District Nine 2022-2023 Memorials
Anderson County Inc
Candis Kenner Wells
Birth Date: June 3, 1953
Death Date: July 15, 2022
Altrusa Member: 2015
Candy had such a genuine personality that people gravitated toward her. She always had a warm smile and a kind word. She never hesitated when she saw someone in need. Candy also had a passion for helping all kinds of animals. Rufus and Jethro, her beloved dogs, had a special place in her heart. Candy was an active member of the Palestine community. She dedicated much of her time, insight and keen business sense, to several clubs and organizations throughout her life including, Cars of Palestine, Commemorative Air Force, Altrusa International of Anderson County, Association of Desk and Derrick, XAGL-Beta Sigma Phi, to name a few. Her legacy continues via the Candis Kenner Wells Foundation.
Austin
Carlene Torrence Sanders
Birth Date: 03/10/1954
Death Date: 11/7/2022
Altrusa Member: 2012
Carlene became a proud member of Altrusa of Austin in 2012 and during her ten years of service she volunteered for numerous tasks and positions. At the club level, Carlene served on the Board of Directors, Chairwomen of the Scholarship Committee and helped with the formation of Austin ASTRA Club. She also served as the Chairwomen of the Membership Committee and even hosted a Membership Retreat at her home. Carlene held the positions of Secretary & President of the Foundation and was an instrumental part of developing and writing Austin Club’s grant submissions funded by Altrusa International. She proudly spearheaded our service projects “Birthday Bags” for foster children for 8 years and our most recent “Thank You Teachers” for a local elementary school. Carlene will be remembered fondly by the Austin club for her dedication and passion for literacy and education.
Copperas Cove
Linda Thomas Bode
Birth Date: 9-5-47
Death Date: 4-4-23
Altrusa Member: 2018
Linda joined Altrusa in Feb of 2018. She was very active in the book distribution program, Grace United Methodist Church backpack ministry, Support Our Students, Make a Difference Day Head Start book distribution, appreciation lunches for city workers, appreciation treats for fire fighters and police officers, Christmas on the Farm, and our annual golf classic. Her service to the club as board director for 2 years and secretary for 4 was invaluable.
Linda enjoyed playing cards and dominos every week with fellow Altrusans and other friends. She was “the egg lady”. She brought eggs to the weekly card games, charging a whopping $2.50 a dozen. Luckily, her neighbor's chickens were very productive, because they were very popular. She enjoyed gardening, walking, baking, helping the elderly and caregivers, and physical fitness. She found love again with her old high school beau. Unfortunately, she passed before he could move back from Florida, but he would come visit quite often. She will be missed as part of our organization and her many friends, but we know she is looking down on us with a smile on her face.
Downtown Dallas
Kathaleen K. Bauer
Birth Date: June 18, 1947
Death Date: May 11, 2022
Altrusa Member: 1982
A charter member and two-time president of the Downtown Dallas club, Kathaleen tirelessly recruited members, hosted events, chaired service projects, happily engaged in fundraising, and volunteered for countless club duties (she was serving as parliamentarian at the time of her death). Kathaleen had several careers, most recently as a financial advisor; she credited her time as District Nine treasurer with giving her the confidence to pursue that opportunity. She brought the Downtown Dallas club back from the brink of extinction in 1986 when she organized a membership tea that doubled the club's size and resulted in two then-future, now-past Governors becoming Altrusans; she served the District as Director as well as Treasurer; and she was a mentor to many and a friend to all in the club she loved. Kathaleen was the second U.S. female to be named a Manitoba Master Angler, catching at least one qualifying trophy fish in ten different eligible species, and an honorary board member of the foundation which restored wolves to Yellowstone National Park and established a research center at Sea Turtle, Inc. in South Padre Island. Kathaleen is survived by her husband of 41 years, John; her stepdaughter, Julie; her beloved grandchildren, Christian, Harlan, and Hannah; and legions of friends from scores of Dallas charities, SMU, the Ferndale fishing club, District Nine, and the Downtown Dallas club.
Greenville
Christine Haskins
Birth Date: December 25, 1952
Death Date: January 8, 2023
Altrusa Member: 2018-2021
She was an honorary Mother and Aunt Chris to many many friends and family throughout her 70 years. A Registered Nurse for 42 years, Army Veteran & MBA, she was a constant student always looking to learn more and listening to learn better.
She will be incredibly missed by all those who knew her and had the fortune to be around for a laugh in her presence.
Richardson
Ruth Tinnes
Birth Date: June 7, 1945
Death Date: December 29, 2022
Altrusa Member: 2016
Ruth Tinnes became an Altrusan in 2016. She loved the Altrusa Wine and Cheese Literacy Society (aka “Book Club”) and attended those events as often as possible. Ruth was originally from Flint, MI but seemed very happy to become a Texan. Her husband, Eric, was her rock and made sure that she was able to attend not only the Altrusa meetings but also many Altrusa social events. Ruth was a very caring person who treasured her friends.
SETCER
Olivia Bernice Boyers
Birth Date: July 28, 1944
Death Date: October 20, 2022
Altrusa Member: 1999
Olivia Bernice Boyers became a member of Altrusa international of Southeast Tarrant County Early Risers, Inc. in January 1999. Olivia was a great asset and member to our group. She worked tirelessly on our Membership Committee, Ways and Means and Literacy. She was always available and ready to give a helping hand when needed. We will miss her quick wit and beautiful smile. Olivia was a widow, a loving mom, mother-in-law, and becoming a grandmother was one of the greatest events in her life.
SETCER
Diana M. Smith (William)
Birth Date: 12/18
Death Date: 3/30/2023
Altrusa Member: 1997
Diana M. Smith (William) was born in Toledo, Ohio, and was a 1997 Charter Member of Altrusa Southeast Tarrant County Early Risers (SETCER). During her many very active Altrusa years, Diana served as President, Parliamentarian, Chair and Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. During her reign on the Newsletter and Yearbook committees, Diana was extremely creative and produced (along with her son) slide shows shown at various SETCER fundraising events and brochures used for membership recruitment. Her vast amount of historical knowledge was very beneficial to SETCER in their decision-making process regarding projects, activities, and numerous other Club endeavors. She loved and supported Altrusa by attending many District Nine Conferences, donating items for auctions and door prizes, and incorporating and promoting Altrusa into her community and many other organizations. Other organization affiliations included the League of Women Voters of Arlington, Chi Eta Phi, Lambda Eta Chapter Nurses Sorority, AAUW, and the Health Ministry at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Professionally, Diana initially retired after 21 years of service as a Surgical Services Nursing Administrator and later retired from Community Health Clinic Nursing. As a historical trail blazer, Diana was a 1996 Olympic Torch Bearer who enjoyed reading, traveling, and going to casinos. Diana will be missed by all but never forgotten.