2022

 

Ennis Dyess

 1939-2022

 

Ennis K. “Ducky” Dyess was born on July 28, 1939, to the late Stuart and Mildred Dyess of Tyler, and passed from this life on December 21, 2022 in Tyler.

Ennis graduated from John Tyler High School and attended Texas Tech University. He served our country in the United States Marine Corps 1957-1959. He was a loving husband and devoted father as he worked for the Railroad (Cotton Belt, Southern and Union Pacific) for over 40 years providing for his family while making life-long friends.

During his retirement he enjoyed fishing, geocaching, coaching soccer, managing the Tyler Bridge Club and participating in the Longview Bridge Club. He loved peaceful mornings at the lake drinking coffee on the porch with his wife, Sue, cat (Jorgie),and dog (Tommy) while bird watching. He was a lifelong, diehard Dallas Cowboy fan never missing a chance to watch a game. He sure loved to sip some whiskey and devour sweet treats when his wife wasn’t looking.

Ennis was the most patient man with the kindest soul and loving heart. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. 

Ennis is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sue Dyess and sister Judy Dyess, his sons Dodd Dyess and Phoebe Heath, Derek and Tabitha Dyess and children, stepdaughter Tammy Scahill and Matthew Finamore, stepson Wayne Toole, grandchildren Haylie and Preston Herman, Dalton Dyess, Aubrey Dyess, Kooper Scahill and Dylan Scahill, great grandchildren Easton Herman and Laikyn Herman.

A Celebration of Life service for Ennis will be held at 11 a.m., on Wed., Dec. 28, at the Loyd James Funeral Home.

 

 



From Nancy Green...

  Ennis started out as a poker player. Fortunately for us he discovered bridge, and like the rest of us was hooked. He was very detail-oriented and studied the rules. He always wanted the correct ruling. I'm not sure how many years we ran Rose City DBC together--I think about five years. We had a very good partnership with great respect for each other. I will miss him.

 

From Mike Graham...

Ennis Dyess was my friend, my Saturday LDBC partner and my "fixer." If I had a computer issue, Ennis would always help me through it. Whether on the phone or coming to the club early or staying late, Ennis was there. We had fun playing together and three times we won first overall in District 16 during STaC week. My heart goes out to Sue and his sons and his Rose City DBC family. I will miss Ennis" humor and friendship so much.

 

From Rathnam...

I came to know Ennis as I started playing bridge several years ago at the Tyler club. Ennis had a good understanding of the game, conventions and rules. He had a very good understanding of "zero tolerance." He was very encouraging and inviting to new players and very patient in explaining the various conventions and how and when to apply them. He has contributed to the local clubs as well to the unit for the betterment of promotion of bridge in East Texas. We will miss his presence in the Tyler club.

 

From Linda Harrison...

I got to know Ennis after I became a Director in 2014.  I could always call Ennis if I had a computer issue and he was always accessible and very knowledgeable. He had a great sense of humor and like to kid with me but he was very serious and a tough competitor at the bridge table. Ennis will be greatly missed in Unit 225’s bridge world.



Shirley Matthews

 



My memories of Shirley Matthews are numerous and joyful. I had the pleasure of accompanying Shirley to bridge tournaments all over the country--from Boston to Beaumont, Hot Springs to Toronto, and all points in between. Shirley was a longtime member of the Longview DBC and a precious and dear friend. She and her late husband, Bob, opened their home to me during the 3 years I did consulting work at Hide-A-Way Lake golf shop.  Shirley was a great bridge player, wonderful cook, fun person to be with, and extremely  loyal to her closest friends. I will miss her but I will forever hold special memories deep in my heart.  Unit 225 has lost one our finest members. 

--Mike Graham



 

Ros Tullos

Ros Tullos, an avid bridge player in Canton, passed away on March 13.  After a series of health problems, she was health problems forced  to give up duplicate bridge after playing every Tuesday for approximately 33 years. 

