Grace Gardens Funeral Home

06/02/2026

Bertha Valdez

Bertha Herlinda Valdez, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully entered eternal rest on May 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. While our hearts mourn her loss, we find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her beloved husband, Oscar Valdez.

Born on May 20, 1944, in El Nacimiento, Coahuila, Mexico, Bertha was the cherished daughter of Raul and Aurora Vallejo.

Bertha's life was a testament to faith, resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy was her family. Known for her warmth, wisdom, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she loved, Bertha was truly the heart of her family. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, and a welcoming spirit that made everyone feel at home.

Alongside her husband, Oscar Valdez, she worked tirelessly to build a life rooted in love, hard work, and strong family values. Together, they pursued the American Dream and created a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. In September 1990, Bertha and Oscar opened the doors to Lucy's Cafe, named after their daughter, Lucy. For more than 35 years, Lucy's Cafe has remained a beloved staple in the community, and many came to know Bertha and Oscar as pillars of the community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oscar Valdez; her cherished grandchildren, Joangel Lee Guerrero and Ericka Gail Valdez; her parents; and her brothers, Jose Vallejo, Juan Vallejo, and Adolfo Vallejo.

Bertha is survived by her loving children: Lucy Valdez and husband Mario Rocha; Diego Valdez and wife Sylvia; Orlando Valdez and wife Maria; and Gabriel Valdez and wife Norma. Grandchildren Diego Valdez Jr. and Jayden Fletcher; She is also survived by her loving sisters: Maria de la Luz Vallejo, Socorro Vallejo, Rosa Estella Vallejo, Carmen Serna, and Gloria Vallejo. She is also survived by 2 step children Florinda Ojeda and husband Raul, and Luis Cardenas and wife Soledad.

She leaves behind a large and loving legacy that includes 13 grandchildren,15 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Diego Valdez Jr., Nick Guerrero, Oscar Valdez, Daniel Valdez, Brandon Valdez, Christian Valdez, Miguel Valdez, and Joe “JoJo” Valdez.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tre Rios, Elijah Rios, Aiden Valdez, Atlas Valdez, Lincoln Alexander Guerrero, and DJ Matthews.

The legacy of love, strength, faith, and perseverance that she leaves behind will continue to live on through the family she so dearly cherished. Bertha's life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love was a gift that will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near."

View Bertha Valdez's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/02/2026

Karl Melvin Kolm

Karl Melvin Kolm, age 89, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, in Waco, Texas. Karl lived a life defined by faith, optimism, determination, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, entrepreneur, and friend whose encouragement and kindness touched countless lives.

Born on April 7, 1937, in Racine, Wisconsin, Karl graduated from South Division High School in Milwaukee in 1955, proudly served in the United States Army, and later earned his Associate degree. Following his military service, he worked for General Dynamics where he helped build the gyroscope for Apollo 8. While working at General Dynamics Karl met the love of his life, Patricia Sharon Kolm. Together they shared more than six decades of marriage, raising four daughters and building a family rooted in faith, love, and togetherness. In 1972, Karl accepted a transfer with SMI as a Sales and Marketing Director and moved his young family from Wisconsin to Texas. What others may have viewed as a leap into the unknown, Karl embraced as an opportunity. Together, he and Pat built a life filled with lifelong friendships, community involvement, and a strong family foundation that remains their enduring legacy.

Karl was a successful small business owner in Waco and a natural motivator who believed deeply in setting goals, working hard, and never giving up. His daughters fondly remember listening to motivational tapes during countless car rides while he shared lessons on perseverance, positive thinking, and believing in yourself. Karl never met a stranger. His warm smile, outgoing personality, and genuine interest in others made him a friend to many. He lived by a simple but powerful philosophy: "Two things in life that are absolutely free are love and kindness."

Outside of work, Karl was an active member of Knights of Columbus Chapter 13005. He also enjoyed gardening, photography, collecting stamps and coins, and taking on projects around the house. He loved coaching his daughters' sports teams and cheering them on in every endeavor. A lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and devoted supporter of Baylor athletics, Karl rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his beloved teams and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Above all else, Karl's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his daughters, Karen Cowan and husband Quinton, Karol Mayer, Kimberly George and husband Glenn, and Katie Kolm; grandchildren Carter Cowan, Kelli Love, Mackenzie Cowan, Cole Mayer and wife Megan, Olivia Mayer, Bonus grandchildren - Adrienne George and Andrew George; and great-granddaughter Callie Mayer. Karl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Sharon Kolm. Though separated by only a short time, family and friends find comfort in knowing they are together once again. Karl's legacy of optimism, kindness, perseverance, and love lives on in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched.

The family is forever grateful for the compassion and care shown to Karl by the team at Providence Hospice and the nursing staff on 4 South.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations may be made to Providence Hospice or the charity of your choice.

A Mass honoring Karl's life will be held on June 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 9820 Chapel Road, Waco, Texas 76712.

