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BREWSTER COUNTY, TEXAS
Obituaries
Adamson, Beatrice Cobos
Beatrice C. Adamson, age 93, of Alpine, passed
away Tuesday, July 29 2003, at her residence in Alpine.
Beatirce was born Tuesday, April 26, 1910 in Alpine to the late Jesus
Abundio and Martina
(Franco) Cobos. She married Hallie Levie Adamson on
(?) 14, 1944 in Alpine. He preceded her in death on Dec. 16,
1944. Beatrice was a homemaker and a member of the
Catholic church. She is survived by her six daughters, Mary
Martinez, Kate Dominguez and Josie Galindo
all of Carlsbad, N.M.; Rosie Arp
and husband Raymond of Tow, Texas, Elizabeth Valenzuela
of Kermit, Texas; Mildred Robles of Alpine and sons, Charlie
Loya and wife Aida of Odessa: Ruby Loya and wife Delma
of Ruidoso. Monroe Adamson of Tow, Texas and Jasper
Adamson of Alpine; two sisters, Brijida
DeAnda of Odessa and Elena DeLaRosa
of Fort Stockton. Brother, Jesus Cobos and wife Trixie,
of Odessa: 28 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren; 26
great-great-grandchildren and one great-great-great-grandchild.
Pallbearers were her grandchildern; Ruben Martinez, Rudy
Loya Jr., Eddie Moreno, Robert Moreno, Ray Valenzuela, and
Donny Galindo. Rosary was held Aug. 3, at Our Lady of
Peace Catholic Church in Alpine. Mass of Christian burial was
held Monday, Aug, 4, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church with Father
Miguel Alcuino officiating. Interment at Holy
Angels Cemetery in Alpine. Arrangements were by
Family Services Funeral Home of Kermit. (Submitted
by J. Javier
Perez, Sept. 2010)
Aranda, Jesusita
Jesusita "Jessie" Aranda was born
Jan. 18, 1919, in Ojinaga to Celedonio and Luisa Aranda.
She passed away peacefully on Aug. 15 at Alpine Valley Care
Center. She was a waitress for many years, a member of Our Lady
of Peace Catholic Church and a devoted Alpine Bucks fan. She
was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Frank Aranda;
and daughter, Corina Aranda. She is survived by her
daughter, Gracie Vasquez and husband Ramon of Midland;
two granddaughters, Jennifer Aranda-Galindo and husband Javier
and Anissa Vasquez, both of Midland; one grandson, Paul M.
Vasquez of Odessa; three great-grandchildren, Meygan, Tanner and
Madyison Galindo; three sisters, Genoveva Reyes of Alpine, Olivia
Rios and husband Juan of Odessa and Mary Lou Martinez
and husband Lionel of Marfa; brother, Pete Aranda and
wife Arabella of Odessa; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rosary was recited Friday, Aug. 17, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic
Church. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, Aug. 18, at the church.
Burial followed at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tony
Covarrubias, Fabian Aranda, Eddie Rios, Michael Aranda Sr., Sergio Sanchez
and Paul Vasquez. Geeslin Funeral Home was in charge of
arrangements. "Jessie" was loved and will be missed
by her family and her many, many friends.
Baeza, Enriqueta Leija
Enriqueta Leija Baeza,73, of Alpine, fell
asleep in death on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Big Bend Regional
Medical Center in Alpine,Texas. Funeral services were held
Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in
Alpine. Interment followed at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Mrs. Baeza was born Aug. 23,
1935, in San Juan, Chihuahua, Mexico. She was a homemaker, a long
time resident of Alpine, and a member of the Alpine Spanish
Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Survivors include her
husband, Luciano L. Baeza of Alpine; five daughters, Olga
Baeza and Noemi Baeza of Alpine, Armida Rodriguez
of Lubbock, TX, Irma Valenzuela of Pecos, Texas and Ester Gomez
of Monahans,Texas; five sons, Omar Baeza and Julian Baeza,
both of Alpine, Rudy Baeza and Daniel Baeza, both of
Monahans, and Oscar Baeza of Pecos; 18 grandchildren; 12
great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Boyd, Bill
Bill Boyd of Tucson died Monday (Aug. 14,
2000). Survivors include his wife, Joy; five children;
one brother; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was a former, rancher and businessman. He formely lived at
Palestine and El Paso. Donations may be made to American Cancer
Society, 1636 N. Swan Road, No. 151, Tucson, AZ 85712; Tucson Medical
Center, Attn: TMC Hospice, 5301 E. Grant, Tucson, AZ 85712;
Sunsites Community Library, 210 Ford Rd, P.O. Box 374, Pearce, AZ
85625. (submitted by T.L. Davis, March 2009)
Boyd Jr, John Robinson
John Robinson Boyd, Jr.,
83, of Alpine, passed away Friday, Oct. 1, 2004 in an Odessa
hospital. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 6, at First
Methodist Church with the Rev. Dick Zimmer
officiating. Burial followed at Elm
Grove Cemetery.
Geeslin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Mr. Boyd
was born Aug. 21, 1921, in Fort Stockton to
Phylena Angeline and John
Robinson Boyd. He was a World War II Army
veteran. He had a bachelor's degree in business and was a retired
USDA employee. He was a resident of Alpine for many years. He
is survived by his wife, June Patton Boyd of
Alpine; four daughters, Becky Leaf
of Lubbock, Roxy Sandidge
of Tarpley, and Donna Yadon
and Bobby Sledge,
both of Alpine; two sisters, Mary Margaret Morris
of Midland and Phylena Carlton
of Alpine; two brothers, D.J. Boyd
of Gonzales and Wesley Boyd of
Monahans; 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Bruce, Mrs. Ernie Lee
Mrs. Ernie Lee Bruce, a longtime resident of
Glendale, California passed away August 28, 1996 at the age of
83. Born on the family's cattle ranch in Marathon, Texas, she
grew up in Phoenix, later moving to Glendale where she attended
Glendale Junior College and UCLA majoring in Spanish. A
long-time employee of the Los Angeles Times, she was a top saleswoman
in the Classified Advertising's Auto Sales Department winning many
awards and honors in her 29 years there. The crowning
achievement in her career was being named Classified Advertising's
Woman of the Year for 1983. The engraved silver bowl was
awarded to her by Norman Clandler, Publisher of the Los
Angeles Times. She had a hunger for learning and immersed herself in
cooking classes, Spanish, upholstery, car and home repair
classes. She loved working in her yard and had over 50 rose
bushes which were her pride and joy. Traveling the four corners
of the world was her passion in life and there was no continent,
mountain or major river that she hadn't visited and explored.
Her suitcase was always packed and her passport up to date. She
is survived by three daughters; Carol (Len) Harlig of Sun
Valley, Idaho; Nancy (Bill) Eatchel of Denver, Colorado; and Mary
(Fred) Norton of Vista, California. In addition she leaves
eight grandchildren; Connie Eatchel, Vicki Eatchel, Brad Eatchel,
Steven Barrard, Cheryl Fleming, Mike Norton, Wes Norton, and Nick
Norton and one great-grandson, Brian Fleming.
Services were held at Kiefer & Eyerick Chapel in Glendale with
cremation and interment in Grandview Cemetery.
(Los Angeles Times, August 30, 1996) Submitted by Eleanor
Evans Borkenhagen, Jan. 2006
Campos, Emma V.
Emma Valenzuela Campos, 80, died Thursday Aug.
13, 2009, in Alpine. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m.
Monday, Aug. 17, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa with Father
Rolando Fonseca officiating. Burial was in Merced
Cemetery directed by Memorial Funeral Home of Fort
Stockton. A prayer service was Sunday. Mrs. Campos was
born Aug. 9, 1929, in Marfa and graduated from Marfa High School. She
was preceded in death by her mother, Leonor Valenzuela; her
husband, Gabriel Campos Sr.; and a son, Gabriel Campos Jr.
Survivors include four daughters, Adela Dominguez, Aurora Mediano
and Anna Catano, all of Marfa, and Amelia Prieto of
Lubbock; three sisters, Yolanda Ramirez of Alpine, Carmen Carrillo
of El Paso and Lupe Wilson of Corpus Christi; one brother, Atanacio
Valenzuela of El Paso; 11 grandchildren; and 19
great-grandchildren. “She loved gathering with her friends
at the Marfa Nutrition Center. She will be missed,” her family
said. (Alpine Alvalanche, August 21, 2009 )
Carpenter, Tera Kayleen
A memorial service was held Tuesday (Nov. 9) in
Colbert, Okla, for Tera Kayleen Carpenter, 28, of Durant,
Okla., who died Friday (Nov. 5) The Rev. James
Robinson officiated. Tera was born in March 9, 1976, in Alpine to Johnny
Wireman and Margaret Sue (McClure) Carpenter. She
attended Silo Schools, and she was looking forward to becoming an
optometrist. Tera collected antiques and was known to care for
any animals she found. She loved and enjoyed basketball and worked in
medical records and as a nail tech. She was a very adventurous person
and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her mother,
Margaret Sue McClure, of Durant, Okla.; her father and his wife, Johnny
and Fay Carpenter of Alpine; her sisters, Kelly Hendricks
and her husband Brandon of Mead, Okla., Misty Eversole
of Durant, Okla., and Celeste Carpenter of Rose, Okla.
She is also survived by two nephews, Shawn and Justin Hendricks,
Mead, Okla.; a niece, Natalie Eversole of Durant, Okla., and
maternal grandparents James and Carroleen Hedgdcoke of
Durant, Okla. Brown’s Funeral Service and Texoma
Cremation Service handled the arrangements. The family requests
memorials be made to the Humane Society.
Carrillo, Angela Tavarez
Angela Tavarez Carrillo, 84, died Friday, Jan.
25, 2008, in El Paso. Funeral Mass was at 10 a.m. Wednesday,
Jan. 30, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine with Father
Miguel Acuino officiating. Burial was in Holy
Angels Cemetery directed by Memorial Funeral Home
of Fort Stockton. Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the
church. Mrs. Carrillo was born July 29, 1923, in Shafter to Natividad
Armendarez Tavarez and Canuto Tavarez. At age 5, she
moved to Alpine after her parents died, arriving by wagon train to
live with relatives. She was married to Jacinto Carrillo Sr. In
addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jesus
Tavarez, and Manuel Tavarez. Survivors include her
husband, Jacinto Carrillo Sr. of Alpine; son Jacinto
Carrillo Jr. of Alpine; daughters Flora Gonzales and
husband Nabor, Rosa Linda Bernal and husband Jesse
of La Porte and Delma Sierra and husband Francisco of
El Paso; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 12
great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jacob Jacquez,
Jerome Cobos, Jason Carrillo and Billy Cobos, all of Alpine, Dennis
Carrillo of El Paso and Nabor Gonzales of Tempe, Ariz.
Chavez, Felicitas
Felicitas Chavez, 87, of
Marfa passed away Friday, Oct. 8, in a nursing home in Alpine. Rosary
was recited Sunday Oct 10 at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral
Mass was celebrated on Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic
Church with Father Mike Alcuino
officiating. Burial followed at the Merced
Cemetery.
Mrs. Chavez
was born in Candelaria, on Feb. 20, 1917, to Narciso
and Marcela Ortega.
She was a homemaker and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. She
had resided in Marfa for many years. She is survived by
two daughters, Maria Sophia Chavez of
Marfa and Juanita C. Miller of
Odessa two sons, Epolito Chavez
of Marfa and Jesse J. Chavez
of Poolville; one brother, Teodoro Ortega
of Van Horn; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Robert Lujan, Augustine
Rojas, Justin Chavez, Steven Rodriguez, Jerrod Rodriguez, Gilbert
Miller, Jr. and
Pete Chavez.
Cobos, Elvira Aranda
Elivira Aranda Cobos, 89,
of Alpine died October 24, 1994 at the Pecos County Memorial Hospital
in Ft. Stockton. Prayer service was at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.
26 at the Geeslin Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will be at
4 p.m. Thursday, October 27 at the Mt. Sinai Methodist Church with
burial following in Holy
Angels Cemetery. Mrs.
Cobos had lived in Alpine all of her life. Her survivors
include; four daughters, Enedina Cobos and
Elma C. Macias both of Alpine,
Faye C. Leos of Lubbock, and
Viola C. Voris of Sonoma, California; three sons,
Jose Cobos, Benito Cobos, and
Pat Cobos all of Alpine; 32 grandchildren
and 55 great-grandchildren. She married
Benito F. Cobos August 6, 1923 in
Alpine. Mr. Cobos preceded her in death February 12, 1983.
Rev. Juan Ponce and
Rev. Wesley Cureton will conduct the
services. Pallbearers will be Jose Macias,
Jr., Edward Macias, Felix Cobos, David Cobos, George Cobos and
Pat Cobos. (Submitted
by J. Javier
Perez, Sept. 2010)
Cobos, Enedina
Enedina Cobos, 78, died
Thursday Sept. 8, 2005 at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock. Mrs.
Cobos was born Jan. 20, 1927, in Alpine to Benito Cobos and Elvira
Aranda, who both preceded her in death. Mrs. Cobos was a
Christian. Services were held Monday, Sept. 12 at Assembly of
God Church in Alpine with Pastor Leonard Broneker, Pastor Oscar
Cobos and Pastor Saul Ordonez officiating. Burial
followed at Holy
Angels Cemetery in Alpine. Survivors include,
daughters Lucy Leos of Lubbock and Linda Cobos of
Abilene; sisters, Viola C. Voris of Sonoma, Calif., Faye C. Leos
of Dallas and Elma C. Macias of Alpine; brothers, Ben
Cobos, Jr. and Patricio Cobos, both of Alpine.
Services were under the direction of Martinez-Smith Funeral Chapels
and Crematory of Odessa. (Submitted
by J. Javier
Perez, Sept. 2010)
Cobos, Felix
Funeral services were held in Alpine Sunday for Felix
Cobos, 33, who died in an El Paso hospital Saturday. He is
survived by his mother, Mrs. Martina F. Cobos, Alpine; four
sisters, Mrs. Dolores DeAnda, Mrs. H.L. Edson and Mrs.
Guillermo DeLaRosa all of Alpine; and Mrs. G.S. Armijo of
El Paso; six brothers, Cal Cobos of Austin; Ben and Margarito
Cobos of Alpine. Gabine Cobos of Midland; Jesse
Cobos of Odessa, and Mack Cobos of Marfa. (Submitted
by J. Javier
Perez, Sept. 2010)
Cobos Jr.,
Jesus Franco
Jesus Franco Cobos Jr., 89,
of Odessa passed away on April 24, 2006 at Hospice house of
Odessa. He was born on September 2, 1916 in Fort Davis, Texas
to Jesus A. Cobos and Martina Franco Cobos.
Service will be held on Friday, April 28, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Sunset
Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Fr. Francis Frye. A
Rossary will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2006 at p.m. at Sunnset
Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Cobos was a member of
St. Mary's Catholic Parish. Mr. Cobos married Trinidad Ramirez
in 1946 in Odessa, Texas, he enjoyed all outdoors events with his
family, he also enjoyed baseball. (He worked for Pioneer
National Gas for 30 years.) He is survived by his wife Trinidad Cobos
of Odessa, a son; Robert Cobos of Odessa; four daughters; Delia
Ann Allison of Bismark, Ar., Nancy Perez of Baldwin Park,
Ca., Irma Tesar of Laurence, Ks. Sylivia Cobos of Bell,
Ca.; 21 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers family request donation to Home Hospice of Odessa.
Services are
entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. (Submitted
by J. Javier
Perez, Sept. 2010)
Cobos, Mrs. Jesus (Martina) Franco
Mrs. Jesus (Martina Franco Cobos, 90,
died at 6:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 1972, in a local convalescent
home. A rosary service was read at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1,
in Geeslin Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 2, in Our Lady Of Peace Catholic Church, with Revs.
