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Virginia Raylyne Stambaugh of Denison, TX., went to her heavenly home in the arms of Jesus on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at TMC Hospital in Denison.  Raylyne was born on June 4, 1957 to William R. and Barbara V. Stambaugh, in Sherman, TX. 

Although starting her education at Washington Elementary in Sherman in 1963, after 3 years, she moved to the Howe public school system, where she successfully graduated from Howe High School with the Class of 1976.  After graduation, she worked for Burlington Industries in Sherman, TX. until the company closed in 1986.  Following her departure from Burlington, she took a job at the Anna Truck Stop until leaving years later, to move to Tulsa, OK. 

Upon returning from Tulsa in 2013, (16 years later), she accepted a job with the Sherman ISD, where she remained until her health started to decline due to COPD.  Since she was unable to work due to illness, she was active in various hobbies such as making wreaths, hand piece quilting,  jar openers, and jigsaw puzzles.

Raylyne was the proud mother of a son, Bradley W. Mayo, (deceased), and a devoted daughter, Ariana E. Burger, (who currently resides in the Denison area).  She was also blessed with two grandchildren, Rylan James Burger and Hadley Faye Renfro, whom she loved and adored, and a host of family and friends who will miss her terribly.

Raylyne is survived by both Parents, Daughter and partner, Eric Renfro, Grandchildren, Sisters Tina (Bob) Cox and Beth Waller, three Nephews (J. Lucas (Melissa) Hawkins, Joshua R. Stambaugh, and Bradley R. Skaggs), one Niece (Sarah Underwood), two great-nephews, one great-niece, three Uncles (Pat Stambaugh, Joe Lee Stambaugh, and Walter Foster), one Aunt (Reba Ulmer), and many Cousins.

Preceding Raylyne in death, were her son Bradley Mayo (2006), three nephews, (Joshua, Jacob, and Micah Hawkins), and all grandparents.

The family will welcome friends and family for visitation at 10:00 AM on Monday, Feb. 1 at the First Baptist Church of Howe prior to the start of the funeral service at 11:00.   Interment will follow at Hall Cemetery in Howe, TX.

The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

A Howe resident reported to police Tuesday that they had received a phone call that appeared to have originated from the Howe Police Department. The caller told the resident they were the subject of a bank fraud investigation and that they needed to call a different phone number the following day or they would be arrested. Even though the caller knew the resident’s name, the resident believed it was a scam, and promptly met with police to make them aware of the call and to let them know that it appeared to come from a valid police department phone number.

The Howe Police Department encourages residents to report suspicious phone calls such as this. Neither the Howe Police Department nor any other law enforcement agency will call residents and threaten to arrest them if they fail to call some other phone number about an investigation.

This particular type of fraud, or scam, is known as Spoofing. Scam artists disguise their communication to reflect it as being from a known, trusted source. Spoofing is not limited to phone calls. Scammers apply the same techniques through emails, websites, computer IP addresses, and more.

Spoofing is used to gain access to a target’s personal information, spread malware through infected links or attachments, bypass network access controls, or redistribute traffic.

Tips to help avoid becoming a victim to this scam include:

* Never give personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller or email.

* Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.

* Stay private. Regularly update privacy settings for social media sites. Scammers often make their stories more believable by trolling for personal information on Facebook, Twitter and similar sites.

* Never wire money, provide debit or credit card numbers to a stranger.

* If someone believes they are being scammed regarding an alleged unpaid traffic citation or other court-imposed financial obligation they should ask the caller for information specific to the alleged warrant or unpaid traffic citation. The caller should have the court case number, date of ticket and vehicle license number.

Most importantly, if you are suspicious of a caller, trust your instincts. You are likely correct. Many fraud victims report later that they were suspicious of the caller, but they continued to give out personal information anyway. 

Charles Ralph Williams, 69 years old, of Tom Bean, beloved husband, father and Papaw went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 21, 2021 after a courageous and hard-fought battle against COVID-19.

