Grace Gardens Funeral Home

09/19/2025

Friends and family, please join us in celebrating the life of a beloved member of our community, Billy Owen, on 9/21/2025 2:00 PM Central (Chicago). We would love for you to participate in person or virtually as we remember, honor, and celebrate them.

Livestream: cutt.ly/BillyOwen
Obituary: cutt.ly/BillyOwenObituary

Thank you for loving Billy Owen as much as we do and taking time to honor their life with us.

09/19/2025

Margaret Lee Kilpatrick

Our beloved, Margaret Kilpatrick, affectionately known as “Mimi” to most of her family, entered into eternal glory early Thursday morning, September 18, 2025.

Margaret was born on July 21, 1940 in Houston Texas to Mildred and S.Y. Austin. She earned her Associate’s degree from Southwest Texas State University, now known as Texas State University where she met her husband, Dale, whom she dearly loved. They married on November 25, 1960 and they raised 3 beautiful children together They moved around quite a bit before finally settling down in Waco, Texas. After raising her kids, she taught three year olds at First Methodist Waco Preschool for 14 years. After retirement, she and Dale lived in Blue, Texas where she volunteered her time to Lexington Elementary School. Upon his death, she moved back to Waco, Texas where she continued to pour love and care into her children and grandchildren. During her time here on earth, she enjoyed cross stitching, being involved with various Bible Study groups and having lunch every Wednesday with her “lunch bunch” crew. In addition, she loved to travel and took various trips with family and friends.

Throughout her time in Waco, she attended First United Methodist Church of Waco. Margaret’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. Out of her devotion to God flowed a spirit of service to others and pointing them toward the hope and peace she found in Christ.

She left a loving and profound impact on those around her, and while we know she is in the comfort & presence of Jesus, she will be greatly missed here on earth. May every redbird that crosses our path remind us of Margaret’s beautiful spirit, the nearness of God, and the love and gratitude her life leaves behind.

She is predeceased in death by her husband Dale, her parents Mildred and S.Y. Austin and her brother, Max Austin.

She is survived by her three children; Carrie Hughes and husband Randy Hughes, of Cameron, Texas; Shelly McCollum and husband Curt McCollum, of Waco, Texas; and Kyle Kilpatrick and wife Susan Kilpatrick, of Waco, Texas. She is also survived by her many grandchildren; Austin Hughes and wife Keri, Julianne Buckingham and husband Arthur, Kayla Gentry and husband Cole, Kendall Vogt and husband Adam, Reed Kilpatrick and wife Ashlynn, Cade Kilpatrick, Levi Kilpatrick, Marlee Kilpatrick, Alley McCollum, Ty McCollum, Lexi McCollum, Landon McCollum, Michael McCollum and Madison McCollum, along with many great grandchildren.

A celebration of Margaret Kilpatrick’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 10 AM at First Methodist Church of Waco. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Methodist Church Preschool or Blue, Texas Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Austin Hughes, Reed Kilpatrick, Cade Kilpatrick, Levi Kilpatrick, Ty McCollum, Landon McCollum and Michael McCollum.

Her family would like to extend a special thank you to her many close friends who loved and cared for her over the years, and all of the people who helped care for her at the Blake and Hillcrest Hospital.

View Margaret Lee Kilpatrick's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/19/2025

One of the most loving gifts you can give your family is peace of mind. 🌟 Pre-planning ensures your wishes are honored and eases the burden for your loved ones. As a family-owned funeral home, Grace Gardens is here to guide you with care.

📍 Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium
8220 Woodway Dr, Waco, TX | (254) 741-0404
🌐 www.gracegardensfh.com

09/19/2025

Clyde Boggess

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09/19/2025

Billy Mack Owen

Billy Mack Owen passed away at the age of 84 on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 surrounded by loving family.

Billy Mack Owen was born on July 26, 1941 to James Louis and Alta Marie (Fisk) Owen. He grew up in McGregor and graduated from McGregor High School in 1959. Following graduation, Billy joined the US Army where he was named top sharpshooter of his unit. After his service, Billy worked as a brick and rock mason throughout his life, a skill he learned from his father. He became a valued employee of Lehigh Portland Cement Company as an instrument repairman and foreman until his retirement.

