Visitation is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2025 at Westside Baptist Church, 900 Bellaire Blvd., Lewisville

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Westside Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Old Hall Cemetery in Lewisville.

The post Fred Joseph Mitchell appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

She was 68.

“She passed peacefully with her son Kyle and myself by her side,” her husband Ben said in a statement shared by the nonprofit. “She was an incredible woman, wife, and mother and I will miss her greatly. I know there were so many people that she helped that will miss her as well.”

About 15 years ago, O’Keefe’s 18-year-old son Brett died of an accidental drug overdose. Soon after, O’Keefe formed the nonprofit Winning The Fight, providing drug education, support and resources to people struggling with addiction and their families. O’Keefe received the Flower Mound Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award in 2016, and she attended a White House Opioids Summit in 2018.

“Stacy and I share in the immense grief of the passing of Kathy B. Coules O’Keefe. She is a community champion,” said local real estate agent Jay Marks. “She has saved countless lives. She has sat in hundreds of emergency rooms while a drug overdose victim is having their stomachs pumped. She has mourned with countless parents who has lost a child to drug overdose. And sadly tonight, she has passed away. She was a force of goodness. And could not be stopped in her quest to win the fight and educate people about the dangers of drug addiction. We were honored to work beside her, sponsor her projects and charity. We are better for knowing her. And we will miss her deeply.”

Winning The Fight wants to create a memorial filled with community members’ memories of O’Keefe.

“If you have photos of Kathy — whether they capture a smile, a shared laugh, or a special moment — please send them our way,” the nonprofit said in a social media post. “Your contributions will help us celebrate her incredible spirit and the impact she had on everyone around her.”

Photos can be emailed to paige@wtf-winningthefight.org or texted to 214-435-1154.

Kathy O’Keefe (1958-2024)

Kathy Beth O’Keefe, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, December 31^st 2024, surrounded by family after battling complications from liver cancer. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, and a friend to many. Born September 27^th, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois, Kathy was raised by her parents, Harry and Katherine Coules, along with her brother, Jim. Following her passion, Kathy attended and graduated from the Harrington Institute with a degree in Design. She worked as an Interior Designer in Dallas and subsequently, Los Angeles, where she met her husband, Ben. They married in 1989, and had two children, Kyle (1990) and Brett (1992).

In 1995, they moved to Flower Mound, TX, where Kathy started her own company (Kathy B.), selling women’s purses and accessories. After the loss of her son Brett to addiction in 2010, Kathy became a community resource for kids and families struggling with addiction, inspiring her to start her life’s work: ‘Winning the Fight’ (WTF) in 2011. WTF is an organization focused on helping families navigate the challenging road of addiction. As CEO and founder, Kathy worked tirelessly with WTF to help those who did not know where to turn during a difficult time and has brought hope to and provided resources for hundreds of families in Flower Mound and the greater Dallas area. Her work also included frequent visits to middle and high schools throughout Texas, where she taught children about drug awareness and the dangers of addiction. Kathy will always be remembered for the love and compassion she showed all who have crossed paths with WTF.  She fought endlessly for those in need, those she loved, and those who had so much more life to live.

Kathy was also a member of the Cross Timbers Rotary Club. As a Rotarian, she focused on teaching the community about life-saving measures to take to help to reverse drug overdoses using Naloxone.

When not helping people through WTF, Kathy spent her free time painting, creating other art, and spending time with friends. The word ‘no’ was not in her vocabulary, as she was always the organizer, host, helper, and life of the party. She was also a voracious reader, an avid traveler, and a frequent lover of live music including attending over 27 concerts with Ben in 2023.

Kathy was predeceased by her father Harry, brother Jim, and son Brett. She is survived by her mother Katherine, husband Ben, and son Kyle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ‘Winning the Fight’ to help continue her work supporting the families navigating addiction. Information on WFT and a link to donate can be found at wtf-winningthefight.org

The post Winning The Fight founder dies appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

James has always lived his life with a strong passion and love for his family, and that became coupled with a love for the fire service after seeing his stepdad, Bobby transported by EMS. Immediately after, James started his career in the fire service as a volunteer in Springtown, Texas where he received the “Rookie of the Year” award and continued to serve for 10 years as a firefighter before joining the Flower Mound Fire Department in 2007.