Robert Calies and Jaime Madrid officiating. Burial
was in Holy
Angels Cemetery. Pallbearers were Monroe
Adamson, Rudy Loya, Charley Loya, Joe L. Cobos, Mario Cobos and Jasper
Adamson. She was born Oct. 30, 1881 in Fort Davis.
She had been a lifelong resident of the area. She was married
to Jesus Cobos Feb. 19, 1893 in Fort Stockton. He died
in 1942. Survivors include 4 daughters, Mrs. Delores DeAnde
of Odessa, Mrs. Martina Armijo of El Paso, and Mrs.
Beatrice Adamson and Mrs. Guillermo DeLaRosa, both of
Alpine; 5 sons, Gabino Cobos of Midland, Jesus Cobos, Jr.
of Odessa, Macario Cobos of Marfa and Ben Cobos and
Margarito Cobos, both of Alpine; 2 sisters, Mrs. Petra Mesa of
Fort Stockton and Mrs. Rebecca Vara of Fresno, Calif., 57
grandchildren, 124 great-grandchildren and 5
great-great-grandchildren. (Submitted
by J. Javier
Perez, Sept. 2010)
Cobos, Jose Aranda
Jose Aranda Cobos, 67, of
Alpine, passed away Saturday, Feb. 16. in a Lubbock hospital.
Rosary services were held Feb. 19 at Mt. Sinai United Methodist
Church. Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the
church. Burial followed at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Mr.
Cobos was born Aug. 17, 1932 in Alpine to Benito and Elvira
Cobos. He had worked as a cook in local restaurants. He
is survived by four sisters, Fay Leos of Lubbock, Violat Voris
of Sonoma, Calif., Nina Cobos and Elma Macias, both of
Alpine; two brothers, Benito A. Cobos and Patricio A. Cobos,
both of Alpine and several nieces and nephews. (Submitted
by J. Javier
Perez, Sept. 2010)
Cobos, Margarito Franco
Margarito Franco Cobos, of
Alpine, Texas, passed away Monday, April 10, 2000 at a local
hospital. Rosary was held Wednesday April 12, 2000 at 7:00 p.m.
at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Funeral Mass is today,
Thursday April 13, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Mr. Cobos was born April
26, 1914, in Alpine to Jesus A. and Martina Cobos. He
was a retired maintenance employee of Big Bend National Park.
He was a member of V.F.W. Post #7207. He was a lifetime
resident of Alpine. Survivors include his wife Juanita Cobos
of Alpine, a daughter, Lisa Hernandez of Alpine; son,
Lorenzo Cobos of Odessa, two brothers Macario Cobos of
Marfa and Jesse Cobos of Odessa, four sisters, Beatrice DeAnda
of Odessa, B. DeLaRosa of Ft. Stockton. He also leaves
seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. (Submitted
by J. Javier
Perez, Sept. 2010)
Concha Martinez
Concha Martinez, 83, of
Alpine, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, at Alpine Valley Care
Center. Rosary will be recited at 11 a.m. today at Our Lady of
Peace Catholic Church, followed by funeral Mass. Burial will be in Holy
Angels Cemetery directed by Geeslin Funeral Home.
Concha was born Nov. 8, 1924, in Terlingua to Teresa
and Roberto
Martinez. She had been a housekeeper.
Survivors include two sisters, Teresa
Martinez and Lupe Vega,
both of Alpine.
Conner, Cathy Taylor
Cathrine "Cathy" Taylor Conner died
Monday at her home in Marfa. She was 73. Services will be at 2 p.m.
today at First Baptist Church in Marfa directed by Memorial Funeral
Home of Fort Stockton. Born in Fort Stockton, Cathy was the daughter
of Inez and Willie "Bill" Taylor. She
graduated from Fort Stockton High School and earned a bachelor of
science degree in 1957 from Howard Payne College in Brownwood.
In 1956, Cathy married Lloyd Conner. The couple served the
Lord for the next 52 years, Lloyd as pastor and Cathy as Sunday
school teacher, nursery worker and all the things required of a
pastor's wife. Cathy will be remembered for her loving,
practical approach to her Christianity. "She was always my
partner in service," said Lloyd. The couple served from
August 1960 to February 1963 at First Baptist Church in Clint, then
served First Baptist Church in Marfa from February 1963 to November
1976. Lindell Avenue Baptist Church in San Angelo was the next
pastorate, from November 1976 to August 1983. For the next 10 years,
they were at First Baptist Church in Albany. In 1993, they
returned to First Baptist in Marfa, where Lloyd is currently pastor.
Between 1993 and 2003, Lloyd Conner was also manager of
Paisano Baptist Encampment between Alpine and Marfa. Survivors
include two daughters, Karen Mills and husband Jeff of
Winters and Dr. Eileen Conner of Arlington; two grandchildren, Kathleen
and Archie Mills; and one sister, Margaret Wallace of
Midland. The family asks that memorials be made to First
Baptist Church of Marfa or the American Cancer Society. Alpine
Avalanche http://www.alpineavalanche.com/
Copeland, Velma Lee Barnett
Velma Lee Barnett Copeland
went to be with the Lord on Jan. 5. She is survived by a son, Craig
Copeland of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a daughter, T.C.
Black of Scottsdale; three grandchildren, Tim
Black of Scottsdale, Matthew
Copeland of Oklahoma City and Beth
Copeland (Bill) Neff of Oklahoma City; and
one great-grandchild, Madeline Neff
of Oklahoma City. She is preceded in death by her husband, Everett
Copeland, Jr.; mother, Lucy
Moore Bennight; father,
Harry Woodrow Barnett; and sister, Joanne
Barnett. Velma Lee was born Dec. 13,
1926, in Marfa. She graduated from Marfa High School in 1944. She was
editor of the Marfa Shorthorn and the first yearbook, won State in
advertising, and went to State in journalism. She was a band twirler
and cheerleader, played forward in basketball and went to District
tennis. She was also a member of the Choral Club, was elected class
officer, and was voted most popular and most beautiful by the student
body. She also represented Marfa as the eighth Sun Bowl Princess in
the Sun Carnival in El Paso. She was active in the First Christian
Church, in which she sang and played the violin and piano. She had a
passion for flying ad logged her first flight hours on June 1, 1941,
with her daddy as pilot in command. She married her high school
sweetheart, Everett Copeland,
on Feb. 10, 1945, in Marfa. He was a Naval officer and served in
both the Atlantic and Pacific. Also a pilot, he and Velma Lee had fun
flying in his BT-13. She received her private pilot's license in 1958
and commercial license in 1966. She joined the Ninety-Nines, an
international organization of licensed women pilots in 1958. She
served five consecutive years as sectional officer and governor of 8
State South Central Section. She was founder, charter member and
first interim-elected chairwoman of the High Sky Chapter, chartered
in Midland on May 17, 1959, when there were only 1,110 members
throughout the world. She founded the High Sky Derby on March 19,
1960, and flew eight cross country derbies, and was involved in the
internationally famous "Powder Puff Derby" and "Angel
Derby." Research shows she was the first FAA woman pilot to make
take-offs and landings in Jeff Davis County near Valentine in
1958. Besides being a member of the Ninety-Nines, Inc., she was
a member of the Davis Mountain Quilting Guild, Daughters of the
American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy and the
Colonial Dames of VII Century. She was commended when she placed a
Bible in the Library of Congress of the United Nations in 1989. She
was honored in Memory Lane in the International Forest of Friendship
in Atchison, Kan., for exceptional contributions to aviation on June
17, 1995. She also enjoyed playing piano and classical violin,
and art, including oil, clay and pencil portraitures. She enjoyed
sewing, cooking, gardening, fine arts, music and sports. What she
enjoyed most was rocking her two children, three grandchildren and
one great-grandchild, who all thought she was "the
greatest." The twinkle in her blues eyes, the love in her smile,
and her strong spirit will be greatly missed. Arrangements were
by Memorial Funeral Home of Marfa. Graveside services were held in Valentine
on Jan. 12. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the
Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Crawford, Dorothy Buhler
Dorothy Buhler Crawford, 80, passed away March 22 at the Fort
Stockton Nursing Center. She was a sweet and loving wife and
the mother of four children. She also had seven grandchildren and one
great-grandchild. Born in Marfa, Dorothy received her bachelor
of arts degree from Sul Ross State University. She had a
distinguished 22-year teaching career at Milam and Logan elementary
schools in El Paso. "Dot" was an active member of St.
Paul's United Methodist Church in El Paso. She was preceded in
death by her parents, Rev. Moore and Fannie Davis Buhler,
and her husband of 50 years, James L. Crawford. She is
survived by her children, Guy Moore Crawford of Andrews, Rex
Charles Crawford of Lacey, Wash., Alan Bruce Crawford of
Rigby, Idaho, and Amy Sue Allison of Marfa. Funeral
services were held March 25. Graveside services followed at Elm
Grove Cemetery in Alpine with the Rev. Daniel Armstrong officiating.
DeLaO, Manuela Carrasco
Manuela Carrasco DeLaO, 104,
passed away on Dec. 8 at Medical Center Hospital. She was born
on July 29, 1900, in Ojinaga, Mexico. A homemaker and a Catholic, she
is survived by a son, Jose DeLaO
of Odessa; daughter, Frances Rios
of Odessa; 29 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; and 25
great-great-grandchildren. Rosary was recited Dec. 10 at
Geeslin Funeral Home in Alpine. Mass was celebrated Saturday, Dec.
11, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church with Father Rick Ruiz
officiating. Burial followed at Holy
Angels Cemetery.
Services were by Odessa Funeral Home
DeLaRosa, Elena Cobos
Elena Cobos DeLaRosa was born October 17, 1929
in Alpine, to her parents, Jesus Cobos and Martinia Franco.
Mrs. DeLaRosa passed away June 13, 2006 in her home. She was
76 years old. Elena married Guillormo "Bill" DeLaRosa,
December 24, 1956 in Alpine. They shared 28 happy years
together before Guillormo passed away January 7, 1984. They
were both members of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine,
where she was a member of the Guadatupanus. Mrs. DeLaRosa came
to Fort Stockton in 1980. Elena served as a Encharistic
Minister, Lecturer and was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic
Church Choir. Elena was preceded in death by her parents, Jesus
and Martina Cobos: her brothers, Calistro, Ben,
Felix, Gabino, Margarito, Macario and Jesus Cobos:
her sisters, Beatrice and Martina. She is
survived by one sister, Brijida DeAnda of Odessa, Texas; her
two sons, Joe Cobos and spouse Sylivia of Spring
Branch, Texas and Wally Cobos and spouse Olga of Grand
Prairie, Texas. Three daughters, Martina Ramos
and spouse Emosto of Pipe Creek, Texas, Emerald Lujau
and spouse Eugene of Fort Stockton, Dymphoa
Estrada and spouse Miguel of Camp Verde, Arizona; nine
grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and one
great-great-grandchild. Rosary will be Thursday June 15, 2006
at 7:00 p.m. in St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Service will be
Friday June 16, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Agnes Catholic Church with
Father Floro Hinncay officiating and interment will follow in Holy
Angels Cemetery in Alpine
at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by Memorial Funeral HOme of Fort Stockton, (Submitted
by J. Javier
Perez, Sept. 2010)
DelBart, Krystal Leigh
Krystal Leigh DelBart, 10, of Alpine, passed
away Friday, March 11, at Big Bend Regional Medical Center from
complications of her illness. Graveside services were held
Monday, March 14, at Elm
Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Ray Bullock officiating.
Geeslin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Krystal
was born Nov 1, 1994, in Alpine. She was a member of Hillside Baptist
Church. She graduated from the ECI-CARES program on Nov 1, 1997.
Krystal is survived by her father, Joseph DelBart of Alpine;
her mother, Sandra Walker of Houston; grandfather, Tony DelBart
of Alpine; grandparents, Glynn and Sondra Richards of
Harrison and Quentin and Jutta Walker of Florida; aunt
and uncle, Kristina and Jeff Goff; and cousins, Cody
and Coltin Fuller and Hadon and Lauren Goff, aunt and
uncle, Monica and Kenny Baker of Fort Myers Beach, Fla.; aunt and
uncle, Barbara and Mike Smith of Katy; uncle, Quentin Walker;
and cousins, Julie and Morgan Baker of Florida and Chelsti
and Maeghan Smith of Katy. She was proceeded in death by
her brother, Gage Leighton DelBart and uncle John DelBart.
Krystal Leigh DelBart, Angel of Earth, Angel in Heaven.
Donohoo, William C. (Bill)
William C. (Bill) Donohoo, a long-time resident
of Alpine, passed away on March 12 at 2:45 p.m. He is survived
by his wife of 29 years, Annie Donohoo; eight sons, four
daughters, 25 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Bill
was born March 30, 1924, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a veteran of
World War II as he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He moved to
Alpine in 1970 and served as hospital administrator for then Brewster
County Hospital (later changed to Big Bend Memorial Hospital) for
over 10 years. During his time as administrator, he oversaw numerous
improvements to the services and facilities available to the
residents of Brewster County. He was a member of the Alpine
Rotary Club. He also served as the director of Big Bend
Rehabilitation Center for MHMR for three years. He was a devoted
member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, where he served as a Lay
Eucharistic Minister for over 25 years. He also dedicated countless
hours of his time in whatever capacity needed. He will be
remembered for his loyal and faithful dedication to the service of
the Lord. As a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he
is truly loved and will be dearly missed.
Dumas, Donna Kay Roberson
On Dec. 26, Donna Kay Roberson
Dumas left her temporary home here on earth to be with God and Jesus
Christ. After many years of suffering from respiratory illnesses
Donna now rests comfortably in Heaven. Donna was a teacher, a
homemaker, an interior designer, a wonderful wife of over 30 years to
her husband, a superb mom to her four children, and the "World's
Greatest Grandmom" to her eight grandchildren. Donna was
born in Hobbs, N.M., on June 19, 1939. She was a graduate of Odessa
High School and received her B.S. in biology from Sul Ross State
University and her M.S. in biology from Texas A&M Commerce. She
taught high school in Dallas and DeSoto before deciding to enter the
field of interior design, an occupation she truly loved. She and her
husband, Jerry,
met while in college and married in 1974 just before moving to
DeSoto, where they lived and raised four wonderful children. Donna
and Jerry moved to Cedar Hill, Texas, in 1992. Donna was
preceded in death by her father, Don Richard Roberson
of Odessa. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, their four
children and their families, daughter Cyndi Dumas,
son Jay Spears,
daughter-in-law Mauri Spears,
grandsons Robert, Will and
Luke Spears,
daughter Sandra Chambers,
son-in-law Tony Chambers,
granddaughters Madisen and
Makayla Chambers, son Michael
Dumas, daughter-in-law Cheryl
Dumas, grandson Justin
Dumas, and granddaughters Allison
Dumas and Lani Dumas.
She is also survived by her mother, Bonnie Lorene
Roberson of Cedar Hill, sister Judy
Derbowka and her husband Robert
of Calgary, Canada, and their family. She
also leaves behind many friends who she met and worked with over the
years. Donna accomplished many things in life but she was most
proud of her family and the wonderful grandchildren that brought
light into her world every day. She was a caring and giving friend
with others' best interests always in her heart. Her memory will span
many generations. Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 31, at
First Presbyterian Church in Fort Davis with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to
the American Lung Association, 8150 Brookriver Drive, Dallas,
Texas 75247.
Everman, Edward Curry
Edward Curry Everman, 81,
of Marfa, passed away Sunday, Dec. 12, at Big Bend Regional Medical
Center in Alpine. Mr. Everman was born Feb. 15, 1923, in Chicago. He
was a Catholic. He had been a transportation coordinator for the
state of California for 18 years. After moving to Marfa in January
1985, he was employed by the Marfa Independent School District as a
bus driver. He was a member of the American Legion, Association of
Christian Truckers, and was a veteran of the Army/Air Force.
