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Girdner Funeral Home, 141 Elm Street, Abilene, TX (2026)

04/03/2026

Anson, Texas- Zella Maida McKinney, 94, passed away April 3, 2026.

Graveside service is pending at Spur cemetery, Spur, Texas.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

04/02/2026

Abilene, Texas- Ray David Rynders, 83, passed away April 1, 2026. Memorial service will be 2pm Monday April 6, 2026 at Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

November 15, 1942 — April 1, 2026
Ray was born in Abilene , TX on November 15, 1942 at Hendrick Hospital to Leo J and Kathryn Rynders. He graduated high school at Abilene High class of 1960. He earned is Associates degree from McMurry College in 1962.

Ray David Rynders, a man defined by his tireless work ethic, devotion to his family, and a lifelong passion for anything with an engine, passed away on April 1, 2026.

A Life of Hard Work and Service

Ray’s journey with the workforce began at the remarkable age of 11 when he started working for Safeway. This early start sparked a career characterized by loyalty and dedication. On February 15, 1964, Ray married the love of his life, Gayle Love, beginning a partnership that would span over six decades.

In April 1964, Ray joined National Cash Register (NCR), where he dedicated thirty years of service before retiring in early 1994. However, Ray wasn’t one to sit still for long. He went to work for his sister-in-law, Mozetta, at Handy Food Store in Merkel, Texas. In May 1996, he and Gayle purchased the business, operating it as a staple of the community until May 2006, when he officially entered full retirement.

Passions and Pastimes.

When he wasn’t behind a counter or a workbench, Ray could almost always be found outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and took great pride in working on cars, even drag raced a little when he was younger at Camp Barkley with his friends Curtis and Ronnie where there was a makeshift ¼ mile that was very illegal . A true automotive enthusiast, Ray’s DVR was perpetually full of Mecham Auto Auctions. He also found great peace in the simple pleasure of watching classic Westerns.
Above all, Ray’s greatest joy was his family. He was a cornerstone for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent in their company.

Family

Ray is survived by:
• His beloved wife: Gayle Love Rynders.
• His children: Son, Carson Rynders and wife Candace; Daughter, Jennifer Rynders.
• Grandchildren: Bree Purcell (Justin), Matthew Rynders, Jacob Rynders, Everly Rynders, Dalton Imhoff (Jessica), Nichele Willis (JD), and Chelsea Miller (Audie).
• Great-Grandchildren: Odette, Gracie, Mason, Wyatt, Waylon, Whitley, Willow, and Wynter.
• Sister: Carol Myers, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by:
• Parents: Leo J. Rynders and Kathryn Schwartz Rynders.
• Brother: Ron Rynders.
• In-laws: Father-in-law Joe Love and Mother-in-law Ruthie Mae Key Love; Brothers-in-law Robert (Gene) Dye, Frank Youngers, and Bill Love; Sisters-in-law Mozetta Dye Youngers and Mable Love Key Bauer.

Gratitude

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Schultz and Dr. Hardigree for their care. Deepest appreciation is also sent to Hendrick Hospice and the compassionate staff on the 3rd Floor Collier Wing at Hendrick Medical Center for their kindness in Ray’s final days.

Services will be held at Girdner Funeral Home on Monday, April 6th, 2026 at 2pm. Services will be officiatd by Pastor David Herbst and Pastor Fred Famble.

04/01/2026

Abilene, Texas- Mark Anthony Ward, 49, passed away March 31, 2026.

Mark Anthony Ward 49, passed away on March 31, 2026 in Abilene Texas. Mark was born May 14, 1976 in Dalhart Texas to Rick Ward Sr and Elizabeth Ann Mireles.

He graduated from Sunray High School. Sunray was his home. In his later years Mark was a loving father and grandfather. He was starting to live his life the way God intended. He had found peace and was making amends with his family. Just recently Mark had reconciled with his daughter, stepson and granddaughter who he absolutely adored. He had intentions of coming back to Sunray every month so that Abigail would not forget him.

He is survived by his daughter Zooey Rayne Ward, his stepson Anthony Issac Kent and his granddaughter Abigail Videl Diehl all of Sunray, 4 brothers Ricky Ward Jr of Dumas Texas, Robert(Jennie) Ward of Dalhart Texas, Christian Tijerina(Katie) of Little Elm Texas, Patrick(Kim) Tijerina of Sunray, Texas. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

He is preceded in death in by his mother, Elizabeth Mireles Tijerina, his stepdad Raymond Tijerina and his loving grandparents Joe and Delia Mireles as well as his favorite sister in law April Ward.

