Robert Dennis, 96, and Mary Dennis, 89, of Olton, died Saturday, December 28, 2024, near Olton, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2025, at Olton Methodist Church, with Brother Kyle Brock officiating. Interment will follow at Olton Cemetery under the care of Ramage Funeral Directors. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Ramage Funeral Directors in Olton.

Robert was born December 22, 1928, in Monrovia, California, to Robert Dewey and Rena (Hurst) Dennis. Mary was born August 3, 1935, in Paducah, Texas, to William Alexander and Effie (Berry) Hatley.  Robert graduated from Olton High School in 1946 and later earned his teaching certificate from East Texas State University. Mary also attended Olton schools, as both were lifetime Olton residents. After serving in the United States Navy, Robert and Mary were married on May 12, 1952. They spent the next 72 years doing life together at all times.  Robert taught building trades at Lubbock Cooper High School for 10 years alongside Mary, who worked as the Lubbock Cooper superintendent secretary and tax assessor collector. Robert also taught building trades at Olton High School and they were longtime members of Olton Methodist Church.

In 1980, Robert and Mary opened Dennis Insurance Agency. Along with the insurance business, Mary did tax work and Robert operated The Wood-N-Clock Shop, specializing in antique clocks of all kinds. In 2014, they opened Mary's Stuff and Mary got to enjoy the collecting and selling of all things antique. Robert served as Olton's mayor for many years, was a longtime member of the Olton Lion's Club, was on the board of directors that was instrumental in starting the Runningwater Draw Care Center, and was a Master Mason, attending Olton Masonic Lodge #1247. Mary was a longtime member of the Olton Lion's Club and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was talented and enjoyed quilting, sewing, and oil painting. Robert was a skilled woodworker and they both enjoyed eating breakfast at the local coffee shop. Most of all, Robert and Mary loved spending time with each other.  Whether at work or just around town, they were never apart and will never be forgotten.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Jacquilyn Dennis, and a brother, Don Dennis. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Jacquilyn Dennis, and 14 siblings.

Robert and Mary were survived by their daughter, Tina Garrison and her husband, Brandon of Lubbock. Mary is also survived by her sister, Mae Applewhite of Granbury. They were blessed with three grandchildren: Amanda Sharp and husband Trevor, Chas Hardcastle and wife Leah, and Robby Hardcastle and four great-grandchildren: Addison, Brooke, Wade, and Charlie.

The family suggest memorials be made to the Runningwater Draw Care Center PO Box 409 Olton, Texas 79064.