119, with Pastor Steven Edwards officiating. Friends and family are welcome for visitation on Wednesday morning, as well.Viewing was held on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., also at Fourth Ward Baptist Church.

Larry Blake Poarch, 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 9, 2020. Larry was born in Sardis, Texas on December 15, 1940

Virgie Williams, 75, passed away on Jan. 2, 2020. Wake was held on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Holsey Chapel, 709 Quinlan St., Ennis.

Funeral services for Bill Wright, 84, of Athens, are scheduled for 3 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2020, at the First Baptist Church of Athens with Dr. Kyle Henderson officiating. Interment

Ronald Lee Pruett, 64, passed away in Sunnyvale, Texas on Thursday, December 26, 2019. Ronald was born in Ennis, Texas on October 20, 1955 to Roy Richard and Monte Ve

David Blair, Jr., 53, passed away on Jan. 2, 2020. Funeral service was held on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at 2 p.m., at Thirteenth Avenue Christian Church, 817 E. 13th

Timothy Kelly, 49, passed away on Jan. 3, 2020. Visitation was held on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Superior Care Funeral Services, 701 W.