A memorial service in Marks honor will be tentatively held on April 25th, 2026. Location and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to an addiction recovery center of your choice.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

04/01/2026

Abilene, Texas- Morris “Gene” Eugene Skaggs III, 63, passed away March 26, 2026.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Morris “Gene” Eugene Skaggs III, of Abilene, Texas. Gene left this world on March 26, 2026, just shy of his 64th birthday. He was born in Arlington, Texas.
Gene is survived by his parents Gene and Betty Skaggs, his daughters, Megan Shivers, Manno Jo Walton and her husband Layne, Emma Lopez and her husband Gavin, and his grandson Kayson Weir. Gene is also survived by his brother Tommy Skaggs and his wife Kathy, Aunt Kathryn Townsend, Uncle Jack Hoard, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends from the 180 House in Abilene and across Texas. Gene’s grandparents preceded him in death. Gene’s family and friends meant the world to him.
A graduate of Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, Gene went on to earn a Bachelor of Computer Science from McMurry University and later, a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M – Commerce. In Gene’s professional life, he retired as the Information Technology Support Manager with Abilene ISD.
Gene’s love of motorcycle riding and racing was well known, as was his enthusiasm for RC car racing. Gene was known for his kindness to others and willingness to help.
A memorial service to honor Gene’s life will be held on April 11, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 871 Woodlawn Drive, Abilene, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to an addiction recovery center of your choice.

Arrangements with Girdner funeral Home, Abilene.

04/01/2026

Clyde, Texas- Thomas Peter Watson, 76, passed away March 25, 2026.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

03/31/2026

Tye, Texas- Joyce Annett Chambers, 72, passed away March 31, 2026.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

03/30/2026

Abilene, Texas- Marsha Ann Bonham, 76, passed away March 29, 2026. Funeral service will be 10am Monday April 6, 2026 at Girdner Funeral Home, with interment service to follow at 1pm at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.

In loving memory of Marsha Ann Bonham
November 2 1949 - March 29 2026
Marsha Ann Bonham 76 passed away on March 29 2026

Marsha was born in Arkansas City Kansas Graduated from Arkansas City High School
Spent her life caring for others she worked in home healthcare dedicating herself to helping those in need with compassion and kindness Her work reflected her generous heart and the love she had for people
She didn’t expect much in life and found happiness in doing for others That selfless spirit defined who she was and touched the lives of everyone around her.

She was a devoted mother to her three sons Jimmy Jeffery and Joe. Marsha will be remembered for her caring spirit her strength and the way she always put others before herself.

Marsha will be reunited in heaven with her son Jeffery Bonham and her parents Betty Jo Dickie and Woods Dickie.

She leaves behind her devoted husband Mark Bonham her sons Jimmy Jackson and wife Stephanie, Joe Bonham and wife April, her brother Joe Dickie and wife Wendy, along with nine Grandchildren, and loving family members and friends who will cherish her memory. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Her kindness and love will never be forgotten her pure heart will always be cherished.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

03/30/2026

Moran, Texas- Gina Diane Fagiani, 56,passed away March 29, 2026.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

03/30/2026

Abilene, Texas- Teresa Joyce Robbins, 67, passed away March 28, 2026. Memorial service is pending.

Teresa Joyce Robbins, 67 of Abilene, Tx
passed away at Hendrick Hospice care on 3-28-2026, of natural causes.

Teresa was born in Lubbock, TX on February 23, 1959 to parents James Wesley Robbins and Flota Mae Robbins ( Shiflett). She has a sister, Tina Blankinship and 2 brothers, James Robbins Jr and Donnie Young. Teresa attended Abilene High School, many years later she worked for the Abilene ISD as a cafeteria worker.

Teresa was a loving mother and grandma. She loved playing panda pop and card games and listening to Kid Rock. She always wanted to go to one of his concerts.

She is survived by her oldest daughter Tabitha Joyce Robinson and spouse Chris. Mother of Mercedes Rene Gregory, Brian Delvante Truman and Maelee Shiann Truman. Mary Ann Gregory, mother of Tytlan and Katlyn Kennedy and Hayden Gregory. And her son Brandon Wayne Williams (Angela). Her sister Tina Blankinship and a brother, Donnie Young.

She is preceded in death by her parents James Wesley Robbins and Flota Mae Robbins ( Shiflett ). Also her brother James Wesley Robbins Jr ( Lil James )

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

03/30/2026

Abilene, Texas- Ronald Dale Lawing, 79, passed away March 28, 2026.

