Grace Gardens Funeral Home

12/07/2025

Friends and family, please join us in celebrating the life of a beloved member of our community, Quincy Kelley, on 12/13/2025 1:00 PM Central (Chicago). We would love for you to participate in person or virtually as we remember, honor, and celebrate them.

Livestream: cutt.ly/QuincyKelley
Obituary: cutt.ly/QuincyKelleyObituary

Thank you for loving Quincy Kelley as much as we do and taking time to honor their life with us.

12/07/2025

A Special Evening of Remembrance - December 9th 🕯️

As we move through the holiday season, many families carry both love and longing in their hearts. At Grace Gardens, it is our privilege to offer a place of comfort and togetherness during this meaningful time.

We invite you and your family to join us for our Ninth Annual Christmas Memorial Service, a peaceful evening dedicated to honoring the memories of those we hold dear.

🕯 Tuesday, December 9, 2025
🕕 Service begins at 6:00 PM
📍 Grace Gardens Funeral Home
8220 Woodway Dr, Waco | (254) 741-0404

This gathering offers a gentle space to reflect, connect, and find encouragement. Guests will receive a special memento, and refreshments will be provided.

If you would like to attend, please call our office or scan the QR code on this invitation.

From our Grace Gardens family to yours, may this season bring you peace, comfort, and the warmth of cherished memories.
💛 We are here for you.

🌐 www.gracegardensfh.com

12/05/2025

Join Us This Tuesday - Christmas Memorial Service at Grace Gardens

The holiday season can bring tender memories, and at Grace Gardens, it is our honor to walk beside your family with comfort and care. You are warmly invited to join us for our Ninth Annual Christmas Memorial Service - a gentle evening of reflection, remembrance, and support.

🕯 Tuesday, December 9th, 2025
🕯 Service begins at 6:00 PM
📍 Grace Gardens Funeral Home
8220 Woodway Dr, Waco | (254) 741-0404

A keepsake memento will be given, and refreshments will be served as we gather together in community and compassion.
If you haven’t RSVP’d, there is still time — you may call our office or scan the QR code on the invitation.

From our Grace Gardens staff to your family, we hope this service brings peace, warmth, and gentle light to your holiday season.

💛 Love lives on.

🌐 www.gracegardensfh.com

12/05/2025

The holiday season can be especially tender when someone you love is no longer here. At Grace Gardens, it is our heartfelt honor to walk beside you during these moments. We warmly invite you and your family to our Ninth Annual Christmas Memorial Service, a time set aside to reflect, remember, and feel supported.

🕯 Tuesday, December 9, 2025
🕯 Service begins at 6:00 PM
📍 Grace Gardens Funeral Home - 8220 Woodway Dr., Waco

This gathering offers a peaceful space to honor your loved one’s memory. A special memento will be given, and refreshments will be served as we share this meaningful time together.

✔️ Please RSVP by scanning the QR code or calling our office at (254) 741-0404.

From our Grace Gardens staff to your family, we hope this evening brings comfort, hope, and gentle light to your holiday season.

🌐 www.gracegardensfh.com

12/04/2025

Jean Hatton

Jean Elverum Hatton was born in Fairbault Minnesota, on May 7, 1938, and died on November 30th, 2025, in Lorena, Texas at the age of 87 after a courageous battle with cancer. Survived by beloved husband of 62 years, Christian Phillip Hatton; sons she was so proud of, Jeffrey Christian Hatton and Peter Phillip Hatton; daughters-in-law, Nancy Bell Hatton and Kristen Bech Hatton; eight wonderful grandchildren plus three spouses, Calvin, Bryn (and Landon Howard), Knox, Belle, and Ty Hatton, and Rebecca (and Jed Spurgeon), David (and Morgen), and Jonathan Hatton; as well as brother, John Elverum (and sister-in-law Marie) and sister, Jan Hermanson (and brother-in-law Paul). Jean was predeceased by her parents, Milford and Marie Elverum.

Jean graduated from Fairbault High School in 1956. Her undergrad studies were at St. Olaf, in Northfield, Minnesota, where as a music education major she sang with the St. Olaf’s famous choir. She was voted “Student of the Year” at the regional contest of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and later sang at the National Convention. A month before graduation in 1960, Jean was crowned Miss Minnesota.

After graduation, Jean kept a busy schedule representing Minnesota around the state and competing in the 1961 Miss American pageant. She then joined Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians as a professional singer where she enjoyed touring with the organization. During her time with Waring, Jean met the love of her life, Chris, and they married on June 22, 1963.