Ros was one of the early players when the club met at the Canton Country Club.  She partnered with Tillie Reed for many years and went to tournaments with Mary Priest, Linda Frasier, Sandy Brown, Sandy Hilliard, Evelyn Schmidt and other dear friends.  Her partners the last several years were Greg Cooley and Barbara Bradford.  Her three children hosted a “Celebration of Life” at the family home in Canton on April 9^th.  We will miss Ros very much.

 

"Ros Tullos was a dear friend for over25 years.  We would never have met if not for bridge.  There were 8 of us that loved to go to tournaments & girls “Get Away’s.” We did lots of volunteer work. We loved everything we got involved with.  I loved my friend Ros and will miss her in my life. 

--Sandy Hillyard



 

Heidi Bradsher

1945-2022

Heidrun “Heidi” Bradsher, age 76, of Texarkana, died 1/24/22 in a local hospital. Born in Gottingen, Germany. she met and married her husband Jimmie while he was stationed there in the army.  Heidi was a wonderful homemaker for her family and was an excellent cook. She was a devoted wife, an awesome mother and adored her grandchildren and her dogs. She also enjoyed playing bridge and was quite good at it

 

"Heidi was a Charter Member of the Sheila Bell Duplicate Bridge Club.  She was highly intelligent, a fierce competitor and a force to be dealt with.  She loved the game of Bridge and spent many years perfecting her skill. She grew up in Germany and moved to the United States after marrying her American husband who she met while he was in the service overseas.  I loved listening to her heavy German accent.  Heidi suffered declining health in the last few years and was unable to attend our Club games.  May our friend rest in peace."

--Lisa Looney



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  2021

 

Doris Hoback

1927-2021

Doris was born on Sept.,25, 1927 in Houston and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Texas Tech University in 1950.  Doris retired from teaching at Vera Kilpatrick in Texarkana, AR, after twenty years. 

She was a lifelong member of Phi Mu sorority and had four overarching passions:  her church, her children, antiques, and duplicate bridge.  Her proudest moment was gaining her Life Master as a member of the American Contract Bridge League.



 

Cynthia Tubbs

Cynthia Ann Tubbs, 83, of Longview, passed away on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. She was born Feb. 17, 1938 in Haynesville, La. 

Cynthia graduated from Longview High School in 1956. Cynthia married her high school sweetheart James Archie Tubbs Jr in 1955. She graduated from The University of Houston and for the next 66 years she lovingly cared for her family. 

Cynthia loved bridge and played whenever possible at the Longview DBC with her dear friend, Lanora Bogue. She will be missed by all her bridge friends.



 

Kathryn Weaver

July 13, 1936 - October 15, 2021

Kathryn Jane Weaver age 85, passed away peacefully on 10/15/21 at her assisted living residence in Carrollton, Texas. The third of four children, Kathryn grew up in Saginaw, MI, and attended college at Michigan State University where she majored in Physical Education. She met husband Edward S. (Ned) Weaver at college and after graduating she and Ned were married and moved away from Michigan to live in the warmer climate of Phoenix, Arizona.

They lived and raised their children in Phoenix until 1974 when the family relocated to Carlsbad, NM. Two years later the family moved to Dallas Texas and Kathryn worked for a short time at Montgomery Wards in sales. She later took a job working for Charles Schwab Inc. as an investment advisor. She loved working at Schwab and remained employed there until she retired in 2001.

Kathryn enjoyed listening to music, reading, gardening, growing African violets and swimming at their home on Cedar Creek Lake. She was an avid bridge player and spent a couple days a week partnering with her husband in bridge tournaments hoping to one day achieve Life Masters status.

Over the years Kathryn spent much time attending Jazzercize and aerobic classes. She eventually became an instructor and taught exercise classes at the local senior center. She will be truly missed by everyone that knew and loved her.

Kathryn is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Margaret Robertson of Saginaw, MI, and Emily Dore of Battle Creek, MI. She is survived by her brother Tony Kaufman of Westerville OH, her husband of 63 years Ned Weaver and her children; Lynn & husband Andrew, Larry, John & wife Amalia, Danny, Shelly, Bryan, Ned & fiancee Beverly. She has five grandchildren; Dustin, Rio, Olivia, Danielle & Bianca and nine great grandchildren.

