Blount Lesley Dee Blount March 15, 1935 – October 30, 2025 Lesley Dee Blount, age 90, passed away on October 30, 2025 at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born on March 15, 1975 in Temple, Texas to J.O. M. Bender and Alma K. Bender. Lesley spent the majority of her life in the Temple and Troy area. She graduated from Troy High School in 1993 and after a short time studying at Temple College, she obtained her bachelor's degree in education at Angelo State University. She spent the next 20 years after college teaching English and coaching in the Georgetown, Killeen, and Temple areas. Lesley was a loving husband to Nick on October 7, 2007, they settled in the Temple and Troy area to raise their family and help with the family business. She enjoyed decorating her home, supporting her children in their individual activities, traveling with her mother Donna, and spending time with her extended family. Lesley will be remembered for her unconditional love for her family and her genuine care for others. She led a natural beauty that was further complemented by her smile and laughter. Her faith in God provided strength, especially through the most challenging days, and her bravery and optimism in battling her struggles was admired by many. She was a loving mother, wife, sister and friend, and she will be deeply missed by all. She is survived by her husband, Nick Blount, and her children, Penny Blount and Catherine of Troy; her parents, Ronnie & Donna Shortridge of Troy and Patsy Bender of Temple; her sister, Michelle Hoffman of Temple; her brother Lee Bender and wife Stacy of Portland; and her children Chris Shortridge and wife Jill of Temple; her brother Ryan Bender of Temple along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, her father Leo Bender and sister Ronda Shortridge Montgomery. A funeral service was held at Bethel Church Saturday November 8, 2025 beginning at 10:00 AM. A visitation was held Friday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Young's Daughters Funeral Home in Temple. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethel Church 22621 SE H K Dodgen, Temple, TX 76502. Arrangements are under the direction of Sabrina Young at Young's Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center.
Vista Real Estate Group holds Second Annual Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Lady Tigers will attempt to defeat Copperas Cove for the first time in more than three years Friday, when they travel to face the Lady Bulldawgs. Belton's three-game winning streak against Copperas Cove was snapped on Nov. 7, 2023 with a 58-11 loss, and last year, the Lady Tigers narrowly fell by three points, 51-48. The squads were district foes last time Belton beat the Lady Bulldawgs in a 46-32 outcome on Feb. 1, 2022. So far, the Lady Tigers have endured an up-and-down start to their schedule. After splitting its first four games, Belton continued the trend prior to the Thanksgiving holiday at the San Antonio Cornerstone Warrior Classic, sandwiching a pair of wins around two losses. In pool play, the Lady Tigers dominated Lockhart, winning 76-15 before suffering a 63-45 loss to Montgomery. The following day, Dripping Springs emerged with a 71-65 overtime victory in advance of beating Pace 49-36 in their final game. Belton sophomore guard Isabella Warner was placed on the all-tournament team. Then, on Tuesday, the Lady Tigers returned to the road, traveling to play Leander Rouse in advance of their trip to Copperas Cove, and they returned home without a win. The Lady Raiders immediately overwhelmed Belton, connecting on six 3-points in the opening period en route to a 59-38 victory. Rouse's long-range accuracy allowed it to carry a 26-8 advantage into the second quarter, and after making just two field goals, the Lady Tigers bounced back with a 14-point period behind Warner’s 10-point outburst, but it was not enough to spark a comeback. Rouse held a 37-22 halftime lead, and Belton (4-5) only trimmed a point off the deficit, 46-32, through three quarters. Warner finished with 19 points, while sophomore teammate Emma Harvey scored nine points, and senior Ke’Ara Shanks scored six points. Following their contest at Copperas Cove, the Lady Tigers remain on the road, playing at Waco Connally on Tuesday. Belton will also take part in the three-day Jarrell tournament (Dec. 11-13) and make the drive to Caldwell (Dec. 16) before playing their next home game on Dec. 19, when Navasota comes to town.
Special to the Journal Joseph L. Inman has been elected to the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. Inman graduated from Belton High School in 1964, where he was voted its most outstanding student. After graduation, he left Belton to pursue a formal education in music, specifically a double major in piano and percussion. Music later became his profession as a member of the U.S. Army Band (retired) and a teacher in the Washington, DC area. During college, Inman took up figure skating seriously, competing as a pair skater. After injury forced his retirement from competitive skating, he decided to judge, working his way up to become one of the most respected officials in the world of figure skating. After the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic judging scandal, the International Olympic Committee requested that a new system of judging be developed to replace the 6.0 system. Inman was chosen as a member of a small ad hoc group of top figure skating experts charged with designing a system that would be more objective, fairer and less prone to bias. Combining his expertise in music performance and theory with his elite level of knowledge and experience as an Olympic-level judge, Joseph Inman brought an unique perspective to evaluating artistry in a figure skating program more objectively. In 2017, Inman was awarded the International Skating Union's Gold Award of Merit, the highest award that the international governing body can bestow on a judge. He is one of only 22 recipients ever to have been so honored. With his election to the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Joseph Inman will now receive the United States Figure Skating Association's highest honor when he is inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame on January 9, 2026, at the National Championships in St. Louis, Missouri.
