Obituaries - 2009

January 2009

Oscar Javier Aguayo, age 60 of Lytle, passed away in San Antonio, Tuesday, January 6, 2009. The Rosary was recited Sunday, January 11, 2009, in the Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home, Lytle. Funeral Services were held Monday, January 12, 2009, in the Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home, Lytle. Committal Services and Interment were held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio.

James Earl ‘Jimmy’ Amberson, age 82 of Hondo, passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2008. He was born in San Antonio, Sept. 11, 1926. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 1, at First United Methodist Church, with Pastor Andy Tyson officiating. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Merton ‘Andy’ Anderson, age 88 of Kerrville, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2009. He was born July 21, 1920 in Baraboo, WI. Services held Thursday, January 15, 2009, 10 a.m., at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville, officiated by Pastor Donald Rauhut and under the auspices of the Kerrville Elks Lodge #2081. Interment  at 2 p.m. in the Oakwood Cemetery in Hondo.

Santo Angel Botello Sr., age 63 of Castroville, passed away January 31, 2009. He was born May 30, 1945, in Castroville. Funeral service was Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville. Interment followed at Castroville Community Cemetery.

Josephine Vogel Brieden was born February 16, 1913, in D’Hanis. She died surrounded by her family January 19, 2009, having reached the age of 95. Rosary was recited Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, 10:30 a.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.

Janell Clary of D’Hanis passed away at home January 29, 2009, at the age of 77. She was born December 8, 1931. Funeral services were held January 31, 2009, at Sabinal Methodist Church. Burial followed in Sabinal Cemetery with Rev. Don Snyder officiating.

Karen Jean Wernette DCamp, age 54 of Hondo, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2009, in San Antonio. She was born April 26, 1954, in Castroville. Visitation at Guinn-Horger Chapel Friday, Jan. 23, 5-8 p.m. Funeral service held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon). Interment at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Lorraine Ortiz DeLeon, age 22 of Thorndale, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2009, at St. David’s Hospital in Round Rock. She was born September 16, 1986, in San Antonio. Rosary was recited Tuesday, January 27, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 28, 2009. Fr. Wallis J. Stiles officiated. Interment was at San Francisco Cemetery, D’Hanis.

Eleno Diaz, Jr. 91, passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born Feb. 16, 1917, in Hondo. Graveside service was held Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Hondo Cemetery, Guadalupe Section.

Mary D. Douglas, age 62 of Lytle, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2009. No services are planned at this time. Those choosing to do so may leave condolences to the family at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.

J. B. Etheredge, age 85 of Castroville, and formerly of Guadalupe County, passed away January 11, 2009, in Hondo. He was born May 15, 1923, in Milam County. Funeral Services  held Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Christ, 1351 E. Walnut St., in Seguin. Interment  at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park Cemetery near Seguin.

Lori Anne Felts, age 47 of Lytle, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2009, in Corpus Christi. Funeral services  held Thursday, January 15, 2009, at 10 a.m., in the Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home, Devine. Committal services and interment  at 1:15 p.m., in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio.

Lucinda Juarez Garcia, age 77 of Hondo, passed away Friday, January 23, 2009, at her home. She was born October 4, 1931, in Laredo. Rosary was recited Sunday, January 25, 2009, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was celebrated January 26, 2009, with Fr. Ken Dakin officiating. Interment was at Zapata Cemetery in Zapata.

Annie M. Haass, age 89 of Devine, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2009. Rosary was recited Sunday, Jan. 25. Mass was celebrated Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Paul Frederick Haass Sr. age 94 of Castroville, passed away January 8, 2009, at his home. He was born June 3, 1914, in Devine. Mass of Resurrection was offered Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Castroville. Rosary was recited Monday, Jan. 12, 2009 at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment followed the Rosary at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.

William Donley ‘Don’ Hall, of Victoria died January 21, 2009. He was born March 1, 1943, in San Antonio. The funeral service was held Sunday, January 25, 2009, at Grace Funeral Home. Burial followed Jan. 26, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

Betty Lou Gumm Hapner, age 74 of Castroville, passed away January 24, 2009. She was born November 15, 1934, in Kodak, KY. A memorial service was held Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at Medina Valley United Methodist Church in Castroville. Services concluded after the service. A private family interment of her ashes held at a later date.

Barbara Smith Hart, age 52 of Castroville, passed away January 8, 2009. She was born August 18, 1956, in Houston. Memorial Service was held Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at the Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. The family suggests that memorials may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Leandro V. Hinojosa, age 76, of Devine, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2009, at home. Rosary was recited Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Hurley Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with interment following in Blackcreek Cemetery.

Kenneth Wayne Jones, age 45 of Devine, passed away in San Antonio Monday, December 22, 2008. Funeral services were held at Bethel Assembly of God Church in Devine. Services concluded at the church.

Carsyn Everley Leach, infant daughter of Claude and Casey Boyd Leach of Bigfoot passed away Thursday, January 8, 2009. She was born December 25, 2008, in San Antonio. She is survived by her parents, maternal grandparents; Craig and JoAnn Boyd and Pamela Boyd, and paternal grandmother Claudia Leach. Graveside services were held Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at Evergreen Cemetery. Interment immediately followed.

Lillian Burge Rush Muennink was born June 10, 1914, in San Antonio, Texas, and died peacefully on January 3, 2009.  A Funeral Mass was held at St. John’s Church on Saturday, January 10th, at 11:00 am. Guinn-Horger Funeral Home provided mortuary services.

Valerie Ann Mumme, age 63 of Lytle, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2009, in San Antonio. Funeral Services were held Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at Lytle United Methodist Church, Lytle. Interment followed in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Devine.

Ruth Ellen Nester Grollimund-Ney, age 87, of Hondo passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009. She was born Nov. 28, 1921, in D’Hanis. Rosary was recited Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Imogene Nancy Nocker, age 94, of Lytle, passed away in San Antonio, Thursday, January 8, 2009. Visitation held Friday, January 16, 2009, 5-9 p.m., in the Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home, Lytle. Rosary  recited at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass  celebrated Saturday, January 17, 2009, at 10 a.m., in the Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home, Lytle. Interment  in Mission Burial Park South.

Jerry Ray Ooley of Mico passed away January 11, 2009, at the age of 66. Funeral service  held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at New Fountain United Methodist Church. Interment  at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Arkansas Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, AR.

Leslie Ann Otwell Perry, age 26, of Natalia, passed away, Tuesday, January 20, 2009, in San Antonio. Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, in the Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home, Lytle. Interment followed in Lytle Community Cemetery, Lytle.

Emilio G. Sanchez, age 57 of Hondo, passed away January 7, 2009. The Rosary was recited Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Erma Lois Satterfield, age 84 of Bigfoot, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2009, in San Antonio. Graveside services were held Monday, January 5, 2009 at Evergreen Cemetery, with interment immediately following.

Jessie H. Soliz. age 85 of Castroville, passed away Jan. 9, 2009 at home. He was born August 23, 1923, in Castroville. Visitation  Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville. Funeral Mass was Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment followed at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.

Cassandra Lynn Suehs, age 24 of Hondo, passed away Jan. 11, 2009. Visitation  Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home, 5-8 p.m. The Rosary was recited Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, 7 p.m., at Hondo Funeral Home. An 11 a.m. Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, Jan. 16, 2009, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Interment in San Francisco Cemetery, D’Hanis.

Bruce Edward Whiteside, age 46, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2009. Graveside Services were held Monday, January 19, 2009, in Evergreen Cemetery, Devine.

Norma Schroeder Wiemers, age 90 of Hondo, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2009, in San Antonio. She was born Sept. 6, 1918, in Needville. Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Stephen Schur, was held Tuesday, January 27, 2009, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Quihi. Interment was at Quihi Cemetery.

Erma Lee Wilson, age 76 of Hondo, passed away January 1, 2009. She is survived by her son, Doug Gardner; her daughters, Jody Wise, Donna Gardner and Dianne Rodriguez; and her sisters, Catherine Weaver and Jeanette Dobkins. Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive her. Hondo Funeral Home, Hondo

February 2009

Marietta Rubio Abbate, age 77 of San Antonio, passed away February 15, 2009. She was born March 22, 1931, in San Antonio. Funeral Service was held February 19, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Interment followed at St. Louis Cemetery, Castroville.

Lori Lynn Alderete, age 44 of Chicago, formerly of San Antonio, passed away February 5, 2009. Funeral Service was held Saturday, February 14, 2009, at 12 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home.





Nancy Kay Horstmann Baes, age 60 of Castroville, passed away February 9, 2009. Nancy was born May 18, 1948, in Denver. The Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home was open Feb. 12 for gathering at 1 p.m. for her memorial service which began at 2 p.m.

Ted Benavides, age 36 of Hondo, passed away February 28, 2009. Visitation was held on Thursday, March 5, 2009, from 5-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service March 6, 2009, from 9-11 a.m. at Hondo Funeral Home. An 11 a.m. Chapel Service was held Friday, March 6, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home. Interment in Hondo Cemetery.



Nadine Allen Bluemel, age 69, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2009, at home. A memorial service was held Sunday, February 15, 2009. A private interment will follow at a later time in Uvalde Cemetery, Uvalde.

Della Lena Hartman Bohlen, age 91, of Hondo, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2009. She was born November 3, 1917, in Yancey. Funeral service was held Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Quihi, with Pastor Stephen Schur officiating. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Lawrence Joseph Carle, age 91, passed away Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, at his home in D’Hanis. He was born May 1, 1917, in D’Hanis. Rosary was recited Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church, D’Hanis. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Antonio Castillo, age 63, of Devine, passed away in San Antonio, Sunday, February 22, 2009. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, February 24, 2009, in the Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home, Devine. Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devine. Interment followed in St. Joseph Cemetery, Devine.

William Jinks Coleman passed away February 26, 2009, in Uvalde Memorial Hospital in Uvalde at the age of 68. He was born Oct. 6, 1940, in Wortham (Freestone Co.) . Funeral services were held Saturday, March 7, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Rushing-Estes-Knowles Chapel in Uvalde. A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Del Rio.

Santiago Contreras, age 55 of Lytle, passed away February 13, 2009, in San Antonio. Funeral services were conducted February 17, 2009, at Iglesia Bautista Calvario in Lytle, with interment to follow in Lytle Community Cemetery.

Calvin Lynn Dodson Sr., age 48 of Natalia, passed away February 26, 2009. He was born January 18, 1961, in San Antonio. Prayer Service was offered Monday, March 2, 2009.

Marcos Garcia Duron, age 83 of La Coste, passed away February 5, 2009, in San Antonio. Marcos was born April 25, 1925, in La Coste. The Rosary was recited Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, and the Mass of Resurrection was celebrated Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, both at Our Lady of Grace Church in La Coste. Interment followed at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery.