 

 

Laura Murphey 

 

Laura Murphey loved the game of bridge and was very proud of her Bronze Life Master.  Anxious to get back to the bridge table during the pandemic, she called frequently to see if and when face-to-face bridge would resume.  On Aug. 13, Laura played for the first time with Liz Smith and placed 1^st overall with a 66% game in Tyler. Away from the bridge table, Laura had recently purchased a new BMW, her pride and joy. Laura will be missed by bridge friends and family. -- Nancy Green

 

Always ready to volunteer to help her local clubs. -- Ennis Dyess



 

 

 Helene Hall

1937-2021

Helene Ruzicka Hall, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 18. Helene attended Woodrow Wilson High School where she excelled as an artist for the school newspaper and yearbook. She studied geology and business at the University of Texas at Austin and later began her career at Sun Oil.

In eighth grade, Helene met the love of her life, Jack Curtis Hall, and they were married August 20, 1960. After spending the first few years of marriage in Dallas, the Halls relocated to Longview to raise their family. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year.

Helene and Jack were the proud parents of one daughter, Whitney Hall Schaap, and her beloved husband Troy. The joy and light of Helene’s life were her grandchildren: Jackson and Payton Schaap.

Helene was adept at using her artistic talent and creativity to benefit the Longview community with enduring programs. By forging relationships with area dry cleaners, she developed the “Cool Cat Coat Sale” where free coats were distributed to underprivileged children. This effort evolved to become what is now the “Coats for Kids” program.

Always valuing intellectual curiosity and competition, Helene excelled in bridge playing and belonged to five different bridge groups over her lifetime. Two of Helene's favorite partners were Linda Baker and Patsy Wood. Always a gracious lady at the table, she will be missed by all her bridge friends 

 

Don Bartley

 

Donald Orvin “Don” Bartley, 85, was freed from the prison of Parkinson’s disease and dementia on April 27 at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.

 

George Earl Bennett, M.D., 96 of Marshall, TX, passed away on Feb. 5, 2021 in Marshall, Texas.

Dr. Bennett played at the Longview Duplicate Club in years past and, according to Mike Graham, donated funds regularly to help pay the club's rent.

Dr. Bennett attended college at the College of Marshall and The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Bennett got called to service in 1943 where he would serve in World War II. He was in the U.S. Air Force as a navigator on a B-29 bomber, based on Tinian Island. George and his crew flew 24 bombing missions over Japan.

After the service, he married the love of his life, Inagene McMillan of Hughes Springs. He graduated from Tulane University Medical School in 1951. Dr. Bennett practiced medicine in Marshall for 48 years and served as chief of staff at the Marshall Hospital.



 

 Betty Willkinson

1934-2021

Betty Lea Wilkinson, 86, died on March 25, 2021, at her home in Athens, TX. She was born on December 6, 1934, in Nocona, TX. Betty worked as a government accountant most of her life. She became the Chief Financial Officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Besides the passion for her family, Betty had a strong love for the game of bridge and had earned the Life Master title.

 

A Tribute to Betty by Jean Roach

I know I speak for many of Betty’s friends when I describe her as dependable, loyal, intelligent… and lots of fun!  I learned so much partnering with her over these last 12 years, though I seldom played with her more than once a week.  Some of her regular partners were Ursula Brooks, Sandy Molander, Gloria Rowland, Jo Ann Parten, Mary Priest, Ginger Rhamey, Jo Booth, Joyce Austin and probably others I've failed to recall.

Betty served as president of our unit doing an excellent job.  Prior to that, she was the unit’s parliamentarian. She attended most of the unit games for years and truly enjoyed tournament play. She was a regular in Canton, Athens and Gun Barrel clubs until this past December when her health condition worsened.  We will miss her so much! 



 Helen Sullivan

Helen Joyce Sullivan, 83, passed away on March 02, 2021, in her Mount Vernon home.  She was born on April 24, 1937, in Monett, Missouri.

