Elizabeth Blanton Wolf 1944-2021

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Elizabeth Blanton Wolf, RN, departed this life on Aug. 12, 2021 surrounded by those who loved her most. Affectionately known as “Libby,” she was born in Red River County, in the city of Clarksville. She was the youngest of three children born to Ben and Mildred Blanton. Libby spent her formative years in Clarksville and by all accounts she loved the area. A business opportunity took the family to Mineola, and subsequently the family relocated to Abilene where she graduated from high school and played clarinet in the marching band. After graduation from Abilene High School, she attended McMurry University. There she met and married Clint Horne, and the young couple started a family initially settling in Colorado before eventually returning to Abilene. 

Upon returning to Abilene, Lib, graduated from Mary Meeks School of Nursing and immediately began working as a healthcare provider. She found her calling in hospice and palliative care. For the remainder of her career, she devoted her energies to caring for the infirm and vulnerable. She served with distinction as the hospice director for nearly 20 years. She found her work in this area rewarding and life affirming. More than most, Lib understood the integration of physical, emotional, spiritual and practical support necessary for patients at the end of life. She was so committed to palliative care that she and her family sponsored a visitation room at Hendrick’s Hospice Care, and in March 2021 they endowed a nursing scholarship at Hardin Simmons University School of Nursing. The Elizabeth Blanton Wolf Scholarship was designed to assist women returning to university studies to pursue a career in nursing. 

Elizabeth knew the importance of giving back to her community and she made good on that promise. A second marriage to legendary Abilene plastic surgeon, Dr. Roland Wolf, expanded not only their family and but also their commitment to healthcare. They lived their uniquely American Dream on the Golden Wolf Ranch which was the site of treasured family adventures and holiday get-togethers. In truth, they ran a wildlife sanctuary and “emergency room” on the ranch, and you can bet that any wounded creature would be nursed back to health and fully rehabilitated. They believed in family and community, and they opened their doors to family, friends and neighbors.

Lib was a unique woman, and she was even unique among unique women. She was kind of spirit and generous to a fault. After three decades of distinguished service in hospice and palliative care, she was fearless in the face of death, but she never lost her compassion for those affected. She had a gentle countenance and clinical capacity that instilled confidence in grieving families. She was unafraid and she helped her patients to be less afraid and that is important. She will be deeply missed. 

She adored her family and they adored her. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Mildred, and Ben Blanton of Clarksville; her brother, Dr. Charles Renick Blanton of Abilene; and her late husband, Dr. Roland O. Wolf of Abilene. She is survived by her sister, Dr. Patricia L. Blanton of Dallas; her children, Pamela Quill of Rockwall, Melissa Millikin of Carrolton, Dr. Mary Ann Wolf Curl of Washington State, Roland Wolf, Jr. of Abilene and Jon Wolf of Austin. Extended family include David Quill, Hollis Millikin, Erik Curl, Dr. Theresa Gonzales and Joseph Gonzales. Lib was blessed to have ten grandchildren who simply adored her: Jordan Daffron, Jensen Daffron, Randall Quill, William Millikin, Claire Millikin, Zane Grey Wolf, Loralie Wolf, Haley Wolf, Tristan Curl and Liam Curl. She was also blessed to have numerous nieces and nephews, Kelly Blanton, Mary Beth Blanton Wallis and Benjamin Blanton who enriched her life in many ways.

Lib never forgot her roots in Clarksville and her love for Red River County. In 2015, she championed the renovation of the Craftsman style house located at 1100 West Main Street, thereby preserving that property for future generations. She never missed the opportunity to return to Clarksville and visit with family and friends. She loved the area and her family and friends who called Clarksville home.

Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 in Lindeman Chapel of Clarksville Funeral Home. Private graveside services will follow under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in her name to one of two of Lib’s favorite charities:

Light Up A Life | Healthcare Services in the Texas Midwest (hendrickhealth.org) 

or the Red River County Humane Society, P.O. Box 45, Clarksville, Texas 75426.