Marjorie M. Cameron Steelman, 83, of Abilene, passed away Friday, July 30, 2010 at Northern Oaks Nursing Home. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Baptist Church in Abilene, under the direction of North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street.

Born March 2, 1927 in Piedmont, Alabama to Abby and Harvey Cameron, Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, L.R. Steelman.

She is survived by two sons, one daughter, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com

Mary E. Pierce 81, of Abilene, passed away Thursday, July 29, 2010. Services are scheduled at 2:00 p.m. Monday at North Park Assembly of God with Pastor Sam Earp officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park, under the direction of North's Funeral Home. The family will receive friends, Sunday from 2 - 4:00 p.m. in North's Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange St.

Ms. Pierce was born August 6, 1928 in Ft. Worth, Texas to Fredrick and Ada Sellers Lemond. She married Wayne Pierce August 20, 1988 in Abilene. She was a homemaker and a member of the North Park Assembly of God.

She was preceded by her parents and two brothers.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne Pierce. Two daughters, Marilyn Sue Gautreaux of Grove, Texas and Janene Westerman of Haskell, Texas. Two sons, Bill Gregston and Charles Gregston both of Abilene. Three brothers; Doyle Lemond of Abilene, Carl Gene Lemond, of Granbury and Guy Lemond of Brownwood. One sister, Elizabeth Mahaffey of Abilene. Nine grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhom.com.

Harriet Willard 74, of Bangs, Texas, passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2010 in Brownwood, Texas. A funeral service for Ms. Willard will be held in Rolling Hills Cemetery in Richmond, California. Local arrangements made by North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange St. Abilene, Texas.

Ms. Willard was born October 1, 1935 in Fresno, California to Harry and Marjorie Davis Henricks. She moved to Oakland, California and married Jesse Willard, Sr. on April 7, 1955. She was an artist as well as a wonderful wife and mother to six sons.

She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law and husband.

She is survived by six sons, London Willard of Oakland, California, Kenneth Willard of Oakland, California, Ritchie Willard and wife Sarah of Bangs, Texas, Rodney Willard of Wichita Falls, Texas, Jesse Willard, Jr. of Augusta, Georgia and Stacy Willard of Oakland, California. Thirty grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com

Doris Alice Shook Doughty, age 87, of Abilene, died Saturday July 24, 2010 at Wisteria Place Nursing and Rehabilitation. No local services are planned and she will be buried with her husband in Ohio at a later date. Local arrangements were handled by North's Funeral Home. Doris, Mom, Mother Doris, Granny, Dor, Little D or Mrs. David H. Doughty as many knew her, lived a full and extraordinary life as a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, granny and friend.
Doris was born in Columbus, Ohio September 24, 1922 and lived there until life as an Army/Air Force wife took her to many places around the world. She supported her husband David's career as a flying officer in the USAF for 33 years while traveling to Japan, Taiwan, Europe, and throughout the USA. Doris was a very active volunteer with Military Wives Club functions from the 50's thru the late 70's and cherished the many long term friendships she and David had developed throughout their military life.
She loved camping with her family after her husband retired, and she loved to reminisce over family dinners about the great family adventures. She unselfishly and lovingly supported her family in every activity, duty, sport, hobby and holiday with vigor and lots of love. She was a magnificent home cook whose desserts and homemade goodies were favored by all. Doris was known to a select few for her World Famous Stand-Up Kitchen Taco recipe, her Fried Chicken, Chocolate Cake, and holiday favorites that will continue to be enjoyed by those who loved her. Doris was an accomplished Duplicate Bridge player who earned Life Master, and many other bridge awards and recognitions. She was a member of the Abilene Duplicate Club and enjoyed many a wonderful time with her "Bridge-Buddies".
Mother Doris looked for the light of life and found it through her family and faith in Jesus Christ. Doris and David were married for 62 years until David passed away in November of 2006. After the Colonel's passing, Doris fought a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease and remained lovely and dignified until the end.
Doris is survived by her son, David, his wife, Elizabeth, and their son, Parker Hamilton Doughty.
The Doughty family would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the wonderful care given to Mom/Granny by the staff of Wisteria Place and the loving support by Hendrick Hospice Care.
On line condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com.

Roy Hester, 84, of Abilene, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2010 in Abilene Regional Medical Center. Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Saturday at North's Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange Street, with Ed Chappell officiating. Burial to follow in Buffalo Gap Cemetery, under the direction of North's Funeral Home.

Roy was born June 21, 1926 in Seminole, Texas to William and Evaline McNeill Hester. He married Dolores Richards at Wilshire Park Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas on March 16, 1968.