Rosalia ‘Nena’ Eliserio, age 81, of Hondo passed away Friday, Feb. 27, 2009. She was born Jan. 30, 1928. A memorial service was held at 10 a.m., Friday, Mar. 7, at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, Hwy. 90 East, Hondo.

Juan Jose ‘Javelina Joe’ Esparza, age 51 of Devine, passed away at his home Friday, January 30, 2009. The Rosary was recited February 5, 2009, in the Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home, Devine. Funeral Mass was celebrated February 6, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devine. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Devine.

Larry G. Evans, age 77, passed into the hands of God Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2009, after a long illness with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Yancey August 8, 1931. Graveside services were held at the Yancey Cemetery February 18, 2009. Zoeller Funeral Home, New Braunfels.

Gloria Bond Fest, age 83, loving mother and grandmother, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009, in San Antonio. She was born in Little Rock, AR, January 7, 1926. Funeral services were held at Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, at Sunset Funeral Home. Entombment will be at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park.

John Fohn, age 62, of D’Hanis, passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2009. Arrangements are pending at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home, Hondo. A complete obituary will be published in next week’s Anvil Herald.

Royce John Foy, age 84 of Lytle, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2009, in San Antonio. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home, with interment following in Lytle Community Cemetery.

Patrick J. Galvin, 87, of Twin Rivers, NJ, passed away January 8, 2009, at the Jersey Shore Nursing Home in Eatontown, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Aurora, IL, July 11, 1921, he had been a resident of Twin Rivers for 38 years. A private cremation was held in accordance with Mr. Galvin’s wishes.

Dixie Lee Gierisch, age 61 of Devine, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2009, in Jourdanton. Funeral services were conducted Monday, Feb. 9, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery.

Laura ‘Susie’ Alonzo Keating, age 45 of La Coste, passed away February 27, 2009, in San Antonio. She was born September 4, 1963, in San Antonio. Prayer service was offered Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2009. Funeral Service was Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Interment followed at St. Louis Cemetery, Castroville.

Raymundo Leal Sr., age 91 of Devine, passed away February 9, 2009, in Lytle. Graveside services were held February 11, 2009, at Evergreen Cemetery.

Gabriel Alex Martinez, age 19 of Lytle, passed away in Corpus Christi, Saturday, February 28, 2009. Funeral Services were held Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at Prevailing Word Church, Lytle. Interment followed in Lytle Community Cemetery.

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Tondre McDaniel passed quietly and peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior February 28, 2009, at the age of 84. She was born March 5, 1924, and was a lifelong resident of Castroville. Funeral Mass was Thursday, March 5, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. Interment at St. Louis Cemetery, Castroville.

E. Charles Meyer  passed away early Thursday, February 19, 2009, at age 71, after a lengthy illness with heart disease. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Kenneth Harry Oefinger, age 79 of rural Hondo, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at his family homeplace. He was born December 7, 1929, in Hondo. Funeral service was held Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Guinn-Horger Chapel. Interment was at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio.

John V. Parma, age 86 of La Coste, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2009. Visitation held Thursday, Feb. 5, 12-5:30 p.m. The Rosary was recited Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., and Mass of Resurrection was celebrated Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, at 10 a.m., both at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste.

William Wayne ‘Billy’ Pierce, age 58 of Natalia, passed away Monday, February 9, 2009, in Sumter, SC. Funeral services were held February 16, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Interment followed at Brite Cemetery in Leming, TX.

Earl Wilson Rackley, age 92 of Converse and formerly of Devine, passed away Friday, Feb. 20, 2009, in Converse. Funeral services were conducted Monday, Feb. 23, at 11a.m. in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home, with interment following in Evergreen Cemetery.

Bonnie Sue Richardson age 38, of San Antonio is at peace, as of Monday, February 2, 2009. A private ceremony to release her ashes will be held at a later date.

Joseph Louis Schmelzer, age 89 of Canyon Lake, passed away February 11, 2009, at home. He was born February 14, 1919, in Electra. Funeral Service was held February 14, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Commital Services at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery were Feb. 18, 2009.

Billy Charles Shuffield, age 79 of Natalia, passed away February 8, 2009, at home. He was born Sept. 13, 1929, in Liberty Hill. The Rosary was recited at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home Feb. 10, 2009. Mass of Resurrection was celebrated Feb. 11, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville.

Henry Louis Stiegler, beloved father and grandfather, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2009, at his home in Hondo after a short illness. He was born in Hondo October 16, 1918. Visitation held 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, with the Rosary recited at 7 p.m., at Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral Mass held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Faye Edrice Walker of Hondo passed away Friday, February 27, 2009, at the age of 77. She was born February 12, 1934, in Quihi. Funeral services were Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Pastor David Mayer officiated. Burial followed at the Hondo Cemetery.

Bictor Ybarra Sr., age 99 of Hondo, passed away Feb. 2, 2009. Visitation was held Thursday Feb. 5, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home 5-8 p.m. A prayer service was held Thursday Feb. 5, 2009, at 7 p.m. at Hondo Funeral Home. A 3 p.m. funeral service was held Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, at the First Mexican Baptist Church of Hondo. Interment in Hondo Cemetery.

March 2009

Ramiro Benavides, age 79 of Hondo, passed away March 22, 2009. A prayer service was held Wed, March 25, 2009, and a chapel service was held Thursday, March 26, 2009, both at Hondo Funeral Home. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Charles W. Blake, age 72 of Mico, left for Heaven from his home on earth March 17, 2009. He was born Dec. 17, 1936, in Roxboro, NC. Memorial service was held Sunday, March 22, 2009, at Lakehills United Methodist Church in Lakehills.

Frances Josephine Snyder Brandon, age 90, of Hondo passed away Monday, March 16, 2009. She was born October 18, 1918, in Hope, AR.  Graveside funeral service was at Rosehill Cemetery, Hope, AR.

Larry Allen Brown, age 70 of Natalia, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2009 in San Antonio. Funeral services were conducted Monday, March 9, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church of Devine. Interment followed at Mission Burial Park South in San Antonio.

Robert L. ‘Bob’ Brumley, age 89 of Castroville, passed away March 31, 2009, in San Antonio.  He was born Sept. 24, 1919, in Edinburg.   Funeral service was Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Interment followed in Castroville Community Cemetery. 

Travis C. Byrom Jr., age 77 of Devine passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio. He was born July 17, 1931 in San Antonio. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 21, 2009, in the First Baptist Church of Devine. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery.

Leonora DeLeon, born November 13, 1925, passed away March 9, 2009, at the age of 83 years. The Rosary was recited Wednesday, March 11, 2009. Mass of Resurrection was held Thursday, March 12, 2009, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Interment in Hondo Cemetery.

Sulema B. DeLeon born on July 9, 1932, went to be with the Lord March 25, 2009, at the age of 76.  Rosary was recited Sunday, March 29, 2009, at Brookehill Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was held Monday, Mar. 30, 2009, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Interment was at Mission Burial Park South.

Samuel Hugh Faseler was born in Hondo December 15, 1949. He passed away Sunday, March 22, 2009, at the age of 59. Funeral service will be Thursday, Mar. 26, at 10 a.m., at the Guinn-Horger Funeral Home Chapel in Hondo. Interment will be at the Yancey Cemetery.




Edward Fohn, age 92 of Yancey, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at home with his family at his side. He was born Jan. 11, 1917, in Hondo. Funeral Mass was held Friday, March 13, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Virginia McCoy Franco, age 59 of San Antonio, passed away Monday, March 23, 2009, in San Antonio. Prayer service was held Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at the Hurley Funeral Home in Lytle.

Maria Escobar Gaitan, age 87 of Hondo, passed away Friday, March 6, 2009. She was born November 8, 1921, in Piedras Negras, Coah., Mexico. Funeral service was held Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at Iglesia Cristiana. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Carlos ‘Challe’ Garcia Sr., age 82 of Hondo, passed away March 21, 2009.  A prayer service was offered Tuesday, March 24, 2009, and a chapel service was held Wednesday, March 25, 2009, both at Hondo Funeral Home. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Santos F. Juarez, age 99, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2009, in Lytle. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 18, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery.

Burnis Koth Lawrence, 86, an editor and publisher at numerous newspapers across the state, including the Hondo Anvil Herald, died Thursday, March 5, 2009, in Alpine. He was born February 10, 1923 in Bronson. Graveside military service was held Monday, March 9, 2009, in Elm Grove Cemetery.

Marissah Estrada Martinez, age 2 of Uvalde, passed away March 22, 2009. She was preceded in death by her brother, Christian Edward Martinez.  She is survived by her mother, Dominique Estrada Perez and husband, Joshua; her father, Michael Benjamin Martinez and his wife Angie.  The Rosary was recited Friday, March 27, 2009, at 11 a.m., and funeral services  held Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 11 a.m., both at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Burial  followed in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Samuel J. ‘Sam’ Menk, age 61 of Hondo, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born July 26, 1947, in Castroville. Funeral service was held Saturday, March 7, at the Guinn-Horger Chapel. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Anna Mae Tschirhart Connolly Merkle, age 90 of Castroville,passed away March 24, 2009, in Castroville. She was born July 14, 1918, in Castroville.  The Rosary was recited Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, Mar. 26, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. Interment followed in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery. 

Lucille Schneider Neuman, age 91 of Hondo, passed away Friday, Mar. 27, 2009.  Rosary, led by John Schoellman, was recited Monday, March 30, 2009, followed by the Funeral Mass, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Fr. Ken Dakin officiated.  Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Laura Ann Katie Mumme Nietenhoefer, age 79, passed away March 29, 2009.  She was born October 6, 1929, in Hondo, the daughter of Ernest Louis and Ella Alvina Helmke Mumme.    Funeral service was Wednesday, April 1, at the Guinn-Horger Chapel with Rev. David Mayer officiating.   Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Gregorio E. ‘Pete’ Pedroza, born in Rio Medina January 4, 1918, went to be with the Lord Friday, March 13, 2009. Funeral honors were bestowed by the Knights of Columbus, local veterans, San Antonio Naval Honors Team, and Taps by local students, Matthew DeLeon and Luke Lemkowitz. Rosary was led by Deacon Doroteo Pedroza on Monday. Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, March 17, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Fr. Ken Dakin officiated, assisted by Deacons Pedroza and John Schoellman. Entombment was at the Hondo Cemetery, St. John’s Mausoleum.

Juan S. Perez, age 89 of San Antonio and formerly of Hondo, passed away March 31, 2009.  Arrangements are pending at Castillo Funeral Home in San Antonio. Call 210-844-8749 or 210-687-4521 for more information. A complete obituary will be published in next week’s Anvil Herald.

