Don Chism Husband. Father. Grandfather. Toy maker. Woodworker. And of course, Santa Claus. In his 84 years, Don Chism played all these roles and more. The seventh child of Arthur Herbert Chism and Jewel Elizabeth Horner, Don was the only child born within a hospital. He almost died before his mother realized she was producing no milk for him. He lived only by guzzling goat’s milk the first few months of his life.  The end of the Great Depression meant hard times for the...

Patti Lynne Hooton, beloved wife, mother, mimi, educator, and community advocate, passed away on April 16th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service. She was born on February 7th, 1949, in Kermit, Texas, to Jennings and Ruth Gilbert. Raised by her parents and grandparents in Russellville, Arkansas, Patti's early years were shaped by the values of family and community. She graduated from Russellville High School in 1967 and pursued higher education at Arkansas Tech...

Betty Bell was an artist and an innovator. Her designs ranged from award winning private homes in Texas, California & Nevada; Villas in Mexico; and Ranches and Lake estates in Texas. She designed a lake home over water with the bedroom being a house boat.  She designed heating and air ducts that ran under brick floors to heat and cool the bricks.  She helped develop Sherwood Forest, a residential development in Irving, insisting that the sidewalks curve around the beautiful...

Mary Franco Torres, a beloved member of the Irving community, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2024, at the age of 94. She was born on May 17th, 1929, to the late Ramon and Frances Franco.   Mary dedicated her life to service, both in her professional career and personal life. After years of dedicated service, she retired from both Irving Bank and Trust and Irving Independent School District, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication. A devout member of First Baptist...

Jose Antonio Renteria Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on April 6th, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on August 2nd, 1944, in Brownsville, Texas, to Placido Renteria and Maria Rebecca Davila, he lived a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Jose was a devout Catholic whose faith was the cornerstone of his life. He found solace and strength in his beliefs, which guided him through both joyful and challenging times. A man of simple...

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Monique Monserrate, who departed from this world on April 1, 2024, to be with the Lord. Born on February 26, 1979, Monique's journey was one marked by strength, intelligence, and compassion. From the tender age of four days, Monique found a nurturing home with her aunt Veronica Pearson, who lovingly became her "Mom." Under Veronica's care, Monique blossomed into a remarkable individual, known for her sharp intellect and unwavering...

Russell Richard Bender passed away in Dallas, Texas on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, at the age of 84. He was born to Robert and Edith Bender on October 6, 1939, in Hiawatha, Kansas. He lived in the Kansas City area for almost half of his life before moving to Texas. He is survived by his wife, Reeda Squires, his son, Curtis Bender,his daughter, Lori Bender Anguiano, his grandchildren, Shellie Lynn Sutton, Anthony...