Obituaries

Beatrice Davis Tramel, 92, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2018 in Bedford, Texas. She was born in Many on May 3, 1926 to Willie Seldon Davis and Lucy Sibley Davis. “Ms. Bea,” as she was affectionately known, graduated from Many High School in 1943. After graduation, she worked at People’s State Bank where Mr. Johnny Blake and Mr. Murray Jordan served as an inspiration to her for the rest of her life. She and her husband founded ABC Finance Company in Many, where she worked for many years. She was an avid bridge player and a member of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a lifetime member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Many. She loved working in her yard and was so proud when she received the “Yard of the Month” award. Her devotion was first and foremost to her family. She always had an open door and an open heart for anyone who needed her.

Kathy Edwina Manshack, 58, of Converse passed away June 15, 2018 at Willis-Knighton Pierremont. A memorial service was held June 19 at Henrietta Congregational Methodist Church in Converse. The Rev. Charles Clark officiated. She was born on April 1, 1960 in Durant, Oklahoma to Elmer “Slim” Collier and Lela Geneva Metcalf. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers. She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Joe Glen “Hoppy” Manshack; children, Katrina Lilley and husband, Jeff, of Cypress Texas, Rusty Tolley, Kristi Tolley of Converse, Juston Tolley of Noble, Jessica Tolley of Pelican, Joe Manshack Jr., and wife, Adina, of Many, Sondra Manshack, of Converse, and Holly Manshack of Converse; siblings, Larry Collier and wife, Renna, of Calera, Oklahoma, Glenda Turnbull of Kemp, Oklahoma, Jeannie Norris, and husband, Tooty, of Calera, Oklahoma, Gerald Collier of Platter, Oklahoma, and Sandy Taylor of Colbert, Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Peggy Blackwell Bruce, 79, was born March 11, 1939 in Sabine Parish. She passed away Friday, June 15, 2018 peacefully in her home. She graduated Valedictorian of Negreet High School in 1957 and was All District and All State basketball player 1954-1957. She attended Northwestern State University before transferring to McNeese State University and graduated there in 1960. She obtained her certification in Counseling and Guidance and Master Plus 30 in 1975. Peggy was passionate about teaching and was born with a heart for giving to and helping others. She retired in 1994 with 33 years work experience in education. She touched many lives through her years of teaching and counseling in her career as an educator. After retirement she continued working, buying and selling real estate with her husband. She was a smart businesswomen and loved a good bargain. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Leoda Blackwell; brother, Robert Blackwell; and nephew, Robert “Bo” Blackwell.

Funeral services for George M. Ross, 71, of Belmont, were held June 14 at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverends Glen Howard and John Lewing II officiating. Burial followed in the St. John The Baptist Catholic Cemetery. He was born on Monday, October 21, 1946 in Sabine Parish, and passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018 in Belmont. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Ross and Ruby Agnes Robinson; and grandparents, Coda Robinson and Pearl Wagley Robinson. He is survived by his wife, Barbara M. Ross of Belmont; daughter, Mandy Ross of Belmont; brother, Daniel E. Ross and wife, Timmes, of Fredericksburg, Virginia; grandchildren, Cole Campbell of Belmont, Jon Austin Sims of Belmont, Georgia Delana Sims of Belmont and Montana Bree Sims of Belmont; nieces and nephews, Jon Ross, Jenny Ross and Sarah Ross all of Virginia; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services honoring the life of Alda Etoyce “Nanny” Free, 86, were held June 16 at Spring Ridge Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill with the Reverends Marshall Ingle, Danny Forsythe, John Harp, and Hoye Leach officiating. Burial followed at Spring Ridge Cemetery in Pleasant Hill. She was born September 8, 1931, in Pleasant Hill to Willie Jack and Lela Litton Brown and passed away on June 14, 2018 in Shreveport. She was an insurance agent for KilPatrick Insurance Company for many years where she made many friends throughout her career. She was a loving mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Loy M. “Pappy” Free, Sr.; brothers, Cloyd Brown and Troyce Brown; niece, Kay Brown; and great grandsons, Landon Parks and Jason Cryer. Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Loy “Buddy” Free, Jr.