During their sixty-two years of marriage Jean and Chris lived in many different places including Peoria, IL, Dallas, Chicago, Houston, Simsbury, CT, Sewickley, PA, and some cherished retirement years at their beautiful log cabin, Laurel Top, in North Central Pennsylvania before moving to Lorena, Texas to be near their children. But with every move, Jean consistently enjoyed making home for her family, singing and gardening.

During those years of raising Jeff and Pete, Jean taught piano and voice but especially loved watching the boys in their sports and playing host to their friends. In her later years, Jean enjoyed being under Jeff’s preaching at Redeemer Presbyterian. She also loved singing with the Baylor Singing Seniors Choir, working in her garden, cooking, and knitting. But her grandkids brought her the most joy. Along with telling everyone about them, she also wanted everyone to know the good news of the gospel of grace.

Jean’s faith in Jesus and her hope of heaven sustained her in all of life. The strength and grace and ability to endure that she displayed during her illness was a testament to God’s loyal love towards her.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the generous hospitality shown to the family during this difficult time. And a special thanks to the medical care provided by Dr. Natalie Lippe throughout Jean’s illness.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Redeemer Presbyterian Church benevolence fund (2501 Redeemer Way, Waco, Texas 76712).

A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2501 Redeemer Way, Waco, Texas on Saturday, December 27th, 2025 at 10am.

View Jean Hatton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/04/2025

If you were unable to attend the funeral services or livestream event for Dora Washam, we have made the recording available here.

This is "Dora Washam - Grace Gardens Funeral Home" by Ron Clyde on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

12/04/2025

LIVE NOW: cutt.ly/DoraWasham

Friends and family, please join us in celebrating the life of a beloved member of our community, Dora Washam, on 12/4/2025 11:00 AM Central (Chicago). We would love for you to participate in person or virtually as we remember, honor, and celebrate them.

Livestream: cutt.ly/DoraWasham
Obituary: cutt.ly/DoraWashamObituary

Thank you for loving Dora Washam as much as we do and taking time to honor their life with us.

12/04/2025

🌿 Shop Local. Support Local. Love Local.

As the holiday season begins, we’re reminded how important our local businesses are to the heart of our community. When you shop small, you’re not just making a purchase, you’re lifting up a neighbor, supporting a family, and helping our hometown thrive.

This Small Business Saturday (and every day!), let’s choose to support the shops, makers, and services that make Waco feel like home. When we show up for one another, we strengthen our community and raise each other up. 💙

12/02/2025

Edward Kampermann

Edward (Ed) Kampermann, Jr., passed away on December 1, 2025, following a brief illness. He was 89 years old.

Ed was born on July 25, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, to Edward Kamperman and Helen (Connally) Kamperman. He attended both primary and secondary school in Brooklyn. Upon his graduation from high school in 1954, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp, where he served honorably until 1957. In 1958 he began what would become a long career in elevator construction and maintenance. As a member of Local 1 International Union of Elevator Constructors, he worked on some of the most notable buildings in New York City and the surrounding area.

In 1973 Ed married JoMarie Smid. They lived in the Middle Village area of Queens, New York, for many years, eventually relocating to the Queens community of Howard Beach. Ed retired from the elevator business in 2001. He became involved with civic and community groups and wrote frequently for the local newsletter, The Juniper Berry. Ed was keenly interested in many topics including writing, politics, philosophy, and history. His research of his immigrant roots led him to change the spelling of his last name to include the extra “n” at the end, a decision that inspired his oldest son Raymond to do the same.

In 2018, Ed and JoMarie relocated to Hewitt, Texas, to be closer to family. Ed attended St. Jerome’s Catholic Church regularly. He also soon established himself as a fixture at the local Cracker Barrel restaurant, where he dined every day, twice a day. Known as “Mr. Eddie,” he became part of a small community comprised of the other patrons and the wait staff, managers, and storefront staff.

To say that Ed had a colorful personality would be an understatement. He held tight to his beliefs and opinions and was not afraid to share them. An extrovert, he could carry on a conversation with just about anyone and often did. His wry sense of humor and love of words led him to coin many original sayings that the family refer to as “Ed-isms,” which will no doubt continue to be included in family conversations.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister Dolores (Kamperman) Borger. He is survived by his brother William Kamperman and his wife Judy of Cohasset, Massachusetts, and by his former wife and the mother of his three sons, Carol Kamperman-Smith of Waco, Texas. Other survivors include his children Raymond Kampermann of Waco; Michael Kamperman and his wife Carrolle, also of Waco; and Kevin Kamperman and his wife Robin of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren Katie Talbert and her husband Walker of Waco; Sean Kamperman and his wife Colleen Morrissey of Lawrence, Kansas; Amanda Kampermann of Waco; and Jacob Kamperman of Austin; by his three great-grandchildren, Lucy Talbert, Caroline Talbert, and Nora Kamperman; and by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the loving and devoted memory care staff of The Blake of Waco assisted living facility.