Steve D. Ramirez, age 51 of Hondo, passed away March 2, 2009. The Rosary was recited Friday, March 6, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, March 7, 2009, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Jesusa Maria Rodriguez, age 77 of Hondo, passed away March 22, 2009. A prayer service was offered Tuesday, March 24, 2009, and a chapel service was held Wednesday, March 25, 2009, both at Iglesia del Nuevo Testamento. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Tharon Enis Savage, age 82 of Devine, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2009. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 7, 2009 in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery.

Julius Leon Schmidt, age 81, of D’Hanis, passed away March 30, 2009, in Hondo.  He was born April 6, 1927, in Devine.  Visitation, 5-8 p.m., and Rosary, 7 p.m., are (today) Thursday, April 9, 2009, at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home in Hondo. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Friday, April 3, 2009, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in D’Hanis. Interment  in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in D’Hanis. 

William Lewis Spurgers Sr., age 73 of Uvalde, passed away March 30, 2009, in Hondo. He was born March 31, 1935, in Eldorado, TX.  Visitation was Sunday, April 5, 2009, 2-4 p.m., at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary. Funeral services  held Monday, April 6, 2009, 2 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. President Robert A. Rowland will officiate. Burial held in the Eldorado Cemetery Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at 2 p.m. 

Consuelo Vaquera, age 86 of Knippa, passed away March 22, 2009.  The Rosary was recited Tuesday March 24, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Uvalde. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery. 

Conrad Robert Wurzbach, age 85 of Mico, passed away March 8, 2009, in Castroville. He was born February 15, 1924, in Castroville. The Funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, Mar. 12, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville, TX. Interment in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.

April 2009

Anita G. Aguillen, age 87 of Devine passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in Hondo. Rosary was recited Thursday, April 23, 2009, at Hurley Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated Friday, April 24, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Henrietta Keller Bendele, age 92 of Devine, peacefully passed away Friday, April 24, 2009. Rosary was recited Monday, April 27, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

George M. Bernhardt, son of George M. Bernhardt Sr. and Annie Smith-Albee Bernhardt and long-time San Antonio resident, died April 1, 2009, at 93 years of age.  He was born March 27, 1916, in Marshall.  A private graveside service was held at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine, and a memorial service  at the Towers (One Towers Parkland) in San Antonio Saturday, April 11, 2009, at 2 p.m. 

Doris Emily Bielefeld, age 89 of Somerset, passed away Friday, April 3, 2009 in Lytle. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Somerset Baptist Church, with interment following in Bexar Cemetery.

Robert Issac Brown Jr., age 66 of Natalia, passed away Monday, April 13, 2009, in San Antonio. Visitation held Friday, April 17, 2009, from 2-9 p.m. at the Hurley Funeral Home. Funeral services conducted Saturday, April 18, 2009, at 10 a.m., in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home, with interment to in Evergreen Cemetery.

Hugo George Burell, age 95 of Gonzales, went to meet his Lord and Savior Monday, April 13, 2009. He was born June 24, 1913, in Medina County. A Holy Rosary was recited Wednesday April 15, 2009, in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday April 23, 2009 at St. James Catholic Church with Fr. Bon Knippenberg officiating. Interment followed in St. James Catholic Cemetery.

James Aurelio Carvajal, age 80 of Hondo, passed away April 13, 2009. Visitation held Thursday, April 16, 2009, 5-8 p.m. and Friday, April 17, 2009, at 9 -11 a.m. at Hondo Funeral Home. Rosary recited Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 7 p.m. at Hondo Funeral Home. An 11:30 a.m. Funeral Mass held on Friday, April 17, 2009 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Elbira Sanchez Cortez, age 96 of Hondo, passed away Friday, April 10, 2009. She was born May 26, 1912, in D’Hanis. Rosary was led by Evangelina Cortez, followed by the Funeral Mass Monday, April 13, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Fr. Ken Dakin officiated. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Bettie Joan Hall Crow passed away April 22, 2009, at the age of 79 years, in San Antonio. She was born in Seminole, OK, November 12, 1929. Funeral Services were held Monday, April 27, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home. Interment was at San Jose Burial Park in San Antonio.

Eddie Martinez Cruz, age 44 of Atascosa, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2009, in San Antonio. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, April 21, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated Wednesday, April 22, at St. Andrews Catholic Church. Interment followed in San Lorenzo Cemetery.

Justin Davis, age 76 of Devine, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2009, at home.  Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at the Blackcreek Baptist Church, with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Martin C. ‘Marty’ Diver, age 65 of Devine and formerly of Adkins, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at his daughter’s residence. Visitation was held Friday, May 1, 2009, from 2-9 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Lytle. Funeral services conducted at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2009, in the Chapel of the Funeral Home. Interment followed at 1 p.m. in Sunset Memorial Park, San Antonio.

Evelyn Helen Koch Fillinger, age 96 of D’Hanis, died of pneumonia Monday, April 20, 2009, at Medina Regional Hospital, Hondo. She was born October 31, 1912, in D’Hanis. The Rosary was recited Wednesday, April 22, at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home. Funeral Mass held Thursday, April 23, at 10 a.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church in D’Hanis, with interment following at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Lee Johnston Fitzsimmons went to be with the Lord April 23, 2009, at the age of 80. She was at her home of 32 years in Lytle, surrounded by her children as she wished. Lee was born November 14, 1928, in Palestine, TX. A memorial service was held at the Lytle Community Cemetery Tuesday April 28, 2009, with Bro. John Payne officiating.

Olga Edilia Garza Flores, age 85 of D’Hanis, passed away April 3, 2009. She was born in Mexico October 11, 1923. Rosary, followed by the Funeral Mass, was held Tuesday, April 4, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in D’Hanis, with Fr. Wallis J. Stiles officiating. Interment was at San Francisco Cemetery, D’Hanis.

Minerva Duran Gaitan, age 58 of Hondo, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2009, at her home. She was born August 16, 1950, in Mexico. Funeral service was held Sunday, May 3, at the Guinn-Horger Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Goldie Poerner Galbraith entered eternal life April 14, 2009, at the age of 91. She was born May 31, 1917. Rosary was recited Thursday, April 16, at Porter Loring North Chapel. Mass was celebrated Friday, April 17, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, followed by interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Richard Gibson, age 61 of Castroville, passed away April 27, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born April 7, 1948, in Tucson. Visitation was heldThursday, Apr. 30, 2009, from 5-6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Castroville. Memorial Service held Thursday, Apr. 30, 2009 at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Services concluded at the church.

Esther Gonzales, age 81 of Hondo, passed away April 14, 2009. Rosary was recited Friday April 17, and the Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, April 18, both at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Beatrice Frances Finger Grimsinger, age 92, passed away April 1, 2009.  She was born in D’Hanis January 29, 1917.   Rosary, followed by the Funeral Mass, was Saturday, April 4, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Fr. Wallis J. Stiles officiating.  Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery, D’Hanis.

Linda D. Reeves Higbee, age 58 of Castroville, died at Vistas Hospice, San Antonio TX, Saturday, April 18, 2009, following an extended illness. Hondo Funeral Home

William Milton Koehler passed away April 3, 2009.He was born July 8, 1925.  A memorial service was held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home in Austin Tuesday, April 7, 2009, with Rev. Bill Henderson officiating. Interment followed at Austin Memorial Park.

Beulah Mae Rudinger Lutz, age 94 of D’Hanis, passed away April 4, 2009.  She was born in D’Hanis December 24, 1914.  Rosary, followed by the Funeral Mass, was held Monday, April 6, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in D’Hanis, with Fr. Wallis J. Stiles officiating.  Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery, D’Hanis.

Lester Denton Matheny, age 85 of Sabinal, passed away April 5, 2009, in Hondo. He was born Nov. 19, 1923, in Gillette, WY.  Graveside service was held Tuesday, April 7, at the Sabinal Cemetery with Frank Perkins of Hondo officiating. 

Herman Joseph Mechler, age 88 of San Antonio, passed away Apr. 24, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born March 5, 1921, in western Bexar County. Visitation held Friday, May 1, 2009, from 12-5:30 p.m. at the Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville. Mass of Resurrection held Friday, May 1, 2009, at 7 p.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. Rosary held Saturday, May 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Interment followed the Rosary at St. Louis Cemetery in Castroville.

Juan S. ‘Johnny’ Perez of San Antonio, entered the Lord’s Kingdom March 31, 2009, at the age of 88. He was born May 6, 1920, in Hondo. Rosary was recited Sunday, April 5, 2009, at Castillo Mission Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated at San Juan de Los Lagos Catholic Church, Monday, April 6,2009. Interment followed in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.

Nolen L. Potter lost his long battle for life April 13, 2009, and will be laid to rest in the Howard family cemetery in Devine April 25, 2009. He was born October 11, 1920 in Pasche. Hurley Funeral Home, Devine

Arnold Ehme Saathoff was born in Hondo Sept. 9, 1920. He passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2009, at the age of 88. Funeral service was at St. Paul Lutheran Church Saturday, May 2, 2009. Burial was at Hondo Cemetery, WOW Section.

Chester Joe Saathoff, age 92, of Hondo, passed away April 9, 2009. He was born September 21, 1916, in Hondo. Funeral service was held Saturday, April 11, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with Pastor David Mayer officiating. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Inocencio ‘Shorty’ Sauceda, age 87 of Castroville, passed away April 12, 2009, in Castroville. He was born December 28, 1921, in Hondo. Rosary was recited Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, April 14, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. Interment followed at the Hondo Cemetery.

Jerry Don Snider, age 61 of Devine, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2009 at his residence. Funeral Service was conducted at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 30, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church in Devine. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery.

Harold Louis Stiegler, 96, devoted husband and beloved father and grandfather, passed away in Hondo Tuesday, April 14, 2009 after a brief illness. He was born November 28, 1912, in Hondo. Funeral service was held Monday, April 20, at the First United Methodist Church in Hondo, officiated by the Reverend Andy Tyson. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Woodmen of the World Section.

Kathlyn Jane Brucks Strother, age 77, devoted wife, mother and grandmother passed away April 30, 2009, in San Antonio. She was born June 20, 1931. A memorial service was held Monday, May 4, 2009, at First United Methodist Church in Hondo where she was married and all her children and grandchildren were baptized.

Reynaldo ‘Wedo’ Tapia, age 49 of Hondo, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born September 29, 1959, in Hondo. Rosary was led by Fannie Ybarra Saturday, April 11, followed by Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Fr. Ken Dakin officiated. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

James Harlan Walker, age 42 of Devine, passed away Friday, April 24, 2009. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 4, 2009, at First Baptist Church of Devine.

John Herbert Watson Jr., age 73 of Devine, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2009, in Devine. He was born in Kingsville March 2, 1936. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 11, 2009, at the First Baptist Church in Devine. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery.

