Cecilia "TT" Juanita Henley Capansky

Cecilia "TT" Juanita Henley Capansky was born on a bitterly cold Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1940, in Kenton, Oklahoma. Delivered by a midwife, Mrs. Cochran, she weighed only three pounds at birth. She was the beloved daughter of William "Bill" Henley and Rosie Aragon Henley, whose love and devotion shaped her life.

Cecilia's older brother, Gene, welcomed his tiny baby sister into the family. They were later joined by brother Buddy and sisters Sara and Rosie, creating a close-knit family that remained dear to her throughout her life.

The Henley family later moved to Boise City, Oklahoma, where Cecilia attended school. As a teenager, she began her working life as a carhop at the Dairy Maid before becoming a waitress at the Moonlight Café. She later worked for more than eighteen years at the Townsman Restaurant, where she became well known by the owners, fellow employees, and many local farmers who looked forward to seeing her each morning. During Rita's high school years, mother and daughter had the opportunity to work side by side, creating memories they both cherished.

As a young girl, Cecilia attended the Kenton Methodist Church with her mother and brother Gene. At the age of eleven, she accepted Christ as her Savior, a faith that remained quietly rooted in her heart throughout her life.

For a time, Cecilia lived in Oklahoma City with her dear friends, Marcy and Johnny Baca, where they worked together at El Charito Restaurant. She eventually returned to Boise City, where she married Larry Glendon Capansky, on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1962, in Clayton, New Mexico. One daughter, Rita Capansky Houdyshell, was born to this union.

One of the greatest blessings of Cecilia's life arrived on January 8, 1984, with the birth of her granddaughter, Chelsea Rose Houdyshell. Chelsea quickly became the apple of her grandparents' eyes. Years later, Chelsea lived with them while attending the University of Oklahoma, creating even more treasured memories together.

In 1982, Larry and Cecilia moved to Guymon, Oklahoma, where Cecilia began working for General Telephone Company (GTE) as a part-time operator. Within six months she was promoted to Data Technician and received specialized training in Carrollton and Flower Mound, Texas, where she helped operate GTE's advanced "Big 5" computer system. Her intelligence, determination, and exceptional work ethic earned the admiration and respect of her coworkers throughout her career. She later continued her work with Windstream in Norman, Oklahoma, where she built lifelong friendships with many of those who worked beside her. After an outstanding 38-year career in telecommunications, Cecilia retired at the age of 70.

Following retirement, Larry and Cecilia moved to Austin, Texas, to be near their beloved granddaughter, Chelsea. On September 24, 2019, Cecilia's precious great-grandson, Cooper Allen Cohen, was born. From that day forward, she was affectionately known as "Gigi." Cooper brought immeasurable joy into her life, and the two shared a remarkable bond. They spent countless hours together playing, laughing, and making memories that will forever be treasured. The family later made their home in Pflugerville, Texas.

Cecilia especially enjoyed spending time with her family and loved traveling, particularly with her cherished sister, Sara, and her devoted brother, Gene. Whether sharing stories, enjoying a meal together, or simply being in each other's company, family was always the center of her world.

Later, Cecilia returned to Amarillo, Texas, where she lived with her daughter, Rita, until peacefully entering her eternal Heavenly home.

Cecilia will be remembered for her unwavering work ethic, quiet strength, intelligence, gentle spirit, and fierce devotion to those she loved. She possessed a kindness that made everyone feel welcome and a humble grace that left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Above all, she loved her family deeply, and that love will continue to live on through each generation.

Cecilia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Glendon Capansky; her parents, William "Bill" Henley and Rosie Aragon Henley; and her brother, Buddy Henley.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Rita Houdyshell; granddaughter, Chelsea Houdyshell Cohen, great-grandson, Cooper Allen Cohen; brother, Gene Henley; sisters, Sara Henley and Rose Christine Baldanado; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and all who were blessed to know her gentle heart.

Family visitation will be from 3:30-5:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, TX. Church services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Boise City, OK. Burial will be in Kenton Cemetery at Kenton, OK. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.