Green December 7, 1926 – December 14, 2025 Novalene Green Novalene (Caffey) Green, age 99, of Temple, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025 in Scott & White Hospital ICU. She was born at home on December 7, 1926 in the little community of Tracy, Milam County, Texas. She was the firstborn of Lenza Eugene Caffey and Virginia Ruth (Duncan) Caffey. Her brothers and sister were Lenza Eugene Caffey Jr., Clement Dalton Caffey, William Wayne Caffey, Anita Ruth (Caffey) Davis, and Clyde Barkley Caffey. To this close knit family she was affectionately known as “Sister”! Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Rd, Temple, Texas 76504. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at Oak Park United Methodist Church, 5505 South 31st, Temple, TX 76502, Rev. Jonathan Mellette officiating, with burial at Greathouse Cemetery in Temple. Novalene grew up on a farm in Milam County between the communities of Sharp and Tracy. She graduated from Sharp High School in 1944. She was very compassionate, caring, and nurturing by nature, which led her to the field of nursing. Her Daddy thought she should pursue an administrative career. However, when she told him she felt a calling to take care of God’s people; he understood and changed his mind in support of her decision to be a nurse. She attended the Scott & White School of Nursing, graduated as a Registered Nurse and began a 37-year nursing career. Her first job in nursing was at Santa Fe Memorial Hospital where she enjoyed taking excellent care of the Santa Fe railroaders. She advanced through a variety of nursing positions and became the Director of Nursing. She held this position until the merger of Santa Fe and Scott & White Hospitals. Following the merger, her care focus shifted to Social Services Administration. She retired from her nursing career in 1992. She was an active volunteer in church, hospital, and community organizations. She was also a founding member of Oak Park UMC. She may have retired, but she never stopped being a compassionate nurse. She was sought after by family and friends for advice on their health concerns. Her response would always be “I won’t tell you what to do, but if it were me, this is what I would do.” On August 20, 1952, she married Fred T. Green in a very early morning ceremony in Temple. Their honey-moon was to Cuba, Central, and South America; a trip Daddy had won by selling more tickets than any other Pioneer agent. This was the trip of lifetime for them both. In 1953, Bradford Bruce was born and Brady Len followed in 1955. In 1957, Fred and Novalene became the owner/ operators of the Buckhorn Poultry Ranch just south of Belton. It was here that they raised their two sons and ran the Ranch for almost 40 years. Family and family gatherings were important to Mom. She loved Fred and the boys very much and took great pride in all her family and their accomplishments. She was an active supporter of all of Brad and Brady’s activities throughout their lives. She was an avid sports fan, specifically football, baseball, and basketball. Mom was one of God’s Angels sent to be among us to show us how to live life and live it abundantly. She insisted the boys be polite, respectful, and kind. She was truly the Matriarch of both the Caffey and Green Families and held the respect of all who crossed her path. Mom was the most positive person you’d ever meet – never a negative thought – she’d always find something good in every situation or circumstance. She would greet everyone with a warm smile and an encouraging word. She had a heart bigger than life. Novalene is survived by sons Brad Green and wife Betsy of Houston and Brady Green and wife Maria of Fair Oaks Ranch, a granddaughter Virginia Flippin and husband Robbie and great-grandsons Landry, Carter, and Reece of The Woodlands, a grandson Jason Green and wife Julissa of Cypress and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, parents, Lenza and Ruth and brothers Lenza Jr. and Wayne. Novalene’s family thanks CareAge HomeCare Team, Scott & White Hospital and Clinic Staffs for Mom’s great care; as well as the Morada residents and staff for their love and friendship towards Mom. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Oak Park United Methodist Church or to the donor’s charity of choice would be appreciated.

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.

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.

Dale Patricia Ann Dale May 8, 1940 - November 3, 2025 Patricia Ann Dale, affectionately known as "Pat", passed away on November 3, 2025, in Belton, Texas, at the age of 85. Born on May 8, 1940, in Versailles, Kentucky, Patricia lived a fulfilling life marked by her unwavering dedication and a deep love for her family and friends. Patricia's professional journey began as a secretary at the University of Cincinnati, where her skills and diligence earned her respect and admiration. Later in life, following her move to Texas, she continued her career at Chaffin Enterprises and served as a long-time bookkeeper at Mill Creek Country Club. She was a valued member to each organization she was part of. An alumnus of Temple Jr. College, Patricia pursued studies in Real Estate and Accounting, which equipped her with the tools necessary for her successful career. Beyond her professional endeavors, Patricia had a zest for life that extended to her personal interests. She loved traveling the world, antiquing, and beautifully decorating for holidays. However, above all, it was the time spent with family and friends that brought her the greatest joy. Patricia is survived by her sisters: Doris Dickens, of TN, Barbara Collins and brother David Lewis both of KY. Son, Timothy Combs and wife Lee of Belton, TX; stepdaughter Teri Dungan and husband Tom of Great Falls, VA; stepson Richard Nolan Dale II and wife Jennifer of Cross Road, TX; stepdaughter Debby Combs Little and her husband Michael of Orlando, FL. Grandchildren: Thomas Dungan and wife Leigh of Houston, TX; Matthew Dungan, Nashville TN; and Megan Dungan of Washington DC. Sarah and Rebekah Dale of Cross Road TX. Ashley Faircloth and Austin Faircloth of Orlando, FL. Great Grandchildren: Stratton Dungan of Houston TX. Serenity Eller of Casselfelberry, FL. Brian Rupert and Maycee Rupert of Sanford, FL, as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard N. Dale, her former husband James Combs, and her parents Clay and Elinor Lewis. A memorial service honoring Patricia's life will be held on January 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Harper-Talasek Funeral Homes in Belton, Texas. Inurnment will take place at Bellwood Cemetery on January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., as family and friends come together to honor a life cherished and dearly remembered. Patricia Ann Dale will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and the remarkable impact she had on the lives of those who knew her. Her legacy of love and family will continue to resonate through the hearts of her loved ones. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

RUIZ Fernanda Rodriguez Ruiz May 19, 1941 - November 16, 2025 Fernanda Rodriguez Ruiz of Belton, Texas passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025, surrounded by her family on November 16, 2025. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Dossman Funeral Home with the Rosary being read at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Belton, with a burial to follow at North Belton Cemetery. Fernanda was born in Nuevo Rosita, Mexico on May 10, 1941, to Maria De Jesus Rodriguez. Fernanda married Isidro Ruiz on July 23, 1960. He preceded her in death on October 16, 2017. She was a faithful member of Christ the King Catholic Church. She was known for her cooking, tending to her plants, and spoiling her great grandmothers. Her friends and family, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends will miss her dearly. Fernanda is survived by her daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Griminaldo of Belton, Texas; two grandchildren, Denise Griminaldo, Fernando Griminaldo; two great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends, all who loved her very much. Fernanda is preceded in death by her mother and her husband.