By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Tigers and Lady Tigers will host the B-Town Beatdown on Saturday at Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB). Following the meet, Belton returns to action Wednesday when it travels to Pflugerville Weiss. Lake Belton will also be in attendance at UMHB on Saturday before competing at the Waco Midway meet Wednesday. BELTON BOYS SOCCER The Tigers will be holding a preseason parent meeting today inside the Belton High School library from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. During the session, program rules and guidelines will be discussed, practice and game schedules will be revealed, and holiday procedures will be outlined. Any additional questions will also be addressed. If you are unable to attend, a recap of the meeting will be emailed. For more information, visit BeltonTigers.com. SWIMMING Belton and Lake Belton will both travel to Killeen for a meet versus multiple opponents on Dec. 13. The competition will serve as the final action for both programs until they combine with New Tech to host a meet on Jan. 5. The District 22-5A meet is scheduled for Jan. 23. LAKE BELTON SOFTBALL The Lady Broncos will be holding an informational meeting regarding tryouts for the upcoming season on Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. Coaches will be on hand to share information with players and parents regarding guidelines for how the tryout process will work later in January. The meeting is open to all potential players of any grade. For more information, contact Lady Broncos head coach Kelsie McEachern at Kelsie.McEachern@BISD.net
Ron Donnelly February 14, 1938 – November 28, 2025 Ron Donnelly was born on February 14, 1938, in Bloomfield, Iowa. He moved to Texas as a young boy, where he built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work. Ron was blessed to share 64 beautiful years of marriage with his loving wife, Dee Donnelly, who remained faithfully by his side throughout his life. He is preceded in death by his parents and three of his four siblings, along with other loved ones who welcomed him home. Ron leaves behind a devoted and deeply loved family: His children: Angela Morehead and husband David Morehead; Keith Donnelly and wife Debra Donnelly; Alicia Tobin and husband Doug Tobin; Amy Larson and husband Jay Larson. His 12 cherished grandchildren: Jason Donnelly, Clayton Hendricks, Samantha Wood, Charity Clark, Benjamin Donnelly, Ryan Morehead, Cailey Wright, Braden Morehead, Tanner Morehead, Hunter Morehead, Aria Larson, and Aaley Larson. Ron was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him joy and pride. Ron will be remembered for his kindness, his quiet strength, and the deep love he carried for his family. His legacy lives on in the generations who adored him. "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23 Burial will be at a later date. Funeral service was held December 1, 2025 at 2 p.m., at Belton Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers please donate to Our Hospice House, 5235 Toll Bridge Rd., Belton, Texas 76513 https://ourhospicehouse.org/donate/
Edward Peter Curotto November 16, 1943 – November 23, 2025 Edward Peter Curotto, affectionately known as Eddie, passed away on November 23, 2025, at the age of 82 in Belton. A funeral service was held in his honor on December 1, 2025, at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton, Texas, beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by burial at North Belton Cemetery. Eddie was known for his fun-loving spirit and wonderful sense of humor. His interests were vast, as he absolutely loved fishing and hunting, often traveling across the United States to enjoy these passions. Eddie was also a proud governor of the Moose Lodge and an active member of the Hunting and Fishing Clubs, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a referee for CYO Basketball for over 20 years sharing his love for basketball with the youth of the league. He shared his life with his beloved wife, Nancy Curotto, and was a proud father to his daughters Janie Hinkson and husband Ralph and Karen Peters and husband Dale, his son Don Myers and wife Angela, and his son Andrew Curotto and wife Jessica. Eddie was also a devoted grandfather, leaving behind grandchildren Kyle Hinkson, Amber Hinkson, Paul Peters, Katie Rodrigues, Chad Myers, Shyanne Myers, Emma Curotto, Dominic Curotto, and Delilah Curotto, as well as great-grandchildren Dahlia Dunkin, Beatrix Dunkin, Karter Hinkson, Kynsley Hinkson, and Robert Rodrigues. He was also survived by two sisters, Ida Cobo and husband Matthew, Barbara Jackson and husband Larry. Eddie was predeceased by his parents, Edoardo and Virginia Curotto, and his granddaughter Marina Valencia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Our Hospice House at https://ourhospicehouse.org/donate/ or you can send donations to 5235 Tollbridge Rd. Belton, TX 76513.
