Floy Maberry, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2008.  Floy was an amazing woman. She was a Texas Native that lived most of her extraordinary life in Midland with her family.  She was a talented seamstress as well as a dedicated mother.  She was involved with the Masons, and the Rainbow Girls.  She had developed a wonderful occupation of organizing, and managing estate sales.  Floy loved to dance and work in her garden.  She loved iris, and always wanted one of every kind of pink iris we could get for her.  Floy was a wonderful friend and West Texas Iris Society member.  She served in every office and was President many times over the 25 years she was a member. 

In 2006, WTIS developed a special award in honor of Floy.  It is an award for the best pink iris in the show and we named it the Pink “Floy” award.  Each and every year, we will remember the wonderful kind lovely Floy Maberry.

Floy is survived by daughters; Nancy Helen Maberry and WTIS society member, Janice Maberry Harrington of Midland; brother, Ben Rosentreter of Yoakum; sisters, Gladys Rosentreter Shaw of San Angelo and Ruby Rosentreter Smith of Haltom City; and several grandchildren. We send our love and the thoughts:

If we had a single iris for every time we think of you,

we could walk forever in our garden.

And:

Sweet is the memory of distant friends! 
Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly,
yet sadly, on the heart.
 

Clawson Pipkin passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2008.  Clawson and his wife Nancy have been very active members for several years.  Clawson was a very enthusiastic iris lover.  He started the pathway to becoming an AIS judge.  He always worked hard and could be depended upon to be there and be on time and ready to work.  Clawson retired and keep his auctioneer license current to provide services for not-profit organizations and churches.  In 2002 he volunteered for Ranchland Hills Baptist Church in Midland and the Lott Moon auction to raise funds to send to missionaries.  In 2005 he volunteered for Hillcrest Baptist Church in Midland and the Lott Moon auction to raise funds to send to missionaries.   In 2006 he acted as assistant auctioneer at the American Iris Society Region 17 rhizome auction in Dallas. In September 2008 he was going to be the auctioneer for the WTIS hosted American Iris Society Region 17 Rhizome Auction in Midland. 

Another of Clawson's passions was entering cooking contests, and especially loved dutch ovens.

Clawson is survived by his wife, Nancy Pipkin of Midland; sons, Clawson Pipkin Jr. and James Pipkin; daughters, Denise Ann Newton and Rebeccah DeKemper; and several grandchildren.  We send our love and the thought:

 
                Oh heart, if one should say to you that the soul perishes like the body, answer that the iris flower withers, but the rhizome remains.
 

Charles Marchant: On May 17, one of WTIS’s most dedicated members, Barbara Marchant, lost the love of her life. It was a totally unexpected loss of her husband of 44 wonderful years. Charles was a man like no other. He loved fishing, camping, traveling and helping Barbara with her many garden projects. He had a passion for bowling. His name is in the US Bowling Congress Hall of Fame. He bowled three perfect games and several near perfect ones. He coached Midland Youth Bowling League and owned the Pro Shop at AMF Midland Park Lanes. He was respected and known for his wit and sense of humor. Charles had just begun to appreciate the beauty of his wife’s passion for iris. Barbara and Charles have a daughter Carrie (husband Eric) and a son Dan. They have three grandchildren, Ashley, Madison and Caron as well as a sister, brother-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. Charles will be missed by everyone who met him.

I thought I saw your face today, in the sparkle of the morning sun.
And then I heard the angel say, "Their work on earth is done.

I thought I heard your voice today, then laugh your hearty laugh.
And then I heard the angel say, "There's peace dear one at last.

I thought I felt your touch today, in the breeze that rustled by.
And then I heard the angel say, "The spirit never dies.

I thought I saw my broken heart, in the crescent of the moon.
And then I heard the angel say, "The Lord is coming soon.

I thought that you had left me, for the stars so far above.
And then I heard the angel say, "They left you with their love.

I thought that I would miss you so, and never find my way.
And then I heard the angel say, "They're with you every day.

The sun, the wind, the moon, the stars, will forever be around,
reminding you of the love you shared, and the peace they've finally found.