Grace Gardens Funeral Home

08/04/2026

Gaynell Smith

Gaynell Smith, 89, of Robinson, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, at St. Catherine's Nursing Home in Waco.

Born on May 2, 1937, in Lampasas, Texas, Gaynell was the daughter of Thomas and Opal Haynie. She grew up with a love for horseback riding, treasured her beloved dogs, and embraced the simple joys of country life. She graduated from Lampasas High School in 1955 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from West Texas State University.

Teaching was never just a profession for Gaynell—it was her life's calling. Over the course of an extraordinary 40-year career in education, she devoted herself to shaping young minds and encouraging generations of elementary school students. She taught in Pampa, Dimmitt, DeKalb, Marlin, and ultimately Midway Independent School District, where her dedication and love for her students earned her the admiration of parents, and fellow educators alike. She was honored as Teacher of the Year at multiple schools throughout her career, a testament to the lasting impact she made in the classroom.

Beyond her career, Gaynell lived a life rooted in faith, friendship, and family. She was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Lorena. She enjoyed her Bible Study Fellowship. She was also a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the international society for women educators, where she formed lasting friendships with fellow teachers.

Gaynell found joy in life's little celebrations. She loved decorating her home for Christmas, gathering with friends for Bunco, and caring for animals throughout her life. She was a gracious hostess who delighted in bringing family and friends together around the table, where she was known for making what some considered the very best chicken and dumplings.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Opal Haynie; her sister, Glynda Mitchell; and her brother, Wendell Haynie.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Stephen Smith and wife, Tonya; her sister Nancy Phillips and husband Chris of Woodbridge, California; her brother, Thomas Haynie of Cleburne, Texas; her sister Melissa Lawson and husband, Ronnie of Temple, Texas; her brother Ricky Haynie and wife, Pam of Lampasas, Texas; her grandchildren, Jordan Smith and Sidney Walmsley; her great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Andrea "Sam" Samuel and her husband, James Samuel, Pam Dominick, Karen Patterson, and Stephanie Mitchell for the compassion and care they showed Gaynell, and for the many ways they supported and checked on her throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Animals Have Hearts Too in Lorena, Texas, in honor of Gaynell's lifelong love for animals.

View Gaynell Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/03/2026

Ora Evelyn Sorrells

Ora Evelyn Sorrells, age 92, of McLennan County, Texas, passed away on August 3, 2026.

Born on August 15, 1933, in McLennan County, Evelyn was the daughter of Alvin and Inez Sorrells. She graduated from McGregor High School and went on to dedicate her professional life to caring for others through her work at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center. She faithfully served in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory as a supervising Histotechnologist for an extraordinary 47 years before her retirement.

Evelyn was a gifted athlete whose competitive spirit and determination were evident throughout her life. During the 1950s, she played softball in the Waco Women's League and had a lifelong love for sports of every kind. She was also an accomplished bowler, making local history as the first woman in Waco to bowl a perfect 300 game. Whether on the softball field, at the bowling alley, on a motorcycle, or enjoying a day on the water, Ora embraced life with enthusiasm and confidence. She loved boating, motorcycles, the outdoors, and any opportunity to stay active.

Known for her tenacity, independence, and natural leadership, Evelyn was strong-willed, resilient, and deeply compassionate. She possessed a generous heart and quietly looked for ways to help those around her, often meeting needs behind the scenes without ever seeking recognition.

Her faith was an important part of her life. As a longtime member of Searsville Church, Evelyn faithfully served her church family with quiet dedication. She believed in seeing a need and doing what she could to meet it, always preferring that the focus remain on others rather than herself.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Inez Sorrells; her brothers, A.D. Sorrells, Jr., Allen Ray Sorrells and Kenneth Neil Sorrells; her brother-in-law, Jim Porter; and nephew, Mike Sorrells.

She is survived by her sister, Donna Porter; her sister-in-law, Robin Fitzgerald; and her extended family, Chris Porter, Tiffini Porter, Cayla Porter, Christian Bowman, Vanessa Sorrells, Thomas Sorrells, Robert Sorrells and Nicole Sorrells, along with many friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, strength, and steadfast example.

Evelyn will be remembered as a woman of unwavering determination, quiet generosity, and enduring faith. Her legacy of service, compassion, and strength will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

The family wishes to thank Casi, Joe, Ashley, Melissa, Trina, Penny and Alma with Halcyon Hospice for their loving care

08/03/2026

The most beautiful funeral home in Waco is also the most welcoming. You don't need an appointment — or a reason — to walk through Grace Gardens. Many families find peace simply seeing the space long before they ever need it. Come take a look anytime. 🌿 From our family, lovingly serving yours.

www.gracegardensfh.com

08/03/2026

Kelly Lee Cassidy

Kelly Lee Cassidy, age 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Texas on July 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 18, 1958, in California, Kelly lived a life defined by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for those around him. He was a man of knowledge and boundless love for his family, always chasing new adventures — from baseball and golf, to joining the Navy, to raising and showing dogs. Throughout his career as a laser technician, Kelly's innovative mind and passion for solving problems were evident in everything he did, always pushing to see what more could be accomplished.

