Ranger Exes Memorial - RHS Class of 1955

Norma Richardson NORMA JEAN RICHARDSON CARNES, 70, passed away on Aug. 9, 2007. She was born July 5, 1937 in White Flat, TX. She was one of a set of identical twins born that day, to Norman and "Tiny" Richardson who lived in Ranger, TX. She attended elementary school at St. Rita's Catholic School. Norma Jean attended Jr. High and High school at Ranger High School where she and her twin Linda Kathyleen Richardson (RHS-1955) were head cheerleaders. They were cheerleaders for the 1953 Bulldog State Football Champs. She married Ray "Vern" Meroney in 1956. They lived in Ranger, and ran the radio station in Eastland. They had 2 children Linda Jean Meroney and Danny Ray Meroney. Norma Jean divorced in 1960. She then began to pursue a career in dentistry. She attended dental college at Sam Houston College in Houston, Texas. She then moved to Midland, Texas to work for an Oral Surgeon, "Dr. Dan M. Carnes." She was not just a dental assistant, she was the assistant, the front office, Insurance, and Hygienist as well. She worked for "Doc" for 14 years. Then, Dr. Carnes' daughter, "Cindy Wakimoto" and Norma Jean's daughter Linda Jean (co-hearts in crime and showing horses) thought it would be a good idea to get Norma and Doc "together"... they began dating in 1974 and were married in 1975. They continued to work together until their retirement in 1985. Norma and Doc were founding members of the West Texas Hunter Retriever Club. She and her dog Topper and Doc and his dog Charlie participated in and won many field trials. She enjoyed throwing bumpers for her dog Topper and taking him to the field trials. Going hunting ... not so much. Doc was hospitalized the last year of his life, she stayed most of each day at the hospital with him. During that time (1996) her twin sister Kathyleen Lilley passed away. Dr. Carnes passed in 1997. She continued to participate in the Hunter Retriever club until her Mother became ill in 1997. She again, stayed at the hospital with her Mother until she passed in February, 1998. Shortly thereafter her father, Norman had a heart attack. Norma moved back to Ranger to care for her Father. She had lived there a short time when she became ill. After many months of doctors appointments and testing she was diagnosed with peripheral Nueropathy. She took it all in stride and began getting treatments that allowed her to resume her normal daily activities. She was an active member of the Mountain Top Church in Cisco. She enjoyed going to church and other activities at the church. She and her dog topper enjoyed throwing a Frisbee in the mornings and taking drives in the afternoon. Her father Norman passed in 2006. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in early 2007. She fought a hard fight, putting up with all the side effects that chemo brings with it. She always took everything in stride and tried to accept each new challenge as she did the first. Her fight was hard and strong. She fought hard and fast until the cancer caught up with her. Even then, she fought a fight that amazed even the medical staff. She is survived by 2 daughters Linda Meroney of Dallas TX, Cindy Wakimoto of Laughlin, NV, 1 son Danny Meroney of Ranger, nephews Ron Lilley of Odessa and Robbie Lilley, Crane, TX. A grandson Casey Meroney of Eastland, TX. Her dog Topper and granddaughter dog Punk.