Ralph was born in Sherman, TX to Joe and Lucy (Franklin) Williams on September 20, 1951. He attended all twelve years of school at Tom Bean ISD and graduated from Tom Bean High School, Class of ’70. While attending high school, he excelled in basketball and was voted Most Athletic his junior year and Mr. TBHS his senior year. He married his high school sweetheart, Marion Copley, on February 12, 1971 in Sherman, Texas.

For many years, Ralph enjoyed playing softball. He made many memories traveling with the team, his wife, daughter and nieces.

Ralph had a lifelong love of cars. He loved to collect and restore them and was often known to race a few. His most recent and possibly his favorite project was restoring a white Ford Bronco with his grandson, Will.

Ralph’s greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren. He enjoyed attending and supporting his grandchildren in their school and athletic activities.

Ralph began his career in construction for many years with his father-in-law, Bill Copley, and his brothers-in-law, Bill Copley, Jr. and Albert Rodgers. Ralph worked at Tom Bean ISD for many years. During this time, he made many longtime friends and was a trusted and favorite bus driver of many.

His love for buses led him to his next career as Director of Operations for All Aboard School Transportation, where he developed relationships with school administrators across the state of Texas, as well as owners of charter bus companies across the nation. Ralph was always a bus driver at heart and never felt or acted superior to others, this quality allowed him to be a leader and boss that was respected and approachable.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Marion Williams, their daughter Kiley Fleming and her husband, Alan of Tom Bean; grandchildren, Karsyn, Will and Bella Fleming. Brother, Joe Williams (Kathy) of Sherman, Sister-in-law, Shirley Smith of Tom Bean, Donna Rodgers (Albert) of Luella, Brother-in-law, Billy Copley, Jr. of Sherman, and dear cousin, Pat Stephens (Joyce) of Tom Bean. Nieces and nephews, Kerri England (Mark) of Sherman, Lisa Courtney (Steven) of Howe, Eric Rodgers (Laura) of Melissa, BJ Rodgers (Kelly) of Savoy, Carol Ann Downing (Jason) of Bells, Joe Williams, III (Terria) of Frisco, Rhonda Malone of S&S, and Patricia Williams of Tyler. Ralph leaves behind many cousins, great nieces and nephews and an abundance of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Jackie Copley, Brother-in-law, Jerry Smith and niece, Janice Williams.

To allow for social distancing, there will be a graveside service, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 11:00 am at Holloway Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne, Texas. You may sign the online register book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com.

Elmer Ray Bledsoe was born July 23, 1932 to Marion Elmer Bledsoe and Belle Corine Hunter Bledsoe. He had nine half brothers and sisters of which he was the youngest.

Ray enjoyed volunteering in the community. Several years ago he was the Howe Youth Baseball Commissioner and volunteered his time and energy to get Ferguson Field ready for kids to play on. He later became Mayor of Howe for several years. Ray also served on the Holiday Lights Committee of Grayson County and was a part of bringing the Holiday Lights to Loy Lake Park. Ray also enjoyed baking his cookies and sweets and sharing them with his friends.

Ray is survived by his daughter Sherry Allison (Steve), his daughter-in-law Sharon Bledsoe, his grandson Eric Allison (Samantha) all of Howe, his Grandson Troy Allison of Richardson, and Granddaughter Michaela Bledsoe of South Korea. He is also survived by Great Grandchildren Truitt, Bennett, and Ellyn all of Howe, and Haylee, Kenzie, and Levi all of Richardson. Ray is also survived by Lucille Tate a sister from Sherman.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Georgia, and his son Mike. Ray will be missed but especially missed by his Schnauzer and best friend Mikey.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a favorite charity. There will not be a visitation or a public service. With the Covid 19 so bad there will only be a graveside service for immediate family only. At a later date, we will try to honor Ray with a memorial service.

Steve Simmons will be delivering the family graveside service and will honor Ray with a public service at a later date when it becomes safe.