Tara Ferguson Wilson’s journey through this life ended April 14, 2009; her new journey began at the age of 43. She was born December 17, 1965. A memorial Mass was celebrated Monday, April 20, 2009, at Notre Dame Catholic Church with Father Alberto Colin as celebrant. Inurnment will be at Wharton Cemetery in Center Point.

May 2009

Isabel Oralia Dominguez Arcos, age 84 of Hondo, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2009. She was born in Hondo March 30, 1925. Rosary was led by Epifania Ybarra June 1, 2009, and Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, June 2, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Fr. Ken Dakin officiating. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Guadalupe Section.

Edna Joyce Carpenter Barry, age 84 of San Antonio, passed away May 23, 2009, in Castroville. She was born Jan. 10, 1925, in Victoria. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

Josefa Beltran, age 88 of D’Hanis, passed away May 16, 2009. The Rosary was recited Thursday, June 4, 2009, at 7 p.m., at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was held Friday, May 22, 2009, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment in San Francisco Cemetery, D’Hanis.

Deberah Sue Strahan Bohlen, age 48 of Dunlay, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2009, after a long illness. She was born in San Antonio Oct. 12, 1960. A memorial service was held Saturday, May 30, at Faith Tabernacle in Lakehills.

Benjamin Franklin Calk, age 88 of San Antonio, passed away Monday, May 11, 2009. He was born January 9, 1921, in Del Rio. Funeral service was Saturday, May 16, at New Fountain United Methodist Church with Rev. Charles Parker officiating. Interment was at New Fountain Cemetery.

Roy Cude, age 55 of Baytown and formerly of Devine, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2009, in Baytown. Born July 18, 1953, in San Antonio. Funeral services were held Monday, May 11, 2009, at Hurley Funeral Home in Devine with Dr. David Cooke officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine.

Frank Raymond Danna Sr., age 80 of Castroville, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2009. He was born in Beaumont July 17, 1928, but lived most of his adult life in Big Foot. Rosary was recited at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home Monday, May 4, 2009. Mass was celebrated Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Big Foot. He was laid to rest at Longview Cemetery in Big Foot.

Jose L. Delgado, age 69 of Devine, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2009, at his home. Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home, with interment in Longview Cemetery, Bigfoot.

Altha L. DuBose, 84 of Devine, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2009, in Madisonville. A church service was held Monday, May 11, 2009, at the Moore Baptist Church. Interment followed at Moore Memorial Cemetery.

Annie Fisher, age 64 of Hondo, passed away May 5, 2009. Funeral services are pending at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1281 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, 210-431-9820. A complete obituary will be published in next week’s Anvil Herald.

Edward Louis Fischer, age 85, of Castroville, passed away, May 23, 2009, in Castroville. He was born in Castroville Nov. 29, 1923. Rosary was recited Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 28, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Castroville. Interment at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Castrovillle.

Charles Vinton ‘Chuck’ Green, age 86, of Castroville, passed away May 19, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born January 1, 1923, in Prairie City, MO. Funeral service was held Friday, May 22, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Interment followed at Castroville Community Cemetery.

Evelyn Joyce Heyen Griggs, 72, formerly of Hondo, died unexpectedly Thursday, May 14, 2009, in an Austin hospital. A memorial service was held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at New Fountain United Methodist Church.

Freddie Thomas Heickman, age 92 of Hondo, passed away Friday, May 8, 2009. He was born August 21, 1916, in Somerset. Funeral service was held Monday, May 11, 2009, at New Fountain United Methodist Church, with Rev. Charlie Parker officiating. Interment was at Yancey Cemetery.

Evelyn Lucille Koch Highsmith, age 87 of Hondo, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2009. She was born August 5, 1921. Rosary was recited Saturday, May 9, followed by the Funeral Mass, both at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, St. John’s Section.

Patricia Ann Kuhn, age 69 of Hondo, passed away May 24, 2009. Visitation was held Friday, May 29, 2009, from 9:30 -11 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Interment will follow in Hondo Cemetery.

G.T. Littleton, age 86 of San Antonio and formerly of Devine, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2009. Private interment with Masonic graveside services under the auspices of Devine Lodge 590 A.F. & A.M. were held Saturday, May 16, 2009, at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine.

Arno Karl Loessberg, age 95 of San Antonio, passed away, May 6, 2009. He was born near Macdona May 31, 1913. The Rosary was recited Thursday, May 7, 2009, and Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, May 8, 2009, both at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Atascosa. Interment followed at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Antonio Lopez Jr., age 53 of Devine, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born July 23, 1955, in Lubbock. Funeral service was Saturday, May 16, 2009, at Primera Iglesia Bautista Betania in Devine. Interment was at Black Creek Cemetery.

Ryan Christopher Mangold, age 21 of Pearson, passed away, May 17, 2009. He was born in San Antonio August 12, 1987. Funeral Mass was Wednesday, May 20, 2009, and the Rosary was recited at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 21, 2009 both at Our Lady of Grace Church. Interment at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, La Coste.

Amy Lee Noblitt, age 89 of Devine, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2009, in Natalia. Funeral services conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church of Devine with interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Francisca ‘Frances’ Lopez Ovalle was called to be with our Lord Friday, May 29, 2009, at the age of 81. She was born Oct. 4, 1927, in La Coste. Rosary was recited Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated at at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste Monday, June 1, 2009, followed by interment in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in La Coste.

Jesus Javier Pacheco, age 63 of Castroville, passed away May 8, 2009. He was born in Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico Dec. 30, 1945. Rosary was recited Sunday, May 10, 2009 at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, May 11, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Castroville. Interment followed at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Castrovillle.

Virginia Pacheco, age 60 of San Antonio, passed away May 31, 2009. Visitation held Thursday, June 4, 2009, from 5-8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Hondo Funeral Home. A 1 p.m. funeral service held Friday, June 5, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home.

Leo Peter, age 85, of Atascosa, passed away May 21, 2009 in San Antonio. He was born Feb. 27, 1924, in San Antonio. Graveside Services were held Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in La Coste.

Pamela Kay Blythe Ralph, age 54, of Yancey passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2009, in San Antonio. She was born February 19, 1955, in Sherman. A prayer service was held Sunday, May 17, at Guinn-Horger Chapel with Frank Stanley officiating. Graveside service was held Monday at Yancey Cemetery with Pastor Timothy Birkner of Yancey Methodist Church officiating.

Hortencia C. Reyna, 82 of Lytle, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009, in Lytle. Church services were celebrated Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Lytle. Interment followed at Lytle Community Cemetery.

James Joseph ‘JJ’ Reynolds, age 68 of Castroville, passed away May 2, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born January 8, 1941, in Washington, D.C. Visitation held Wednesday, May 6, 2009, from 4-8 p.m, and Rosary recited at 7 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Mass of Resurrection at 9:45 a.m., Thursday, May 7, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. Interment at 11:45 a.m. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Beverly Jean Anderson Smith, age 78 of San Antonio, passed away, May 25, 2009. at home. She was born in Burley, ID, Feb. 28, 1931. Memorial Service was Saturday, May 30, 2009, at 2 p.m., at the Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville.

Orlando John Spadafore, age 79 of Hondo, passed away May 10, 2009, San Antonio. He was born Nov. 8, 1929 in Philadelphia, PA. The Rosary was recited Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in D’Hanis, immediately followed by the Funeral Mass. Interment held on a later date at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio with military honors.

Richard Lee Stromske, age 63 of Devine, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2009, at home. Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at The Divine Savior Lutheran Church, Devine. Interment followed at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio.

Genny Keller Tschirhart’s journey of life on earth ended, and her new life began in heaven, Thursday evening, May 14, 2009, at the age 76. Genny was born May 23, 1932, in western Bexar County in the Sauz Community. Funeral Mass was celebrated Sunday, May 17, 2009, and Rosary was recited Monday, May 18, 2009, both at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment followed the Rosary in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville.

Matilda M. Rico Valdilles, age 81, of Hondo passed away Sunday, May 10, 2009, in Devine. She was born March 12, 1928, in Hondo. Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, May 13, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Fr. Ken Dakin officiating. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Guadalupe Section.

Arturo H. Vela Sr., age 52 of Hondo, passed away May 15, 2009. Rosary was recited Sunday May 17, 2009 at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, May 18, 2009, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Triece Anthony Vera, 23 months old of Natalia, was called to Heaven Saturday, May 30, 2009. He is survived by his father Daniel A. Vera, mother Roseann Castro, both of Natalia. Visitation was held Wednesday, June 3, 2009 follwed by a prayer service at the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home in Devine. Mass celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 4, 2009, at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Natalia, with interment in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Devine.

Everett Ray Wiemers passed away March 31, 2009, in Lake Kickapoo. He was born May 31, 1946, in Pearsall. A memorial was held Saturday, May 30, 2009, at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Yancey.

June 2009

Julia ‘Julie’ Louise Ellen Strache Belgrave, age 71 of Hondo, passed away June 4, 2009, in San Antonio.  Julia was born Nov. 18, 1937, in Chicago.  A memorial service was held Saturday, June 6, 2009, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hondo. The family suggests that memorials may be made in her memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1303 Ave. M., Hondo, TX 78861.

Reynaldo ‘Ray’ G. Benavidez, age 81, of Devine passed away Friday, June 12, 2009, in San Antonio. Rosary was recited Monday, June 15, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated Tuesday, June 16, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Devine.

Dwight Claybourne ‘Clay’ Billings passed away June 30, 2009, in his childhood home in Tarpley with his family by his side. He was born October 29, 1956. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com (select ‘Send Condolences’ link). Grimes Funeral Chaples, Bandera

Joan Cruickshank Carlson, age 87, passed away June 12, 2009, in Bigfoot at her daughter’s home.  A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home, Devine.

Jerry Wayne Civiletto Sr., of Natalia, went home to be with the Lord Monday, June 29, 2009, at the blessed age of 60. Visitation July 2, from 2-9 p.m., including a recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. in the Chapel at Hurley Funeral Home in Devine. Funeral Service held Friday, July 3, 2009, at 10 a.m., in the chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Mark Louis Delk, age 77 of Yancey, passed away Monday, June 15, 2009, in San Antonio after battling pneumonia. He was born October 5, 1931, in Dallas. Graveside service was held Thursday, June 18, at New Fountain Cemetery with Pastor Keith Dennis of Devine officiating.

Santiago E. Dominguez, age 88 of Moore, passed away Monday, June 22, 2009, in Pearsall. The Rosary was recited in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated Saturday, June 27, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in Moore Catholic Cemetery.