During his 17 years of service to the Flower Mound Fire Department, James was twice awarded the “Firefighter of the Year” award. He is forever known by his peers as being a master in the craft of firemanship. He was a mentor to any and all who had the privilege to work a shift with him or to train with him. He was always calm in the midst of chaos, he had advice and encouragement for anyone needing it, and if there was any job you needed done, Bobbitt could do it.

Esophageal cancer is not one of the 11 presumptive cancers for firefighters in the State of Texas. During James’ battle, he made it his mission to help lay the groundwork to have his cancer added to that presumptive list so no other firefighters would have to fight the same battle he fought. His brothers intend to see that mission through to the end.

James is survived by his loving family: mother Glenda, brother Tommy, wife Amy, daughter Addison and step-children CJ, Rachael, Hillary and Justin. James loved them all unconditionally.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Flower Mound Family Funeral Home, 3550 Firewheel Dr., Flower Mound, TX 75028. The funeral will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at First Baptist Church Lewisville, 1251 Valley Ridge Blvd., Lewisville, TX 75077 at 10 a.m. Graveside Service will be at the Springtown Cemetery, 123 Main St., Springtown, TX 76082.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. 

The post James Bobbitt appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

In 1975, as a young wife and mother, Kathy began a career with the Town of Flower Mound. Kathy dedicated her heart and soul for 30-plus years, working with many town managers, staff, town councils, and planning and zoning commissions. In 2006, the mayor of Flower Mound proclaimed February 24, 2006 as “Kathy Aljoe Day.”

Kathy was also proudly recognized as a “Woman Who Makes a Difference” in politics for the Lewisville community in 1994.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Aljoe; her son, Michael Aljoe and his wife Kris of Colleyville; her daughter, Colleen Davidson of Allen; grandson, Michael (Tyler) Aljoe and his wife Jen of Oklahoma City; granddaughter, Tanna Kirchmer and her husband Kevin of Hawaii; brothers, Jack Gottler of Rochester, New York, Dan Gottler of Macedon, New York, David Gottler of Macedon, New York; sisters, Debra Miller of Rochester, New York, Susan Gottler of Rochester, New York; and a host of wonderful nieces and nephews in the Rochester and surrounding areas.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, 12 p.m., at Mulkey Mason Funeral Home Chapel, 740 S. Edmonds Ln., Lewisville, TX 75067. The Reverend Raymond McDaniel will be officiating. Interment will follow at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

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Long before Marcus High School existed, the four-lane highway that passes his former homestead started life as a dirt road through the Morriss family’s peanut farm. His dad was good friends with Flower Mound’s first mayor, Bob Rheudasil, which proved instrumental in naming the street in honor of the Morriss family.

Read more about Ralph Morriss from a 2015 interview here and a 2020 interview here.

Read Ralph Morriss’ Obituary here.

The post Ralph Eugene Morriss appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Jill was born in Fort Worth on February 6, 1959, to her parents Betty Ruth (Ward) and Clayton Gene McMinn. She graduated from Trinity High School. Jill went on to work in careers as a buyer throughout her lifetime. Jill married Kip Goodchild on June 27, 1998, and welcomed his sons Tyler and Trey into her life.

Jill was loving wife and mother. She loved planning and hosting events to celebrate both big and small moments in her family members’ lives. Jill had a special passion for Christmas and loved to decorate, give gifts, and make delicious home-cooked meals. Her family members cherish memories of her delightful smile, infectious laughter, and stubborn willpower that kept her going throughout her health challenges. Jill’s greatest gift was sharing her heart with everyone that knew her.

Surviving Jill and remembering her with love are her husband, Kip; sons Tyler (Miranda) Goodchild of Rock Rapids, IA and Trey (Crystal) Goodchild of Flower Mound; grandchildren Turner, Aysa, Zion, Tatum, Tinley, and Okly; stepfather Fred Terryn (Hurst, TX), and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members, including two great-nieces, Abby Hall and Bella Thomas, who were especially close to her.

Preceding her in death were her father, Clayton McMinn; mother, Betty Terryn; and siblings Carol Hook, Ron McMinn, and Tena Brock.