Mr. Everman is survived by his wife, Grace Everman
of Marfa; three daughters, Janice Marie Kemmer
of California, Judith Ann Hohlt of
California and Linda Lou Holland of
Oklahoma; two sons, James Everman
of Spokane, Wash. and Robert Eugene Phelan
of California; a brother, Dwayne Everman of
Las Vegas; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Fortenberry, Joan Deliece Killion
Joan Deliece Killion Fortenberry died on Feb. 28. Memorial
services were held on Saturday (March 5) at Geeslin Funeral Home in
Alpine followed by interment. Fortenberry was born on March 30,
1939. During her life, she was a friend to all in need.
Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Vernon Lee Fortenberry Sr.;
her brothers, Kenneth G. Killion and Bobby Keith
“Butch” Killion; her daughters, Cherryll, Deborah
and Julia; her sons, Troy, Tommy, Kenneth and Vernon;
six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Gallego Jr., Pete Almodova
Pete Almodova Gallego Jr., a lifelong resident
of Alpine and son of a pioneering Alpine family, died at 12:01 a.m.
Mountain Standard Time, on March 4, 2010. He was just past his 85th
birthday and several weeks short of celebrating the 63rd anniversary
of his marriage to Elena Pena Gallego of Fort Stockton.
A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 7, with visitation until
9 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Funeral mass was
celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, March 8, at Our Lady of Peace. Burial
was at Holy
Angels Cemetery directed by
Alpine Memorial Funeral Home. Mr. Gallego was born Feb. 17,
1925, in a very different Alpine. His father, Pete Russell Gallego,
worked on area ranches and opened a family restaurant in 1917. His
mother, Victoria Almodova, was an Apache Indian. She also
assisted in the restaurant and tended to a family of 5 surviving
children. Mr. Gallego was a World War II veteran, having served
in Hawaii, Guam and Okinawa with the Army's 1886th Aviation Engineer
Battalion building airfields, roads and communications systems.
After serving in the Pacific Theater, Mr. Gallego returned home
determined to improve his hometown. He began to assist his mother,
who was now a widow, and his sisters in running what was then known
as the Green Caf/. He also began looking for ways to improve his
community. Pete A. Gallego soon became a pioneer in his
own right: He was the first in his family to graduate from college
(Sul Ross State, Class of 1949, one of only 4 Latinos in a class of
100. He also championed educational and business opportunities for
others. Because it was difficult for Latinos to obtain loans
from area banks, the local Catholic priest had gathered a group of
parishioners and established a small credit union. Mr. Gallego, with
an accounting background, was asked to manage it. He agreed to take
responsibility for the new entity and became the 17th member and
first treasurer of Our Lady of Peace Credit Union. For years, it
operated each evening from the dining room table of the Gallego home
so people could borrow money or make payments after they got off
work. Later, the credit union moved to the Green Cafe. Mr. Gallego
served as treasurer, president, chairman or member of the board until
relatively recently. He was so proud that the small credit
union created at his dining room table grew into the Alpine Community
Credit Union, now with over $10 million in assets. Mr. Gallego
ran for and became the first Latino elected to the Board of Trustees
of the Alpine Independent School District, where he served 5
consecutive 3-year terms (1959-74). During that time, he, along with
his friends Francisco Valenzuela and Alberto Rojo, led the
controversial effort to end school segregation in Alpine. Their
efforts led to the construction of a new high school, an additional
wing of Central Elementary School, the remodeling of the old high
school into a united junior high, and the closure of Centennial
School. His leadership on school integration changed the face
of Alpine. His leadership on the desegregation issue also
resulted in a boycott of his family restaurant. The boycott, along
with the closure of Centennial School and the diversion of traffic
away from Alpine by the construction of a new interstate, all
negatively affected his business. To survive, he once more became a
pioneer. He was the first Latino to own commercial property on
Holland Avenue, just north of the railroad tracks. He built Gallego's
Mexican Restaurant on East Holland and expanded his business by
shipping chile rellenos, tamales and masa to stores across West Texas
and around the state. He was generous in helping people with jobs,
food and money so that they might continue their education. Mr.
Gallego is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Elena Pena Gallego;
daughter Imelda Gallego Garcia and her husband, Jose Garcia,
R.Ph., daughter Rebecca P. Gallego, M.D., and his son, State
Representative Pete P. Gallego and his wife, Maria Elena Ramon.
He is also survived by his grandchildren Maria Imelda, Maria Elena
and Briana Garcia, Cristina P. Gallego and Nicolas
Miguel Ramon Gallego. He was predeceased by one son, Robert Pena Gallego,
his parents, three sisters and one brother. In lieu of
flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pete A.
and Elena P. Gallego Scholarship Fund at Sul Ross State
University. Checks may be mailed directly to Scholarships, P.O. Box
C-114, Alpine, TX 79831.
Garcia, Cruz G.
Cruz G. Garcia, 73, died August 27 at Lubbock's
UMC Hospital. She was born May 3, 1934, in Terlingua, to Matilde Garcia
and Teodoro Granado. She enjoyed crocheting and sewing
gifts for her relatives and newborns in the family. She never forgot
birthdays with a card gift or a phone call. She retired from Big Bend
National Park where she was a baker. She moved to Odessa, where she
lived until moving back to Lubbock with her niece Glynda Gonzales.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Aug. 30 at St. Mary's Catholic
Church in Marathon with burial in Marathon
Cemetery, Father Miguel Alcuino presiding.
Rosary was Wednesday, August 29, at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Survivors include her longtime companion, Jesse Barriga of
Odessa; three sisters, Sara Aguilar and Francisca Terrazas,
both of Odessa, and Minga Aguilar of Marathon; two
brothers, Jesus Garcia and Porfirio Garcia, both of
Monahans; 12 nieces, Glynda Gonzales, Lora Gonzales, Jo
Ella Aguilar, Gina Macormack, Gilda Gonzlaes, Roxanna DeLeon, Sue
Lynn Garcia, Lisa Gonzales, Rosemary Jaquez, Estella Garcia,
Dola Sanchez and Juanita Attaway; and four nephews, Sixto
Aguilar Jr., Ruben Garcia, Alfredo Terrazas and Edmundo
Terrazas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Matilde
and Teodora Garcia, and by nephews Felix Terrazas, Tomas
Terrazas, Gregorio Terrazas and Tony Aguilar.
Arrangements were by Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton. (Alpine
Alvalance, Sep. 10, 2007)
Gallego, Santiago T. (photo)
Santiago "Jimmy" T. Gallego, 77, of
Alpine, a meat market butcher, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, at his
residence. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today at Our Lady of
Peace Catholic Church. Burial will be at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Arrangements are by Geeslin Funeral
Home. He was born in Alpine. He was a U.S. Army
veteran. Survivors: Daughters, Nelda Ann Gallego
and Rowena Gallego, both of Alpine, Janet Martinez of
Marathon, Caroline Gallego of Odessa and Denise Gallego
of Round Rock; son, Jimmy Ray Gallego of Wheatland, Wyo.;
sisters, Isabel Valenzuela of Odessa. Victoria Rubio of
El Paso, Consuelo Leyva and Jesusita Ramkowsky, both of
Albuquerque, N.M.; brothers, Lorenzo Gallego of El Paso, Celso
Gallego Jr. of Alpine and Raymond Gallego of Albuquerque;
eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. (Published
in the Odessa American on 10/17/2007)
Gault, Jean Lois
Jean Lois Gault passed
away on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at a local care center. She was born Oct.
24, 1915, in Marathon to Charles and
Nellie Martin. She was reared and educated
in Marathon, and was married to the late William
H. Gault. Jean assisted her husband in
their pediatric office in Arizona. She was a Baptist. Graveside
services were held Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 1 p.m. at Marathon
Cemetery. Survivors
include her nephews, Wilton E. Youngblood
of Midland and John Miles, Jr.
of Cresson, Texas; and a niece, Charlene Ballard
of Shallowwater, Texas. Memorials may be directed to Crestview
Baptist Church Mission Fund, Midland. Services were entrusted to
Pipkin Funeral Home of Midland. Words of comfort may be shared
with the family at [email protected].
Golden, Bill
Bill Golden, long-time
Alpine resident, pasted away on Oct 31, 2004 in Austin. He
spent the last two of his 56 years fighting with tremendous courage
and dignity against the ravages of lung cancer. Born to Sam
and Ruby Golden,
Bill was the eldest of three children. He graduated from
Sanderson High School in 1966 and received a BBA and a MBA fro Sul
Ross State University. His service in the United States Navy
was as a communications technician. Bill married his childhood
sweetheart, Robie Harrison, in 1969, and they have shared a
40-year friendship and 35 years of marriage. Their daughter,
Traci, of Alpine, has been a continuing source of joy to Bill.
An employee of Big Bend Telephone Company, Inc., since March 5, 1979,
Bill was active in all facets of the telecommunications
industry. He received an award for Outstanding Achievement from
members of the Texas Telephone Association in September of 1988.
Those members honored him this past year with an award named for a
man he greatly admired, the late Neville Haynes of Alpine. Bill
also served as president on two different occasions for the Texas
Statewide Telephone Cooperative Association. served his community as
a director for First National Bank and then West Texas National Bank
of Alpine. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic
Church, serving as the parish council president for a number of
years, and recently became a member of the Knights of Columbus.
An avid open road racer, Bill was instrumental in bringing road
racing to West Texas with the Fort Stockton to Sanderson race that
takes place each spring. Bill lived his life with a quiet
dignity, never falling to show love to those friends and family
members he cherished. He is survived by his best friend and
spouse, Robie; his
loving daughter, Traci,
and her husband, Alonso Adame;
his unborn grandchild; his mother, Ruby Golden;
his sister, Shirley Townsend;
and his brother, Sammy Golden.,
all of Monahans. He was preceded in death by his father,
Sam P. Golden. A host of others
were honored to call him their uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law and
friend. Mass was held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on
Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, under the direction of family friend, Father
Mike Alcuino, with burial following in Elm
Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers
for the service were Jame Westberry,
Tyler,; Jim West, Austin;
Jackie Dukes,
Kerrville; and Mike Powers,
Bruce Wood and Roy Beinhauer,
all of Alpine. The family has requested that memorials be sent
to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church or to the scholarship fund at
Sul Ross State University established in Bill's name.
Gonzalez, Faviola "Fevi"
Faviola "Fevi" Gonzalez
passed peacefully Sept. 29 at her home. She was born and raised in
Alpine to Maria Francisca "Paquita"
Natera Gonzalez and Roman
Gonzalez on May 30, 1926. She
traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. She lived
in several states as a young woman and came back to live permanently
in Alpine when her first granddaughter was born. When her last
grandson was born in Arlington, she moved there briefly to care for
him. She was a devoted daughter, sister, niece, aunt, mother,
grandmother and friend. She knew people of all walks of life, was a
licensed cosmetologist, professional dance instructor, stenographer,
business woman, entrepreneur and political activist. In her later
years, she became the caretaker of her parents and uncle. She will be
remembered most as a professional, loving grandmother, or
"Wella." Survivors include two daughters, Marlene
Clark Rodriguez and her husband, Jose
Rodriguez, of Alpine, and Nila
Chris Martin and her husband, Ralph
Ilaria of Olathe, Kan.; seven
grandchildren, Dina Baeza
and Sarah Baeza of
Alpine, Willie Rodriguez
of Lansford, Penn., Marco Rodriguez
and Jacob Rodriguez of Alpine; Gray Ilaria
and Gabrielle Ilaria
of Olathe, Kan.; six great-grandchildren, Joseph
Rodriguez, Kamille Baeza, Ellene Rodriguez, Shyla Baeza, Allanah
Baeza and Matias Baeza;
and one sister, Hortencia Cadena
of El Paso. She was preceded in death by her brother, Roman
Gonzalez, Jr.; parents, "Paquita"
and Roman Gonzalez;
and sister, Elva Gallego.
Memorial services were held at Geeslin Funeral Home on Friday, Oct.
1, 2004. Mass was held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on Oct.
2, 2004.
Gonzales, Faustino Ramirez
Faustino "Fred" Ramirez Gonzales, of
Mojave, CA passed away on January 17, 2000. He was a resident of
Mojave for the past two years and formerly resided in Reno, NV. Born
in Presidio, TX on January 30, 1929, he was a cook, counselor and
all-around handyman. Mr. Gonzales is survived by his sons Faustino
Jr. of Bakersfield, CA, Marcos A. Gonzales of Mojave, Fredrick
J. of Visalia, CA, Daniel J. of Carson City, NV;
daughters Griselda Hagar of Reno, NV, Regina Gonzales &
Victoria J. Gonzales both of Visalia, CA, Marisol Gonzales
of Carson City, NV; sisters, Elizabeth (Steve) Alvardo of
Odessa, TX, Mandy G. Galindo of Union City, CA, Juanita
(Robert) Silva of Odessa, TX and brother Daniel of Alpine,
TX; 17 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 76 nieces and
nephews. Mr. Gonzales was preceded in death by his father and
mother Andres & Augstina Gonzales in 1989 and 1990;
brothers, Mike in 1984, Dave in 1981, Raiil in 1988, Jose in 1947,
Frank in 1995 and Fidel R. Marquez in 1980. Memorial services
were held on January 20, 2000 by Fr. John Gracey. Mass was held at
Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church with burial at Holy
Angels Cemetery in Alpine, TX by Fr. Rick Ruiz.
Haislip, Maxine Perry
Maxine Perry Haislip
passed away on Thursday, Jan. 20, in a local hospital. Maxine
was born on Aug. 7, 1938, in Harlingen to Sherman
and Hazel Cantley Perry.
On March 7, 1991, Maxine was wed to Cliff Haislip.
She was retired bank officer. Maxine was a loving wife, mother,
daughter, grandmother and friend who will be greatly missed.
Survivors include her husband of 13 years, Cliff
Haislip of Terlingua; her mother
Hazel Smith, her daughters,
Debi Jones, Rebecca Haislip and
Roxann Hadley; her sons, Greg
Haislip, Jeff Haislip and Jon
Haislip; her grandchildren, Jeremy
Jones and his wife Millie,
Kevin Jones, Chris Jones, Trisha Haislip, Matthew Haislip, Amy Haislip,
Trey Haislip, Austin Steele, Emily Steele, Samuel Hadley
and Jonique Haislip;
her great grandchild, Landry Jones
and many friends. Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday,
Jan. 29, at 11 a.m. at the chapel in Terlingua Ghost Town. The Rev.
Judith Buress will be officiating. In lieu of flowers the family
requests contributions be made to the Big Bend Youth Club, Terlingua.
