BREWSTER COUNTY, TEXAS
Obituaries

Aranda, Jesusita
Jesusita "Jessie" Aranda was born Jan. 18, 1919, in Ojinaga to Celedonio and Luisa Aranda. She passed away peacefully on Aug. 15 at Alpine Valley Care Center.  She was a waitress for many years, a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church and a devoted Alpine Bucks fan.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Frank Aranda; and daughter, Corina Aranda.  She is survived by her daughter, Gracie Vasquez and husband Ramon of Midland; two granddaughters, Jennifer Aranda-Galindo and husband Javier and Anissa Vasquez, both of Midland; one grandson, Paul M. Vasquez of Odessa; three great-grandchildren, Meygan, Tanner and Madyison Galindo; three sisters, Genoveva Reyes of Alpine, Olivia Rios and husband Juan of Odessa and Mary Lou Martinez and husband Lionel of Marfa; brother, Pete Aranda and wife Arabella of Odessa; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Rosary was recited Friday, Aug. 17, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, Aug. 18, at the church. Burial followed at Holy Angeles Cemetery.  Pallbearers were Tony Covarrubias, Fabian Aranda, Eddie Rios, Michael Aranda Sr., Sergio Sanchez and Paul Vasquez.  Geeslin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  "Jessie" was loved and will be missed by her family and her many, many friends.

Boyd, Jr, John Robinson
John Robinson Boyd, Jr., 83, of Alpine, passed away Friday, Oct. 1, 2004 in an Odessa hospital. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 6, at First Methodist Church with the Rev. Dick Zimmer officiating. Burial followed at Elm Grove Cemetery. Geeslin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  Mr. Boyd was born Aug. 21, 1921, in Fort Stockton to Phylena Angeline and John Robinson Boyd. He was a World War II Army veteran. He had a bachelor's degree in business and was a retired USDA employee. He was a resident of Alpine for many years.  He is survived by his wife, June Patton Boyd of Alpine; four daughters, Becky Leaf of Lubbock, Roxy Sandidge of Tarpley, and Donna Yadon and Bobby Sledge, both of Alpine; two sisters, Mary Margaret Morris of Midland and Phylena Carlton of Alpine; two brothers, D.J. Boyd of Gonzales and Wesley Boyd of Monahans; 20 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Bruce, Mrs. Ernie Lee
Mrs. Ernie Lee Bruce, a longtime resident of Glendale, California passed away August 28, 1996 at the age of 83.  Born on the family's cattle ranch in Marathon, Texas, she grew up in Phoenix, later moving to Glendale where she attended Glendale Junior College and UCLA majoring in Spanish.  A long-time employee of the Los Angeles Times, she was a top saleswoman in the Classified Advertising's Auto Sales Department winning many awards and honors in her 29 years there.  The crowning achievement in her career was being named Classified Advertising's Woman of the Year for 1983.  The engraved silver bowl was awarded to her by Norman Clandler, Publisher of the Los Angeles Times. She had a hunger for learning and immersed herself in cooking classes, Spanish, upholstery, car and home repair classes.  She loved working in her yard and had over 50 rose bushes which were her pride and joy.  Traveling the four corners of the world was her passion in life and there was no continent, mountain or major river that she hadn't visited and explored.  Her suitcase was always packed and her passport up to date.  She is survived by three daughters; Carol (Len) Harlig of Sun Valley, Idaho; Nancy (Bill) Eatchel of Denver, Colorado; and Mary (Fred) Norton of Vista, California.  In addition she leaves eight grandchildren; Connie Eatchel, Vicki Eatchel, Brad Eatchel, Steven Barrard, Cheryl Fleming, Mike Norton, Wes Norton, and Nick Norton and one great-grandson, Brian Fleming.  Services were held at Kiefer & Eyerick Chapel in Glendale with cremation and interment in Grandview Cemetery. (Los Angeles Times, August 30, 1996) Submitted by Eleanor Evans Borkenhagen, Jan. 2006