Ignacio C. Estrada, age 89 of Castroville, passed away June 28, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born July 18, 1919, in San Antonio. Visitation at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home July 2, from 4:30-8:30 p.m., including a 7 p.m. prayer service. Graveside service held Friday, July 3, 2009, at 9 a.m. at Hondo Oakwood Cemetery in Hondo.

Fred C. Flores Jr. 80, of Somerset passed away Friday, June 12, 2009 at his residence. The Rosary was recited in the chapel of Hurley Funeral Home in Lytle Sunday, June 14, 2009. Mass was celebrated Monday, June 15, 2009, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Somerset. Interment followed in the Flores Family Cemetery, Rossville.

Francisco ‘Pancho’ Gonzales, age 80 of Hondo, passed away June 26, 2009. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, June 29, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Arnold Norman Gottlieb, age 72 of D’Hanis, passed away June 29, 2009. A Memorial Service was held Saturday, July 4, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home.

Urban Carter Greathouse of Hondo, age 90, passed away Monday, June 29, 2009. He was born May 12, 1919, in Aurora, MO. Graveside service at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section, was Friday, July 3, 2009. Pastor David Mayer officiated.

Jeff W. Henderson of San Marcos, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away in Austin, June 11, 2009, at the age of 67. He was born January 12, 1942, in Texon.  Celebration of Life Services was conducted Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at the First Christian Church in San Marcos. Dr. Jimmy Cobb officiated.

Raymond Charles ‘Ray’ Hickey, age 91, of Hondo passed away Monday, June 29, 2009. Funeral service held at 10 a.m. July 2, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Interment at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Frank Lewis Hobart of Sabinal passed away June 28, 2009, in Hondo at the age of 88. He was born June 3, 1921, in Anderson County, KS. Funeral services were held Thursday, July 2, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church in Sabinal. Burial followed in Sabinal Cemetery with Rev. Don Snyder officiating.

Evelyn Rayann Matthews, age 70 of San Antonio, went home to be with the Lord Monday, June 29, 2009. She was born on March 25, 1939, in Quemada, Texas. She was raised in Fowlerton, where she met her husband of 53 years. Funeral Service was Friday, July 3, 2009. Interment followed at Mission Burial Park North.

Carl Dean McNew, age 61 of Hondo and Arlington, passed away June 26, 2009, at his farm near Hondo. He was born Dec. 24, 1947, in Rosebud. Funeral Service was held Monday, June 29, 2009, at the Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Interment followed at the Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Esmerejillo Morales, age 92 of Hondo, passed away Monday, June 29, 2009. Rosary recited at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 9, at Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral Mass held at 11 a.m., Friday, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Interment at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section. A complete obituary will be published next week’s Anvil Herald.

Joe O. Pedroza, age 74 of Devine, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2009, in San Antonio. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, June 23, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Jennifer Marie Perez, age 27 of San Antonio, passed away June 18, 2009, in San Antonio. She was born April 20, 1982, in San Antonio. Funeral Service was held Saturday, June 20, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Interment will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Castroville.

Sofia T. Perez passed away June 3, 2009 at the age of 70. Rosary was recited Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Trevino Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated on Monday, June 8, at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church. Interment in San Fernando Cemetery #2 followed the mass.

Sherwin E. ‘Bubba’ Uzzell, age 71, of Devine passed away Friday, June 5, 2009 at home.  Graveside services were held Monday, June 8, 2009, at Evergreen Cemetery followed by interment.

Mae Elizabeth Zinsmeister, of Knippa, passed away June 24, 2009, in Hill Country Rehab and Nursing Center in Gonzales, at the age of 95. She was born January 22, 1914, in Somerset. Funeral services were held Friday, June 26, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Knippa. Burial followed in Knippa Cemetery, with Pastor Daryl Knox officiating.

Kolby Edward Zinsmeyer, age 13, of Castroville passed away June 11, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born January 8, 1996, in San Antonio.  Survivors include his parents, Troy and Melissa Zinsmeyer; brother, Joshua Zinsmeyer.  Mass of Resurrection was celebrated Sunday, June 14, 2009, and the Rosary was recited Monday, June 15, both at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment was at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Kolby Zinsmeyer Memorial Fund.

Edward John Zizelman, age 86 of San Antonio, passed away June 15, 2009, in Castroville. He was born July 23, 1922, in San Antonio. Graveside service was held Monday, June 22, at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.

July 2009

A lifelong resident of Medina County, Francis Joseph Bohl had family ties that went back to the Castro Colony. He passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009, at the age of 91 years.
Born September 26, 1917, on the Bohl family farm. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Mass of Resurrection was celebrated Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine. Interment followed the Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Devine.

James Harold Bohlen, age 57, of Dunlay, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2009, in Houston. He was born in Hondo Nov. 6, 1951. Funeral service was held Saturday, July 18, at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor David Mayer officiating. Interment was at Quihi Cemetery.

Patrick John Coyle, age 59 of Georgetown, formerly of Hondo, passed away July 2, 2009, in Round Rock. He was born Nov. 3, 1949, in Hondo. The Rosary was recited at The Guinn-Horger Funeral Home Sunday, July 5, 2009. The Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, July 6, 2009, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hondo. Interment followed in the Hondo Cemetery.

Anna Mae Coffee, 91, of Lytle/Natalia, went to heaven July 26, 2009. She was born Sept. 12, 1917, in Laredo. The Rosary was recited Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, August 6, 2009, at 9 a.m., at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste. Interment followed the Mass in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville.

Celia Garcia, age 97 of San Antonio, formerly of Hondo, went to be with her Lord July 3, 2009, in Hondo. Celia was born February 12, 1912. The Rosary was recited Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at the Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2009, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hondo.

Olga Guajardo, age 65, of Moore passed away Monday, July 20, 2009, at home. Rosary was recited Wednesday, July 22, 2009, in the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel, Devine. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 23, 2009, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Raymond Charles ‘Ray’ Hickey, age 91 of Hondo passed away Monday, June 29, 2009. He was born April 22, 1918, in Plains, KS. Funeral service was held Thursday, July 2, 2009, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with Pastor David Mayer officiating. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Kenneth Dale ‘Kirk’ Kuykendall Jr., age 32 of Hondo, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2009. He was born Nov. 28, 1976, in Houston, he was the son of Roylene Burton and Kenneth D. Kuykendall Sr. Visitation Thursday, July 30, from 7-8 p.m. at the Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral service Friday, July 31, 11 a.m., at Guinn-Horger Chapel. Interment at Yancey Cemetery.

Teresa Lagleder Lessing, age 80 of Macdona, went to heaven July 27, 2009. She was born Oct. 3, 1928, in San Antonio. The Rosary was recited at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church, Atascosa, Wednesday, July 29, 2009. Funeral Mass celebrated Thursday, July 30, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the church. Interment in the Mass in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.

John Allen Mayfield, age 38 of Helotes, passed away July 26, 2009, in San Antonio, following long illnesses. He was born January 23, 1971, in San Antonio. Memorial Service celebrated Saturday, September 12, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Quihi, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Stephen Schur officiating.

Cheryl Lynn Gianotti Menard, age 40 of Castroville, passed away July 14, 2009, at home. She was born July 15, 1968, in San Antonio. Memorial Mass was celebrated Monday, July 20, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church of Castroville and concluded at the church.

Esmerejillo ‘Marijildo’ Morales, age 92, of Hondo, formerly of San Antonio, passed away Monday, July 6, 2009. He was born June 17, 1917, in Miguel, TX. The Rosary was led by Jose Mares Thursday, July 9, 2009. Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, July 10, 2009, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Cleary and Deacon John Schoellman officiating.

Robert William “Bob” Nations, age 82 of Hondo, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2009. He was born Sept. 10, 1926, in Gilmer, TX. Funeral service was held at 5 p.m., Monday, July 13, at First United Methodist Church. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Blanca Estella ‘Stella’ Aguilar Parish, age 51 of Castroville, passed away July 9, 2009, in San Antonio. She was born December 10, 1957, in San Antonio. Memorial Service was held Saturday, July 11, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home.

Norma Jane Bless Pirkle, age 85, of Hondo, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2009. She was born June 15, 1924, in Hondo. A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 18, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Quihi.

Edna Jean Mangum Ramzinski passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009, at the age of 84 years, 10 months and 7 days. She was born September 16, 1924, in Nixon (Old Rancho).  A graveside service was held Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine.

Debra Jane Schweers, age 49 of Castroville, passed away July 20, 2009, at her home. She was born Feb. 1, 1960, in San Antonio. A memorial service was held Saturday, July 25, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Services concluded at the funeral home.

Mamyedell Rieber Schneider, age 86, of D’Hanis, passed away Monday, July 13, 2009. She was born in D’Hanis March 7, 1923. The Funeral Mass followed recitation of the Rosary on Friday, July 17, 2009, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Fr. Wallis J. Stiles officiated. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Gino Sirizzotti was unexpectedly taken away from his family and friends Saturday, July 11, 2009. He was Born October 15, 1930, in Rome (Veroli), Italy. The Rosary was recited Wednesday, July 15, 2009, in the Chapel at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes. Mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 16, 2009, at 10 a.m. Burial in the Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Blanton Price Taylor, age 80 of Hondo, Tx. passed away July 20, 2009. A memorial service was held Friday, July 24, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home.

Ronald ‘Ron’ LeRoy Terzich, age 64 of Castroville, passed away July 9, 2009 at home. He was born Sept. 4, 1944, in Sonora, CA. Funeral Service was held Monday, July 13, 2009, at the First Baptist Church of Castroville. Interment followed at Castroville Community Cemetery.

Steven Tokar, age 49 of Floresville, died July 18, 2009, following a long illness. He was born in San Antonio May 19, 1960. A private memorial was held July 21, 2009, at the Vinyard Funeral Home chapel in Floresville. Reverend Robert Mueller officiated. Interment was at Floresville City Cemetery.

Ervin Marion ‘Sonny’ Tschirhart, 86, of San Antonio, TX, went to Heaven July 19, 2009. He was born June 22, 1923, in Castroville. Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. The Rosary was recited Thursday, July 23, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville, followed by interment in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville.

Ethel Imogene Valadez, age 83 of Atascosa passed away Thursday, July 9, 2009, at home. The Rosary was recited Friday, July 17, 2009, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste, followed by a memorial Mass.