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, we’re reminded that every act of kindness reflects God’s love at work in our community. 💛 Whether you give your time, support a cause, or honor someone’s memory, your compassion makes a difference.

📞 254) 741-0404 | 📍 8220 Woodway Dr., Waco
🌐 gracegardensfh.com

12/02/2025

Horace Gore

Horace Gilmore Gore passed away on November 21, 2025, at the Hewitt Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. He was born on October 21, 1933, in Horatio, Arkansas, and was proud to call Texas his home throughout his distinguished career and life.

Horace began his education at Hooks High School in Hooks, Texas, where he excelled in sports. Horace furthered his education at Draughan's Business College in Dallas and Texarkana Junior College. In 1960 he graduated from Texas A&M University. His enthusiasm for the outdoors extended beyond his professional pursuits; he was an avid fisherman, hunter, and s***t shooter. He was an outdoor enthusiast dedicated to preserving the natural world as a wildlife conservationist.

Horace devoted over 33 years to his work as a wildlife biologist with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, where his passion for nature and commitment to wildlife conservation shone brightly. His love for writing found him a fitting platform as he served as an editor and writer for the Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters Magazine for more than 30 years, sharing valuable insights that reflected his appreciation for the outdoors and wildlife. He was an excellent storyteller, especially on the history of Texas.

Horace's community involvement was extensive, highlighting his commitment to connection and service. He was a respected member of the Elks Lodge of Gonzales, Texas, and belonged to the Austin Woods & Waters Club, the Dallas Woods & Waters Club, and the Boone & Crockett Club and other associations, showcasing his passion for wildlife and outdoor activities. Additionally, he remained an engaged member of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students, demonstrating his fondness for his alma mater.

Horace is survived by his children: Donna Gore Athey, Barry G. Gore, Garry L. Gore, and Joel W. Gore as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren, three neices and many friends. He was preceded in death by his cherished mother, Nettie Gilmore Vinson, his father, Morris Gore, and his beloved brother, Billy W. Gore.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Hewitt Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, to Horace's many friends, and to the Texas Trophy Hunters Association for their support and kindness during this difficult time. Horace Gore’s legacy as a passionate wildlife advocate, family man, and cherished friend will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

View Horace Gore's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/01/2025

Mary Alene Whitley

Mary Alene Whitley, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished member of the McGregor community, passed away on November 30, 2025, in McGregor, Texas. She was born on July 12, 1945, in Hamilton, Texas, to James and Estell Fellers.

A dedicated educator, Mary devoted a significant portion of her life to shaping young minds as a third-grade teacher at McGregor. Her passion for education continued even after her retirement, as she took on the role of running the McGregor Library, nurturing a love for reading in countless children. As a graduate of Hamilton High School and Mary Hardin Baylor, Mary was proud to be the first in her family to graduate college, demonstrating perseverance and dedication that inspired many.

Mary’s personality was characterized by her organized, loyal, and kind-hearted nature. A good Christian woman with strong ethical and moral values, she exemplified what it meant to care for others, often placing their needs before her own. Her nurturing spirit was evident in every aspect of her life, from her love for her family to her commitment to her students and her community. At First United Methodist Church, Mary found both faith and friendship, contributing to the warmth and camaraderie of her congregation.

Throughout her life, Mary had many interests that brought her joy. She found solace in reading and gardening, and she was an active participant in her "Hugs" friends group, where she connected with others. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Mary was also known for her crafts, which allowed her to express her creativity and share her wonderful creations with loved ones.

Mary’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those she touched. She is survived by her children, Ferman David Whitley, Sheila Pomerenke and husband Alan, and daughter-in-law Dawn Noble Whitley. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Kyle Spencer Noble and wife Lacy, Maegan Noble, Nicholas Austin Whitley, Breanna Nicole Pomerenke, and Avery Grace Pomerenke, along with her great-grandchildren, David and Addison Noble, Harper Riley and Oliver John Whitley. She is also survived by her siblings, Cecil Aubrey Fellers and wife Jana, and Curtis Fellers and wife Janice, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, a multitude of friends, and many students who will forever remember her kindness and dedication.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, James and Estell Fellers; her former husband, Ferman Eldon Whitley; and siblings, James Arron Fellers, Vera Alice Fellers, Jimmy Leon Fellers, John Fellers, and Freddie Fellers.

A visitation will be held at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Woodway, Texas, on December 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service from 11:00 AM.

Mary Alene Whitley will be remembered for her unwavering love, her nurturing spirit, and her commitment to helping others. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

View Mary Alene Whitley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.