Helen was resident of Mount Vernon and was a retired Escrow Officer. She loved playing bridge but especially enjoyed her time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her three children, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

 

Tribute to Helen by Linda Harrison

Helen was a regular player in the Pittsburg and Lake Cypress Springs DBC. She played very few conventions but that did not impact her game.  In fact, she was an excellent player and usually got points regardless. She had great card insights and was a tough competitor. When you sat down at Helen’s table, she often beat you with a smile on her face.  

Helen had a wonderful sense of humor. In fact, one of her partners apologized for making an error by saying, “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”  Helen replied abruptly, “Then you need to practice thinking." Helen was willing to play with many different partners and stayed with her basic winning game. Some of her regular partners were Jean Huskey, Cliff Smith, and Fredye Alford and she even won points playing with Frank Harrison.  

Cliff commented that Helen was such a special lady and that he loved playing bridge with her.  Helen will be greatly missed at the bridge table!  

 

Charles R Kemp

12/18/1930 - 1/18/2021

Longview DBC lost one of its finest and most faithful players on 1/18, with the passing of Charlie Kemp at the age of 91.

Charlie was a financial advisor for 51 years with Principal Financial Securities & Wells Fargo Advisors. Charlie worked into his mid-80s before retiring in 2016.

Upon his retirement, he and Margie, his wife and bridge partner of 68 years, were regulars at the Longview DBC playing three times a week. They also played occasionally at the Tyler Rose City DBC on Fridays, the monthly Unit 225 games, at the Lake Cypress Wine & Cheese, and local tournaments.

A fierce competitor, Charlie will posthumously be the recipient of the Ace of Clubs award for Unit 225 for 2020 in the 500-1000 masterpoint category.

Charlie took great pride in the fact that he and Margie had been bridge partners for the better part of seven decades. He was a gentleman at the table and away from it. He was a truly generous benefactor for LDBC and spearheaded the fund to purchase its dealing machine.

Charlie will be dearly missed at the club. Any time his fellow players look at the coffee pot, they will be reminded of Charlie who did love his coffee! RIP our friend!

--Mike Graham



 

 Dorothy McCasland

1930-2021

Duplicate Bridge lost one of its most passionate players on Jan. 4, 2021, with the passing of  Dorothy McCasland, a Sapphire Life Master. Dorothy was a former Board member of Unit 225.

Born in Mills County, Texas, .Dorothy was a member of Greer Boulevard Church of Christ in Pittsburg, Tx,  where she taught children’s bible classes for 25 plus years. Dorothy was very civic minded and made many contributions on a local and state level. Many of those contributions are listed her obituary which can be read here.

 

Tributes to Dorothy:

 

I met Dorothy playing in Mineola years ago. She asked me to with her, and when her husband Larry died, she asked me if I could take his dates. I was already playing in Longview and I asked Dorothy to play with me there. We added the unit game as a regular date as well as local and area tournaments. We became dear friends until the end and talked on the phone every day. We traveled together and met for lunch and dinner regularly. I will miss my dear friend so much. 

--Nelda Avent

Dorothy loved duplicate bridge and always supported Unit 225, and her local clubs in Longview and Pittsburg. If there was a game nearby, she was there!  Always dressed nicely and ready to play.  Dorothy relayed to me that she especially loved playing with her first partner, Vashti Fuller, and that they usually came home winners when traveling to games and tournaments.   Dorothy also assisted Nelda Avent and Mike Graham, her friends and partners  with tournaments and bridge games.  She was a loyal supporter and player. Mike Graham was a regular partner as well and Dorothy loved playing with Mike and they usually came in first.   In Pittsburg and Longview Dorothy also partnered with Liz Guthrie and they had lots of winning games too. Dorothy attained her Sapphire Life Master rank with 3500+ master points.  

Dorothy was a bridge advocate and recruiter. In fact, she is responsible for getting me playing duplicate.  After playing in a few Pittsburg party games with Dorothy in 2006, she invited me to play in the Mineola duplicate game directed by Mike Graham. Kenneth Jeffery was my partner and he tolerated my novice play but Dorothy had started me on a duplicate bridge journey that has opened so many opportunities to learn and meet wonderful friends. Dorothy will truly be missed as an excellent player, loyal supporter and bridge advocate as well as a friend!  