Geeslin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Haley, James Roy
James Roy Haley, 59, passed away on January 26,
2008 in Abilene with his beloved wife, Cindy, by his side. For
the last 2 1/2 years, James fought a courageous battle with cancer,
and his fight inspired countless others including family, friends,
cancer patients, caregivers, nurses and physicians. He never knew a
stranger and was a true friend to many. A memorial service was
held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008 at Pioneer Drive Baptist
Church with Dr. Jeff Reid officiating. Arrangements were by
Hamil Family Funeral Home. James is survived by his wife, Cindy
Haley; children and their spouses, Kim Haley of
Cottonwood, Ariz.; Kyle Peebles and husband Pee Wee of
Fort Davis; Brandon Howard and Jessica Hagen and
husband Mitch of Fort Worth. James loved his four special
grandsons, Drake Ortiz, Gage and Rance Choate and
Leven Peebles. Other survivors include sisters Nancy Brown
and husband, Bob of Silver City, New Mexico; Sally Haley
of San Angelo; brother Willis Haley and wife Cindy of
Sanderson; by the mother of his daughters, Perry Kay Haley-Brown of
Abilene, and numerous nieces and nephews. James was preceded in
death by his parents, Ethel Laura and Richard Haley,
and brother Zeke Haley. Born Sept. 12, 1948 in Del Rio,
James was the third of five children. James graduated from Ysleta
High School where he lettered in football and earned the nickname
"Turk" for his character and toughness on and off the
football field. There he made lifelong friends with a group he
affectionately referred to as "The Warriors." James
graduated from the University of Texas-El Paso with a teaching degree
and later received a master's degree in education from Northern
Arizona University. James began his career as a teacher and
coach, but it included many ventures including plant maintenance
manager at Abilene State School and director of environmental
services at Sears Methodist Retirement System. He wanted to
experience all he could in life. James touched the lives of many
people who enjoyed his quick wit, sense of humor and his willingness
to listen, only giving advice when asked. James had a passion for
family genealogy, western memorabilia and historical structures. He
was a member of the Abilene Preservation League and served as
chairman of the Swenson House project. Amazing friends during
the last year of his life, James enjoyed a round of golf with his
Saturday golfing buddies. He encouraged those around him to do their
best and never complained about his illness. James made it his
mission to outlive his precious mother and to be present for his
daughters' weddings, Kyle's in August and Jessica's on Dec. 29. He
smiled and was at peace when told of the birth of his fourth
grandson, Leven on Jan. 25, the day before his death. James was
a unique person who inspired those around him in sickness and in
health and he will be missed by many. He was an inspiration to all
who knew him and was always appreciative to those who cared for him,
even during his final hours. His one regret was leaving his precious
Cindy, and his last words to her were, "I love you so much,
Doll." The family requests memorials be made to Hendrick
Hospice, 1682 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79601, or to Kidney Cancer
Discovery Fund, c/o Diana Lema, Methodist Hospital GU Oncology, 6560
Fannin, Suite 2050, Houston, TX 77030, phone 713-441-7934. Alpine
Avalanche http://www.alpineavalanche.com/
Halliburton, Lalage
Lalage Halliburton, 91, died Sunday, July 29,
2007, at her residence. Services will be at 11 a.m. today at
Myers& Smith Funeral Home chapel with graveside service at 4 p.m.
in Marathon
Cemetery in Marathon. Survivors include
sons, Benny Brock of Strawn and Charles Halliburton of
Bloomfield, NM; daughter Melva Hofacket of Big Spring; and
sisters Lois Flanagan of Whitesboro and Jenell Devrow
of Archer City; and brother Johnie Goldsmith of Olney. (San
Angelo Strandard-Times, July 31, 2007; submitted by T.L. Davis,
March 2009)
Hammer, Bobby Ray
Bobby Ray Hammer, 69, of Terlingua died on
Thursday (Nov. 4) at his residence. A memorial service was held
Tuesday (Nov. 9) at Wildhorse Station with the Rev. Elaine Ponton
officiating. Hammer was born in Houston on June 30, 1935, to Grady
and Carmise Hammer. He worked for Houston Lighting and
Electric Power and was a resident of
Terlingua. Hammer is survived by
his wife, Mary Louise Hammer of Terlingua; his daughters,
Cynthia Fitch of Porter, Debbie Delk of Fort Worth, Wanda Winters
of Terlingua, Sharon Winters of Beaver Creek, Ohio, and Charlotte
Winters of Conroe; his son, Chris Winters of Dickerson;
11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren
Hargus, William Wilson
William Wilson "Bill" Hargus,
83, passed away Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004 in Fort Stockton. Bill was
born in Marathon on May 28, 1921, to George
Washington and Ida
Mae Hargus. After graduating from high
school in Marathon, he attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine
until he was drafted into the military in 1942. There he became a
fighter pilot flying P-47 Thunderbolts. He flew 85 missions over
Germany in World War II. After the war, Bill returned to
Marathon to work with his father in the water well service. He built
the airport and Big Bend Flying Service in Marathon in 1946. His love
for flying kept him in Marathon until 1956 when he moved to Fort
Stockton, leasing the Pecos County Airport where he restored the
buildings, made many improvements and promoted aviation for the area.
He established Hargus Aviation, Inc. Bill was an expert when it came
to aircraft. He was involved with all phases of aviation including
aerial applications, flight instruction, charters, aerial predator
control along with airframe and powerplant, aircraft inspections, and
was an FAA designated examiner. Bill restored and built many
aircraft. His business included sales and service of all types of
aircraft and he was a Piper dealer and aircraft consultant. All of
these accomplishments and management were done for the Pecos County
Airport by his own means. He continued to manage the airport through
September 2004. Bill logged in excess of 35,000 flight hours.
Bill also established three ranches in Pecos County: the Tobosa
Ranch, the NH Ranch and the Imperial Ranch, which continue to be in
operation. Bill was an honorary lifetime Rotarian. He was
very kind and generous, and loved his family very much. He instilled
responsibility and life long values in his children and
grandchildren. Bill was married to Bonnie
Johnson for 25 years until her passing. He
married Betty Roberts Lorenz
in 1975. Bill is survived by his wife, Betty
Hargus, of Fort Stockton; three daughters, Ramona
Elizabeth Olson and husband, Chuck,
of Saginaw, Regina Anne Pederson
and husband, Ken,
of Midland, Mich. and Peggy Faye Elliott and
husband, Rob, of
Sweetwater; one son, Charles Travis Lorenz and
wife, Debbie, of
Fort Stockton; two sisters, Frances Springfield
of Marathon and Betty Imler
of San Diego; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several
nieces and nephews; and numerous family and friends. Funeral
services were held Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. at the Fort Stockton Funeral
Home Chapel with graveside services in Marathon
Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Jim Miles
of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Stockton, officiated. Arrangements
were entrusted to Fort Stockton Funeral Home in Fort Stockton.
Hatfield, Jesse
Jesse Hatfield of
Midland, passed away Monday, Dec. 27. He was born July 14,
1934, to Embrey
and Linnie Hatfield
in Dawson County. Jesse attended school in Lamesa until the family
moved to Midland when he was in the seventh grade. He attended
Midland High School where he was an all-around athlete in his junior
year, lettering in all four major sports. In 1951, he was part of the
MHS team that won the District Championship. On May 19, 1958, he
married Sonia Moon.
Jesse continued playing football when he attended Sul Ross State
College, graduating in 1963. He proudly served his country as a U.S.
Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. Jesse was active as a coach in
Little League, youth football and basketball. He was a partner in
Taylor Sporting Goods, Inc. He was instrumental in forming the
Panhandle Plains Permian Basin (PPP) Chapter of Sul Ross Alumni,
which sponsors fundraising for scholarships. Jesse served on the
Midland City Council for two terms. He was preceded in death by his
parents. Jesse is survived by his wife, Sonia Hatfield
of Midland; sons, Jeff Hatfield
and wife, Cindy, David Hatfield
and wife, Jami,
and Chris Hatfield,
all of Midland; grandchildren, Mark, Logan
and Kylie Hatfield;
brothers, Leo Hatfield of
Midland, Frank Hatfield
of Ruidoso, N.M. and Earl Hatfield
of Prescott, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral
services are scheduled for today at 3 p.m. at Stonegate Fellowship.
Interment will follow at Resthaven
Memorial Park. Arrangements are
under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Highway,
Midland, 432-683-5555. Memorials may be directed to the Jesse
Hatfield Memorial Fund in care of SRSU, Alpine.
Hector, Lisa Ann Green
On Jan. 19, Lisa Ann Green Hector
passed away after a courageous battle with melanoma. Lisa is survived
by her loving husband, Jim,
and her cherished daughters, Katie
and Rachel. She is
also survived by her mother and stepfather, Emilie
and Howard Seebach
of Pleasanton, Calif.; a sister and brother-in-law, Lori
and Langley Tittle
of Coppell; and a brother and sister-in-law, Ron
and Donna Green
of Fairfax, Va. She is also survived by her parents-in-law, Neil
and Pat Hector
of Wimberley; brothers-in-law, Casey Hector
and his wife Tammy
of Robinson and Dean Hector
and his wife Anne of
Driftwood; step-brothers, Steve
and David Seebach;
and step-sisters Jayne Seebach
and Cathy Seebach
Rigl. Lisa was born July 16, 1960,
the daughter of the late Robert C. Green
and Emilie Seebach.
She grew up in Dallas and received her Bachelor of Science degree in
home economics from the University of Texas in 1983. She and her
husband, Jim Hector,
lived in Alpine from 1992 to 1999 where Lisa was active in landscape
design and the hospitality management businesses. They recently
settled in Fredericksburg, where their family has been lovingly
embraced and supported during the past year and a half of Lisa's
illness. Lisa touched the lives of many people through her work
in the Pilot Club, Relay For Life, the Girl Scouts, and also as a
Sunday School teacher at First Presbyterian Church in Monticello,
Ark. She will be remembered for her love and concern for others, and
her helping hand to those who needed a lift. Even when she was
undergoing treatment for cancer, Lisa was always seeking ways to
support and comfort those who were going through the same
battle. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist
Church, 1407 E. Main Street, Fredericksburg, on Saturday, Jan. 29, at
2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to
the Katie and Rachel Hector Education Fund, Bank One,
150 E. Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.
Hernandez, Luis P.
Luis P. Hernandez, 70, of Alpine, a former
employee of Sul Ross Sate University, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2006,
at his residence. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today at Our Lady of
Peace Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday
at the church. Burial will be at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Arrangements are by Geeslin Funeral
Home of Alpine. He was born in Alpine and was an Army veteran.
He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Survivors
Sons, Louis Hernandez Jr. and Christopher Hernandez,
both of Odessa and Armando Hernandez of Crane; daughters, Carmen
H. Sierra and Jean H. Sierra, both of Alpine, Delfina
C. Roman of Odessa and Mary Ann Garcia of Fresno, Calif.;
sister, Elma Buckner of Ozona; 18 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Hernandez, Tomasita Portillo
Tomasita Portillo Hernandez,
95, died at Ozona Care Center in Ozona on Jan. 6. She was born to Luis
and Elijah Portillo
in Presidio on Nov. 8, 1909. Rosary was held Sunday, Jan. 9, at
our Lady of Peace Catholic church and Mass services were held Monday,
Jan. 10, with final resting place at the Holy
Angels Cemetery.
She is preceded in death by her husband,
Alberto Hernandez; daughters,
Petra H. Ramos and Tomasita
Hernandez and son, Manuel(Chito)
Hernandez. She is survived by her
son, Luis Hernandez of
Alpine, and her daughter, Elma H. Buckner of
Ozona; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Hofacket, Benny Lee
Benny Lee Hofacket was born June 30, 1934 in
Levelland, Texas to Mary Lou "Dolly" Cunningham Hofacket
and Jessie Woodrow Hofacket and went to be with the Lord on
December 29, 2006. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am
Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood
Chapel. Graveside services will be at 3:30 pm at the Marathon
Cemetery in Marathon, Texas.
He graduated from Levelland Hight School in 1952 then attended
Draugtons College in Lubbock, Texas. Benny later manageed the Chat-n-Chew
Restaurants in Levelland and Littlefield and also served in the
National Guard. He joined his father in the trucking business
and formed Hofacket Trucking in Levelland. They moved the
business to Marathon in 1960. Benny moved the business and
family to Big Spring in 1979, where he currently resided. Benny
was a cancer survivor and felt privileged to participate annually in
the Relay for Life Survivor Walk. He was an active member of
the Big Spring Larynegectomee Club and the Texas Laryngectomee
Association. Benny was preceeded in death by his parents, a
sister, Jan Richardson and a granddaughter, Shannon Hofacket.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Melva Brock Hofacket
of Big Spring,; his children, Cory Hofacket and wife, Linda
of Mertzon, Pete Hofacket and wife, Diane of Big
Spring, Tammy Woods and husband, Bill of Arriaga,
Chiapas, Mexico and Shelly Shannon and husband, Savell of
Sonora. He is also survived by a brother, Jesse
"Coley" Hofacket and wife, Liz, of Ruidosa, NM;
brother-in-laws, Benny Brock and wife, Helen, of
Strawn, Charles Halliburton and wife, Joy, of
Bloomfield, NM; sister-in-law Rosala Parks of Olney;
grandchildren, Jessica Mowrey and husband, Derrick of
Denton, Shiloh Hofacket of Chico, Zackrey Vaughn of
Lubbock, Ky Hofacket of Big Spring, Rhianna Ellis and
husband, Tad, of Slaton, and Tate and Evan Shannon
of Sonora plus numerous neices and nephews. Honorary
pallbearers are Leon Snyder, Kenneth Sledge, Guy Rush, Kirby
Rodgers, Baker Halford, Joe Bowman, Jimmy Bushyhead, Biddy Martin,
Travis Tucker, Michael McBrayer, and Walter "Corky: Emfinger.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Home
Hospice in Big Spring, 111 East 7th Street A, Big Spring, Texas
79720. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle &
Welch Funeral Home & Cemetery of Big Spring. (submitted
by T.L. Davis, March 2009)
Jones, Darriel
Darriel Jones, 64, of Marathon, died Monday,
Dec. 17, 2007, at his home. A memorial service was held at 6
p.m. Dec. 20 at the Marathon home of his daughter, Jerri Jones.
Geeslin Funeral Home handled arrangements. Mr. Jones was born
Sept. 1, 1943, in Brenham to Nita and William Henry Jones.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne. He
was a retired agriculture teacher and also had been a pastor for 17
years. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Betty Jones
of Marathon; his mother, Martha Nita Jones; four daughters, Jerri
Jones of Marathon, Joellen Michalec of Needville, Jana Jones
of Ypsilanti, Mich., and Jill Craven of Bossier City, La.; and
three grandchildren, Cassidy Craven, Chase Craven and Morgan
Michalec.
Kelly, Nancy S.
Nancy S. Kelly left this
life to be with her blessed Lord on Nov. 1, 2004. She was born
on Nov. 10, 1931, to Tully E.
and Georgia Lee Sealy
in Troup, Texas. As a child, she lived in Marshall,
Breckenridge and Stephenville, where she graduated from high school
in 1948. She was married to Edward S. Kelly
on July 8, 1951, in Harlingen and therefore lived, for the most part,
in Fort Worth, and later Alpine, before moving to Midland in
1981. She was a member of Wilshire Park Baptist Church.
She was retired and was preceded in death by Edward
S. Kelly in 1975. Survivors include
a son, Kevin M Kelly
and wife, Anita,
of Southlake, and daughter, Erin E. Locke and
husband, Ken, of
Mico, as well as five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one
sister, Mrs. David (Sandy) Schmelzer
of Midland. Services will be held at Pipkin Funeral Home
in Midland Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. with burial at 2:30
p.m. at Elm
Grove Cemetery in Alpine.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations are made to
your favorite charity.
Koch, Etta
Etta Koch, long-time
Alpine resident, passed away in Abilene Nov. 3. Etta was born in
Cincinnati on June 18, 1904, to Seeley
and Pearl Lindeman,
who moved to Alpine during their retirement years, and lived on
Mosley Lane with Etta
and Patti Koch,
and Etta's sister, Emma Dhonau.
Etta was a resident of Brewster County from 1945 until her move to
Abilene in 2001. She was employed by the National Park Service in Big
Bend National Park from 1947-59. She then moved into Alpine. For
three years she was secretary to Dr. Bryan Wildenthal,
president of Sul Ross. After her tenure at Sul Ross, Etta spent
eight years as administrative assistant to the superintendent at Fort
Davis National Historic Site. She later owned "Thingamajig"
and enjoyed supplying needle arts and crafts to the ladies of the Big
Bend country. Etta was a life-long member of the Episcopal
church. For many years, she was a dependable volunteer at the
hospital gift shop, Archives of the Big Bend and other service
organizations. Her most recent accomplishment was her Big Bend
memoir Lizards on the Mantel, Burros at the Door, published by the
University of Texas Press in 1999. In 2001, Etta and her
daughter, Patti Koch, moved from Alpine to Abilene. On June
18, 2004, Etta's daughter, Betsy Clark,
planned a special tribute to her mother at Chisholm House Assisted
Living Center. To celebrate her 100th birthday, photos and albums
representing the many interests of Etta's life were shared with the
residents and the 29 family members who attended. Surviving
family members include her daughters, Patti
Koch, Betsy and husband, Don
Clark, of Abilene, and June
and Marcus Price
of Mesa, Ariz.; five grandchildren and their spouses, Dr.