View Karl Melvin Kolm's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/02/2026

Leece Barnard Keeton

Leece “Barnard” Keeton, 93, of Hewitt, passed away at a local nursing home on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Barnard was born April 8, 1933 near Guntersville, Alabama to Kate Barnard Keeton and Leece Tyler Keeton. He grew up working on farms with his older brother and best friend, Don. Life was hard, but they were surrounded by a large community of family and friends.

In 1950, when he was 18 years old, his mother died of cancer. Devastated, he hit rock bottom and may not have recovered if it weren’t for the care of his Aunt Elizabeth and other relatives. He spent many hours hunting arrowheads with his Uncle Percy on the banks of the Tennessee River. His personality was quiet and amiable, never judging, with a colorful mastery of the 20th century southeastern American vernacular.

He graduated from Marshall County High School in Guntersville, Alabama, and attended Snead Junior College. Shortly thereafter, Barnard was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served two years in Japan. He recalls that he would never have chosen that path, but says those years turned out to be among the best in his life.

After being honorably discharged, he worked at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. During this time he met and married Elizabeth “Faye” Hampton and the two moved to Florida where they both had impressive careers with NASA. Barnard’s job was in logistics during the height of the space shuttle program. The two lived happily until Faye’s death in 2015. He then moved to Texas to be closer to his brother Don and his niece Robin. He and Don spent many afternoons solving the world’s problems in their conversations.

Barnard enjoyed staying home reading westerns and mysteries, doing Sudoku, and most recently, watching old movies and jazz concerts on YouTube.

Barnard was preceded in death by his wife Faye and his brother Don. He leaves behind two nephews, Joe Keeton and Ken Keeton; one niece, Robin Keeton Brady; their families, and several cousins.

No services are planned.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at St. Anthony’s Care Center, Dr. Nick Schwedock, and the team at Bluebonnet Hospice. The family would also like to thank Elaine Carrington at CB&T Waco for all her help over the years.

View Leece Barnard Keeton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/02/2026

Mary Frances Wills Watkins

Mary Frances Wills Watkins, age 81, of Lorena, Texas, passed peacefully at home into the arms of the Lord on Monday, May 25, 2026.Mary was born on October 24, 1944, in Waco, Texas, to G.H. and Frances E. Wills. She attended La Vega High School and graduated from Axtell High School, where she was active as an FFA Sweetheart, cheerleader, and avid reader. From an early age, she developed a lifelong love of animals, books, and the outdoors.Mary built a successful career in retail and sales. In her early years, she worked at Pure Milk and later for companies including, King's Western Store, Levi Strauss and in the medical field. She possessed a strong work ethic and a natural ability to connect with people, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.Mary married Gene Adler in December 1963 and treasured her role as a mother. She shared an exceptional bond with her daughter, Sherri, and their love remained unwavering throughout their lives.On January 15, 1984, Mary married the love of her life, Dennis Watkins, in Lake Tahoe. Together they created countless cherished memories. Mary loved country music, especially the songs of Gary P. Nunn, and enjoyed western dancing. She and Dennis were often among the best dancers on the floor, delighting family and friends with their grace and enthusiasm.Mary remained devoted to her Catholic faith throughout her life. She was actively involved in her community through organizations such as Meals on Wheels and the Red Hat Society. She also found great joy in riding horses, reading, caring for animals, and cheering on her favorite teams, including the Texas Rangers and Texas Tech Red Raiders.Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Watkins, and her parents, G.H. and Frances E. Wills.She is survived by her daughter, Sherri Adler; her sister, Linda Darlene Stone and husband, the late Ronny Stone; her brothers, Johnny Gifford Wills and wife Judy, Larry Donald Wills and wife Debbie, and James Paul Wills and wife Linda; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many dear lifelong friends.Mary will be remembered as a strong woman with a determined spirit. A three-time cancer survivor, she faced every challenge with courage, resilience, and grace. While cancer touched her life more than once, it never diminished her love for others or her appreciation for each day she was given.The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Bluebonnet Hospice, as well as to Mary's family and many friends, for their care, support, and compassion during her final journey.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Living Love Rescue in Marble Falls, Texas.A memorial service and fellowship celebrating Mary's life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will follow at Debbie and Richard Parr’s Home at 18307 Elm Creek Road, Moody, Texas 76557.

View Mary Frances Wills Watkins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/02/2026

We love to support our community. At Grace Gardens, we are committed to loving our neighbors, and every family that walks through our doors.

06/01/2026

Jerry Don Cross

Jerry Don Cross, 82, of Robinson, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 29, 2026, in Waco, surrounded by the family he dearly loved.

Jerry was born on July 21, 1943, in Wisconsin to Jarrell and Celestine Cross. He spent his early years in Temple and graduated from Temple High School. It was in that same neighborhood that he met the love of his life, the girl next door, Nancy Marie Ledger. What began as two neighbors going on a bike ride around their Temple neighborhood turned into a beautiful love story that spanned 63 years. Jerry and Nancy were married on September 17, 1962, and together they built a life marked by devotion, faith, and family.

In their early years, Jerry and Nancy enjoyed going dancing with friends and spending time together in a local bowling league. In 1968, they moved from Temple to South Waco, and in 1978 they settled in Robinson, a community where they could put down roots and raise their children.