Dolores S. Valdilles, age 70 of Hondo, passed away July 22, 2009. A prayer service was offered Sunday, July 26, 2009, and the funeral service was Monday, July 27, 2009, both at Hondo Funeral Home. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

August 2009

Jeannine Ann Cartwright Burrell, age 63 of Dallas, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. She was born Aug. 7, 1945, in Houston. The Rosary preceded the Funeral Mass Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, D’Hanis. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery

Mark Christopher Collins, age 48, of Castroville, passed away Aug. 14, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born Jan. 13, 1961, in Amarillo. Memorial Service was held Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home

Aniceto B. Colunga ‘Cheto’, age 77 of Hondo, entered eternal rest August 25, 2009. He was born January 18, 1932. He was raised in Hondo, and joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17. The Rosary was recited Friday, Aug. 28, at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, Aug. 29, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Josephine Muniz Balderrama Danna, age 78, of Castroville, passed away Friday, Aug. 28, 2009. She was born March 19, 1931, in Big Foot. The Rosary was recited at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009. Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Big Foot. She was laid to rest next to her husband at Longview Cemetery in Big Foot.

Leland Lawrence Flinn, age 98, was born June 19, 1911 in Long Beach, California. He passed away August 23, 2009 in Houston. A Rosary service was held on Monday evening, August 31, 2009 in the Chapel of Pat H. Foley & Co. Funeral Home and the Funeral Mass was held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 with interment at Woodlawn Garden of Memories in Houston.

Onesimo C. Flores, age 81 of Hondo, passed away Aug. 21, 2009. The Rosary was recited Monday, Aug. 24, at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday Aug. 25, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Dorothy Mae Colley Formann, age 88 of Castroville, passed away Aug. 9, 2009. She was born Nov. 14, 1920, in San Antonio. Graveside service was Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, at Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio.

Manuel A. Frias, age 61 of San Antonio and formerly of Natalia, passed away Friday, August 21, 2009, in San Antonio. The Rosary was recited Monday, Aug. 24, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home in Devine. Mass was celebrated Tuesday, August 25, at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Natalia. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Roseann Grijalva Govea, age 42 of Hondo, passed away Friday, Aug. 21, 2009. She was born Oct. 12, 1966, in San Jose, CA. Rosary was recited Monday, Aug. 24, followed by the Funeral Mass, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Fr. Ken Dakin officiating. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Annie Schmidli Huesser, age 87 of D’Hanis, passed away Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. She was born Oct. 28, 1921, in Copeland. Recitation of the Rosary preceded the Funeral Mass Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in D’Hanis. Fr. Wallis J. Stiles officiated.

Robin D’Ann Jacques of Sabinal passed away August 10, 2009, at the age of 26. She was born October 10, 1982, in Plainview. The Rosary was recited Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 18 and 19, 2009, at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Chapel in Sabinal. Funeral services were Thursday, August 13, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sabinal. Burial followed in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.

Gertie Sanders Janota passed away August 31, 2009. She was born March 12, 1917, in Taylor. Funeral services held September 4, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home, with interment to in Evergreen Cemetery.

Patsy Carolyn Jonas, age 62 of Castroville, passed away Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at home. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Interment followed at 1st Memorial Park Cemetery near Poteet.

Helen Marie Tschirhart Kempf of Castroville, went to heaven on her 90th birthday, Aug. 5, 2009, in Castroville. She was born Aug. 5, 1919, in Castroville. The Rosary was recited Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, and the Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, both at St. Louis Catholic Church. Interment followed the Mass in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.

Everett Douglas Kennett, age 85 of Natalia, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio. Graveside services and interment were Monday, August 10, 2009, at San Fernando #3 Cemetery in San Antonio.

Rodney Logan Law, age 66 of Castroville, passed away Aug. 15, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born Nov. 25, 1942, in Sunbury, PA. Memorial Service was Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at 7 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, Castroville. The funeral home was open at 6 p.m. prior to the Memorial Service. Graveside Services at Ft. Sam Houston held Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, at 9:15 a.m.

Gilbert Rey ‘Dada’ Luna, age 21, of Hondo passed away Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Born Nov. 2, 1987, in Hondo. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Aug. 26, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Fr. Ken Dakin officiated.

John Leslie Love, age 58 of Mesa, AZ, and former resident of Devine, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2009, in Mesa, AZ. Graveside services were held Monday, August 17, 2009, at Evergreen Cemetery with interment immediately following.

Marignacia ‘Nacha’ Aguinaga Mares, age 81 of Hondo, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, surrounded by her family. Maria I., as she was also known, was born Feb. 1, 1928, in D’Hanis. Visitation was Thursday, Aug. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. at the Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Friday, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with Fr. Ken Dakin officiating. Interment at Wernette Cemetery in D’Hanis.

Anna Lisa Gonzales Martinez, age 46 of Del Rio, passed away August 12, 2009, in San Antonio. She was born April 4, 1963, in Castroville. Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, Aug. 17, in Del Rio. Services concluded at the church.

Richard Lee McWilliams, 76, of Port Arthur, Texas died Monday, August 31, 2009, at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas. He was born September 14, 1932, in Hondo. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at First Baptist Church in Hondo, with Dr. Rick Erwin, pastor of Richard’s home church in Port Arthur officiating. A memorial service in Port Arthur was held Thursday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. at Procter Baptist Church, 440l Jimmy Johnson Blvd., with Dr. Rick Erwin officiating.

Cindy Marie Ortiz, age 41 of Natalia, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2009, in San Antonio. The Rosary was recited Friday, August 28, and Mass was celebrated Saturday, August 29, both at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Natalia. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Devine.

Robert I. Parrish, age 70 of Devine, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2009, in D’Hanis. Funeral services conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at the First Baptist Church in Devine. Interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Marvin Fritz Pahmiyer, age 88, passed away August 22, 2009. He was born Sept. 26, 1920, in Green, in Karnes Co., and was raised on a farm in Green. Memorial Services were held August 29, 2009, at Bracken United Methodist in San Antonio with Pastors Mickey McCandless and Tim Birkner officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Church Cemetery in Cibolo.

Geraldo Ramirez, age 41 of Hondo, passed away Aug. 11, 2009. The Rosary was recited Friday Aug. 14, at the Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, Aug. 15, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Manuel M. Reyes, age 63 of Hondo, passed away Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. He was born May 29, 1946, in Hondo. Rosary was led by Epifania Ybarra Thursday, Aug. 11, and Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Ken Dakin, Friday, both at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

Eugene ‘Gene’ Suehs, age 90 of Castroville, passed away Aug. 4, 2009 in San Antonio. He was born May 1, 1919, in San Antonio. The Funeral Mass was celebrated Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. The Rosary was recited Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Entombment was in St. Louis Catholic Garden Mausoleum with military honors.

Delfina S. Tovar, age 86 of Yancey, passed away Aug. 4, 2009. The Rosary was recited Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment followed in Yancey Cemetery.

Salvador Villarreal, age 77 of Devine, passed away Friday, August 7, 2009, at his residence. He was a Korean War Veteran, and a recipient of the Bronze and Silver Stars.  Rosary was recited Wednesday, August 12, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Adeline Mary Steurenthaler Weber went to be with our Lord on Aug. 18, 2009, at the age of 78. She was born in Leon Valley Dec. 17, 1930. Funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, Aug. 20, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with Fr. Ken Dakin officiating. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, St. John’s Section.

Margaret Ann Whitten passed away August 22, 2009.  She was born in Lubbock on August 24, 1925.  A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at the Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Home in McKinney. Interment held at a  later date at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas.

September 2009

Kendra Renae Alvarez, age 4 months of Hondo, entered eternal rest September 23, 2009. She is survived by her mother, Nicole Alvarez; father, Peter Ray Luna; sister, Nakea Rai Luna. Rosary was recited Monday, Sept. 28, at Hondo Funeral Home. A graveside service was held Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Hondo Cemetery.

Louise Anne Biediger, age 92 of Devine, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2009, in Pearsall. The Rosary was recited October 4 at the chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. Mass was celebrated October 5 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pearsall. Interment followed in Moore Memorial Cemetery.

Fane Lee Burt, age 85 of Houston, passed away September 15, 2009, in a Houston hospital. He was born July 28, 1924.  Funeral services were held September 18, at Graham Funeral Home in Junction, with James H. Murphy of San Angelo officiating. Military graveside rites followed in the Junction Cemetery.

Cheryl Lynn Tracy Campbell, age 35 of Devine, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2009, in San Antonio. Funeral service was held Monday, Sept. 14, at the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery.

SGT Paul Carlo Danna, age 23 of Castroville, passed away September 24, 2009 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He was born in San Antonio December 26, 1985. The Rosary was recited Oct. 7, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. Mass of Resurrection held Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009, at 10 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church. Paul was laid to rest at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.

Robert A. Dube of Llano passed away at his residence on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at the age of 83 years. Funeral service was Saturday, September 5th at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cave Creek with Reverend Harold Vanicek Jr. officiating. Graveside services and interment followed at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Norberta Castillo Gonzales, age 68 of Hondo, passed away Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, after fighting cancer. She was born in Hondo June 6, 1941.  The Rosary was recited Sept. 20 at the Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral service was held Sept. 21 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Imogene L. Harrison, 91 of San Antonio, passed away Thursday, Sept 17, 2009, in San Antonio. Graveside services were held Sept. 21, 2009, at Evergreen Cemetery. Interment followed.

Henry Milton Highsmith, age 94, of Hondo passed away Monday, Sept. 7, 2009. He was born August 21, 1915, in Junction. Visitation was from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral service. Funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 11, at First United Methodist Church in Hondo.

Ida Mae Brown Pichot, age 88, of Uvalde, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009 in Castroville. Mrs. Pichot was born in Goose Creek, Texas on Feb. 19, 1921. Funeral Service was Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 at New Fountain United Methodist Church in New Fountain. She was laid to rest in the Oakwood Section of Hondo Cemetery.

Eva Nell Talley Robertson, age 91 of San Antonio, passed away Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, in Castroville. She was born in San Antonio, Sept. 20, 1918. Funeral Service was Monday, Sept. 28, at Talley Road Baptist Church, San Antonio. She was laid to rest in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Helotes.

Carmen Ruiz, age 77 of Devine, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2009, in Jourdanton.  Visitation was held Thursday September 24, 2-9 p.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m., in the chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home.  Graveside service was conducted at 10 a.m., Friday, September 25, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery with interment immediately following.

Carl A. Szafranski, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, and brother passed away peacefully Saturday, September 26, 2009, at the age of 95. He was born in Waco August 31, 1914. Services were held at Mission Burial Park Sept. 30. Personal acknowledgments may be made by signing the guest book at www.missionparks.com in the obituary section.

October 2009

Aginaldo Aguilar, age 81 of Dunlay, passed on to be with our Lord Sunday, October 11, 2009. A loving son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was born June 28, 1928, in D’Hanis. Visitation held Friday, Oct. 23, from 5-9 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and Rosary at 7 p.m., all at Hondo Funeral Home. A 1:30 p.m. Funeral Mass was held Sat. Oct. 24, 2009 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Chuch. Interment in Hondo Cemetery.