Timothy and Debbie
Cooper of Bee Cave, Loraine
Cooper Smith and Warren
Smith of Canberra, Australia, Brian
and Cindy Cooper
of Houston, Melinda Cooper Healy
and Lloyd of
Carlinville, Ill. and Trecia Clark Cunningham
and Jack Cunningham of
Hahira, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Peter, Benjamin
and Christopher Cooper of
Bee Cave, Texas, Austin and Alistair Smith
of Canberra, Australia, David
and Steven Cooper
of Houston, Matthew and
Amanda Healy of
Carlinville Ill., and Coleton Yarborough
of Hahira, Ga. Other close family members include Johannah
and Lehn Franke of
Boulder, Colo., Donald
and Nancy Dhonau
of Denver, and David and
Mary Ann Dhonau of Cincinnati. She
was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Koch,
and sister, Emma Dhonau.
Cards may be sent to Patti Koch, P.O. Box 503, Abilene, TX 79601. In
lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an Alpine service or
charitable organization. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Lamothe, Louise S.
Louise S. Lamothe, 91, formerly of Texas, died
Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the Apostolic Christian Home in
Sabetha. She had lived almost all her life in Texas until her
health declined and she moved to Kansas with her son. She was
born November 18, 1917 at Douglas, AZ, the daughter of William
and Mary Murray Smith. Louise attended the Lutheran
Church in Monahans, Texas and was a member of the V.F.W. and American
Legion Auxiliaries in Odessa, Texas. She was married to James
N. Meeks, who died in April 1955, and James F. Lamothe,
who died October 18, 2001. Louise was also preceded in death by
two brothers, Charles Smith and Bill Smith, and one
sister, Oma Lee Payne. Survivors include one son, James
F. Meeks and wife LeAnna, Mayetta; one daughter, Lorna
L. Knott, Sapulpa, OK; four grandchildren, James N. Meeks,
Shawnee, Jerry A. Meeks, Sabetha, Kay Price, Norman,
OK, and Carol Turner, Colorado Springs; and nine
great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 11:00 am
Friday, February 27th at the Marathon
Cemetery in Marathon, Texas.
Leyva, Alfredo Cano
Alfredo Cano Leyva, 84, of Alpine, died
Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006, at his residence in Alpine. Services
will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Peace Catholic Church. Burial will
follow at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Arrangements are by Geeslin Funeral
Home. He was born in Alpine and was a U.S. Army veteran.
Survivors Sons, Alfrado Leyva, Jr. of Grand Falls, Arturo Leyva
of Alpine and Guadalupe Leyva of Sacramento, Calif.; daughters Alicia
Castillo, Teresa Reed and Rosie Leyva, all
from Sacramento, Calif., Sylvia Leyva of Alpine and Zuelma Sledge
of San Antonio; sisters, Carlotta Sancez of Fort Stockton, Anita
Wiley of Fresno, Calif. And Pepa Stanfield of Upland,
Calif.; 17 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.
Losoya, Michael Ray
Michael Ray Losoya, 36, of Alpine, died
Thursday, June 22, 2006, in Abilene. Rosary will be said at 7
p.m. today at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Mass will be
celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church.
Burial will follow at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Arrangements are by Geeslin Funeral
Home. He was born in Alamogordo, N.M. He was Catholic. Survivors
Father, Abel Losoya of Alpine; stepmother, Isabel Losoya
of Alpine; mother, Romelia Losoya of Austin; grandparents, Calistra
Valenzuela and Pablo Valenzuela, both of Fort Stockton;
and brothers, Richard Losoya of Austin and Abel Losoya III
of Dallas.
Lujan, Christine Moreno
(Photo)
Christine Moreno-Lujan, went to be with our
Lord on Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 after a courageous battle against
cancer. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends
at MD Anderson in Houston. Christine was born in El Paso on October
29, 1966, was a graduate of Irvin High School and Park University
where she received a degree in Business Management. She most recently
lived in Cadiz, Spain and Cibolo, Texas. Prior to leaving El Paso in
2005, she worked for Cardinal Healthcare for over 20 years. She loved
nature and the simple things in life. She was a sweet soul who never
knew a stranger. She said her cross was only a splinter compared to
what Jesus suffered to save us. We must express our gratitude to her
family and friends (her army of angels) who prayed and/or traveled to
see her and offer support and encouragement. She will be laid to rest
in Alpine, Texas alongside her father Pelon Moreno. She is preceded
in death by her fathers, Alfredo (Pelon) Moreno and Alex Berta
as well as her brother Rudy (Benjie) Roman. She is survived by
her loving husband, David Lujan, sons Steven Loera and Omar
Lujan, mother Velia Moreno-Berta, sisters, Monica
and Diane Moreno, Renee, Alexis and Andrea Berta,
brother, John Berta, nieces, Amanda Saenz, Brittany and
Samantha Jaso, along with a very long list of family and friends.
Services will be at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine,
Texas on Gallego Ave and 5th St. Visitation will start On Sunday,
July 13th at 6pm with Rosary to be recited by Deacon Clay Hunt
at 7pm. Funeral mass will be on Monday by Father Fabian Marquez
officiating at 10am. Pallbearers will be Ezequiel Garcia, Mark
McNulty, Raul Salcido, Oscar Lujan, Julian Molinar, Steve Moreno,
Oscar Moreno and Martin Moreno Jr. Internment to follow at Holy
Angels Cemetery in Alpine. Services entrusted to Alpine
Memorial. elpasotimes.com
Madrid, Jose R.
Jose R. Madrid, 54, of Alpine, died Sunday,
Aug. 16, 2009, at his home. Rosary will be recited at 10
a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Funeral
Mass will be celebrated after the rosary, and burial will be at Holy
Angels Cemetery directed by Alpine Memorial Funeral
Home. Mr. Madrid was born May 12, 1955, in Seminole to Margarita
and Jesus Madrid. Survivors include five sisters, Hortencia
Quesada of Nacadoches, Hilda Madrid and Irma Sachs
both of Florida, and Anita Tucker and Elva Madrid, both
of Odessa; two brothers, Jesse Madrid Jr. of Fort Stockton and Isidro
Madrid of Florida; numerous nieces and nephews; and close
friends, Reyes and Diana Victorino and Roberto Victorino.
(Alpine Avalanche, August 21, 2009)
Mancha, Elidia H.
Elidia H. Mancha, 75, of Alpine, passed away
Sunday, March 29, 2009, at her residence. Rosary will be
recited at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic
Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 2,
at the church with Father Mike Alcuino officiating. Burial
will be at Holy
Angels Cemetery directed by Alpine Memorial Funeral
Home. Mrs. Mancha was born Dec. 19, 1933, in Alpine. She was a
homemaker and a lifelong resident. Survivors include her
husband, Aristeo Mancha; two daughters, Yolanda DeLaO of
Alpine and Sandra Arambula of Victoria; three sons, Adolfo Mancha
and Javier Mancha, both of Alpine, and Ricardo Mancha
of Harlingen; four sisters, Hortencia Ramos of Alpine, Olga Cobos
of Grand Prairie, Eva Bustos of Blanket and Lupe Acosta
of Pecos; two brothers, Arturo Llanez of Alpine and Juan Llanez
of Corpus Christi; an aunt, Enriquetta Molinar of Alpine; nine
grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews
and godchildren.
Martin, James Malcolm
James Malcolm Martin, 72,
a retired machine shop foreman for Gearhart Oil Co., died Thursday,
Dec. 16, at his home. Survivors include his wife, Barbara;
son, Biddy Martin
and wife, Dalina;
daughters, Melissa O'Hern
and husband, Douglas,
and Melanie Kenyon
and husband, Michael;
grandchildren, Delainy O'Hern, Drew Dikes and
Destry Kenyon;
brother, Biddy Martin, Jr.;
and sister, Geneva Parks.
Funeral services were private.
Martinez, Concha
Concha Martinez, 83, of Alpine, died Saturday,
Jan. 26, 2008, at Alpine Valley Care Center. Rosary will be
recited at 11 a.m. today at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church,
followed by funeral Mass. Burial will be in Holy
Angels Cemetery directed by Geeslin Funeral Home.
Concha was born Nov. 8, 1924, in Terlingua to Teresa and
Roberto Martinez. She had been a housekeeper. Survivors
include two sisters, Teresa Martinez and Lupe Vega,
both of Alpine.
Martinez, Ruth Garcia
After a long, courageous battle with cancer, our
beloved Ruth Garcia Martinez was carried home in God's loving
arms on March 15, 2007. Ruth was born July 10, 1958, in Alpine,
Texas. She lived in Odessa, Texas, for several years, and lived the
final year of her life in Denton, Texas, under the loving care of her
mother. Ruth is survived by her devoted mother, Sara Portillo,
formerly of Alpine; brother, Jerry Don Garcia, of Durango,
Colorado; sister, Mona Lisa Portillo, of Denton, Texas;
son, Marcos Martinez and daughter, Sarah Martinez, both
of Denton, Texas. Her aunts and uncles are: Salvador Hernandez, Jr. (Suh-Jen), Rebecca
Hinojos (Mike), Rachel Parras (Ruben), Lupe Rodriguez,
Arturo Rivera (Rosa), Eva Dominguez (Al), Virginia Belew (Richard),
Felix R. Hernandez (Mary), and Joel Hernandez (Reyna). She
had many cousins who lovingly called her "Aunt Ruthie". She
was preceded in death by her grandparents Eliza R. Hernandez and
Salvador Hernandez, her uncle Ruben Portillo, and her
cousin Salvador Evan Dominguez. Services will be held at 10
a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in
Alpine, Texas. Interment will take place at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Salvador
Hernandez, Jr., Arturo Rivera, Felix R. Hernandez, Joel Hernandez,
Ruben Parras, and Richard Belew. Ruth's family loved her
deeply. She takes a piece of our hearts with her.
Meriwether, Ralph H.
Longtime Alpine rancher Ralph H. Meriwether,
82, died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, in Midland. Funeral services will be
at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Holy Cross Anglican Church in
Alpine with a private burial at the Double
Diamond Meriwether Ranch. Alpine Memorial Funeral Home
handled arrangements. Mr. Meriwether was born Aug. 8, 1928, in
Cisco to Mary Louise Meriwether and Gay Clifford Meriwether.
He had lived in the Alpine area for over 75 years. His brother, William
Thomas “Billy” Meriwether, died last February at age
87; he also was a longtime rancher in the Big Bend region.
Ralph Meriwether’s business interests included ranching, land
development, and oil and gas operations. He was instrumental in
establishing Big Bend Regional Medical Center and served as president
of the board of directors for many years. Ralph was an active member
of many civic, educational and charitable organizations, and he was a
devoted Aggie (Class of ’49). He was preceded in death by his
parents and brother William. Survivors include his wife, Barbara
Thompson Meriwether of Alpine; two daughters, Lillian Lucile Meriwether
of Tucson, Ariz., and Susan P. Meriwether of Dallas; one son, William
(Rennie) Meriwether of Dallas; grandsons William and Charles;
two nieces, Gay (Gary) Holt and Kay (Don) Green; and
Barbara’s children, Vickie (Jan) Bass, Tina (Mike)
Walker, Nick Thompson and Chad Thompson. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Gifts of
Hope Inc. (Hope House), P.O. Box 1323, Midland, TX 79702 or to a
charity that would honor Ralph Meriwether’s life. “He
was a deeply spiritual man and gave freely of his time and
talents,” the family said. “He will be greatly
missed.” (Alpine Avalanche, Sept. 29, 2010)
Molinar, Maria B.
Maria B. Molinar, 68, of
Odessa, died Saturday, Dec. 5, 1998, at her
home. Mass will be
celebrated at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Joseph
Catholic Church. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Sunday at Martinez
Funeral Home. Burial will be at Rose
Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Martinez Funeral
Home. She was born in Terlingua and had lived
in Odessa for 41 years. She was Catholic. Survivors:
Husband, Rogelio Molinar, Sr. of
Odessa; sons, Rogelio Molinar, Jr. and Rudy
Molinar, both of Odessa; daughters, Esther Hernandez
of Clute, Elida Garza and Sally Molinar,
both of Odessa; sisters, Lupe Miranda and Elidia
Molinar, both of Odessa; brothers, Carmen Betancourt,
Jesus Betancourt and Salvador Betancourt, all of
Odessa, and Gregorio Betancourt of Alpine; and 14
grandchildren. (Permian Basin Death Notices, December 6, 1998)
Monclova, Dionicia
Services for Dionicia Monclova,
88, of San Antonio, formerly of Marathon, were held Thursday, Sept.
30, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marathon with Father
Rick Ruiz officiating. Rosary was held Wednesday, Sept. 29, at
the church. Burial was in Marathon
Cemetery. Mrs.
Monclova died in Fredericksburg Care Center in San Antonio. She was
born to Florencio
and Canuta Rodriguez
on April 8, 1916, in Marathon. She married her late husband, Margarito Monclova,
in 1936 in Marathon. Survivors include three sons,
Pablo Monclova, Luis Monclova and Enrique
Monclova, all of Alpine; two daughters,
Yolanda Estrada of San Antonio and Elodia
Ramos of Alpine; her brother, Justino
Rodriguez of Alamosa, Colo.; four sisters, Felicita
Ogas of Dallas, Geronima
Ortis of Fort Stockton, and Claudia
Rodriguez and Lucia
Salmon, both of Marathon; 21
grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great
grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Navarrette, Sr, Rafael
Services for Rafael Navarrette, Sr., 89, of
Alpine, were held Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic
Church with Father Rick Ruiz officiating. Rosary was said at
the church on Monday, Sept. 13. Interment followed at Holy
Angels Cemetery in Alpine. Mr. Navarrette died Friday,
Sept. 10, at Thomason Hospital in El Paso. He was born to Arcario and
Simona Sanchez on Feb. 22, 1915, in Terlingua, and married
the late Francisca Martinez on Sept. 16, 1939, in Alpine.
Survivors include two sons, Rafael Navarrette and wife, Mary
Lou, of San Diego and Eduardo Navarrette, Sr., and wife, Grace,
of Alpine; four daughters, Gloria Navarro and husband, Fernie,
of El Paso, Zenaida Nunez and husband, Ramon, of
Marfa, Juanita Alarco and husband, Louie, of El Paso,
and Yolanda Solis and husband, David, of El Paso; a
brother, Patricio Navarrette of Alpine; one sister, Santos Milan
of Alpine; two nephews, Danny Chavarria and Johnny White;
28 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife; two daughters, Jesusita Portillo
and Mary Lou Navarrette; a brother, Agapito Navarrette;
and three sisters, Josefina Wright, Dominga Herrera and Francisca
Mata. Arrangements entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton.
O'Donnell, Orene
Orene O'Donnell, 82, of
Marathon died Monday (Aug. 14, 2000). A graveside service will
be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Marathon
Cemetery.
Survivors include her son, Billy Ray Green, her sister,Vada
Todd, her brother, Marshall Roberts, four grandchildren
and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her
husband, Dr. John W. O'Donnell. She was a secretary for
her husband and a former longtime resident of Alpine.