Carpenter, Tera Kayleen 
A memorial service was held Tuesday (Nov. 9) in Colbert, Okla, for Tera Kayleen Carpenter, 28, of Durant, Okla., who died Friday (Nov. 5)   The Rev. James Robinson officiated. Tera was born in March 9, 1976, in Alpine to Johnny Wireman and Margaret Sue (McClure) Carpenter. She attended Silo Schools, and she was looking forward to becoming an optometrist.  Tera collected antiques and was known to care for any animals she found. She loved and enjoyed basketball and worked in medical records and as a nail tech. She was a very adventurous person and will be greatly missed.  She is survived by her mother, Margaret Sue McClure, of Durant, Okla.; her father and his wife, Johnny and Fay Carpenter of Alpine; her sisters, Kelly Hendricks and her husband Brandon of Mead, Okla., Misty Eversole of Durant, Okla., and Celeste Carpenter of Rose, Okla.  She is also survived by two nephews, Shawn and Justin Hendricks, Mead, Okla.; a niece, Natalie Eversole of Durant, Okla., and maternal grandparents James and Carroleen Hedgdcoke of Durant, Okla.   Brown’s Funeral Service and Texoma Cremation Service handled the arrangements.  The family requests memorials be made to the Humane Society.

Carrillo, Angela Tavarez
Angela Tavarez Carrillo, 84, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, in El Paso.  Funeral Mass was at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine with Father Miguel Acuino officiating. Burial was in Holy Angels Cemetery directed by Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton. Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church.  Mrs. Carrillo was born July 29, 1923, in Shafter to Natividad Armendarez Tavarez and Canuto Tavarez. At age 5, she moved to Alpine after her parents died, arriving by wagon train to live with relatives. She was married to Jacinto Carrillo Sr.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jesus Tavarez, and Manuel Tavarez.  Survivors include her husband, Jacinto Carrillo Sr. of Alpine; son Jacinto Carrillo Jr. of Alpine; daughters Flora Gonzales and husband Nabor, Rosa Linda Bernal and husband Jesse of La Porte and Delma Sierra and husband Francisco of El Paso; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.  Pallbearers were Jacob Jacquez, Jerome Cobos, Jason Carrillo and Billy Cobos, all of Alpine, Dennis Carrillo of El Paso and Nabor Gonzales of Tempe, Ariz.

Chavez, Felicitas
Felicitas Chavez, 87, of Marfa passed away Friday, Oct. 8, in a nursing home in Alpine. Rosary was recited Sunday Oct 10 at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Mike Alcuino officiating. Burial followed at the Merced Cemetery.  Mrs. Chavez was born in Candelaria, on Feb. 20, 1917, to Narciso and Marcela Ortega. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. She had resided in Marfa for many years.   She is survived by two daughters, Maria Sophia Chavez of Marfa and Juanita C. Miller of Odessa two sons, Epolito Chavez of Marfa and Jesse J. Chavez of Poolville; one brother, Teodoro Ortega of Van Horn; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.  Pallbearers were Robert Lujan, Augustine Rojas, Justin Chavez, Steven Rodriguez, Jerrod Rodriguez, Gilbert Miller, Jr. and Pete Chavez.

 
Concha Martinez
Concha Martinez, 83, of Alpine, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, at Alpine Valley Care Center.  Rosary will be recited at 11 a.m. today at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, followed by funeral Mass. Burial will be in Holy Angels Cemetery directed by Geeslin Funeral Home.  Concha was born Nov. 8, 1924, in Terlingua to Teresa and Roberto Martinez. She had been a housekeeper.  Survivors include two sisters, Teresa Martinez and Lupe Vega, both of Alpine.