Susan Ann Wishert September 25, 1954 – November 24, 2025 Susan Ann Wishert was born on September 25, 1954, in Temple, Texas, to Johnny and Beatrice Sodek. She entered her eternal rest on November 24, 2025, at the age of 71, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous year-long battle with colon cancer. Funeral services were held on November 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Karnes City, with Pastor Nate Ingle officiating. Burial followed at Karnes City Cemetery, and all are welcome to return to the church afterward for a fellowship lunch. Family visitation took place prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Susan spent most of her life in Temple, Texas, where she attended Temple schools. She began her career with the United States Postal Service in 1982 at the Temple Post Office. Over nearly 30 years of service, she held many roles — sorting mail, delivering routes, assisting customers at the counter, and ultimately serving as Postmaster for the Evant, Hobson, and Falls City Post Offices. She found the love of her life in Devasco Charles “D.C.” Wishert, whom she married on January 24, 1992, in Belton, Texas. Together they built a beautiful blended family of four children, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Susan and D.C. later made their home in the Harmoney community, where they lived for many years. A woman of unwavering faith, Susan shared God’s love daily, often through the devotional messages she faithfully sent to family and friends — continuing them until her final days. She enjoyed volunteering in church programs, especially those involving children and youth camps. Above all, Susan believed her purpose in life was serving her family and helping anyone in need. She cherished the large Sodek family gatherings, especially when everyone eagerly waited for the first bowls of the beloved noodle soup (a family tradition). She gave selflessly and wholeheartedly, often putting others before herself. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Beatrice Sodek; her infant brother, Gerald Sodek; and two sisters, Donna Baird and Sharon “Sissy” Zeinert. Left to honor her memory are her husband of nearly 34 years, D.C. Wishert of Karnes City; daughters Jennifer Emerson (Darrell) of Troy, Stephanie Martignoni (Blue) of San Antonio, Sammie Taylor (Chuck) of Goliad, and Stacie Kelley of Karnes City; her sister Cindy Palatino (Tom) of Belton; and her brother Johnny “Bubba” Sodek (Kim) of Belton. She is also lovingly remembered by her eight grandchildren (Kendra Balod, Todd Emerson, Hannah Hons, Rhett Kelley, Tanner Kelley, Natalie Ingram, Tony Martignoni, and Chris Hillbrich), her ten cherished great-grandchildren, and a large, devoted family of nieces and nephews. Arrangements are entrusted to Eckols Funeral Home of Kenedy.
Lyndell Merle Pirtle October 23, 1932 – November 19, 2025 Lyndell Merle Cosper Pirtle passed away November 19, 2025 in Arlington, TX at the age of 93. She was born October 23, 1932 to Leonard and Alta Merle Digby Cosper in Belton, TX where she grew up and graduated from Belton High School. She married Jamie Lynn Pirtle on July 1, 1951 and they were blessed to celebrate 71 years of marriage. Lindy’s home was the heart of her happiness, filled with her artistic talent, the warmth of country furniture, and the love and companionship of her family. Her ideal getaway was a day in the countryside browsing antique shops and homespun small towns along the way. Lyndell is survived by her children: James Robert (Patricia) Pirtle of Arlington, TX; Carla Kay (Tom) Carmody of Lawrence, KS; Leonard Scott Pirtle of Cedaredge, CO; and Lyn Elizabeth (Jim) Williams of Dahlonega, GA; grandchildren: Christian (Sarah) Pirtle; Matthew (Carrie) Pirtle; Tyler (Tori) Carmody; Jeffrey (Kristina) Carmody; Justin (Jessica) Williams; and Christopher Williams; Great-grandchildren: Cash Pirtle; Zara Pirtle; Charlotte Williams; and Zoe Carmody; sister, Betty Jean Cook; nieces, Kimberly Cook, Lisa Hicks; nephew, Christopher Cosper. Lyndell was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her brother, Robert Leonard Cosper. No formal service is scheduled. The Family plans a memorial gathering at a later date. For those who choose to donate in Lyndell’s memory, the family suggests North Belton Cemetery Association or Salado Cemetery Association or a charity of your choice.
Alma Lou Nichols July 15, 1940 – November 15, 2025 Our beloved Alma Lou Nichols was a sweet, loving, and gentle Christian woman, known for her kindness and compassion. She was a faithful follower of Jesus who showed His love to everyone she met and is remembered for her generosity, joy, and humility. She was devoted to her family, friends, and to the gospel. Lou spent much of her time interceding for others through prayer. Her life was a testimony of worship glorifying our Lord Christ. Lou is survived by her loving family, including B. J. her husband of 63 years, her daughter Sarah & husband Rickey Coulson and son Stan & wife Carol Nichols and she was preceded in death by her son Sidney Nichols. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. We know she is with Jesus now, which is just where she wanted to be, rejoicing in the presence of the Almighty. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, December 9th at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Belton, Texas. In lieu of flowers the family would like you to donate to your favorite Christian organization. Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple is entrusted with these arrangements.