RANTZ, BILLIE J. - Hale County, Texas | BILLIE J. RANTZ - Texas Gravestone Photos

Billie J. RANTZ

Abernathy (aka IOOF, aka Odd Fellows) Cemetery
Hale County,
Texas

Billie J.
November 22, 1926-February 23, 2015

Hilbert E.
June 28, 1927-October 7, 2006

Please see military marker

Married October 13, 1950

Photo, courtesy of Kay Marshall

*Obituary for Hilbert
Hilbert Rantz was born on June 28, 1927 in Dimmitt, TX to Homer and Theadora Rantz. He passed away on October 7, 2006, surrounded by his loving family.

He grew up in Abernathy and attended Abernathy High School. He traveled around the world in 1945-1946 as a Merchant Marine and served in the United States Air Force. Hilbert married Billie Jane Johnson on October 13, 1950 in Clovis, NM. He worked for Diamond Shamrock and the United States Post Office. He also worked as a carpenter for many years on home construction, cabinetmaking and he dedicated many hours of carpentry work to the church, parsonage, senior citizens center and to elderly friends in the community. During the past few years he had dealt with physical adversities with courage and quiet determination. Recently he had enjoyed renewed health and independence. He loved spending time with family, neighbors, friends and beloved pets. He cherished time spent camping, hunting and playing pool. Hilbert was a member of the Abernathy Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge.

Hilbert is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Morris Rantz. He is survived by his wife, Billie, his children, Mary Benton and husband Jack of Lubbock, TX, John Rantz and wife Char of Lubbock, TX and Sherry Rantz of San Antonio, TX, grandchildren, Cindy Reyna and husband Roger, Jon Benton and wife Carol, and Joshua and Ben Rantz. He is also survived by 3 great grandchildren, Ashley, Freddie and Alyssa Reyna, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Abernathy First United Methodist Church or the Abernathy Senior Citizens. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Covenant Home Health and a special thanks to nurse Patty Ramey. Services were held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 10, 2006, in the Abernathy First United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Hubbard and Rev. Jerry Don Cheshire officiating. Masonic Graveside services followed in the Abernathy Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home of Abernathy, TX. www.abellfuneralhome.com

*Obituary for Billie
Billie Rantz, 88, went home to be with her Lord on February 23, 2015, surrounded by family.

Billie was born in O'Donnell, TX, November 22, 1926, to John (Big Daddy) and Flossie Johnson. She met and married Hilbert Rantz in 1950 and was welcomed into his large German family in Abernathy. There she raised her family and was a long-time member of the Abernathy Methodist Church. Most important to Billie were her family, friends, church, and being of service to many people in her communities. Her passions included music, dancing, camping and playing games with family and friends. Billie was blessed with a loving, playful spirit that helped her make friends wherever she went. She had great empathy for those who were disadvantaged in life and that carried over to her embracing people regardless of their differences. She had many jobs throughout her life, her favorite working at the Abernathy Weekly Review.

Billie is survived by her three children: Mary Benton (Jack), John Rantz (Char) all of Lubbock, TX, Sherry Rantz of San Antonio, four grandchildren Cindy Adams (Chris), Jon Benton, Joshua Rantz and Ben Rantz; 6 great grandchildren, Ashley, Alyssa, Freddie, Molly, Payton and Addison. She is also survived by her loving companion, Kelly Curtis. She was preceded in death by her parents, her dear husband of 55 years, and may beloved family and friends. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 25th, from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Abell Funeral Home in Abernathy, TX. Services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 26th, at Oakwood United Methodist Church, Lubbock, to be followed by graveside services 2:00 pm in the Abernathy Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop of Abernathy, TX.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Grand Court and Calvert Home Health in Lubbock, TX. The family suggests memorials be sent to the Disabled American Veteran's or a favorite charity. www.abellfuneralhome.com

Contributed on 9/4/20 by neldapat
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Record #: 349380

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Additional RANTZ Surnames in ABERNATHY (AKA IOOF, AKA ODD FELLOWS) Cemetery

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Submitted: 9/4/20 • Approved: 9/4/20 • Last Updated: 9/7/20 • R349380-G349380-S3

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