Copeland, Velma Lee Barnett 
Velma Lee Barnett Copeland went to be with the Lord on Jan. 5.  She is survived by a son, Craig Copeland of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a daughter, T.C. Black of Scottsdale; three grandchildren, Tim Black of Scottsdale, Matthew Copeland of Oklahoma City and Beth Copeland (Bill) Neff of Oklahoma City; and one great-grandchild, Madeline Neff of Oklahoma City.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Everett Copeland, Jr.; mother, Lucy Moore Bennight; father, Harry Woodrow Barnett; and sister, Joanne Barnett.  Velma Lee was born Dec. 13, 1926, in Marfa. She graduated from Marfa High School in 1944. She was editor of the Marfa Shorthorn and the first yearbook, won State in advertising, and went to State in journalism. She was a band twirler and cheerleader, played forward in basketball and went to District tennis. She was also a member of the Choral Club, was elected class officer, and was voted most popular and most beautiful by the student body. She also represented Marfa as the eighth Sun Bowl Princess in the Sun Carnival in El Paso. She was active in the First Christian Church, in which she sang and played the violin and piano. She had a passion for flying ad logged her first flight hours on June 1, 1941, with her daddy as pilot in command.  She married her high school sweetheart, Everett Copeland, on Feb. 10, 1945, in Marfa. He was a Naval officer and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Also a pilot, he and Velma Lee had fun flying in his BT-13. She received her private pilot's license in 1958 and commercial license in 1966. She joined the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of licensed women pilots in 1958. She served five consecutive years as sectional officer and governor of 8 State South Central Section. She was founder, charter member and first interim-elected chairwoman of the High Sky Chapter, chartered in Midland on May 17, 1959, when there were only 1,110 members throughout the world. She founded the High Sky Derby on March 19, 1960, and flew eight cross country derbies, and was involved in the internationally famous "Powder Puff Derby" and "Angel Derby." Research shows she was the first FAA woman pilot to make take-offs and landings in Jeff Davis County near Valentine in 1958.  Besides being a member of the Ninety-Nines, Inc., she was a member of the Davis Mountain Quilting Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Colonial Dames of VII Century. She was commended when she placed a Bible in the Library of Congress of the United Nations in 1989. She was honored in Memory Lane in the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kan., for exceptional contributions to aviation on June 17, 1995.  She also enjoyed playing piano and classical violin, and art, including oil, clay and pencil portraitures. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, fine arts, music and sports. What she enjoyed most was rocking her two children, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who all thought she was "the greatest." The twinkle in her blues eyes, the love in her smile, and her strong spirit will be greatly missed.  Arrangements were by Memorial Funeral Home of Marfa. Graveside services were held in Valentine on Jan. 12.  Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.

Crawford, Dorothy Buhler 
Dorothy Buhler Crawford, 80, passed away March 22 at the Fort Stockton Nursing Center.  She was a sweet and loving wife and the mother of four children. She also had seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  Born in Marfa, Dorothy received her bachelor of arts degree from Sul Ross State University. She had a distinguished 22-year teaching career at Milam and Logan elementary schools in El Paso.  "Dot" was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in El Paso.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Moore and Fannie Davis Buhler, and her husband of 50 years, James L. Crawford.  She is survived by her children, Guy Moore Crawford of Andrews, Rex Charles Crawford of Lacey, Wash., Alan Bruce Crawford of Rigby, Idaho, and Amy Sue Allison of Marfa.  Funeral services were held March 25. Graveside services followed at Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine with the Rev. Daniel Armstrong officiating.

DeLaO, Manuela Carrasco
Manuela Carrasco DeLaO, 104, passed away on Dec. 8 at Medical Center Hospital.  She was born on July 29, 1900, in Ojinaga, Mexico. A homemaker and a Catholic, she is survived by a son, Jose DeLaO of Odessa; daughter, Frances Rios of Odessa; 29 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-great-grandchildren.  Rosary was recited Dec. 10 at Geeslin Funeral Home in Alpine. Mass was celebrated Saturday, Dec. 11, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church with Father Rick Ruiz officiating. Burial followed at Holy Angels Cemetery.  Services were by Odessa Funeral Home

DelBart, Krystal Leigh 
Krystal Leigh DelBart, 10, of Alpine, passed away Friday, March 11, at Big Bend Regional Medical Center from complications of her illness.  Graveside services were held Monday, March 14, at Elm Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Ray Bullock officiating. Geeslin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  Krystal was born Nov 1, 1994, in Alpine. She was a member of Hillside Baptist Church. She graduated from the ECI-CARES program on Nov 1, 1997.  Krystal is survived by her father, Joseph DelBart of Alpine; her mother, Sandra Walker of Houston; grandfather, Tony DelBart of Alpine; grandparents, Glynn and Sondra Richards of Harrison and Quentin and Jutta Walker of Florida; aunt and uncle, Kristina and Jeff Goff; and cousins, Cody and Coltin Fuller and Hadon and Lauren Goff, aunt and uncle, Monica and Kenny Baker of Fort Myers Beach, Fla.; aunt and uncle, Barbara and Mike Smith of Katy; uncle, Quentin Walker; and cousins, Julie and Morgan Baker of Florida and Chelsti and Maeghan Smith of Katy.  She was proceeded in death by her brother, Gage Leighton DelBart and uncle John DelBart.  Krystal Leigh DelBart, Angel of Earth, Angel in Heaven.