Billy’s love of family and outdoors remained constant throughout his life. He loved hosting and organizing family gatherings, cookouts, and reunions. Spending time with family was important to Billy. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, however he gave up hunting after making a 450 yard shot, because he said “it was too easy.” He continued to love fishing, a past time he shared with his mother. His hand crafted jigs are still in use by family today. He and his wife, Shirley, shared many happy times traveling and hosting cookouts for the extended family. His love of travel and history were combined in wonderful road trips with Jim, where father and son spent time discussing life and touring places such as the Smithsonian and the WWII museum. Billy was a proud Pa Pa and loved and cherished his grandchildren. He took pride in every accomplishment, bragging any time he could.

Billy was also an avid collector of arrowheads and could tell you the origins, ages, and uses of each point he owned. In his younger days, you could find him digging in the dirt most weekends. He also visited his grandson’s primary school to teach them about arrowheads and native Americans. He was so proud to do this.

Billy also was a PeeWee baseball coach for many years and loved leading his teams to victory. His passion for baseball did not end with coaching boys, he also enjoyed playing in men’s fast-pitch softball leagues for many years.

One of the greatest loves of his life and an identity he held dear was being the scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 431 in McGregor. He ran weekly meetings with the boys teaching subjects ranging from citizenship and first aid to survival skills and jig tying. He would also spend weekends on campouts with large groups of boys. Later, he led a Boy Scout Explorer Post where he worked with older boys and girls (based out of the cement plant).

Billy is survived by his wife, Shirley and his children, Jim and Debra Owen, Terri Cantrell, and Stan and Debbie Ward as well as grandchildren Hannah Owen, Ty Cantrell, Cody Cantrell, Evie Ward, and Ethan Ward. He is also survived by his brother and his wife, Mike and Paula Owen and many more extended family members.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Boys Scouts of America.

View Billy Mack Owen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/17/2025

When words aren’t enough, flowers speak for the heart. 🌸 Our fresh, locally delivered arrangements help you show your love and support during difficult times. At Grace Gardens, our family is honored to serve you with care and compassion.

📍 Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium
8220 Woodway Dr, Waco, TX | (254) 741-0404
🌐 www.gracegardensfh.com

09/17/2025

Denise Kinnison

Dona Denise Kinnison went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 12, 2025. Born in Tulsa, OK, she moved to Corpus Christi at a very young age. Denise graduated from Mary Carroll HS in 1966, and married her High School sweetheart soon after. After raising her family, she worked full time, going to college at nights until she proudly graduated from Texas A&M-CC in 1994 with her Political Science degree. Denise then moved to Austin where she worked in the Governor’s office and, met the love of her life, Dave Kinnison. Theirs was a true love story. After retirement in 2009, they settled in Woodway, where she and Dave loved hosting family events and holidays. Her love of gardening led her to become a Master Gardener.

Denise is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Dave, her three children from her first marriage – Victoria (Chuck) Orr, Trey (Liz) Thames and Chris Thames and Dave’s daughter, Bethany (Jason) Music. She had 10 grandchildren – Cameron (Ronni) Orr, Caroline Orr, Michael (Stefany) Orr, Madisynn Thames, Bailey Thames, Ella Thames, Evyn Thames, Shelby Music, Joshua Music and Olivia Music and one great – grandchild, Amelia Orr. They were all her little turkeys no matter how old they were. Denise loved her role of Nana and they loved her, especially playing her favorite game of Bananagrams with her.

She is also survived by her sister and lifelong best friend, Patti (Bubba) Adams, nephew Troy (Hope) Funderburg and niece Sally Jane (Minor) Norman and many other family members and friends. She was loved by so many as she was known for her gentle spirit and her unwavering faith in Christ Jesus.

A celebration of her life will be held October 4th at Renew Church in Waco at 2pm.

View Denise Kinnison's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/17/2025

George Staples

George Edward Staples, 80, died September 16, 2025, after a long battle with Multiple Myeloma. Born March 8, 1945, in Lockport NY, he lived for almost 60 years in Appleton NY as a partner on the family farm. He graduated from Barker Central High School in 1963 and from Baylor University in Waco TX in 1968. He and his wife, Judy, retired to Texas in 2008.