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Steve is survived by his wife of 35 years Celeste (Speight) Waldroop of Roanoke, TX; his two daughters, Lauren Waldroop of Bremerton, WA, and Sydney Waldroop-Maclin and husband Dillon of Fort Worth; one grandson; one sister, Larraine Waldroop of Bristow, OK; and his summer mother, Lillie Wiedel of Coweta, OK. He is preceded in death by both parents and his summer father, Art Wiedel.

Steve and Celeste raised their two daughters in Flower Mound and have lived in Roanoke for the last 8 years. Steve was a proud husband and father and told anyone within earshot about his loving family. He was proud of his grandson and had big plans for the two of them to share. Brother Steve was a Past Master of Pentagon Lodge #1080 in Dallas, Texas. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his brothers and giving back to the community.

Steve first received an associate’s degree in Theater Arts, which added to his already fun nature. He later achieved a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems. He was a Project Management Professional and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. He was fortunate to travel all over the world training and certifying Green Belts in the art of Lean Six Sigma methodology.

Steve was an avid automobile and motorcycle enthusiast, which runs in the family. Coming from a long line of mechanics, he rode motorcycles for over 45 years. Steve shared his passions with everyone around him, especially his wife and daughters. He could meet a total stranger and talk for hours about cars or motorcycles. Steve made riding an art form which was absolutely beautiful to see.

Steve held himself to the highest standards and was a man of integrity. He taught his daughters how to be independent and strong women, and how to work on cars.

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for October 20, 2024, at 2 p.m. at The Paddock at Champions Circle located at 3264 Championship Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

Steve was passionate about supporting children battling brain tumors through the Ride for Kids program. In his memory, donations can be made to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at team.curethekids.org/waldroop.

The post Steve Waldroop appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Rachelle was a fun loving, rambunctious child who loved the outdoors and fully embraced life. She survived a horrific car accident in 1988 which left her with a traumatic brain injury. Through her determination and hard work, she persevered through numerous rehabilitations and built a beautiful life for herself. She married Frank Loconte on February 14, 1996, and moved to Double Oak in the early 2000s where they raised Olivia, Leonardo, and Vincenzo. Rachelle fully embraced life as a Texan. She loved the heat, big spaces, two-stepping, and country music. She was an avid yoga practitioner and taught yoga classes in her community. As a teenager Rachelle was a competitive swimmer, who later used her talent to teach swimming lessons and coach swim and water polo teams in her community. Rachelle was a beautiful, free spirit who always remembered your birthdays and anniversaries and wanted you to know that you were loved.

Survivors also include her mother, Kathleen Beaton, her siblings Sarah Beaton, Deirdre La Placa, and Alexander Beaton; brothers-in law, Ian Williams and Spencer La Placa and sister-in-law, Daniela Beaton; nephews Kelton Williams, Dominic La Placa and Connor La Placa, niece, Fiona Williams and countless friends.

A service will be held on Saturday, September 21^st at 1 p.m. at Bridgeway Church, 8201 FM 407, Copper Canyon, TX 75077.

Rachelle will always be loved.

The post Rachelle A. Loconte appeared first on Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound | News.

Aiden was an incredibly cheerful and caring boy known for his kindness towards others. He brought joy to all those who knew him. He was a ray of sunshine with a heartwarming smile that brightened each day, and he went out of his way to make sure others were having a good day. Aiden loved learning, playing outside, swimming, video games, Spiderman, cheeseburgers, and ice cream. He also loved music, drawing, and playing with his pets, Bones and Bodhi.

As he finished up his second-grade year, he interviewed for the student Lighthouse Team, a program for students who modeled leadership. He was a friend to all and stranger to none, and he was always ready to offer a high-five, a fist bump, and a smile.

Aiden was the joy of his family – Always ready with his quick wit and sense of humor, keeping the family smiling and laughing. He will be deeply missed, as he was uniquely special and filled with potential.

Aiden is survived by his parents, Brandon Palmer & McKenna Gauer; his Grandparents, Steve & Shawnette Gauer, Kerry Gowland, and Jim & Linda Palmer, along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by his great grandparents, Jean & Frank Gauer.

Aiden’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 24^th at 4 p.m. at Cross Timbers Church, Student Building in Argyle, TX. We invite you to honor Aiden’s life by wearing his favorite colors: Red, tie-dye, and anything Spiderman related.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to Northwest ISD Foundation on behalf of Aiden Northwest ISD Foundation

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