Donohoo, William C. (Bill)
William C. (Bill) Donohoo, a long-time resident of Alpine, passed away on March 12 at 2:45 p.m.  He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Annie Donohoo; eight sons, four daughters, 25 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.  Bill was born March 30, 1924, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a veteran of World War II as he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He moved to Alpine in 1970 and served as hospital administrator for then Brewster County Hospital (later changed to Big Bend Memorial Hospital) for over 10 years. During his time as administrator, he oversaw numerous improvements to the services and facilities available to the residents of Brewster County.  He was a member of the Alpine Rotary Club. He also served as the director of Big Bend Rehabilitation Center for MHMR for three years. He was a devoted member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, where he served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister for over 25 years. He also dedicated countless hours of his time in whatever capacity needed.  He will be remembered for his loyal and faithful dedication to the service of the Lord. As a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he is truly loved and will be dearly missed.

Dumas, Donna Kay Roberson 
On Dec. 26, Donna Kay Roberson Dumas left her temporary home here on earth to be with God and Jesus Christ. After many years of suffering from respiratory illnesses Donna now rests comfortably in Heaven.  Donna was a teacher, a homemaker, an interior designer, a wonderful wife of over 30 years to her husband, a superb mom to her four children, and the "World's Greatest Grandmom" to her eight grandchildren.  Donna was born in Hobbs, N.M., on June 19, 1939. She was a graduate of Odessa High School and received her B.S. in biology from Sul Ross State University and her M.S. in biology from Texas A&M Commerce. She taught high school in Dallas and DeSoto before deciding to enter the field of interior design, an occupation she truly loved. She and her husband, Jerry, met while in college and married in 1974 just before moving to DeSoto, where they lived and raised four wonderful children. Donna and Jerry moved to Cedar Hill, Texas, in 1992.  Donna was preceded in death by her father, Don Richard Roberson of Odessa. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, their four children and their families, daughter Cyndi Dumas, son Jay Spears, daughter-in-law Mauri Spears, grandsons Robert, Will and Luke Spears, daughter Sandra Chambers, son-in-law Tony Chambers, granddaughters Madisen and Makayla Chambers, son Michael Dumas, daughter-in-law Cheryl Dumas, grandson Justin Dumas, and granddaughters Allison Dumas and Lani Dumas. She is also survived by her mother, Bonnie Lorene Roberson of Cedar Hill, sister Judy Derbowka and her husband Robert of Calgary, Canada, and their family. She also leaves behind many friends who she met and worked with over the years.  Donna accomplished many things in life but she was most proud of her family and the wonderful grandchildren that brought light into her world every day. She was a caring and giving friend with others' best interests always in her heart. Her memory will span many generations.  Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 31, at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Davis with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the American Lung Association, 8150 Brookriver Drive, Dallas, TX 75247.

Everman, Edward Curry
Edward Curry Everman, 81, of Marfa, passed away Sunday, Dec. 12, at Big Bend Regional Medical Center in Alpine. Mr. Everman was born Feb. 15, 1923, in Chicago. He was a Catholic. He had been a transportation coordinator for the state of California for 18 years. After moving to Marfa in January 1985, he was employed by the Marfa Independent School District as a bus driver. He was a member of the American Legion, Association of Christian Truckers, and was a veteran of the Army/Air Force.  Mr. Everman is survived by his wife, Grace Everman of Marfa; three daughters, Janice Marie Kemmer of California, Judith Ann Hohlt of California and Linda Lou Holland of Oklahoma; two sons, James Everman of Spokane, Wash. and Robert Eugene Phelan of California; a brother, Dwayne Everman of Las Vegas; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Fortenberry, Joan Deliece Killion 
Joan Deliece Killion Fortenberry died on Feb. 28. Memorial services were held on Saturday (March 5) at Geeslin Funeral Home in Alpine followed by interment.  Fortenberry was born on March 30, 1939. During her life, she was a friend to all in need.  Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Vernon Lee Fortenberry Sr.; her brothers, Kenneth G. Killion and Bobby Keith “Butch” Killion; her daughters, Cherryll, Deborah and Julia; her sons, Troy, Tommy, Kenneth and Vernon; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Garcia, Cruz G.