Marjorie Nester Bradford, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 7, 2009. She was born in D’Hanis December 18, 1920. Graveside Service at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. Sunset Funeral Home, San Antonio

Aleen Grell Bohlen,

Vivian Louise Bohl Brown age 85 of San Antonio and formerly of Devine, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2009, in Clifton. Visitation held October 22, 2009 from 2:00pm until 9:00pm at the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Funeral services held Friday, October 23, 2009 at 10am at the First Baptist Church in Devine with interment at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Charlene Cashion, age 79 of Devine, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2009, in San Antonio. Funeral services conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 8, at the Church of Christ, with interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

James Wesley Chin of Moore passed away Oct. 15, 2009, at the age of 61. Interment was in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Gean Elizabeth Cruseturner passed away Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, in New Braunfels at the age of 73 years. Visitation held at 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa, in New Braunfels. Graveside service conducted on Friday, Nov. 6, at 10:30 a.m. in the Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section in Hondo.

Alexander Edward Ehlinger, age 91 of Trophy Club and formerly of Devine, passed away Friday, October 23, 2009, at home. The Rosary was recited Thursday, October 29, at Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine at 7 p.m. Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 30, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine. Interment in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Seferina R. Feuntes, age 69 of Devine, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2009 in Lytle. The Rosary was recited October 7, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home. A Communion Service was celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine, with interment in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Funeral Arrangements Pending for Francisco Garcia, Sr. at Hondo Funeral Home

Jose Ernesto ‘Ernie’ Garcia, age 55 of Hondo, passed on to be with our Lord October 18, 2009. Visitation held Oct. 22, 5-9 p.m. and 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Friday Oct. 23, Hondo Funeral Home. The Rosary was recited Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. A 2:00 p.m. Funeral Mass held on Friday Oct. 23, 2009 at St. John’s Catholic Church. Interment in Hondo Cemetery.

Alberta G. ‘Birdi’ Garza, age 67 of Hondo, passed on to be with our Lord Jesus Christ Monday, October 12, 2009. Born in Castroville July 24, 1942. Visitation held Friday Oct. 16, from 5-9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Hondo Funeral Home.

Erica Rose Gomez, age 33 of Austin, passed away Oct. 6, 2009. Erica was born Jan. 24, 1976, in Carrizo Springs. Funeral Mass was Oct. 11 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. Services concluded at the church.

Santos ‘Indio’ Gonzales of D’Hanis passed away Oct. 13, 2009, at the age of 64. The Rosary was recited Oct. 17, followed by a Funeral Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment was in Cortez Cemetery.

Robert Leroy Gray, age 71 of Somerset, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2009, in San Antonio. Funeral services held at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 8, at Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Lytle, with interment in Bexar Cemetery in Somerset.

Olene Marie Fisher Guinther of Leakey was born in Rio Frio January 30, 1922. She died Oct. 27, 2009, in Hondo, at the age of 87. Graveside funeral service was held Friday, Oct. 30, at Leakey Floral Cemetery, with Pastor Stephen Schur of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Quihi, officiating.

Barbara Anne Bullington Hagen, age 77 of Devine, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2009. Funeral Services were held October 7, 2009 in the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Eastern Star graveside services followed at the Lytle Masonic Cemetery under the auspices of Lytle O.E.S. Chapter #43 with interment immediately following.

Amy Lou Harllee, age 80, passed away peacefully at home near Boerne, October 1, 2009, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born June 3, 1929, in Dilley. Meadowlawn & American Mortuary, San Antonio

Robert Hernandez, age 85 of Castroville, passed away Oct. 7, 2009. He was born May 25, 1924, in Guthrie, OK. Funeral service was held Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Interment followed at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Iona "Ona" V. Gent Lee, 93, passed away Oct. 20, 2009, after battling dementia for several years. Ona was born Oct. 1, 1916, in Goldthwaite, Texas. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the First United Methodist Church in Evant, Texas.

Anita Maldonado, age 90 of Hondo, entered eternal rest October 5, 2009. Visitation held Thursday, Oct. 8, 5-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary at the Hondo Funeral Home. An 11 a.m. Funeral Mass held Friday, Oct. 9, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Interment in Hondo Cemetery.

Eva Nell Harrison Marquis was born October 13, 1935. She went to be with the Lord September 28, 2009. A Going Home Celebration of her life was held at the First Baptist Church of Devine. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetary in Devine.

Mary Mozelle Martin, age 97 of Lytle, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2009, at home. Graveside services were held October 7 at Lytle Masonic Cemetery. Interment followed.

Emily Jane Evans Mullins, 83, was born in Frio County July 29, 1926, and died October 6, 2009. Hondo Anvil Herald, Oct. 15, 2009

Esperanza Montalvo Nombraña, age 65 of Macdona, passed away Oct. 11, 2009. She was born Feb. 8, 1944, in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The Rosary was recited Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Funeral Service held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Interment at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery.

Joseph Raymond Rieber of Hickory Creek passed away October 30, 2009, at the age of 71. He was born May 31, 1938, in New Mexico.  Denton Funeral Home, Denton

Maria Rendon, age 79, of Atascosa passed away Saturday, October 10, 2009, in Lytle. The Rosary was recited October 12 at the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Lytle. Mass was celebrated October 13 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Lytle. Interment was October 14 in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

Irene Esparza Rodriguez, age 81 of Hondo, went to be with the Lord Friday, Oct. 16, 2009. She was born Oct. 20, 1927, in Hondo. The Rosary was recited Oct. 21, at the Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral Mass held October 22, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment at Hondo Cemetery, Guadalupe Section.

Richard Albert Rodriguez age 53 of Natalia, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in San Antonio. Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct.31, at the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Interment followed at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Jennymae Shane, age 86, passed away Oct. 13, 2009. She was born Dec. 23, 1922, in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. Graveside funeral service, officiated by George Randall, minister, was held Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Shane-Deckert Cemetery in D’Hanis.

William Albert Tampke, age 90 of Hondo, entered eternal rest on October 4, 2009. Funeral Service was held Oct. 6, at Hondo Funeral Home. Interment was in Waresville Cemetery.

TAntonio B. Villarreal Sr., born January 14, 1921, in Pearsall went to be with the Lord on October 12, 2009, at the age of 88. Visitation held on Thursday Oct. 15, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pearsall. A 10:00 Mass held on Friday October 16, 2009 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pearsall. Interment in Pearsall Veterans Cemetery.

E.C. Ward, 89 of Pearsall and formerly of Uvalde, passed away Friday, October 9, 2009, at home in Pearsall. Funeral services were held October 12, at Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Pearsall. Interment followed in Pearsall Cemetery.

Lynne Whitaker, age 49 of Lytle, passed away October 03, 2009, in San Antonio. Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at Trinity Baptist Church in Lytle. Interment followed in Lytle Community Cemetery.

Virginia Mae Wurzbach Zinsmeyer, age 89, of Castroville, passed away October 20, 2009, at home. She was born Nov. 10, 1919, in Rio Medina. Visitation is today (Thursday), Oct. 22, from noon to 5:30 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. The Rosary is tonite (Thursday), Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste. Mass of Resurrection will be Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Interment will follow the Mass at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery.

November 2009

Walter Baltes, age 80 of Natalia, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2009, in San Antonio. Funeral Service was Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Masonic graveside services, under the auspices of Devine Masonic Lodge #590 A.F. & A. M., were held in Evergreen Cemetery.

Evelyn Ruth Sanders Burns, age 83 of San Antonio, passed away Nov. 8, 2009, at home after a long and brave battle with cancer.  She was born Nov. 19, 1925, in Vernon .  Funeral Service was Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Zion Lutheran Church in Castroville.  Interment followed at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Castroville. 

Edna Rae Cervantes, age 60 of Atascosa, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2009, in San Antonio. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home in Lytle. Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Macdona. Interment followed in San Manuel/Ysidro Cemetery in Bexar County.

Lucia Garcia Contreras, age 93, of Hondo passed away Thursday, November 12, 2009. Lucia was born September 4, 1916 in Hondo. Rosary was recited Friday, November 12, 2009 at Guinn-Horger Chapel and the Funeral Mass was held Saturday, November 14, 2009 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section.

George Marion Dawson Jr., age 85, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born in Houston May 14, 1924. A graveside service was held Wednesday, Dec. 2, in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.


Adrian ‘John’ Flores, age 59, passed away November 5, 2009 in Lima, Ohio. He was born on May 30, 1950 in Lima, OH. Funeral services were Wednesday, November 11, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home with Rev. Howard Allison officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery in Lima, Ohio.

Margarito Gamboa, age 86 of Hondo, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born June 20, 1923, in Dilley. Funeral service was held Monday, Nov. 23, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment was at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Alma Jane Hathaway, age 77, of Bartlett, TN, passed away November 12, 2009, at Methodist North Hospital. She was laid to rest beside her husband of 42 years, McKinley Johnson Hathaway. Funeral services were held Monday, November 16, 2009 at Memphis Funeral Home, Germantown Parkway Chapel. Burial was in Memory Hill Gardens.

Marjorie Hinze, formerly of San Marcos, cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away Monday, November 2, 2009, at the age of 88. She was born May 15, 1921, in Chilton. Family received friends at Pennington Funeral Home, from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6. Services held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Pennington Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Dennis Spire officiating. Interment at Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Martindale.

Wilfred Joseph Hutzler Jr., age 81 of La Coste, passed away Nov. 30, 2009. He was born Jan. 24, 1928, in Pearson. Visitation was held Thursday, Dec. 3, 5 to 8 p.m., including recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m., both at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Mass of Resurrection celebrated at 9 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste. Interment at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Harry Lincoln Jordan, age 91 of Hondo, passed away Monday, November 23, 2009. He was born in East St. Louis, IL, Feb. 12, 1918. Prayer service was held Friday, Nov. 27at Guinn-Horger Chapel. Graveside funeral service with full military honors was Saturday, Nov. 28, at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section. Rev. Dan Mueller of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church officiated.

Ida Mae Martin, age 84 of Lytle, passed away Monday, November 2, 2009, in Lytle. Graveside services were held Tuesday, November 3, at the Lytle Community Cemetery in Lytle.

Carlos R. Martinez, age 66 of Hondo, passed on to be with our Lord on November 12, 2009. Rosary was recited on Friday, November, 13 at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday Nov. 14, 2009 at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment followed in Hondo Cemetery.

Charlie Faye Mayo passed away at her home, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday morning, November 17, 2009. She was born July 27, 1919. Funeral services conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at the Lytle United Methodist Church, with interment in Lytle Community Cemetery.

Mary Ann Moore of Sabinal, passed away on November 12, 2009, at the age of 49. Graveside services were held on Sat. Nov. 14, at Sabinal Cemetery.