Arangements are by Geeslin Funeral Home, Alpine. (Submitted
by T.L. Davis, March 2009)
Oliphant, Howard Blake
Howard Blake Oliphant, 45, died Tuesday,
December 13, 2005, in an Eastland area hospital. Visitation was
held Thursday, December 15, and Friday, December 16, at Geeslin
Funeral Home. Rosary was recited Friday at Our Lady of Peace Catholic
Church. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, December 17, at the
church with Father Mike Alcuino officiating. Burial was at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Funeral services entrusted to Geeslin
Funeral Home. Blake was born August 10, 1960, in Fort Hood to Sherla
DuBoise and Robert H. Oliphant. He was a graduate of
Panhandle State University. On October 15, 1988, he married Bridget
Hernandez. He was employed as a supervisor for the United
States Border Patrol for the past 19 and a half years. He was a
member of the Catholic Church and was a resident of Alpine for 19 and
a half years. He was a loving husband, father, brother and friend who
will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Robert H. and Sherla Oliphant. Survivors
include his wife of 17 years, Bridget Oliphant of Alpine;
children, Sable Lynn Oliphant, Megan Renee Oliphant and Robert
Shane Oliphant, all of Alpine; step-mother, Petra Oliphant
of Eagle Pass; sisters, Jana Sandoval of Irving and
Anabella Barrow of Eagle Pass; brother, Todd Oliphant of
San Antonio; aunt, Louise Johnson of Menard; uncles, Tommy
Oliphant of Sabinal, Burt DuBoise of Corpus Christi
and Foy DuBoise of Eddy; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins;
and many friends.
Olvera, Angel Jesus Garcia
Angel Jesus Garcia Olvera, lifetime resident of
Marathon passed away, Friday, November 5, 2004 at Medical Center
Hospital in Odessa. He was born Tuesday, November 1, 1955, in
Marathon to the late Longino H. and Antonia (Garcia) Olvera.
He was 49. Angel married Maria Pineda on December 26, 1975 in
Kermit. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the
Knights of Columbus. Angel was the life of the party and a best
friend and Dad to everyone. He loved to Bar-B-Que and was a
devoted Miami Dolphin football fan. He was employed by the
United States Postal Service as a Mail Carrier in Marathon for eight
years. Those left to cherish his love and memories are his
wife; Maria Olvera of Marathon; one son, Angel Olera, Jr.
and wife Belinda, of Corpus Christi; three daughters, Veronica
Olguin and husband, Fabien of Arlington, Texas, Roxanna
Olvera and Sonia Olvera of Marathon; one brother, Leo Olvera
of Fort Stockton; four sisters, Mary Lou Lara, Lupe Olvera
and Ana Zamudio all of Marathon, and Cissy Salmon and
husband Hector, of Fort Stockton; three aunts, Ramona Fierro
of Snyder, Frances Garcia of Marathon and Elojia Hernandez
of Kermit; one uncle, Antonio Garcia and wife, Olivia,
of Kermit and seven grandchildren. Rosary is scheduled for 7:00
pm, Monday, Novemeber 8, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in
Marathon. Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 11:00 am,
Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marathon
with Father Rick Ruiz as Celebrant. Interment will
follow at Marathon
Cemetery. Pallbearers will
be Domingo Lara, Mark Olvera, Joe Pineda, Gabriel Chavarria, Erbey Pineda
and A.J. Olvera. Honorary pallbearers are Andrea
Salmon, M.J. Salmon, Joey Olvera, David Olvera, Irving
Ramirez, Allen Rodriguez, Janessa Rodriguez, Becky Garcia, Gilbert Olvera
and Vida Garcia. Arrangements are entrusted to Family
Services Funeral Parlor of Kermit. (submitted by T.L. Davis,
March 2009)
Ontiveros, Sr, Henry
Henry Ontiveros, Sr., 89,
of Marfa, passed away Saturday, Sept. 25, in a hospital at Port St.
Lucie, Fla. Rosary was said, Thursday, Sept. 30, at St. Mary's
Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was Friday, Oct 1 with Father Mikel Alcuino
officiation. Burial followed at Merced
cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home
of Marfa was in charge of arrangements. Mr. Ontiveroz was born
Nov 8, 1914, in Marfa to Antonio
and Hermeregilda Ontiveroz.
He was a resident of Marfa for many years. He was a member of St.
Mary's Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte
Onitiveros of Marfa, and son and his wife, Henry
and Lynn Ontiveros
of Port St. Lucie, Fla. Four grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. Serving as pallbearers were, George
Roman, Lonnie Mendoza, Leo Marales, Agapito Montoya, Johnny Sanchez and
Charles Waight. Honorary pallbearers were
Francisco Sanchez, Joe Mendoza, Sr., and Alex
Leos, Sr.
Perryman, W. H. "Jack"
Funeral services for former Sul Ross State University
coach and lecturer W.H. "Jack" Perryman, 89, were
held Friday at University Baptist Church with burial in Elm
Grove Cemetery. Coach
Perryman died Tuesday, Dec. 18 at Alpine Valley Care Center.
Perryman came to Alpine in 1946 to teach and coach at Sul Ross. He
was assistant football coach, one of only two through 1952, and
helped coach the undefeated 1948 Tangerine Bowl team that included
former "Bonanza" cast member Dan Blocker. Perryman also
served as head track coach. In the classroom, he taught nearly
every course offered in the department. It was also in the classroom
that he gained a lasting reputation as a "tough teacher"
who was interested in each student's overall education.
"Mr. Perryman was a very good friend and colleague," said
Dr. Chet Sample, former director of athletics at Sul Ross. "He
was highly respected by all former students and faculty as a very
strict but fair professor. "He is usually the first
faculty member that former students ask me about and usually say that
they did not really appreciate it at the time that they were in his
class, but they realize that he was one of the best professors they
ever had," Sample added. "Jack usually locked his classroom
door when he arrived in the classroom and you 'just missed the train'
if you were not in class when he started. "One of the
funniest things that I ever saw was about three or four students
standing outside his classroom listening attentively through the door
and taking notes," Sample said. "They were late for class
and he locked them out!" As a demonstration of his
commitment to the classroom, Perryman established an endowment fund
in 1986 to provide scholarships for physical education majors and
minors. To qualify for a Perryman Scholarship, a student must also be
active in extracurricular activities in physical education and have a
top grade point average. Perryman was born March 7, 1918, in
Nocona and graduated from Texas Christian University. He was on TCU's
undefeated 1938 football team that finished No. 1 in the nation.
He coached at Munday High School before entering the Navy. He and
his wife, Dorothy, were married in 1942. Before moving
to Alpine, he was assistant football coach and head baseball coach at
Kermit High School, then went to Fabens for three months. He
completed his master's of education degree at Sul Ross in 1949.
Mrs. Perryman taught in the public school system for 31 years and
coached basketball. She received her undergraduate degree in
homemaking from Texas Woman's University and a master's of education
from Sul Ross. Asked why Sul Ross was special, Perryman
replied, "It has been my whole life. I like Sul Ross and Alpine
and have made good friends. There was a great camaraderie among the
faculty." Perryman retired from the physical education
faculty in 1976 after 30 years of teaching and coaching. He was
inducted into the Sul Ross State University Athletic Hall of Honor in
1986. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Perryman of
Alpine. Travis Hendryx, Sul Ross State University sports
information director, contributed to this obituary
Ponce, Juan Bautista
Juan Bautista Ponce, 78,
of Odessa, passed away on Dec. 30. Juan was born in Durango, Mexico,
on Feb. 15, 1926, to Jose Ponce
and Fransisca Acuna.
He was a missionary and a pastor. On Sept. 3, 1956, in Chihuahua,
Mexico, he married his wife, Amparo Ponce.
Juan is survived by his wife; his brothers, Filimon
Ponce of Fort Stockton and Ramiro Ponce
of Guymon, Okla.; sisters, Clotilde
Escalera of Elkhart, Kan. and Nicandra
Perez of Plainview; his children, Ramon
Ponce of Odessa,
Marissa Sanchez of Midland, Armida
Aranda of Ojinaga, Mexico, Javier
Ponce of Odessa, Jose Ponce of
Odessa, Lucy Stevens of Edmore, Mich., Hilda Nieto of
Odessa and Ymelda Ponce of Odessa. Juan had 25 grandchildren
and 13 great-grandchildren. Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 4,
at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Mario Martinez
officiating. Burial followed at Sunset
Memorial Gardens.
Services were entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.
Powell, Elmon Fisher
Elmon Fisher Powell, 84, of Fort Stockton passed away Friday
March 4. Services were held March 7, at the Fort Stockton Church of
Christ, followed by burial at the East Hill Cemetery
with Harold Durham officiating. Fish was born May 9,
1920, in Ozona. After attending high school in Ozona he was employed
at the H.W Baker Grocery Store in Ozona followed by employment
with Noble Drilling Company, and Boehmes Bread Company. In 1939, he
married his beloved wife, Louise Boyd of Ozona. Fish was a
veteran of the U.S. Army. In 1985, Fish retired from his family
business in Fort Stockton and continued his busy lifetime enjoyment
of community service. He was a dedicated member and on the board of
directors of the Texas Lions Camp for crippled children in Kerrville,
and received many distinguished service awards from the Lions Club.
Being a strong supporter of education and youth, Fish was a member of
the Fort Stockton school board, director of the Pecos County
Livestock Association, a loyal sponsor for the Fort Stockton FFA, and
received a Gold Buckle and Plaque from the Sul Ross Rodeo Club for
all his hard work. Fish was preceded in death by his wife of 64
years and is survived by three children, Kent Powell and wife
Judith of Rankin, Richard Powell and wife Lynda of
Alpine, and Brenda Menzies and husband John of Aledo.
Also surviving him are his grandchildren Trey Powell of
Odessa, Justin Powell of Rankin, Nena Boettcher
and husband Harlan of East Bernard, Turtle Powell and
wife Molly of Stephenville, Leslee Hallmark and husband Trey
of San Antonio, and Ashley Menzies of Aledo. He was also
survived by five great-grandchildren; a sister, Luetta Kost of
Ozona; sister-in-law, Johnye Coleman of Birmingham, Ala.; and
many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Gerald Porter,
Peeberry White, David Shelton, Harper Caldwell, Delmon Hodges, Dan Law, Frank
Velasco and Ernie Holder. The Honorary Pallbearers were Cliff
Harris, Harlan Lambert, Don Maxey, Bill Moody, Mac Hill, Dennis
Card, John May and Evening Lions Club. Memorial
contributions can be made to Fort Stockton Evening Lions Club, West
Texas Boys Ranch or to a favorite charity.
Powell, James Keith
James Keith Powell, 75,
passed away quietly on Sunday, Jan. 2. He was father to son Andrew
Morgan Powell, who is married to
Kellie McDaniel Powell, parents of
grandchildren Hailey Grace
and Rylie Hope Powell, all
of Alpine. He was born in Torreon, Mexico, on Jan. 24, 1929.
He graduated from the American High School in Mexico City, and
attended Texas Tech University and Sul Ross State University,
graduating in 1951 with a bachelor of science. Mr. Powell was a
second generation career foreign service officer with the United
States Department of State and served in diplomatic missions to
Guadalajara, Mexico, Mexico City, Manila, Philippines, Mozambique,
Lorenco Marques, Washington DC, Guayaquil, Ecuador, Tijuana, Toronto,
Kingston, Jamaica, and Ciudad Juarez. Mr. Powell was a lifelong
resident of El Paso and retired there in 1980 after 31 years with the
Foreign Service with his wife, Rosemary
Adams Powell. After retirement he worked as
an immigration law consultant and in later years as a registrar with
El Paso Community College. His great loves included his family,
literature and travel. He was also an avid reader, pistol shooter,
R/C model airplane builder, and a passionate supporter of the U.S.
Armed Forces and state and federal peace officers. He was a member of
the congregation of Saint Francis on the Hill Episcopal Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim
and Mary Powell,
and wife, Rosemary Adams Powell.
He is survived by his brother, Phillip Morgan Powell
of Lufkin; sons, James Ian Powell
of Conroe and Andrew Morgan Powell of
Alpine; and grandchildren, Christine, Brad, Hailey and
Rylie Powell. Memorial services will
be held on Sunday, Jan. 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Saint Francis on the
Hill Episcopal Church, 6280 Los Robles Drive, El Paso. A private,
graveside service and interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38015, or to the
Peace Officers Memorial Foundation, 200 West 14th Street, Austin, TX 78701.
Ramey, Arline Annie (Dillon)
Arline Anne (Dillon) Ramey
died Saturday, Nov. 20, in the Pecos County Memorial Hospital in Fort
Stockton. Arline was born in New York City. After living many years
in Northern California, she retired to Alpine. The Fort Stockton
Nursing Center cared for her during the last two years of her life;
Arline suffered from Alzheimer's Disease. Arline is survived by
four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren,
including her son, Matt Campbell
and his wife, Phoebe,
and their daughter, Michelle,
who live in Marathon; Arline's daughter, Leslie
Campbell and her husband, Bob,
of Falls Church, Va.; her other son, Steve Campbell
of California; and daughter, Sami Campbell
of Oregon. Private family services will be held later in Texas
and California. Gifts in Arline's memory may be made to the Fort
Stockton Nursing Center.
Ramirez, Luciano “Sukie”
Luciano “Sukie” Ramirez, 71, died on
Monday (Feb. 14) in an Alpine nursing home. Visitation and Rosary
were held on Wednesday (Feb. 16). Funeral mass will be celebrated
Thursday (Feb.17) at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in
Alpine with Father Rick Ruiz officiating. Burial will follow
at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Funeral services were handled by
Geeslin Funeral Home. Ramirez was born on August 3, 1933, in
Alpine to Luciano and Anita Ramirez. He worked in
janitorial services and as a shoe-shiner for many years. He was a
member of the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus and was a
life-long resident of Alpine. Ramirez is survived by his
sisters, Teresa Urquidez and her husband, Tino, of El
Paso; his brothers, Frank Ramirez of Linden and Billy
Ramirez of Alpine; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ramirez, Mary Lou
Mary Lou Ramirez, 67, of Marfa, died Sunday,
Dec. 23, 2007. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today
at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marfa with Father Rolando Fonseca
officiating. Burial will be in Merced Cemetery
directed by Geeslin Funeral Home. Viewing and rosary were held
Wednesday. Mrs. Ramirez was a lifelong resident of Marfa and
was married to Adan Ramirez for 42 years; he is now deceased.
She was born Oct. 20, 1940, to Margarita and Alfonso Lujan,
both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Ramirez graduated from St.
Mary's Parochial School and Marfa High School. She was employed
by Baker's Jewelry Store for 10 years before joining West Texas
Utilities, where she worked for 25 years. She then retired to be a
homemaker. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary's
Catholic Church and was an active member of the Marfa High School
Band Booster Club. Survivors include a son Michael Ramirez and
wife Enica of El Paso; granddaughters Michaela Ramirez
and Toni Janee Ramirez of Marfa; great-granddaughter Summer Nicole Ramirez
Kulhman of Marfa; sister Lucy Dominguez and husband Raymond
of Pecos; and many nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers
will be Lalo Marquez, Ramon Ramirez, Harvey Quintana, Delfin
Lopez, Pat Brijalba and Lando Villanueva.
Pallbearers will be Mando Hernandez, Eddie Pallarez, Omar Guevara,
Billy Melton, Danny Jurado and Tony Diaz.
Richardson, Rolf
Rolf Richardson, 67, of Terlingua died Friday,
Dec. 1, 2000, in an Odessa hospital. Graveside
service was Sunday in Terlingua
Ghost Town Cemetery. Arrangements
were by Geeslin Funeral Home. He was born
Sept. 5, 1933, in Edwardsville, Kan., and had been
a resident of Terlingua for 20 years. He was an Army
veteran. Survivors include three daughters, Janine Seyhun,
Julie Richardson and Kathy Wisdom. (The
San Angelo Standard-Times, Dec. 1, 2000)
Roberts, Billie Virginia
Billie Virginia Roberts, formerly of Brewster
County, passed away March 21, 2009, in Frisco. Graveside
services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the Marathon
Cemetery directed by Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral
Home in Frisco and Alpine Memorial Funeral Home. Mrs. Roberts
was born Feb. 11, 1914, in Chattanooga, Tenn. She and her
husband, Oran W. “Jack” Roberts, were longtime
Brewster County ranchers before his death in 1970. She was preceded
in death by her husband; her parents, Sarah Adeline Alexander Smith and
Jesse Yarnell Smith Sr.; a sister, Louise Cowell of
Alpine; and a brother, J.Y. Smith Jr. of Chattanooga.