--Linda Harrison

 

Dorothy McCasland was a member of the Longview DBC and the Pittsburg DBC and played regularly at the Unit 225 games in Tyler. A Sapphire Life Master, Dorothy and her longtime regular partner, Vashti Fuller, were one of the most formidable partnerships in our unit for many years. 

In the last two decades, Dorothy’s regular partners were Nelda Avent, Liz Guthrie, Mike Graham and Beth Hankins, as well as several others she enjoyed playing with on occasion.  At one of Dorothy’s final games at LDBC, she had an 81.25% game. She never strayed from playing her basic Goren convention card, but even not playing many of the newer methods, she was one of the finest players in Unit 225.

--Mike Graham



 

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 2020

 

Dan Cowling

 

Our dear friend, Dan Cowling, passed away on Nov. 1, at home as the result of a heart attack. Although he had tested positive for COVID-19, his symptoms were mild and were being treated.

 

Years ago, Dan had told his family that he did not want a funeral service and his wishes are being respected. 

 

Dan was a Bronze Life Master and played regularly in Canton. He will be greatly missed by his many, many bridge friends.

 



 

Bonnie Gorman

1923-2020

With great sadness, Unit 225 bids farewell to one of its brightest stars, Bonnie Jo Robertson Gorman, who passed away on Oct. 1, 2020, at the age of 97.

Born on July 6, 1923, Bonnie lived most of her life in Gilmer, Texas. She would tell you that she was fortunate to have had two wonderful husbands, Durwyn Robertson and Vance Gorman. She is survived by her son, Eddie Robertson and his wife Rusty, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In her earlier days, Bonnie taught home economics at Gilmer ISD and retired after 30 years in the education field. After retirement, she was owner of the Gilmer Flower Shop. Bonnie traveled extensively and enjoyed every day to its fullest.

Bonnie never met a stranger at the bridge table and welcomed all players with her ever present smile. At the age of 97, Bonnie was still playing bridge at the Longview Duplicate Bridge Club and with her social groups. Among her many partners, two of her most favorite were Janie Wolaver and Betty Finney. Bonnie accomplished the rank of Life Master thru local and tournament play. She will be fondly remembered by her friends as the “Queen of No Trump.”



Lynn Walker

From Ginger Rhamey and Susan Ford::

The last of our “greatest generation” Lynn Walker, bridge friend, has quietly spread her wings and joined her husband, Bob, on Aug. 23.

 Her last days were filled with love and phone calls from her children, grandchildren, and friends. Although she couldn’t talk to them her face would light up with her gorgeous smile and she would raise her eyebrows and sometimes manage a precious word or two. 

 Lynn lived life to the fullest while living in different countries, teaching children of their workers, and even plowing her beloved farm. She will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her. 

 

From Paula Edwards:

I remember playing with Lynn in Athens. She and I were playing against Nancy Green and some fellow from out-of-town. He bid a major, I overcalled with a beautiful diamond suit and about 11 points; Nancy supported her partner; then Lynn jumped to 5 diamonds; he bid 5 of his major; followed by a fast pass from me and Nancy; and Lynn bids 6 diamonds; he doubles; and all pass. I’m figuring how many I’m going down when Nancy leads her A to Lynn’s void and 5 diamonds! We made 6 doubled. The guy said he would never double again She was a bidder and never to be underestimated .A great lady and a joy. 

 

 

We pay tribute to Sharon Whatley, former Unit 225 member and director of the Ore City Duplicate Bridge Club, who died on June 6, 2020. Sharon, a life master, loved bridge and played regularly while living in Longview. A friend to all who knew her, Sharon had a kind and gentle spirit even while beating you at the bridge table. Her thoughtfulness was especially felt by new players as she kindly taught them the intracacies of bridge etiquette. Sharon lost her long battle with cancer while living close to her family in North Carolina.

