Lillian Wanelle Messer Mize

Lillian Wanelle "Poodle" Messer Mize, 82, passed away Monday, February 18, 2008 in a Weatherford nursing home surrounded by her loving family.Born August 16, 1925 in Paducah, Texas, she was the only child of the late Lillian Beatrice Gore Messer and Thomas Allen Messer of Weatherford. After leaving Paducah, Wanelle traveled with her parents throughout west Texas as they were engaged in building cotton gins in several small towns. She attended High Schools in Weatherford, Fort Worth, and Rotan, Texas, where she met and married Weldon "Doc" Barron Mize November 27, 1942, who preceded her in death October 16, 1996. She returned to Weatherford during World War II while Doc served in the Pacific Theatre as combat engineer. After the war, they made their home in Lubbock, Texas, where Doc finished his Masters Degree in education at Texas Tech University and they began a career of teaching and coaching football and track in Ralls, Lockney, and finally Slaton, Texas, where they retired. They formed relationships in those towns with students, parents, and fellow teachers and coaches that lasted their lifetime. Poodle was a stay at home mom, raising three children, Jack, Tina, and Terry. Colonel Doc Mize continued his military career in the Army Reserves until 1975, and Poodle was able to travel to many places with him while on active duty. Poodle was a member of the Kappa Kappa Iota, the educator's sorority. Poodle enjoyed many things, reading and traveling were her favorites, as well as spending time with her family and friends.Poodle was afflicted in 1990 with Guillian-Bare Syndrome, and served as an inspiration to all, as she was determined to overcome her disability and fight through the adversity. We were all blessed to have had her with us so many years afterwards, and that she was able to meet and pass along her knowledge and thoughts to her children and grandchildren. Survivors include son, Jack Mize and wife, Cindy, of Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Tina Roberts and husband, Larry, of Weatherford; son, Terry Mize and wife, Tammy, of Olathe, Kan.; grandchildren, Robert Mize, Steve LaValley, Jason Roberts, Jennifer Roberts, Matthew Mize, Mitchell Mize; and great-grandson, Ethan Roberts. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Dorothy Tolan, Lenora Waldon, Wilda Mize; and a host of loving family and friends. Funeral services are scheduled 11 a.m. Friday, February 22, 2008 at White's Chapel of Memories, 130 Houston Avenue, Weatherford. Burial will follow in City Greenwood Cemetery, corner of Front and North Rusk Streets, Weatherford. The family will receive guests 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at White's Funeral Home in Weatherford.