Jerry was known for a strong work ethic that was both praised and respected by everyone who knew him. He worked at A.O. Smith and then General Tire Company for 17 years. His last stop was at M&M Mars, where he eventually retired. No matter the job, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family.

Jerry’s greatest joy was his family, and he poured his energy into creating special memories with them. He built a backstop in the front yard so his kids and grandkids’baseball teams could practice. Friends and neighbors often said they had their own ballpark, complete with bases and concessions—everything but the lights. One of the family’s most cherished traditions was the annual dove hunt at the farm. Jerry planned and hosted the weekend every year, and it quickly became an event no one wanted to miss.

Jerry found great comfort and joy in his faith and was a devoted attendee of CrossRoads Fellowship Church. He cherished the fellowship, friendships, and sense of community he found there. One of his favorite parts of attending services was watching Thumper play the drums during worship, something he always enjoyed and looked forward to. Jerry was also a proud member of the Waco Masonic Lodge for many years, where he valued the brotherhood, traditions, and lifelong friendships he developed through his membership.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jarrell and Celestine Cross; his brother, Jim Cross; and his beloved daughter, Angela Dawn Cross Kelley.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; his oldest son, Bryan, and wife, Darla; and his youngest son, Justin, and his wife, Felicia.

Jerry was especially proud of his grandchildren: Dalton Kelley and Tanner Kelley; Kamber Kelley Thompson and husband Ricky. Zach Cross and wife, Molly; Ty

Cross and wife, Lauren; Abbe Cross Barnett and her husband, Andrew. Jarrell Cross and Cheyenne Gregory. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Clyde, Clark, Caroline, Carter, Charli June, plus one more on the way.

Jerry will be remembered as a hardworking, faithful Christian man whose love for his family, his church, and his community was evident in all he did. His legacy lives on in the stories shared, the traditions continued, and the lives of those who were blessed to know him.

Services will be 11:30am, Thursday, June 4th at Grace Gardens Funeral, a time of visitation with the family will begin at 10:30am. A burial will follow at Robinson Cemetery.

Pallbearers are his grandsons: Dalton Kelley, Tanner Kelley, Ricky Thompson, Jarrell Cross, Zach Cross, Ty Cross, and Andrew Barnett.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to CrossRoads Fellowship Church in Jerry’s honor.

View Jerry Don Cross's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

Today is National Say Something Nice Day — and we think that's a beautiful reminder. 💛
Tell someone you love them. Share a memory. Say the thing you've been meaning to say. The people we lose teach us that words left unsaid are the ones we carry longest.
From our family, lovingly serving yours.
📞 (254) 741-0404 | www.gracegardensfh.com

05/31/2026

Symbols have always been part of how we grieve. A favorite song, a meaningful object, a photo on a table. These aren't small things — they're the language of love when words aren't enough. 🕯️
We help families bring those symbols to life in every service.
📞 (254) 741-0404 | www.gracegardensfh.com

05/30/2026

Not everyone can make it to a funeral — and that's okay. Sending a card, dropping off a meal, or simply calling to say "I'm thinking of you" matters more than most people realize. 💛
Showing up looks different for everyone. What counts is that you do.
From our family, lovingly serving yours.

📞 (254) 741-0404 | www.gracegardensfh.com

05/29/2026

Tommy Lynn Norman

Tommy Lynn Norman, a devoted family man and respected surveyor, passed away on May 28, 2026, in his hometown of Waco, Texas, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on January 8, 1956, in Waco, Tommy lived a life characterized by honesty, a dry sense of humor, and a zest for the simple pleasures that brought joy to those around him.

A proud graduate of Axtell High School, Tommy embarked on a career as a surveyor, lending his expertise to several firms in the region. His reputation as a skilled and reliable surveyor was well-known among contractors, many of whom worked alongside him to build highways and lay the foundations for numerous buildings. Tommy's dedication to his work left a lasting impact on the communities he served, shaping the infrastructure that supports daily life across the area.

Tommy’s personality was as distinctive as his career. Known for his sarcasm and quirky, stubborn nature, he had a dry sense of humor that endeared him to friends and family alike. Above all, he loved people deeply, especially his grandchildren, with whom he shared a special bond. He enjoyed fishing trips with his grandson Colton and was passionate about hunting, riding motorcycles, and watching football—particularly cheering for the Dallas Cowboys—and NASCAR events.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Karen; his sons Tory Norman and wife Sabrina, and Tyler Norman; and his cherished grandchildren Colton, Cambrie, and Cora. Tommy also leaves behind his sister Linda Simonson and her husband John, along with many nieces and nephews who will hold fond memories of his presence in their lives.

Tommy was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Wanda Norman and his brother Danny Norman.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during a visitation at Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium, located at 8220 Woodway Drive, Woodway, TX 76712, on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A graveside service will follow on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Antioch Cemetery, FM 339, Mt. Calm, TX 76673.

Tommy Lynn Norman’s life was a testament to hard work, loyalty, and love. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

View Tommy Lynn Norman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.