Obituaries

Sarah Elizabeth Gruver, affectionally known as “Betty,” passed away on Aug. 1, 2021, in her sleep at her home in Monarch Estates in Auburn, Ala. She was born Sarah Elizabeth Yeldell on Aug. 12, 1929, in a three-room shack on the family ranch in Yeldell, to George A’ Clark Yeldell and Lucy A. Calame Yeldell. Her father died in 1941, leaving four children for her mother to rear during the Depression. She worked at the drug store in town and graduated from Mexia High School in 1947. After graduation, Betty attended Business College and became an executive secretary in the days of typewriters and five carbon copies. She resigned when she received a marriage proposal.

Ricky Lynn Payne, beloved husband, father and friend, 58, of Mexia, passed away Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, in Groesbeck. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 19, at the Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home chapel in Mexia, with Pastor Debra Turner officiating.

Elder Andrew Wesley Stull, 66, a devoted minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, husband, father and grandfather, was called home to be with his Lord on the evening of Aug. 10, 2021, at his residence in Freestone County. Graveside services will be held Saturday, Aug. 14 at 10 in the morning, at Point Enterprise Cemetery, with Elder Daryl Inman officiating.