He was a member of First Baptist Woodway. He served on numerous short-term mission trips all over the world. In his farming community, he was a board member and chairman of the Niagara County Soil and Water District, was a trustee on the Barker Central School District Board of Education, and he held several leadership positions in the churches where he was a member.

For the past 14 years, he participated in and worked as a leader in the Pure Freedom Ministry in the greater Waco area. He traveled extensively for mission service and for pleasure, particularly during his retirement years.

He is survived by his son Craig (Sheri) Staples, daughter Casey (Brian) Erdrich, 2 stepsons Ben (Hillarie) Thole and Josh (Heather) Thole, 11 beloved grandchildren, and his closest personal friend Gary Alt.

Memorial service on Monday, September 22nd, at 10:00 am, First Baptist Woodway, Woodway TX. Floral tributes are gratefully declined. Donations are suggested to Pure Freedom Ministry or Gideons International.

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09/17/2025

Connie Marie Merritt

Connie Marie Merritt, a beloved figure in the Waco community, was born on September 29, 1950, in Waco, Texas. With great sadness, we announce her passing on September 15, 2025, at Providence Hospital, where she departed peacefully after a life filled with love, laughter, and creativity.

Connie spent the majority of her career as the manager of Supercuts in Waco, a role in which she excelled and was honored with a manager performance award. Her talent as a hairstylist was evident to all who sat in her chair; she had a unique ability not only to enhance beauty but also to uplift spirits. Throughout her time in the beauty industry, she worked at numerous hair salons, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and skill that will be cherished by her clients and colleagues.

A graduate of Richfield High School, Connie embodied an outgoing spirit that attracted friends and family alike. Described as cute and tiny but fierce, she had a nurturing heart and a profound desire to take care of others. Her home was a haven for her loved ones, where countless memories were crafted over her hobbies and interests—whether it be through crafts, baking, or her enthusiasm for holiday decorations. She cherished her time spent with her grandchildren, introducing them to the joys of life, movies, and celebrating each season with warmth and joy.

Connie's family was her pride and joy. She leaves behind her devoted sons, Clint Riggs and his wife Brandi, and Michael McNary and his wife Sherry. Her legacy continues through her adored grandchildren, Tyler Riggs, Taylor Hidrogo, Walter Hauke, Payton McNary, and Ayden Vielma, along with her great grandchild, Huntlee Hidrogo. Aunt, Mary Ann Craig; her sisters, Linda Marshall and Margaret Russell, as well as her brothers, Steve Morales and Tony Morales and his wife Pam, stand alongside numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom carry forward the memories of her love and laughter.

Connie's departure from this world is marked by the quiet comfort of knowing she loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. She was preceded in death by her husband, Randy Merritt; her father Manzor Morales; her mother, Juanita Williams; and her sisters, Rosa Ash and Ann Tubbs.

Services to honor her life will be 2:00-4:00pm, Saturday, September 20, 2025, with a visitation at Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium in Woodway.

Special thanks are extended to the dedicated caregivers at Providence Hospice and Ascension Hospital for their compassionate support during her final days.

As we remember Connie Marie Merritt, let us carry her spirit in our hearts as we cherish the memories of her kindness, her dedication to family, and her vibrant way of bringing joy into our lives.

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09/15/2025

Sometimes the smallest gestures mean the most. 💜 Whether it’s a kind word, a shared memory, or simply being present, each act of love brings comfort in times of loss. At Grace Gardens, we are here to walk alongside families with compassion and care.

📞 254) 741-0404 | 📍 8220 Woodway Dr., Waco
🌐 gracegardensfh.com

09/12/2025

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Compassionate care, trusted by families. See what makes Grace Gardens Funeral Home a place of comfort.

🌐 www.gracegardensfh.com

09/12/2025

LaNell Brem

LaNell Brem, born LaNell Ceska on December 23, 1943, peacefully passed away on September 10, 2025.

A visitation to honor LaNell’s memory will be held on September 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium in Woodway, Texas. Following the visitation, a funeral service will commence at 11:00 AM, concluding at 12:00 PM at the same location.

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