Kelly was also a lifelong student of martial arts, eventually earning his black belt. He loved learning it as much as he loved teaching it, and made time to pass it on to his children and others whenever he could.

Outside of work, he found happiness on the golf course, during poker nights with friends, and in his woodworking shop, where he transformed ideas into remarkable creations — often building something for his grandkids. In retirement, he spent much of his time traveling around the country to be with family.

Kelly is survived by his daughter, Heather Mason, and son-in-law, Matthew Mason; his son, Matthew Cassidy, and daughter-in-law, Ashley Cassidy; his grandchildren, Parker Mason and Elexander Cassidy; his mother, Georgia Lee; and his siblings Daniel, Larry, David, Melinda, Thomas, and Kathleen. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Cassidy.

Those who knew Kelly will remember him for his generous heart, his unwavering love for his family, and his remarkable ability to dream big. His kindness, humor, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, Kelly's legacy lives on through the love he shared and the memories his family will forever cherish.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

View Kelly Lee Cassidy's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/01/2026

When you choose cremation at Grace Gardens, your loved one never leaves our care. Our on-site crematorium means no outside transport, no handing off to strangers — just one trusted family, from the first call to the final goodbye. A quiet promise that means everything. 🕊️

From our family, lovingly serving yours.
📞 www.gracegardensfh.com/cremation-services

07/31/2026

Children grieve too — and they take our words literally. Telling a child a loved one "went to sleep" can make them afraid of bedtime. Experts say the kindest path is simple, honest, age-appropriate truth. Our Children & Grief guide can help you find the words.

🌿 From our family, lovingly serving yours.
www.gracegardensfh.com/children-grief

07/30/2026

Rachel Richard

Rachel Richard, born April 13, 1939 in Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, with her loving granddaughters and daughter by her side. As her family gathers to remember her, we are filled with gratitude for the remarkable life she led and the legacy she leaves within our hearts.

Rachel’s journey was defined by her tenacity and resilience from a young age. She attended Axtell Schools and later pursued her education passionately, earning multiple associates degrees from McLennan Community College. Throughout her life, she nurtured a tireless curiosity and a deep belief in the power of learning, encouraging those around her never to stop growing.

Family was the heart of Rachel’s world. She is lovingly survived by her daughters Michelle Nelson and Debra Chapman, and husband Rickey, her beloved grandchildren—Mindy Wells and husband Terence, Paige Hartom and fiance Tyler Oglesby, Josiah Hartom and wife Celia, Autumn Finchum and husband Keith, Roy Celis III, Amy Cleveland and husband Chris, Shawna Howard and husband Brayden, Kody Chapman, Shawn Chapman, —brought her immeasurable pride and joy. Her great-grandchildren: Cameron, Myles, Brewer, Lyrah, Christopher and wife Pamela, Nicholas, River, Kirstyn, Caydin, Rhett, Conner, great great grandchildren, Adalee, Addison, and Asher, her son-in-law John Hartom.

Rachel’s world was shaped not just by those she leaves behind, but by those she loved and lost. Her parents, Claude and Mahaila Moss, daughter, Sheila Russell and a dear cousin, Benevelyn preceded her in death, and their memory remained dearly held in Rachel’s heart.

To know Rachel was to encounter a remarkable blend of s***k and compassion. She was s***ky, spicy, and often cheerfully sarcastic, yet she never forgot a kindness, a promise, or even the smallest detail about those she cared for. She was a fighter—a true overcomer on life’s difficult path—and her will to keep moving forward inspired all who knew her. Rachel was famous among her family for saying, “It’s around here somewhere,” a phrase that now brings laughter and sweet memories to those remembering her sharp wit.

Rachel’s deepest pride came from being a helping hand in the AA community, where she stood as a sponsor to many during her extraordinary 52-year journey to freedom and recovery. The countless lives she touched and the hope she instilled in others is a legacy that will never fade.

Gift-giving was one of Rachel’s greatest joys, and she found creative delight in presenting even the smallest treasures. Even while in her nursing facility, she would share the items she earned playing bingo, wanting everyone around her to have a gift. She was a skilled and imaginative gift wrapper, and never missed an opportunity to give a thoughtful card for any occasion. Rachel’s love for little pleasures—especially chocolate—and her joy in dining out with loved ones will be lovingly remembered.

To all who knew her, Rachel was a beacon of steadfast love and fierce loyalty. She created a home filled with laughter, surprise packages, and warm family dinners—memories that now live on as cherished treasures for her family and friends.

A visitation to honor Rachel’s life will be held on August 4, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium, 8220 Woodway Dr, Woodway, TX 76712. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Gerald Cemetery, 3782 Bode Rd, Elm Mott, TX 76640, beginning at 12:45 p.m.

In this time of farewell, Rachel Richard’s spirit lives on through generations—each sharing her spark, her generosity, and her unbreakable will. Her memory will forever be a comfort and a blessing to all whose lives were touched by her enduring kindness and love.

View Rachel Richard's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/29/2026

One of the most loving things you can do for your family is decide before they have to. Pre-planning spares them from guessing your wishes in a fog of grief — and locks in today's prices. It isn't about death. It's about protecting the people you love.

🌿 From our family, lovingly serving yours.
www.gracegardensfh.com/plan-ahead