Funeral service with US Army honors will be 10am Friday April 3, 2026 at Girdner Funeral Home.

Abilene, Texas-Ronald Dale Lawing, 79 passed away Saturday March 28, 2026.
Ronald was born on October 14, 1946, to Paul & Edna (Wray) in Marion, North Carolina-McDowell County.

Ronald enlisted in the US Army on August 4, 1965, in Baltimore, Maryland, Bravo Company, 2nd BN, 50th Infantry Regiment. He was discharged on November 2, 1973, from the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. Ronald earned the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Marksman (M60mg), Republic of Vietnam Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars. He is a life member of VFW Post 6873. After being discharged from the US Army Ronald worked as a carpenter for 20 years at GEM.
Ronald married Lawana “Kay” Myers on December 16, 1978, in Ravenna, Texas. Ronald and Kay had 2 children, John Edward Lawing and Nathan Avery Lawing. Nathan passed at 21 months of age on January 20, 2007.

Ronald had 3 siblings Paul Edward Lawing of North Carolina, Debbie Clarke of Delaware, Maine and Beverly Parker of Florida. He has 2 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Ronald said his grandparents were the most influential people in his life. Ronald had many proud moments in his life, completing his GED, his Cherokee heritage and his service in the US Army. He loved to watch TV; westerns and The Big Bang Theory were some of his favorites. He loved Pepsi and powdered sugar donuts. His favorite places to travel were the Smokey Mountains and Maggie Valley, NC. He loved dogs.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home.

03/30/2026

Hamby, Texas- Diana Jean Mitchell, 64, passed away March 28, 2026.

Diana Jean Garrison Mitchell, (DeeDee), 64 years old, from Mineral Wells, passed away on the morning of March 28, 2026, in Abilene Tx at Hendrick Hospice Care. Graveside services are scheduled at 2:00 PM Wednesday April 1, 2026, at the Hamby Texas Cemetery. Brother Jeff Addison will be officiating the service. Visitation will be Tuesday March 31, 2026, from 5 – 7 PM at Girdner Funeral Home located at 141 Elm St. Abilene Texas 79602.

Diana was born on November 4, 1961, in Mineral Wells Texas to Ruth and Nick Garrison. She attended school at Mineral Wells High School till the last month or two before the graduation of the class of 1980. She worked at the local Diary Queen, and corner store for a while. But she has other stories from when she worked at the hospital as well. She was loved by many of friends in Mineral Wells. She had a daughter, Menden Nicole McClintock, on August 11, 1981. Then in 1987 she moved to Abilene, Texas with her parents and daughter to look for a better life.

She was a single mom, living with her parents, and worked at the state school for many years. She remarried on May 29, 1993, to Nathan H. Mitchell and had her second daughter Meisha Ruth Mitchell on August 30, 1994. She retired from the state school when Multiple Sclerosis had made it too hard for her to work there any longer. After that, she loved working outside, pulling weeds, growing gardens, mowing with the riding lawn mower, and making Chow Chow and canned foods. She loved to ride her scooter out to the cows and give them food. They would surround her while she sat on her scooter and would nudge her and crowd her to try to get some of those cow cakes. Diana never gave up. She fought to the very end. She had to adjust as her body limitations progressed. She never lost sight of God during this time. She rededicated her life to Jesus in 1992, and after that never drank or partied again. Her faith grew stronger, and stronger as her body grew weaker, and weaker. She was loving and caring, but she was also very strong-willed and sometimes wouldn’t hold back when she talked. But what she said, she said with love, of course. Diana had one grandchild, Harley Travis Lee. She loved that little boy and would always make his birthday cakes. She loved her little family, and her little farm life, but she loved God more.

Diana was preceded in death by her father, Nick R. Garrison, her mother, Ruth Elnor Garrison, her sister Kimberly Garrison, her baby sister Vanessa Lynn Garrison Stewart, and her brother Randy Garrison.

Diana is survived by her sister Beverly Garrison, her daughter Menden McClintock Wetz, and her husband Walter John Wetz, and daughter Meisha Ruth Mitchell, her grandson Harley Travis Lee, and her hard-working husband Nathan H. Mitchell. Diana is also survived by numerous nieces and a few nephews, and close cousins. She loved you all.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

03/27/2026

Abilene, Texas- Morris "Gene" Eugene Skaggs III, 63, passed away March 26, 2026.

Memorial Service Pending.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.

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