White Deer News

07/15/2026

EMMA JEAN "JEANIE" ELLISON SAMPLES

Jeanie Ellison Samples, 85, of White Deer, passed away on July 11, 2026, in White Deer.

Memorial graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the White Deer Cemetery with Dr. Gene Krieg, officiating. Arrangements and burial are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Jeanie and her twin brother were born at home to Grady and Minnie Ellison at Maumelle Lake, Ark. on July 28, 1940. After leaving school she worked for U.S. Timex for 6 years. In 1966, Jeanie came to Texas and started a family. After raising her two daughters, she started her own business, Top O’ Texas Maid Service. She loved the families she worked for and the feelings were mutual.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Jennifer Krieg; brother, James Ellison; and a great-grandson, Kalem Taylor Lopez.
She is survived by one daughter, Janet and husband Shane Grange of White Deer; three brothers including her twin brother, Eugene and wife Betty Ellison from Roland, Ark., Buddy and his wife Jackie Ellison from Roland, Ark. and Roger and Teiko from Fancy Farm, Ky.; son-in-law, Jeremy Krieg and wife Lesha from Stinnett, Texas; six grandchildren, Sierra Grange from Karlsruhe, Germany, Casey Grange from Amarillo, Hannah Grange from Central, S.C., Forrest Lopez from Lubbock, Emma Lopez from Dallas, and Dakota Lopez from Sunray, Texas; four great-grand kids, River Lopez, Rylee Lopez, Brexlee Lopez, Caymen Lopez; tons of nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.” – Alex MacLean

06/23/2026

05/21/2026

2026 SENIOR ISSUE

Commemoration issue of the 2026 Graduating Class of White Deer High School. Congratulations to all of these fine young men and women ... We wish you the very best in you next step into your future and happy adventures!

Available at White Deer City Hall or by calling the Herald/News office at 806.537.3634 (please leave a message).

12/30/2025

SUSAN KAY HENNESSEY

Susan Kay Hennessey, 66, of Skellytown, passed away on Nov. 24, 2025, in Skellytown.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, Janu.3, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Skellytown with Pastor Carter Pirtle, officiating. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Susan was born on Sept. 13, 1959, in Wichita Falls. As an infant, her family brought her to Skellytown where she lived most of her life. Susan attended school in White Deer. After graduating, she started her family, having her only daughter, Jennie. Thereafter, Susan worked in the clerical profession, where she worked for W&W Fiberglass Tank Company for 19 years. During her tenure at W&W, Susan was a well-liked employee and coworker who knew everyone’s birthday and made sure they had a cake on that special day.

Susan loved her Lord and her church. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Skellytown. Susan was very active in her church, she sang in the choir, helped cook in their Wednesday night program, and taught the youth Sunday school class. Susan was also a caring woman who was an excellent caregiver, especially to her mother during her illness and passing. Susan will be remembered as an outgoing woman who loved people and could always make friends easily.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Naomi Fox; nephew, Chris Fox.

Her survivors include her daughter, Jennie Rankin; granddaughter, Aubrie Rankin; sister, Becky O’Steen and husband Earl; brother, Jim Fox and wife Nancy; special family friend, Michael Hatfield; fur-baby, Oliver; and many extended family members.