Cruz G. Garcia, 73, died August 27 at Lubbock's UMC Hospital.  She was born May 3, 1934, in Terlingua, to Matilde Garcia and Teodoro Granado.  She enjoyed crocheting and sewing gifts for her relatives and newborns in the family. She never forgot birthdays with a card gift or a phone call. She retired from Big Bend National Park where she was a baker. She moved to Odessa, where she lived until moving back to Lubbock with her niece Glynda Gonzales.  Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Aug. 30 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marathon with burial in Marathon Cemetery, Father Miguel Alcuino presiding. Rosary was Wednesday, August 29, at St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Survivors include her longtime companion, Jesse Barriga of Odessa; three sisters, Sara Aguilar and Francisca Terrazas, both of Odessa, and Minga Aguilar of Marathon; two brothers, Jesus Garcia and Porfirio Garcia, both of Monahans; 12 nieces, Glynda Gonzales, Lora Gonzales, Jo Ella Aguilar, Gina Macormack, Gilda Gonzlaes, Roxanna DeLeon, Sue Lynn Garcia, Lisa Gonzales, Rosemary Jaquez, Estella Garcia, Dola Sanchez and Juanita Attaway; and four nephews, Sixto Aguilar Jr., Ruben Garcia, Alfredo Terrazas and Edmundo Terrazas.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Matilde and Teodora Garcia, and by nephews Felix Terrazas, Tomas Terrazas, Gregorio Terrazas and Tony Aguilar.  Arrangements were by Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton.  (Alpine Alvalance, Sep. 10, 2007)

 
Gallego, Santiago T.
Santiago "Jimmy" T. Gallego, 77, of Alpine, a meat market butcher, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, at his residence. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Burial will be at Holy Angels Cemetery. Arrangements are by Geeslin Funeral Home.  He was born in Alpine. He was a U.S. Army veteran.   Survivors: Daughters, Nelda Ann Gallego and Rowena Gallego, both of Alpine, Janet Martinez of Marathon, Caroline Gallego of Odessa and Denise Gallego of Round Rock; son, Jimmy Ray Gallego of Wheatland, Wyo.; sisters, Isabel Valenzuela of Odessa. Victoria Rubio of El Paso, Consuelo Leyva and Jesusita Ramkowsky, both of Albuquerque, N.M.; brothers, Lorenzo Gallego of El Paso, Celso Gallego Jr. of Alpine and Raymond Gallego of Albuquerque; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.  (Published in the Odessa American on 10/17/2007)

Gault,  Jean Lois
Jean Lois Gault passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at a local care center. She was born Oct. 24, 1915, in Marathon to Charles and Nellie Martin. She was reared and educated in Marathon, and was married to the late William H. Gault. Jean assisted her husband in their pediatric office in Arizona. She was a Baptist.  Graveside services were held Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 1 p.m. at Marathon Cemetery.  Survivors include her nephews, Wilton E. Youngblood of Midland and John Miles, Jr. of Cresson, Texas; and a niece, Charlene Ballard of Shallowwater, Texas.  Memorials may be directed to Crestview Baptist Church Mission Fund, Midland. Services were entrusted to Pipkin Funeral Home of Midland.  Words of comfort may be shared with the family at pipkin@nts-online.net.

 
Golden, Bill
Bill Golden, long-time Alpine resident, pasted away on Oct 31, 2004 in Austin.  He spent the last two of his 56 years fighting with tremendous courage and dignity against the ravages of lung cancer.   Born to Sam and Ruby Golden, Bill was the eldest of three children.  He graduated from Sanderson High School in 1966 and received a BBA and a MBA fro Sul Ross State University.  His service in the United States Navy was as a communications technician.  Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Robie Harrison, in 1969, and they have shared a 40-year friendship and 35 years of marriage.  Their daughter, Traci, of Alpine, has been a continuing source of joy to Bill.  An employee of Big Bend Telephone Company, Inc., since March 5, 1979, Bill was active in all facets of the telecommunications industry.  He received an award for Outstanding Achievement from members of the Texas Telephone Association in September of 1988.  Those members honored him this past year with an award named for a man he greatly admired, the late Neville Haynes of Alpine.  Bill also served as president on two different occasions for the Texas Statewide Telephone Cooperative Association. served his community as a director for First National Bank and then West Texas National Bank of Alpine.  He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, serving as the parish council president for a number of years, and recently became a member of the Knights of Columbus.  An avid open road racer, Bill was instrumental in bringing road racing to West Texas with the Fort Stockton to Sanderson race that takes place each spring.  Bill lived his life with a quiet dignity, never falling to show love to those friends and family members he cherished.  He is survived by his best friend and spouse, Robie; his loving daughter, Traci, and her husband, Alonso Adame; his unborn grandchild; his mother, Ruby Golden; his sister, Shirley Townsend; and his brother, Sammy Golden., all of Monahans.  He was preceded in death by his father, Sam P. Golden.   A host of others were honored to call him their uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend.  Mass was held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, under the direction of family friend, Father Mike Alcuino, with burial following in Elm Grove Cemetery.  Pallbearers for the service were Jame Westberry, Tyler,; Jim West, Austin; Jackie Dukes, Kerrville; and Mike Powers, Bruce Wood and Roy Beinhauer, all of Alpine.  The family has requested that memorials be sent to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church or to the scholarship fund at Sul Ross State University established in Bill's name.