Survivors include two daughters, Dorothy Norris and husband Dwight
of Eldorado Hills, Calif., and Jackie Wakeland and
husband Justin of Frisco; three grandchildren, Bob Lombard
and wife Debbie of Sparks, Nev., Mark Wakeland and wife Lynne
of Frisco, and Sherri Wakeland of Frisco; five
great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Marathon
Cemetery Association.
Rudder, Ocie Earl
On Nov. 27, 2007, Ocie Earl Rudder joined his
beloved wife, Nell Rudder, who preceded him in death. He
was born April 25, 1932, to Nellie Carrie Greebon Rudder and Joe
Rudder in Big Lake. He graduated from Abilene High School and
served in the U.S Navy during the Korean War. He attended
Hardin-Simmons University and Sul Ross State University. He was
employed at the U.S. Post Office in Alpine for 37 years. Mr.
Rudder was preceded in death by three brothers, M.D. Rudder, Joe
Rudder and Ben Rudder; two sisters, Emma Barnard and
Francis Harmon; one son, Billy Bob Witcher, and one
grandson. He leaves behind one sister, Bessie Bounds of
Odessa; two daughters, V. Gail Turner of Ruidoso, N.M., and Lea
Anne Gibson of Red Rock, Ariz.; four sons, Joe D. Rudder
of Avondale, Ariz., Charles "Chuck" G. Rudder and Lloyd
E. Rudder of Alpine and David W. Rudder of Phoenix,
Ariz.; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and many
others who found a home and a "Mom and Dad" at the Rudder
house. At this time, there will not be any funeral services.
The Rudder family will have a celebration of the lives of Earl and
Nell Rudder at a later date. Notice will be given as details
are set. Alpine Avalanche http://www.alpineavalanche.com/
Salmon, Emilio Briceno
Former Brewster County Commissioner Emilio Briceno Salmon,
78, was received in heaven on Monday, Jan. 14, 2008. Funeral
Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Our Lady of
Peace Catholic Church with Father Mike Alcuino officiating.
Burial was at Holy
Angels Cemetery in Alpine directed by Geeslin Funeral
Home. Hymns were sung by Rick Ruiz and niece Maria Gross.
Pallbearers were Mr. Salmon's grandsons: Marcos A. Rodriguez,
Roman R. Rodriguez, Martin Estrada, Mario Estrada, Moises Estrada
and Adrian Salmon. Mass lectors were granddaughters Julie
Barraza and Lucinda Gallegos. Mr. Salmon was born
July 17, 1929, in Marathon, one of five children of Anita Briceno,
a native of Fort Davis, and Juan Soto Salmon, a native of
Terlingua. He attended Hidalgo Ward. His life was one that
consisted of numerous careers, experiences, troubles, failures and
successes. One of the earliest obstacles that Emilio faced was
being forced to leave school in the sixth grade so he could help
support his family, working as a delivery boy at a local grocery
store for $10 a week. He proceeded to work with his father,
Juan Salmon Jr., on the Gage Ranch, where he made a promise to
himself of owning his own ranch one day. Having no formal
education, Mr. Salmon educated himself by reading newspapers and law
books, among other literature. As Emilio entered adulthood, he began
a series of careers that included construction and the beer industry,
in which he worked from the early 1970s until he retired in 2002. He
continued to work for Permian Distributing until 2006. One of
Emilio's many accomplishments started when he was elected to public
office in 1968, serving as a Brewster County commissioner. He
ran for public office because of his passion to work against
discrimination and injustice. The late Commissioner Roberto Valadez
was his mentor, and Mr. Salmon credited Valadez for his political
guidance and encouragement when he first became a county
commissioner, according to the Archives of the Big Bend. His
public service would last for the next 36 years, and he served his
constituents with great pride and humility. As a commissioner, Mr.
Salmon helped bring road and Pena Park improvements, and emergency
service to Marathon. He was always supportive of his church,
organizational and school-sponsored programs and projects.
Because of his heartfelt passion for justice and equal treatment for
all, Mr. Salmon made a tremendous difference for his constituents and
for the communities of Marathon, Alpine and Brewster County.
Mr. Salmon continued to work for the people, as his last position
held was as an officer of the Department of Veterans Affairs
(formerly the Veterans Administration). Like his father, a
World War I veteran, and his brother Eduardo, Mr. Salmon entered the
U.S. Army, proudly serving his country as a corporal and tank
engineer from 1950 to 1952. The same year of his induction into the
Army, Mr. Salmon married Guadalupe Valero, his loving and
dedicated wife. Through all of these accomplishments, Mr. Salmon's
most gratifying feat was fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning his
own ranch when he acquired what is now known as Rancho Guadalupe. He
made Rancho Guadalupe an intimate, serene piece of rare earth beauty
that many friends and family have come to enjoy. Mr. Salmon was
known for many things during his rewarding life, but above all and
foremost he was a father, grandfather and loving husband to his
family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anita and
Juan Salmon; one brother, Juan Salmon Jr.; and two
sisters, Guadalupe Baeza and Isabel Terrazas. He is survived by
his wife, Guadalupe Salmon; son Jose Antonio Salmon
and wife Adelaida of Alpine; three daughters, Priscilla
Estrada of Alpine, Maria Rodriguez of Waco and Gracie Shepherd
and husband Jim of Midland; one brother, Eduardo Salmon
and wife Lucia of Marathon; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
B.J. Gallego and the Archives of the Big Bend contributed to this
obituary. Jan. 16, 2008
Santiago, Lupe Briceno
Loving husband and adored father died peacefully at
home on Jan. 20, 2004. Born Dec. 12, 1933 in Marathon,
Texas. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Lupita and
3 children, Alicia (Gene) Estrella, Veronica (Cliff) Lum, and Robert
(Shannon) Santiago and 7 grandchildren; siblings, Tony
Esequiel , Sostenes and Maria Santiago. A 38 year
WLA resident. In 1972 he started his own business, Santiago
Screen Service. He retired in 1992, and moved to Murrieta in
1995. He was passionate about his faith, family, golf,
gardening and Notre Dame Football, and affectionately called
"Pops" by his younger golfing buddies. He will be
deeply missed. Funeral services were held Jan. 29, at St.
Martha's Catholic Church in Murrieta. Per his request,
donations may be made to St. Martha's Building Fund, 37200 Whitewood
Rd. Murrieta, Ca. 92563. (Los Angeles Times, Feb. 9, 2004) Submitted
by Eleanor Evans Borkenhagen, Jan. 2007.
Scott, Wyllette Dawson
Wyllette Dawson Scott, 85, passed away Monday,
Jan. 10, in Comanche Community Hospital in Comanche, Texas. She
was born May 13, 1919, in Brewster County to Edgar P. Dawson and
Bessie (Kendrick) Dawson. On Sept. 16, 1939, she was
united in marriage to Curtis Elmo Scott in Alamogordo, N.M. He
preceded her in death on July 30, 1999. She was a retired interior
decorator. She is survived by her brothers, Perry Dawson
and wife Ruby of Corpus Christi, Thomas Dawson and
wife Verna of Midland, and Leslie Dawson and wife Brenda
of San Saba.
Schmidt, John R.
John R. Schmidt, age 84, of Alvin, Texas and
formerly of Plymouth, went to touch the face of God on March 30,
2004, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. John
was born on Aug. 11, 1919, in New Holstein, a son of the late John
and Wilma Wandersleben Schmidt. He attended New Holstein and
Plymouth grade schools and graduated from Plymouth High School in
1937. John served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as
a flying instructor and proudly boasted that no German aircraft got
past Oklahoma City. He retired as a Lt. Colonel USAF. He
married Wanda Deaton in December of 1947 and they had 52 years
together before her death in December of 1999. The couple
retired to Alpine where they lived for 25 years, then after
Wanda’s death, he moved to Alvin to be near his surviving
family. As a boy of 12, John first got his fascination with
birds that lasted his entire life. He was a longtime member of the
Texas Ornithological Society. Survivors include two daughters, Brenda
Johnson and her husband and Bennetta Schmidt; two
granddaughters, Raechel Bartholomew and Laura King;
two great-grandsons, Christian and Caleb Bartholomew;
one brother, Carl (Dorothy) Schmidt of New Holstein; one
sister, Rose Flickinger of Frost Proof, Fla.; and one sister-in-law,
Betty Schmidt of Ellicott City, Md. He is also survived by
numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He also
had one sister, Carita Fulwiler, who passed away this past
week on April 16, 2004, and was preceded in death by two brothers, John
and George Schmidt. Funeral services were held at
the Geeslin Funeral Home Chapel in Alvin, Texas, with Interment at
the Elm
Grove Cemetery. The measure
of a man is how much he is missed after he is gone, and John will be
greatly missed. The Sheboygan Press, April 21, 2004 Submitted
by Mary Bell Lockhart <[email protected]>, July 2008
Sibley, Jr., D.J.
D.J. Sibley, Jr., retired
physician and West Texas rancher, passed away Saturday morning, Jan.
8, at his home in Austin in his ninety-second year of life.
D.J. was the only child of Dr. D. Jacobi
Sibley, Sr. and Effie
Potts Sibley. Born prematurely on March 5,
1913, in Bertram, 20 miles outside of Austin, D.J. weighed only 3
lbs. His incubator was a shoe box filled with wool, placed in the
warm oven of the kitchen wood stove. D.J.'s father, D.
Jacobi Sr., was a dentist with offices in several central Texas
rural towns. He developed tuberculosis and entered a sanatorium for
treatment in El Paso. The Sibleys never left West Texas. Along with
Effie Sibley's parents, John
and Emma Potts,
they settled in Fort Stockton, developing ranching and business
interests in Pecos and Brewster counties, branding many cattle,
horses and sheep with the "lazy S." D.J. served in
the U.S. Medical Corps from 1940 to 1948 and participated in the
first jungle fighting in it's history. He served in ten major
encounters, beginning with Battle of Buna, Papua, New Guinea, and was
in command of the medical forces for the retaking of Corregidor north
through Luzon, Leyte and Milne Bay in the Phillipines. D.J.
received his first commission as a 2nd Lieutenant from New Mexico
Military Institute in 1931. As a Lieutenant in the U.S. Cavalry, he
was automatically transferred to the army medical corps after
induction into the service, leaving his medical residency in
Baltimore. After 39 months in the South Pacific, D.J. was awarded the
Bronze Star and rotated home to treat his tuberculosis, hepatitis and
amoebiasis. He was separated from the service as a colonel after
three years of hospitalization. D.J. received his B.A. from UT
Austin and his M.D. from UT Medical School in Galveston in 1937. At
37, he married Jane Dunn Sibley in Fort Stockton in 1950,
where he practiced medicine and ranched until 1961. During this time,
D.J. persuaded the bishop of the Rio Grande to let him start a
mission in Fort Stockton, where he acted as lay reader. A gift of a
tiny, historic Victorian one room church from Pecos that was rescued
from the wrecking ball and moved by D.J. and Jane to Fort Stockton
later became St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Together, they founded
the Fort Stockton Historical Society, leaving the city a permanent
gift of the Old Fort Parade ground, and their home, which was
adjacent to it. With this bequest, the city began rebuilding the
pre-civil war fort and restoring the existing officer's
quarters. In 1962, D.J., Jane
and their three children, Jake, Mahala
and Hiram, moved
to Austin, where he nourished his interest in ecology, range
management, plant biology and genetic programming while engaging in
scientific research at the UT Clayton Foundation Biochemical
Institute in Austin. In 1982, he established the D.J. Sibley
Centennial Professorship in Plant Molecular Genetics, the first
endowed support for plant research at UT Austin. His other interests
were music, ballet, art, history, genealogy and philanthropy. His
lifelong passion for languages centered upon Spanish, but included
Latin, German, Creek and Pidgin English. He was an active participant
in the Austin Symphony, was keenly interested in the archeology of
Texas and was a founding member of the Texas Rock Art Society, Bat
Conservation International, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute,
Environic Foundation International and the Big Bend Studies Program
at Sul Ross State University in Alpine. D.J. was proud of his
heritage as a member of the Creek Indian Nation. He is survived
by his wife of 54 years, Jane Dunn Sibley;
their son, Hiram,
of Alpine, along with his wife, Liz,
and their two children, Rachel and
Christopher;
Shiloh and Kiowa Sibley-Cutforth,
daughters of Mahala Sibley;
and Sarah and Elizabeth,
daughters of Jake Sibley
and their mother, Jan.
Jake and Mahala
preceeded him in death. His faithful
canine friend, Priscilla,
was with him at the end, along with Raul Moreno.
The family will greet their Austin friends at home on Sunday, Jan.
16, from 4 to 6 p.m. D.J.'s ashes will be placed in the family
cemetery at the Glass
Mountain Ranch this spring,
following a service in Fort Stockton with the Rev.
Elaine Ponton officiating. Gifts may
be made in honor of D.J. to the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute,
Box 905, Fort Davis, TX 79734; the Center for Big Bend Studies, Sul
Ross State University, Box C-71, Alpine, TX 79832; the Fort Stockton
Historic Society or Friends of the Fort, 301 S. Main St., Fort
Stockton, TX 79735; or the UT Austin Plant Biology Graduate Program,
1 University Station A6700, Austin, TX 78712-0183.
Simons, Lewis Elmer
Lewis Elmer Simons, 79, died on Saturday (Feb.
12) at his residence in Alpine. Memorial services will be held at a
later date at the Oakland Cemetery in
Oakland, Iowa. Simons was born on April 7, 1925, in Dennison,
Iowa, to Bernard and Antoinette Ransom Simons. He was a
veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was employed by
the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years, first as a letter carrier and
later as a carrier supervisor. He was a 50-year member of the Texas
Masons and a longtime member of the Iowa Masons. He was also a member
of the Methodist Church. Simons was wed to Jean Ann Christensen
on Feb. 22, 1997, and they resided in Alpine. Survivors
include his wife; his daughters, Linda Koonce of Connecticutt, Cindy
Haines and her husband Terry of Oakland, Iowa, Nancy Edberg
of Omaha, Neb., Toni Dorencamp and her husband Tom of
Fremont, Neb., Leslie Gleaves and her husband Mike of
Oakland, Iowa, and Laura Baller and her husband Arnie
of Council Bluffs, Iowa; his son, Lewis E. Simons of Richmond,
Va.; his sisters, Bernice Kountz of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Sandy
Sweeney and her husband Jerry of Council Bluffs, Iowa;
his brothers, Thomas Simons of Omaha, Neb., and Enice Simons
of Council Bluffs, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren;
and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be sent to
the Alpine Public Library
or to a favorite charity.
Sotelo, George Jaimes
George was born April 22, 1924 in Alpine, Texas.
He was the 6th of 9 children born to Juan Sotelo and Petra Jaimes.
George passed away at home in La Puente, California on March 15,
2006, surrounded by his loving family. George is survived by
his wife of 59 years, Mary, 4 children, John, Alfred, Ruby and
Edward; and 6 grandchildren, Veronica, Sarah, Damien,
Mercedes, Cole and Kaden Sotelo. Shortly after his
18th birthday George was drafted in the US Army and served in the
European Operation in WWII and earned 4 Bronze Stars, 2 years after
his honorable discharge he married his high school sweetheart, Mary,
in Fort Stockton, Texas and proceeded to move to California. He
worked in the grocery business until retirement in 1987.
Services will be conducted by Rose Hill Mortuary in Whittier,
California in the Memorial Chapel. Viewing will be Monday,
March 20 at 6:30pm followed by rosary at 7pm. Funeral services,
Tuesday Memorial Chapel. (Los Angeles Times, March 18, 2006)
Submitted by Eleanor Evans Borkenhagen, Jan. 2007
Sotelo, Raul J.