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 2019

 

 

Peggy Wright

Peggy Wright, a member of the Nacogdoches Duplicate Club since its inception in the 1950s, passed away on Nov. 26. She was a Silver Life Master. Peggy and I were partners for the last 10-12 years. She had an outstanding record of service to Stephen F. Austin State University, to Nacogdoches and to our duplicate club. Her passing was noted as front page news in the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel. 

She was ever gracious and willing to serve. She never fussed. I cannot count the number of times I had to lay down a hand I had bid with nothing and say to anyone who would listen, “She’s going to kill me!” Peggy never blinked an eye. With surgical precision, she went to work and, most of the time, she made the contract. The photo shown here is in celebration of her 95^th birthday at the club.

--commentary and photo by Gay Roach



 

Emily Leake

Emily was born in Oklahoma City, OK, and

moved to Ft. Worth at a young age. She graduated from Arlington Heights High School and then went to the University of Texas where she graduated in just 3 years and met the love of her life, Wayne.

She was a member of Marvin United Methodist Church and loved the Friendly Class. She enjoyed going to Bridge tournaments and became a Life Master in her early twenties. Emily loved her husband, family and friends, Bridge, Bourbon, the Texas Longhorns and life. We will miss her wonderful sense of humor and honesty.

(Note: To read Emily's complete obituary, click here.)

Here are some tributes paid to Emily from friends in Unit 225:

 

Emily was my longtime  bridge partner and friend through the years, and we went to many tournaments including  as far away as Vancouver, British Columbia, Naples, Florida, and all of the major cities  of Texas and were fortunate to win many points and awards.  As all of you fellow bridge players know, she was an excellent bridge player and a vivacious, fun partner.  I was indeed fortunate to have her as a partner for so many, many years and will always cherish the happy memories. -- Brenda Baker

 

She (Emily) was my teacher and my friend.  I liked what was said in her obituary.   "Emily loved her husband, family and friends, Bridge, Bourbon, the Texas Longhorns and life. We will miss her wonderful sense of humor and honesty."  I think that sums up Emily quite nicely.  I will miss her.

--Cheryl Landers, Cheyene WY



"I began duplicate lessons in 1999 with Emily. She was an excellent teacher very helpful and very funny. She created a love for the game in all her students. After several lessons she threw us into the lion’s den. It was tough, but it was said if you could play in Emily’s game you could play anywhere. It was the toughest game around. She will be greatly missed."

-- Nancy Green

 

"Emily was an excellent bridge instructor and mentor.  She was always willing to answer questions and give tips to me as a novice. The best bridge lessons I ever received was when she allowed me to bring in hands that had given us trouble in various tournaments and she gave us guidance on how to bid and play them."  --Sandra O’Bannon

 

"Emily was my first Duplicate Bridge Teacher in 2009  and got me “hooked on duplicate bridge”. I had played social bridge since my nursing school days and always enjoyed it.  Once I understood the challenge of learning duplicate from Emily’s fast moving class, I was inspired to keep learning and keep playing. I appreciate so much Emily’s many contributions to Unit 225 and its players!" --Linda Harrison

 

"Emily was such a precious lady! Sue(Ritschel) and I would get to Tyler early on Wednesday and Emily would teach us new bids, work with us on our defense and play of the hand. We learned a lot from her.  I will always remember her cute personality and her great laugh! She was a jewel! Loved that gal!!!  --Noelene Hardy

 

"My favorite memory of Emily occurred at the Longview sectional tournament many years ago when she and I were partners. In the two session open pairs  on Saturday there were a lot of strong Dallas players there including Hugh and Mary Joe Hillaker. After the first session the Hillakers were in first and Emily and I were in second. There were two sections and we didn’t play them the first session as they were in the opposite one. When the second session commenced, Emily & I started against the Hillakers. As the director gave his instructions, he said “pass your boards down two tables and E/W pairs move up one table. Emily was delighted, and we ended up first & the Hillakers second. Great fun!" --Mike Graham

"Emily was a good director of the bridge club in Tyler. She had her way of novices coming to the club, in educating them with the conventions and how to apply them. I understand she was a good teacher in explaining the bidding and playing of hands. We definitely will miss her presence in Tyler." --Rathnam