 
Gonzalez, Faviola "Fevi"
Faviola "Fevi" Gonzalez passed peacefully Sept. 29 at her home. She was born and raised in Alpine to Maria Francisca "Paquita" Natera Gonzalez and Roman Gonzalez on May 30, 1926.  She traveled throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. She lived in several states as a young woman and came back to live permanently in Alpine when her first granddaughter was born. When her last grandson was born in Arlington, she moved there briefly to care for him.  She was a devoted daughter, sister, niece, aunt, mother, grandmother and friend. She knew people of all walks of life, was a licensed cosmetologist, professional dance instructor, stenographer, business woman, entrepreneur and political activist. In her later years, she became the caretaker of her parents and uncle. She will be remembered most as a professional, loving grandmother, or "Wella."   Survivors include two daughters, Marlene Clark Rodriguez and her husband, Jose Rodriguez, of Alpine, and Nila Chris Martin and her husband, Ralph Ilaria of Olathe, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Dina Baeza and Sarah Baeza of Alpine, Willie Rodriguez of Lansford, Penn., Marco Rodriguez and Jacob Rodriguez of Alpine; Gray Ilaria and Gabrielle Ilaria of Olathe, Kan.; six great-grandchildren, Joseph Rodriguez, Kamille Baeza, Ellene Rodriguez, Shyla Baeza, Allanah Baeza and Matias Baeza; and one sister, Hortencia Cadena of El Paso.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Roman Gonzalez, Jr.; parents, "Paquita" and Roman Gonzalez; and sister, Elva Gallego.  Memorial services were held at Geeslin Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 1, 2004. Mass was held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on Oct. 2, 2004.

Gonzales, Faustino Ramirez
Faustino "Fred" Ramirez Gonzales, of Mojave, CA passed away on January 17, 2000. He was a resident of Mojave for the past two years and formerly resided in Reno, NV. Born in Presidio, TX on January 30, 1929, he was a cook, counselor and all-around handyman.  Mr. Gonzales is survived by his sons Faustino Jr. of Bakersfield, CA, Marcos A. Gonzales of Mojave, Fredrick J. of Visalia, CA, Daniel J. of Carson City, NV; daughters Griselda Hagar of Reno, NV, Regina Gonzales & Victoria J. Gonzales both of Visalia, CA, Marisol Gonzales of Carson City, NV; sisters, Elizabeth (Steve) Alvardo of Odessa, TX, Mandy G. Galindo of Union City, CA, Juanita (Robert) Silva of Odessa, TX and brother Daniel of Alpine, TX; 17 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 76 nieces and nephews.  Mr. Gonzales was preceded in death by his father and mother Andres & Augstina Gonzales in 1989 and 1990; brothers, Mike in 1984, Dave in 1981, Raiil in 1988, Jose in 1947, Frank in 1995 and Fidel R. Marquez in 1980.  Memorial services were held on January 20, 2000 by Fr. John Gracey. Mass was held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church with burial at Holy Angels Cemetery in Alpine, TX by Fr. Rick Ruiz.

Haislip, Maxine Perry 
Maxine Perry Haislip passed away on Thursday, Jan. 20, in a local hospital.  Maxine was born on Aug. 7, 1938, in Harlingen to Sherman and Hazel Cantley Perry. On March 7, 1991, Maxine was wed to Cliff Haislip. She was retired bank officer. Maxine was a loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother and friend who will be greatly missed.  Survivors include her husband of 13 years, Cliff Haislip of Terlingua; her mother Hazel Smith, her daughters, Debi Jones, Rebecca Haislip and Roxann Hadley; her sons, Greg Haislip, Jeff Haislip and Jon Haislip; her grandchildren, Jeremy Jones and his wife Millie, Kevin Jones, Chris Jones, Trisha Haislip, Matthew Haislip, Amy Haislip, Trey Haislip, Austin Steele, Emily Steele, Samuel Hadley and Jonique Haislip; her great grandchild, Landry Jones and many friends.  Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m. at the chapel in Terlingua Ghost Town. The Rev. Judith Buress will be officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the Big Bend Youth Club, Terlingua. Geeslin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Hammer, Bobby Ray
Bobby Ray Hammer, 69, of Terlingua died on Thursday (Nov. 4) at his residence. A memorial service was held Tuesday (Nov. 9) at Wildhorse Station with the Rev. Elaine Ponton officiating.  Hammer was born in Houston on June 30, 1935, to Grady and Carmise Hammer. He worked for Houston Lighting and Electric Power and was a resident of Terlingua.       Hammer is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Hammer of Terlingua; his daughters, Cynthia Fitch of Porter, Debbie Delk of Fort Worth, Wanda Winters of Terlingua, Sharon Winters of Beaver Creek, Ohio, and Charlotte Winters of Conroe; his son, Chris Winters of Dickerson; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren

