Obituaries

Robles. Her faithful daughters cared for her until her final breath.

Billy Joe Higginbotham, 91, of Richland Springs, Texas, passed away at the Pecan Bayou Nursing and Rehabilitation on April 08, 2024. His wishes were to be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of San Saba.

Chyenne Elaine Skaggs 33, of Cherokee, Texas, passed away at Asencion Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas, on March 05, 2024. Chyenne was born on July 08, 1990, to Charles Wimberley Jr.

Ova Jean Hutson (née Mc-Daniel) passed away at her home in the Lake LBJ village of Sunrise Beach, Texas, on March 26, 2024. Born on March 18, 1931, in Algerita, Texas (San Saba County), to parents Guy Denzil and Augusta McDaniel, Jean was a true daughter of the Texas Hill Country. She graduated from San Saba High School in 1949 where she was the proud head cheerleader for the Armadillos! After graduation, she moved to Austin where she met and married James C. (“JC”) Hutson on July 27, 1951. In 1961, Jean and JC moved to the then-rural South Austin community of San Leanna Estates where they lived for the next 30 years and raised three sons. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who was always there when we needed her, and she always took a heartfelt interest in all of her sons’and grandchildren’s endeavors (sports, music, horses, etc.).

Glynis Shaw passed away March 18, 2024. He had been sick for years and the last six months was in and out of the hospital and nursing homes fighting many health issues.

Mirabelle Lanier Woods Roden, of Houston, Texas, passed away on February 27, 2024, at the age of 87. She was born on August 28, 1936, in Valley Spring, Llano County, Texas, to Thomas Fowler Lanier and Nela Talley Basco. Mirabelle is preceded in death by her parents, Nela Talley Basco and Thomas Fowler Lanier; her first husband, George Clark Woods; and son, Dr. Mark T. Woods.

Larry Dwight Slaughter, age 80, of Andrews, Texas, joined his Lord and Savior on March 14, 2024, while at his home in Andrews. He was born on March 1, 1944, in San Saba, Texas, to Ralph Bert Slaughter and Altha (Bessent) Slaughter. Larry had a great childhood growing up in San Saba with many siblings, cousins, and great friends. He and Michael Phillips had so many wild stories they told along with some other high school buddies; one wonders how they lived through it. He graduated from San Saba High School in 1963 and attended Texas Tech University where he lived and worked at the Dairy operated by the University. Later when his best friend, Michael Phillips, was drafted into the Vietnam War, Larry decided to volunteer so he and Michael could attend Basic Training together on the buddy system. Michael was sent to Vietnam, while Larry was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, during his term of service. After his time in the service, Larry spent time working for the Texas Highway Department before moving to Odessa to join his brother, Gary, at Basin Testers. Eventually, Larry left to start his own company LG Pump, which became his crowning achievement. He and Judy would eventually go on to found and run for several other companies, one still active is Wildfire Rentals in Andrews and around the state. He was also still part owner and actively working with Basin Testers.

Paul passed away on March 7, 2024, without any friends or family members beside him. We do not know the date or place of his birth nor the names of his parents. We have no record of his accomplishments, his employment history, or his level of education. We could not find a single family photo of him. We do not even know if there will be a memorial service to commemorate his life. But we do know first-hand that Paul was a humble, honest, hardworking, compassionate, and sincerely loyal man who had the wisdom that could only come from a life of trials and challenges. Such a life is worthy of being honored, at least here in print. And those who cared for Paul in his last year of life deserve to be acknowledged and given our heartfelt appreciation.

It is with our deepest condolences to announce Carl Leonard, 68, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed peacefully in his sleep on January 26, 2024. Carl Leonard was born May 24, 1955.