Deaths
Deaths - May 30, 2008
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May 29, 2008 - 6:37:06 PM

Jo Terrill West Jo Terrill West of Dallas died Wednesday morning, May 28, at her home, surrounded by her children and family, after a courageous battle with cancer. West was born Oct. 3, 1938 in Wichita Falls to James and Mabel Terrill. She graduated high school in Wichita Falls, and later attended college at Oklahoma University. She married Reece West, also from Wichita Falls, on Nov. 7, 1959. In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, West was also very active in many civic and charitable organizations in Wichita Falls. After she moved to Dallas in 2001, she focused her volunteer efforts on HIV prevention and education organizations, most notably Legacy Counseling Center and the Resource Center of Dallas, where she served on the agency’s board of directors. West was also an active supporter of DIFFA Dallas and the Dallas/Fort Worth Black Tie Dinner, both of which raise funds for the fight against AIDS. After being diagnosed with cancer, West began treatment but rarely slowed her busy schedule and many activities. She never met a stranger and all who had the privilege of meeting her were instantly drawn to her amazing personality, warmth and smile. West was proceeded in death by her parents, James and Mabel Terrill. She is survived by her loving family, including son Kirk West of Dallas and granddaughters Lindsey and Katie; daughter Kim Dinsdale of Grand Island, N.E., son-in-law Tom and two grandsons, Michael and Jackson; and son Adam West and daughter-in-law Susie of Waxahachie and granddaughters Savannah, Olivia and Madeline Jo. West is also survived by her brother Alan Terrill and sister-in-law JoeAnn, and their sons Ben and Bart of Oklahoma City. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, May 31 at 2 p.m. at the Sparkman/Hillcrest Chapel in Dallas Donations can be made in West’s memory to Legacy Counseling Center of Dallas, the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch or Uptown Players in Dallas.

Patrick Kent Ellender A celebration of life for Patrick Kent Ellender will be held Friday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at the home he shared with his partner, Bill Mantz, 2021 St. Francis Ave. in Dallas. Ellender, 42, died April 29 at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. His funeral was held May 4, at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home chapel, Sulphur, La. Deacon Johnny Mounce officiated. His body was cremated. Ellender was born June 6, 1965 in Sulphur and graduated from Sulphur High School before joining the U.S. Navy Reserves. He attended the University of Louisiana — Lafayette and graduated from LeTourneau University in Longview. He worked as a massage therapist and had previously worked as office manager at the Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance. Ellender was active in many organizations over the years. They included the Dallas Independent Volleyball Association and the Cathedral of Hope where he was a member of the Positive Voices chorus. Survivors include his partner, Bill Mantz of Dallas; his parents, Milford and Glenda Ellender of Sulphur; two brothers, Steve Ellender and wife, Ramona, and Mark Ellender and wife, Andrea, all of Carlyss, La.; three sisters, Lisa Ellender Johnson and Melissa Ellender, both of Grand Lake, La., and Cherie Manard and husband, Rodney, of Sulphur; and longtime friends Randy Belshe of Sulphur, Chuck Roundtree of Houston, Michael Jarzombek of San Antonio, Sam Geer of Atlanta, Ga., and Hunt Palmquist and Casey Puckett both of Dallas. Remembrances may be made to the Alex Sanger Elementary School Garden, 8410 San Leandro Drive, Dallas, Texas 75218.