Hargus, William Wilson
William Wilson "Bill" Hargus, 83, passed away Thursday, Nov. 18, in Fort Stockton. Bill was born in Marathon on May 28, 1921, to George Washington and Ida Mae Hargus. After graduating from high school in Marathon, he attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine until he was drafted into the military in 1942. There he became a fighter pilot flying P-47 Thunderbolts. He flew 85 missions over Germany in World War II.  After the war, Bill returned to Marathon to work with his father in the water well service. He built the airport and Big Bend Flying Service in Marathon in 1946. His love for flying kept him in Marathon until 1956 when he moved to Fort Stockton, leasing the Pecos County Airport where he restored the buildings, made many improvements and promoted aviation for the area. He established Hargus Aviation, Inc. Bill was an expert when it came to aircraft. He was involved with all phases of aviation including aerial applications, flight instruction, charters, aerial predator control along with airframe and powerplant, aircraft inspections, and was an FAA designated examiner. Bill restored and built many aircraft. His business included sales and service of all types of aircraft and he was a Piper dealer and aircraft consultant. All of these accomplishments and management were done for the Pecos County Airport by his own means. He continued to manage the airport through September 2004. Bill logged in excess of 35,000 flight hours.  Bill also established three ranches in Pecos County: the Tobosa Ranch, the NH Ranch and the Imperial Ranch, which continue to be in operation.  Bill was an honorary lifetime Rotarian.  He was very kind and generous, and loved his family very much. He instilled responsibility and life long values in his children and grandchildren.  Bill was married to Bonnie Johnson for 25 years until her passing. He married Betty Roberts Lorenz in 1975.  Bill is survived by his wife, Betty Hargus, of Fort Stockton; three daughters, Ramona Elizabeth Olson and husband, Chuck, of Saginaw, Regina Anne Pederson and husband, Ken, of Midland, Mich. and Peggy Faye Elliott and husband, Rob, of Sweetwater; one son, Charles Travis Lorenz and wife, Debbie, of Fort Stockton; two sisters, Frances Springfield of Marathon and Betty Imler of San Diego; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and numerous family and friends.  Funeral services were held Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. at the Fort Stockton Funeral Home Chapel with graveside services in Marathon Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Jim Miles of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Stockton, officiated. Arrangements were entrusted to Fort Stockton Funeral Home in Fort Stockton.

Hatfield,  Jesse
Jesse Hatfield of Midland, passed away Monday, Dec. 27.  He was born July 14, 1934, to Embrey and Linnie Hatfield in Dawson County. Jesse attended school in Lamesa until the family moved to Midland when he was in the seventh grade. He attended Midland High School where he was an all-around athlete in his junior year, lettering in all four major sports. In 1951, he was part of the MHS team that won the District Championship. On May 19, 1958, he married Sonia Moon. Jesse continued playing football when he attended Sul Ross State College, graduating in 1963. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. Jesse was active as a coach in Little League, youth football and basketball. He was a partner in Taylor Sporting Goods, Inc. He was instrumental in forming the Panhandle Plains Permian Basin (PPP) Chapter of Sul Ross Alumni, which sponsors fundraising for scholarships. Jesse served on the Midland City Council for two terms. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jesse is survived by his wife, Sonia Hatfield of Midland; sons, Jeff Hatfield and wife, Cindy, David Hatfield and wife, Jami, and Chris Hatfield, all of Midland; grandchildren, Mark, Logan and Kylie Hatfield; brothers, Leo Hatfield of Midland, Frank Hatfield of Ruidoso, N.M. and Earl Hatfield of Prescott, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.  Funeral services are scheduled for today at 3 p.m. at Stonegate Fellowship. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Highway, Midland, 432-683-5555.  Memorials may be directed to the Jesse Hatfield Memorial Fund in care of SRSU, Alpine.

