Willie Belle Middleton

Willie B. Middleton of Denton, Texas passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. She was born May 9, 1920 to her parents, Sidney W. and Velma Hale, in Houston, Texas. She was especially proud of her grandparents, Dr. F.M. and Jennie B. Hale and Edmund D. and Willie G. Walker, who were all early pioneers who played a major role in the establishment of Ballinger, Texas.

During her adult life Willie Belle was an office assistant in the Federal Land Bank of Houston branch in Ballinger. Years later she moved her family to San Angelo and became a loan officer for Dorrance and Asso., agents for Farm and Home Savings Asso. Eighteen years later she became an office manager for First Title Co. from which she retired in 1985. She was a faithful member of the First Methodist Church, spent years as a Hospice volunteer, delivered Meals-on-Wheels, and often reached out to help those in need.

She married Fred Middleton on July 4, 1935. She also enjoyed a brief six- year marriage up until his death to Guy Lavender in her later years. She was preceded in death by her son, Sheriff John W. Middleton. She is survived by her son, Don E. Middleton and wife, Linda, her daughter, Mary McMillan and husband, Sammy, and her daughter-in-law, Nedra Middleton. Willie was very proud of her six grandchildren and her eleven great-grandchildren.

Willie’s family is especially grateful to Integra Hospice Care and the staff of Cottonwood Manor Nursing Home, Denton, Texas who gave exceptional loving care to our mother. We are now blessed knowing that she is at peace in Heaven with those she loved who have gone before her.

Visitation will be at Lange Funeral Home on Friday, August 3 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be graveside only in the Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday, August 4 at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Cottonwood Manor Nursing Home, 2224 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton, TX 76201.