Elois Albertina Kempf Naegelin, age 92, of La Coste, passed away Nov. 1, 2009, in Castroville. Elois was born Dec. 8, 1916, in Castroville. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste. Interment followed the Mass at St. Louis Cemetery in Castroville.



Aurelio Nevarez, age 66 of San Antonio, passed on to be with our Lord November 17, 2009. Rosary and Funeral Mass were held Thursday, November 19, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, San Antonio.

Berry Lavon Parson, age 78 of Devine, passed away Monday, November 23, 2009 in Natalia. Visitation was held Wednesday, November 25, at 8 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Interment in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Ruby Irwin Peters, RN, passed away peacefully Nov. 7, 2009, at home after a long illness.  The Rosary was recited Monday, Nov. 9, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 10, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine. Interment followed the Mass at St. Joseph Cemetery in Devine.

Perry Lee Pichot of Norman, OK, died unexpectedly Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at the young age of 61. He was born in Hondo, Nov. 12, 1948. A funeral service was held at Guinn-Horger Chapel at 10 a.m Thursday, Dec. 3, with Kenneth Heyen officiating. Interment at the Bob Padgett Ranch on Williams Creek at Tarpley. A funeral service was held at the Noble Assembly of God Church in Noble, OK, Tuesday, Dec. 1, with Rev. Steve Lance officiating.

Gerard Alfonse Persyn, age 58, of Devine, passed away November 12, 2009. Gerard was born Jan. 24, 1951 in San Antonio. Visitation was held on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville. Interment followed the Mass at San Fernando Cemetery II in San Antonio.

Susie Reyes, age 50, of Natalia passed away Friday, November 13, 2009, in San Antonio. Rosary was recited at 7:00 p.m. at the Hurley Funeral Home in Devine. Mass was celebrated Monday, November 16, at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Natalia with interment following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Herbert ‘Pete’ Lee Robbins peacefully passed away Nov. 29, 2009. He was born July 5, 1936, in San Antonio. Funeral Service held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Graveside service and interment at 2 p.m. at the Witting Cemetery in Witting.

Petra Rodriguez, age 64 of Devine, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2009 in San Antonio. The Rosary was recited Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Mass celebrated Thursday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Cassandra Lynn Santos, age 18 of D’Hanis, passed away Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, as the result of an automobile accident. She was born December 15, 1990, the daughter of Henry Jr. and Marinda Spannagel Santos. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, Dec. 1, followed by the Funeral Mass, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in D’Hanis. A memorial fund has been established in her memory at D’Hanis State Bank.

Paul J. Schott was born July 19, 1916, in Devine. He passed away November 26, 2009, in Hondo. The Rosary was recited Sunday, Nov. 29, in the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Mass was celebrated Monday, Nov. 30, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Elizabeth L. ‘Betty’ Studdard, longtime resident of Moore, passed away Monday, November 23, 2009, at the age of 77 years. She was born June 2, 1932, in San Antonio. Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 28, at Hurley Funeral Home in Devine. Interment followed in Moore Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were her grandsons.

Ethel Edna Williamson, age 83 of Natalia, passed away Saturday, November 28, 2009 in Jourdanton. Funeral service was Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery.

Elbert Otto Wiemers, age 83, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born December 1, 1925. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Hondo. Funeral services were conducted by Pastor Stephen Schur.

December 2009


Emmett A. Beard of Hondo passed away December 21, 2009.  He was born on January 30, 1919.  Visitation was held  from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home. Funeral services  held Sunday, Dec. 27, at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Interment  in the Hondo Cemetery.

Wilma Jeanette Beck, 74, of Natalia and formerly of San Marcos, passed away Dec. 29, 2009. She was born Oct. 14, 1935, in St. Louis, Mo. The funeral was January 2 at Hurley Funeral Home.

Leo J. Bendele, age 78, passed away December 2, 2009, at home. He was born Dec. 13, 1930, just north of Devine.  The Rosary was recited Saturday, Dec. 5, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Mass of Resurrection was celebrated Sunday, Dec. 6, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste. Interment followed in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Devine. 

Edsel Bilhartz, formerly of Biry and Devine and Fullerton, CA, died Saturday, December 19, 2009, in Bullhead City, AZ, at the age of 83. Graveside services were held at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton Dec. 29.

Buford Matthew Bey, age 55, passed away December 8, 2009, at his home in eastern Medina County. He was born Oct. 17, 1954, in Pontiac, MI. Graveside service was held Wednesday, Dec. 16, at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Gabriel Botello, age 44 of La Coste, passed away Dec. 21, 2009.   He was born July 19, 1965, in San Antonio.  The Rosary was recited Dec. 22, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste. Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste.

Marie Bohl Brown, age 96 of Devine, passed away Friday, December 11, 2009, at home. Graveside services were held Monday, Dec. 14, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, with interment immediately following.

Johnny Castilleja, age 53 of San Antonio, passed on to be with our Lord December 7, 2009. The Rosary was recited at Hondo Funeral Home Wednesday, Dec. 9. Funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, Dec. 10, at St. Lawrence’s Catholic Church in San Antonio. Interment followed in Mission Park South Cemetery, San Antonio.

Henry Castro, age 42 of Cottonwood, MN, and formerly of Devine, passed away Monday, December 14, 2009, in Minnesota.   The Rosary was recited Thursday, Dec. 17, at Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Raul H. Dominguez, age 88, went to be with the Lord December 9, 2009. He was born January 10, 1921. Rosary was recited Friday December 11 at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, Dec. 12, at St.John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment followed at Hondo Cemetery.

Thomas Frick, age 65 of Natalia, passed away Monday, December 21, 2009 at home.  Funeral services  held Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, in the Chapel of the Hurley Funeral Home in Devine, with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Roland Torres Gonzalez, age 58 of Creekwood, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2009, in Hondo. He was born May 29, 1951, in Weslaco. The Rosary was recited, followed by the funeral service, Thursday, Dec. 10, at Guinn-Horger Chapel.

Marion June Yena Haas, age 89 of Castroville, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009. She was born June 1, 1920, in Waukegan, IL. A private graveside service was held Monday, Jan. 4, at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section with Rev. Stephen Schur of Quihi Bethlehem Lutheran Church officiating.

James Gail Jones, age 86, passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at home. Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 28, at Lytle United Methodist Church. Interment followed at Lytle Community Cemetery.

Lawrence R. ‘Larry’ ‘Schmaltz’ Kienle III, age 55 of San Antonio, passed away Dec. 15, 2009. He was born Oct. 19, 1954, in Columbus, OH.     Memorial service was held Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will be held at a future date at Holy Family Church in Columbus, OH.

Wilma Drexel Allen Lawrence, 81, of Alpine, passed away Friday December 18, 2009 at home.  She was born in Bronson, TX, September 21, 1928.  Graveside service was held Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Elm Grove Cemetery.

David Martinez, age 56 of Yancey, passed away Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009.  He was born Dec. 23, 1952, in Austin.  The Rosary, led by Esther Amador, was recited Wednesday, followed by vocal tributes by Roxie Treviño, Little Joe Hernandez, Ruben Ramos, Oscar De La Rosa and Armando Lichtenberger, and several band members.  Funeral service, officiated by Ken Heyen, minister, was held Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Guinn-Horger Chapel.  Interment was at Yancey Cemetery. 

Harry Nester, 85, passed away at home in Rio Rancho December 27, 2009. He was born Feb. 18, 1924, in Stillwater, OK. Funeral services were held at Daniels Family Funeral Services, Dec. 31, 2009. Memorials may be made to the Rio Rancho Rotary International Club, P.O. Box 15842, Rio Rancho, NM 87174. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.danielsfuneral.com.

Charlotte Fohn Nobles, born January 10, 1928 in D’Hanis, passed away December 1, 2009, in San Antonio, and went to be with the Lord.  Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 5, at Sunset Funeral Home. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Park. 

Harvey Wayne Payton, age 74 of Devine, passed away Monday, December 7, 2009, in Floresville. Visitation was held Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at Hurley Funeral Home in Devine from 2-9 p.m.

Virginia Maurice Pitts, age 73 of Lytle, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2009, in San Antonio.   Funeral service was held Saturday, Dec. 5, at Hurley Funeral Home in Lytle. Interment followed in Lytle Community Cemetery.

Jack William Poe, 92, died peacefully Oct. 13, 2009, at Elgin Nursing Home.  Jack was born in Biry Sept. 13, 1917.   Funeral Mass was celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment was Monday, Dec. 21, at Hondo Cemetery, St. John’s Section.

Melchiades S. Ramirez, age 92 of Hondo, passed from this life December 20, 2009.  The Rosary was recited Tuesday, Dec. 22, at Hondo Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Dec. 23, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hondo. interment was in Hondo Cemetery.

Roy Duane Roberts, age 71 of Castroville, passed away Dec. 19, 2009, in San Antonio. He was born Feb. 21, 1938, in Hennessey, OK.  Funeral Service was Monday, Dec. 21, at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home in Castroville. Interment followed in Sabinal Cemetery II in Sabinal. 

Jesus Anthony Rodriguez, age 28 of Hondo, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2009.  He was born May 19, 1981, in Hondo.  Funeral Mass was held Saturday, Dec. 5, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Oakwood Section. 

Josephine Sandoval Sadler, age 74, of San Antonio and formerly of Castroville, passed away Dec. 14, 2009. She was born July 30, 1935, in San Antonio. Graveside Service was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at Brummett Cemetery near Bigfoot.

Macario ‘Mac’ Santillano, age 88, of Hondo, passed away Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. He was born June 2, 1921 in San Antonio. The Rosary was recited Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Guinn-Horger Chapel. Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment was at Hondo Cemetery, Guadalupe Section.

Ralph Alan Studdard, age 56 of Mexico, and formerly of Devine, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2009, in Mexico.     The Rosary was recited Saturday, Dec. 19 and a prayer service was offered Sunday, Dec. 20, both in the Chapel of Hurley Funeral Home in Devine. Interment followed in Moore Cemetery.

Max M. Sundol, age 72 of San Antonio, passed away on December 9, 2009. Funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. Hondo Funeral Home, Hondo

Maria Luz Velasquez, age 92 of Devine, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2009, at home.  She was born December 16, 1917.  The Rosary was recited Friday, Dec. 18, at Hurley Funeral Home Chapel in Devine. Mass was celebrated Saturday, Dec. 19, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment followed in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Linda Joyce Young, age 66 of San Antonio, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2009, in San Antonio.  Graveside service and interment was Dec. 22, at Heickman Cemetery in Somerset.

Samuel Jerome Zerr, age 92 of D’Hanis, passed away Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009. He was born Nov. 30, 1917, in D’Hanis. Rosary was recited Wednesday, Dec. 30, followed by Funeral Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church, D’Hanis. Fr. Wallis J. Stiles officiated.

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