Roy was a wonderful and endearing brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. He wore many hats through his life and was loved by everyone who knew him. He had that special something about him, and had a good sense of humor. He was always ready to scoop us into his lap. He was quick with a chuckle and stories that never grew old and his heart was bigger than the sun.

He loved cowboying for Rufus Windham at Crane, Texas in his younger years but went on to work for Utility Trailers in Dallas and Houston, finally retiring from Abtex Distributing in Abilene.

He so loved spending his days at Rose Park Senior Center in Abilene, where he volunteered for several years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, three sisters, and four brothers.

He is survived by three special grandchildren: Rae Mowry and husband Robert of Denton, Texas, Melissa Simmons of Abilene, Texas, and Justin Richards, Jr. of Spencer, Oklahoma; great-grandchildren: Lauren and Channing Simmons of Abilene, Conner and Samuel Richards of Spencer, Oklahoma; nieces: Paula Ruder of Brownwood, Texas, Kay White of Ft. Worth, Texas, Donna Leis of Olympia, Washington; nephews: J.L. Dyer of Deer Park, Texas, Jerry Taylor of Tempe, Arizona and Jackie Taylor of Ft. Worth, Texas; step-daughter, Kay Dyer of Wallis, Texas; a great-niece, Lorie Patterson of Wallis, Texas; a great-nephew, Johnny Dyer of Las Vegas, Nevada and several great-great-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Conald Cox and Dr. James Wray and to the wonderful nursing staff at Abilene Regional Medical Center for their amazing care to Roy.

Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com

Thomas Pruski, 88, of Abilene, passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2010. Visitation will be at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street, from 6-7:00 p.m. Sunday with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Robert Bush officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of North's Funeral Home.

Mr. Pruski was born February 25, 1922 in Wilson County, Texas to Frank and Cecilia Eva Dugi Pruski. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a long time member of the Saint Vincent de Paul and of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Minnie Mutz Pruski; their baby daughter Anne Marie; three brothers; and three sisters.

He is survived by daughters: Carol Ann Jones of Miles, Texas, Betty Jean Pruski Osweiler of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Martha Ann Jones of Arlington, Texas, Cecilia Rose Cooper of Woodstock, Georgia, Lucy Mae Standard of Tuscola, Texas, Mary Magdalene Langford of Plano, Texas; sons Frank James Pruski of Ennis, Texas and Thomas Pruski, Jr. of Corpus Christi, Texas; a sister, Albina Pruski Richter of Kosciusko, Texas; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com

Phil Gragiola, 80, of Abilene, passed away at a local hospital on Monday, July 12, 2010. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Elmwood Memorial Park with Father Robert Bush officiating, under the direction of North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street.

Phil was born March 31, 1930 in Abilene to Anastacio and Simona Gragiola. He was a drum major and brass section leader in the US Army Band in Germany and Korea. In 1955, he attended Hollywood Academy of Beauty in New York City, his favorite place in the world. He was a struggling musician in New York before he came back to Abilene in the 1950's to make his home.

He was a well-known jazz trumpeter in the surrounding Abilene area for over 50 years. He had his own jazz quartet and was a guest artist at the Abilene Philharmonic Pop Concert in 1974. He was often called the Herb Alpert of West Texas. He was a well-known cosmetologist and business owner of Phil's Salon for 36 years.

He is survived by his wife Peggy Gragiola of Abilene; daughter Laura Gragiola; grandchildren, Alexandra, Alisha, and Jakob; and great-grandson Bradley, the loves of his life.

Memorials or donations may be made to the local Salvation Army at 1726 Butternut, Abilene, Texas 79602.

Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com

Pamela Sharon Frazier, wife of Gorin Rutherford, was born May 27, 1944 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and departed this life on Monday, July 05, 2010. Visitation will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange Street. A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Texas State Veterans Cemetery with Benny Galloway, Richard Cox, and Eddie Mahanay officiating, under the direction of North's Funeral Home.

Pamela was a registered nurse and worked many years for the state of Kansas. After moving to Abilene, she became very active in the Meals on Wheels program. Pamela was very empathetic to the needs of others and contributed generously to charitable organizations. She is remembered fondly by her family and friends for her love of music and members of the canine family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Virginia Frazier, and brother, Bruce Frazier.

She is survived by her husband, Gorin, of the home; step-children: Jane Parker of Florida, June McIntosh and husband Jerry of Missouri; grandsons: Daniel Parker and wife Jill of Florida, David Parker of Florida, and Jon McIntosh and wife Jessica of New York; three great-grandchildren: Aidan, Gus, and Arwen Guen of Florida.

Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com

Wanda Jean (Roach) Siekman 81, passed peacefully from this earthly life Saturday morning, July 3, 2010, after a five year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday at North’s Memorial Chapel with Bill Decker officiating. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. in Rising Star, under the direction of North’s Funeral Home.
Wanda was born September 21, 1928 in Rising Star, Texas to John Weldon Roach and Verda Armstrong Roach. She went to live with her uncle and aunt, Clark and Mae Claire Crownover, at the age of 5 and was raised as their own cherished daughter; more adoring parents could not be wished for. After graduating from Rising Star High School in 1945, she attended Tarleton College where she majored in business.
She married William Frederick (Bud) Siekman in Rising Star on October 23, 1948. In Rising Star she began her banking career. After the war, they made their home in Abilene, lived briefly in Slaton and returned to Abilene in 1966 where she worked for Citizen’s National Bank. She soon transferred to the Dyess branch where she served for twenty-two years.
Wanda was very devoted to her church family and served faithfully in many capacities. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She loved music, especially the old hymns of faith. Her other interests were those involving her family, especially her grandchildren, Mia, Alan, Ashley and Allison and great-grandchildren Lindsie and Tanner who were her greatest pride and joy. One of her fondest memories was of a 1985 vacation to Hawaii with Karen, Mike and her beloved former mother-in-law, Alyne.
She is preceded in death by her parents, adoptive parents, former husband, and one sister, Betty Holamon; also by a son-in-law, Bobby Allen; one niece and one nephew.
She is survived by two daughters, Karen Bell and husband Mike of Clyde, Kathy Decker and husband Bill of Brenham; one sister, Mary Lovell and husband Jim of Abilene, half sister, Sharolyn Cox and husband Franklin of Rising Star, half-brother, Jim Roach of San Angelo; four grandchildren, Mia Parker and husband Wade of Dudley, Allison Bell of Austin, Alan Decker of Ft. Leonard Wood and Ashley Decker and fiancé Scott Hughes of Abilene; two step-grandchildren, Brandi and Danny Bell of Baird two great-grandchildren, Lindsie Parker of Big Spring and Tanner Parker of Abilene; step-great-grandchild, Bailey Miller; ten nieces and nephews; former in-laws and dear friends, Betty Fisher, Joyce Holamon, Bob Siekman and wife Betty.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Sear's Methodist Hospice, 1 Village Dr. Abilene, Texas 79606.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Windcrest Alzheimer Care Center and Sear’s Methodist Hospice for their tender care and kindness to their mother.
Online condolence may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com

Juliann Ruska, 90, died Saturday July 3, 2010. A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Abilene at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 7, 2010, with Doug Dirks and Mel Swoyer officiating. Interment will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Texas State Veterans Cemetery, under the direction of North's Funeral Home.

Juliann was born September 17, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio to Martin and Susanna Bencze. After serving in the Navy as an Aviation Mechanist Mate 3/c in Pensacola, Florida, she returned to Ohio and married Paul Ruska in 1948. They moved to Abilene with their three children in 1958. Juliann was active for many years in the Woman’s Group of Grace Lutheran Church, and was a member and past President of the Abilene Altrusa Club and a member of Women of Rotary.

She is survived by her husband Paul; two sons, Bruce Ruska and wife, Carole, of Gun Barrel City, Texas and Gary Ruska of Dallas; one daughter, Lynn Monroe and husband, Billy, of Linden, Texas; two granddaughters, Dana McCormick and her husband, John of Washington, DC and Sarah Monroe of Dallas; two great-grandsons William and Connor of Washington D.C.; and one sister, Mrs. Ida McCulley of North Carolina.

Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com

Wanda McDuff Durham, 66, of Abilene, passed away Thursday, July 01, 2010. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at North's Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange Street with Dr. Herb Wood officiating. Burial will follow at Round Mound Cemetery under the direction of North's Funeral Home.

Wanda was born August 20, 1943 to James McDuff and Eva Musick in Lubbock, Texas. She was raised in both Lubbock and Colorado Springs, Colorado. She married Robert Downs in 1959 and they had three children. She moved to Abilene in 1997 and married Clinton Durham. One of her greatest joys was raising and showing Shih Tzu's. She loved the mountains and oceans of California, Oregon and Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents, J.R. and Bonnie McDuff; and her first husband.

She is survived by her husband, Clinton Durham; one son, Richard Downs and wife Jennifer of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two daughters, Linda Elder and husband John of Bellaire, Texas and Joyce Downs of Denver, Colorado; two grandchildren, Sarah and Joseph Downs; and her precious dogs, Tara, Sugar, Honey and Mocha.

Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com