Raul J. Sotelo, 88, husband of the late Elodia
"Lote" Dominguez Sotelo, and father of Cindy Nunez and
Raul Sotelo Jr., passed away Dec. 20, 2009, at his home in La
Puente, Calif. surrounded by family members. Rosary was recited
on Dec. 23 at Pierce Mortuary in West Covina, Calif. by friend and
neighbor Sylvia Marquez. Funeral services were held at Our
Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine with a rosary by Irene Espinoza
and Mass offered by Father Mike Alcuino. Guitar music was
played throughout the services by Johnny Milan and his group.
Nieces Anna Fierro and Eva Guardiola served as lectors. George
Cadena, Jerry Sotello (nephews), Mario Martinez, Johnny
Salcido, Isaiah Salcido and Fernando Sanchez served as
pallbearers. Interment by Alpine Memorial Funeral Home followed at Holy
Angels Cemetery with military honors. Raul was the
fifth of nine children born to Petra Jaimes Sotelo and Juan Sotelo
in Alpine on June 11, 1921. He attended schools in Alpine and in 1942
joined the U.S. Air Force. While on furlough, he married his
childhood sweetheart, Elodia Dominguez. After the war, with
few jobs available to the returning veterans, he moved the family to
southern California to join the rest of his brothers and sisters.
There he worked for and retired from Alcoa Aluminum Corp. after 33
years. Raul was preceded in death by his wife, Elodia, and
brothers and sisters Anita Barron, Senaida Cadena, Ophelia
Rodriguez, Johnny Sotello, George Sotelo and Frank Sotelo.
Survivors include his daughter, Cindy Nunez of Alpine, and
son, Raul Sotelo Jr. of La Puente, Calif.; three
grandchildren, Tiffany, Matthew and Bianca; one
great-grandchild, Macy King; one brother, Eliseo Sotelo
of Alpine; one sister, Bertha Hanson of Riverside,
Calif.; two sisters-in-law, Mary Sotelo of La Puente, Calif.,
and Nina Wilcox of El Paso; and one brother-in-law, Wacky
Pallanez of Alpine. "Raul, affectionately called
‘Uncle Rul,' was deeply loved by his family and neighbors, and
will be greatly missed for his joie de vivre and great sense of
humor," his family said. "He enjoyed reading and listening
to music and political commentaries. After his retirement, he could
always be found outdoors tending to his beloved avocado and
grapefruit trees, while listening to the radio, and making sure his
American flag flew proudly every day. He enjoyed living in
California, but had always looked forward to coming back home to
Alpine." (Alpine Avalanche, 7 Jan 2010)
Sotello,
Juan Jaimes
Juan “Johnny” Jaimes Sotello, 86,
passed away Monday (May 30). Arrangements are being handled by
Geeslin Funeral Home in Alpine. Visitation will be Thursday (June 2)
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Geeslin Funeral Home Chapel. Rosary
will be recited at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Mass
will be held at 10 a.m. Friday with his cousin, Father Alfred Villanueva,
officiating. Military burial will follow at Holy
Angels Cemetery. Sotello was born June 24,
1918, in Alpine to Juan and Petra Jaimes Sotelo as they
celebrated both their wedding anniversary and Juan Sr.’s
birthday. He married Gabriela “Gay” Gonzales on June
25, 1949. Sotello received both his bachelor’s and master’s
degrees from Sul Ross State University. He served in the Air Force
from 1941 to 45, where he adopted the United States military’s
new spelling of his family name. He lived and worked in California
for several years before returning to raise his family in Alpine.
Through the years, Johnny worked as a grocer, teacher, merchant
and principal and was proud he “never retired.” During his
many years of service to Alpine, he spent several years on the Alpine
Independent School Board and was active in the Veterans of Foreign
Wars, where in 1986-87 he was selected to be named All-American
District Commander. Sotello was preceded in death by his
wife, Gay Sotello; two sisters, Anita “Annie” Barron
and Senaida “Naya” Cadena. He is
survived by his sisters, Ophelia “Filia” Rodriguez
of Arcadia, Calif., and Berta Hazlett, also of California.
Surviving brothers include Raul and Jorge “George”
Sotelo, both of La Puente, Calif., and Eliseo “Cheo”
and Francisco “Frank” Sotelo, both of
Alpine. Other family members include his sons, John
Ivy Sotello and Gerald “Jerry” Peyton Sotello
and family, all of Alpine. Grandchildren include Suzanne Harris
and Joe Tom Elmore; great-grandchildren, Peyton Marie Harris,
Derek Ryan Harris and Arwen Louise Elmore; and close
friends, Leigh and Daniel Eaton. Johnny Sotello was
admired and respected by too many nieces, nephews and close friends
to list. Serving as pallbearers are Leo Dominguez, Danny
Villanueva, Ray Hendryx, Al Sotelo, Ronnie Harris, Rey Rodriguez, Ed Sotelo
and Kachoo Valenzuela. Honorary pallbearers are all members of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. The family asks
that memorials be made to: VFW Post 7207, 605 Ave. F, Alpine, TX
79830, or Frontier CASA, P.O. Box 1232, Alpine, TX 79832.
Tollett, Hattie
Hattie Tollett, 68, of Alpine, passed away
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 30, at First United
Methodist Church with burial in Elm Grove Cemetery.
Alpine Memorial Funeral Home handled arrangements. Mrs.
Tollett was born Dec. 13, 1940, in Odessa to Eva Lee
“Jackie” Truesdell and Elmer L. Truesdell. She
had worked as a nurse. Survivors include two daughters, Tresa
D. Mois of Alpine and Sherri L. Ferguson of Pearland; a
son, John Mark Scott of Alpine; six grandchildren; and four
great-grandchildren. The family has requested that in place of
flowers, memorials be made to Hope House, 2100 W. Tennessee Ave.,
Midland, TX 79701.
Trammell, Rayford Hearce
Ray Trammell, 67, of Terlingua Ranch, in South
Brewster County, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2007. Ray was
born Sept. 3, 1939, in Crowell, Texas to Elba M. Simmons Trammell
and R.H. (Dood) Trammell. Ray joined the Texas National
Guard when he was 16 years old and served actively in the 1960’s
Cuban Crisis for a year at Fort Polk, La. Ray attended and
graduated Slocum High School. He then worked and attended the
University of Texas Business School in Austin, Texas. He received his
degree in 1966 as a CPA. He worked for Touche, Ross, Bailey and Smart
in Houston, Texas as a CPA auditor for several years, then later for
Foster Wheel Corp. as a Comptroller. In the early 1970s, he
began a love affair with the land, fresh air and beautiful mountains
of Brewster County; decided to chucked the corporate city world,
bought a business in Alpine, Texas 1976, and made his move to the
land he fell in love with! After a few years, he moved to
Terlingua Ranch, where he lived until his death. He was a
member of the Terlingua American Legion Post 653, and served several
years with the TAVFD. For the past 29 years, he has been very
involved in land sales in and around Terlingua Ranch. He is
survived by his parents, Elba and R.H. Trammell; four
sisters, Sharon Marie Smith and husband Larry, Emma Louis Schwab
and husband Frank, Virginia Juanita “Nita” Johnson
and husband Cliff, all of Palestine; Barbara Sue Trammell
of Terlingua/Study Butte; six nieces and nephews, Rodney Smith
and wife Kim, Denise Poindexter and husband Terry,
Kasie Thompson and husband Tim, Chet Lee Schwab, Morgan Johnson and J.C.
Johnson; great nieces and nephews, Cory Smith, Kristen Smith
and Haley Poindexter. Ray had an extended family
including Carolyn Small, Susan Weber and husband Joe
and their family; and all the family of Jim and Mary Ann Dunn.
Ray leaves many friends and acquaintances he made in his years of
service and in land sales at Terlingua Ranch. He left this
world trying to smile through the tears, laughter, questionable
prayer and singing of his three sisters and family. He was very
independent and lived to his life the way he wanted. He will be
missed. A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu
of flowers, donations may be made Terlingua EMS or the Terlingua Boys
and Girls Club. (The Palestine Herald, April 21, 2007)
Uranga, Lorina Ogas
Lorina Ogas Uranga, 78, of El Paso and formerly
of Alpine, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, at Del Sol hospital in El
Paso. Rosary was recited Saturday, Feb. 9, at Our Lady of Peace
Catholic Church in Alpine, followed by funeral Mass at noon. Burial
was in Holy
Angels Cemetery directed by Geeslin Funeral Home.
Viewing was held Friday, Feb. 8. Mrs. Uranga was born Oct. 10,
1929, in Alpine to Guadalupe and Abelino Ogas. She had
worked in electronics as a technician. Survivors include three
daughters, Corrine Underwood of Midland, Darlene Garleb
of Holtville, Calif., and Katrina McFall of Odessa; two
brothers, Ricardo Ogas of Menomenee Falls, Wis., and Raymundo
Ogas of Dallas; more than 15 grandchildren; numerous
great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.
Valero, Emeteria U.
Emeteria U. Valero, 84, of Alpine, died
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, at Home Hospice in Midland. Rosary
will be recited at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, at Our Lady of Peace
Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday,
Feb. 16, at the church with burial in Holy
Angels Cemetery. Alpine Memorial Funeral Home
handled arrangements. Mrs. Valero was born Dec. 5, 1925, in
Alpine to Mercedes and Liborio Urquidez. She worked as
a seamstress for many years. Survivors include her husband, Juan
A. Valero of Alpine; two daughters, Linda Pond of Richardson and
Ana M. Patterson of Rockville, Md.; two sons, Joe L. Valero of
Alpine and Alberto Valero of Midland; three sisters, Benita Pando
of Midland, Audelia Ochoa of Austin and Guadalupe Urquidez
of Fort Worth; two brothers, Liborio Uriquidez Jr. and Margarito
Urquidez of Alpine; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Vega, Isabel
Isabel R. Vega, 78, a retired maintenance
worker at Sul Ross State University, died Friday, Dec. 4, 1998, in a
Midland hospital. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at
Our Lady of Peace Church. Burial will follow in Holy
Angels Cemetery. Rosary will be said 7 p.m.
today at Our Lady of Peace Church.
Arrangements by Geeslin Funeral Home. He
was born in Terlingua, and was a life-long resident of Alpine.
He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was Catholic.
Survivors: Wife, Manuela Vega; sons, Isabel
Vega Jr. of San Angelo, Lupe Vega and Ramon Vega,
both of Alpine, and Enrique Canales of San Antonio;
daughters, Anita McCoy of San Antonio, Alicia Van Zandt
of El Paso, Aurora Huddleston of Tyler, Amelia Roe
of Alpine, Lupita Floyd of Arlington and Ramona Holder
of Dallas; sisters, Concha Porras and Petra Alvarado,
both of Merced, Calif., Carlota Rodriguez of Phoenix,
Ariz., Maria Valenzuela of Fort Stockton and Reyes Novarro
of Loving, N.M.; 20 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. (Permian
Basin Death Notices, December 6, 1998)
Vega, Maris Franco
Maris
“Mary” Franco Vega, age 61, of Grandfalls, passed away
Friday, September 9, 2005 at her home. She was born January 11, 1944
in Buena Suerte, Texas, to Francisco and Tomasa (Hinojos) Franco. She
married Jesus Vega in December, 1963, in Alpine, Texas.
A funeral mass in Alpine, and a memorial service in Grandfalls will
be held later in the week. Burial will be in the Holy
Angel Cemetery in Alpine. Services are under the
direction of Family Funeral Services. Survivors are her
husband, Jesus Vega of Grandfalls, and sons, Jesse Vega
of Grandfalls, Danny Vega of San Antonio, and David
“Gis” Vega of Ft. Worth. Also a daughter, Angie Portillo
of Alpine. She is also survived by her brothers, Joe Franco, Jesus Franco
and Frank Franco all of Alpine, and sisters, Maye Salgado
of Odessa and Margie Urquidez of Globe, Arizona.
Vorosmarty, Dr. Michael K.
Dr. Michael K. Vorosmarty, 93, died on Sunday
(Feb. 13) in an area nursing home. Memorial services will be
held at a later time at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, Grosse
Ile, Mich. Vorosmarty was born on Oct. 16, 1911, in Galanta,
Hungary, to Joseph and Olga Baranayi Vorosmarty. He
attended the University of Szeged at Venna, Hungary, and the
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich., After receiving two
Ph.D.s, he was employed by BASF Wyandotte Chemical for 17 years as a
research chemist. He had also served in the Hungarian Army. On
Jan. 28, 1941, Dr. Vorosmarty was married to Eva A. Von Pakh.
He was a resident of Alpine for the past 15 years and a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife of 64 years; his
daughters, Ava V. Rowe, Therisa Teifer, Mikika Blumerick,
Alexandra Hamaker and Louisa Potvin; 11 grandchildren; 8
great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
White, Nell Rose
Nell Rose White, 87, passed away Thursday, Dec.
20, 2007 in Alpine. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. today at
Arlington Funeral Chapel in Arlington with burial in Shannon
Rose Hill Memorial Park in Fort Worth. Visitation was
Wednesday. Nell was born Oct. 14, 1920 in San Marcos.
Survivors include two daughters, Terry Biegler of Fort Davis
and Ann Carter of Corona Del Mar, Calif.; one son, Jim White
of St. Croix, Virgin Islands; five grandchildren; five
great-grandchildren; and one brother, William Crozier of Midland.
Williams, Margaret Cass
Margaret Cass Williams,
91, of Colorado Springs, Colo, formerly of Marfa, died Wednesday,
Dec. 8, where she had been living in the home of her daughter in
recent years. Funeral services were held, Tuesday, Dec. 14, at First
United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Kelly
officiating. Burial followed at the Marfa
Cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home
of Marfa was in charge of arrangements. Margaret was born Nov
14, 1913, in Valley Mills, Texas, to James Henry (Jimmie)
and Kathryn Louise (Katie) Cass,
who were early Marfa residents. Margaret graduated from Marfa High
School and attended McMurry College in Abilene. She married Ernest
Thompson (Pete) Williams on Oct. 25, 1934,
in Marfa where they made their home throughout their life. She was a
homemaker, a charter member and first president of the Century
Culture Club and long-time pianist for the Men's Bible Class at the
Methodist church. She was a bookkeeper/secretary of Marfa Motor Sales
prior to her employment at Butane Gas Sales and Marfa TV Cable
Company, where she worked for many years. She is survived by
two daughters, Xanna Ehrich
of Colorado Springs and Mary Ellen Hawkins
of Topeka, Kan.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two
sisters, Kitty Monroe
of Del Rio and Joan Webb
of Marfa; seven nieces; and four nephews. Mrs. Williams was preceded
in death by her parents, her husband, their infant daughter, Ernestine,
in 1939, and her brother, James H. Cass,
DVM.
Woodruff, Dora Contreras
Dora Contreras Woodruff,
54, of Balmorhea, died Nov. 18 at her residence. She was born Sept.
5, 1950, in Harlingen and worked as a postal carrier. Mass was
held Nov. 23 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Balmorhea. Burial
followed at a later date. Rosary was recited Nov. 22 at the
church. She is survived by her husband, Ted
Woodruff, of Balmorhea; a son,
Kevin Machuca of Balmorhea; daughters, Katherine
Sanchez, and husband Martin
of Austin and Karla Machuca of
Balmorhea; stepsons, Taylor Woodruff
of Austin and Travis Woodruff
of Alpine; stepdaughter, Jessica Woodruff
of Alpine; brothers, David Contreras of
Odessa and Richard Contreras
of Balmorhea; sisters, Lucy Rodriguez
of Pecos and Eva Portillo
and Ruby Briceno
of Balmorhea; grandchildren, Natasha Dora
Sanchez, Martin Sanchez, Jr. and Kayla
Sanchez, all of Austin. She was
preceded in death by her parents, Thomas
and Ruby Contreras.
TXGenWeb Project USGenWeb Project
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Clifton
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