Hector, Lisa Ann Green 
On Jan. 19, Lisa Ann Green Hector passed away after a courageous battle with melanoma. Lisa is survived by her loving husband, Jim, and her cherished daughters, Katie and Rachel. She is also survived by her mother and stepfather, Emilie and Howard Seebach of Pleasanton, Calif.; a sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Langley Tittle of Coppell; and a brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Donna Green of Fairfax, Va. She is also survived by her parents-in-law, Neil and Pat Hector of Wimberley; brothers-in-law, Casey Hector and his wife Tammy of Robinson and Dean Hector and his wife Anne of Driftwood; step-brothers, Steve and David Seebach; and step-sisters Jayne Seebach and Cathy Seebach Rigl.  Lisa was born July 16, 1960, the daughter of the late Robert C. Green and Emilie Seebach. She grew up in Dallas and received her Bachelor of Science degree in home economics from the University of Texas in 1983. She and her husband, Jim Hector, lived in Alpine from 1992 to 1999 where Lisa was active in landscape design and the hospitality management businesses. They recently settled in Fredericksburg, where their family has been lovingly embraced and supported during the past year and a half of Lisa's illness.  Lisa touched the lives of many people through her work in the Pilot Club, Relay For Life, the Girl Scouts, and also as a Sunday School teacher at First Presbyterian Church in Monticello, Ark. She will be remembered for her love and concern for others, and her helping hand to those who needed a lift. Even when she was undergoing treatment for cancer, Lisa was always seeking ways to support and comfort those who were going through the same battle.  A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, 1407 E. Main Street, Fredericksburg, on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the Katie and Rachel Hector Education Fund, Bank One, 150 E. Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.

Hernandez, Luis P.
Luis P. Hernandez, 70, of Alpine, a former employee of Sul Ross Sate University, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2006, at his residence. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be at Holy Angels Cemetery. Arrangements are by Geeslin Funeral Home of Alpine.  He was born in Alpine and was an Army veteran. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church.  Survivors Sons, Louis Hernandez Jr. and Christopher Hernandez, both of Odessa and Armando Hernandez of Crane; daughters, Carmen H. Sierra and Jean H. Sierra, both of Alpine, Delfina C. Roman of Odessa and Mary Ann Garcia of Fresno, Calif.; sister, Elma Buckner of Ozona; 18 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Hernandez, Tomasita Portillo 
Tomasita Portillo Hernandez, 95, died at Ozona Care Center in Ozona on Jan. 6. She was born to Luis and Elijah Portillo in Presidio on Nov. 8, 1909.  Rosary was held Sunday, Jan. 9, at our Lady of Peace Catholic church and Mass services were held Monday, Jan. 10, with final resting place at the Holy Angels Cemetery.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Alberto Hernandez; daughters, Petra H. Ramos and Tomasita Hernandez and son, Manuel(Chito) Hernandez.  She is survived by her son, Luis Hernandez of Alpine, and her daughter, Elma H. Buckner of Ozona; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

 Jones, Darriel
Darriel Jones, 64, of Marathon, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, at his home.  A memorial service was held at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Marathon home of his daughter, Jerri Jones. Geeslin Funeral Home handled arrangements.  Mr. Jones was born Sept. 1, 1943, in Brenham to Nita and William Henry Jones. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne.  He was a retired agriculture teacher and also had been a pastor for 17 years.  Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Betty Jones of Marathon; his mother, Martha Nita Jones; four daughters, Jerri Jones of Marathon, Joellen Michalec of Needville, Jana Jones of Ypsilanti, Mich., and Jill Craven of Bossier City, La.; and three grandchildren, Cassidy Craven, Chase Craven and Morgan Michalec.

Kelly, Nancy S.
Nancy S. Kelly left this life to be with her blessed Lord on Nov. 1, 2004.  She was born on Nov. 10, 1931, to Tully E. and Georgia Lee Sealy in Troup, Texas.  As a child, she lived in Marshall, Breckenridge and Stephenville, where she graduated from high school in 1948.  She was married to Edward S. Kelly on July 8, 1951, in Harlingen and therefore lived, for the most part, in Fort Worth, and later Alpine, before moving to Midland in 1981.  She was a member of Wilshire Park Baptist Church.  She was retired and was preceded in death by Edward S. Kelly in 1975.  Survivors include a son, Kevin M Kelly and wife, Anita, of Southlake, and daughter, Erin E. Locke and husband, Ken, of Mico, as well as five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. David (Sandy) Schmelzer of Midland.   Services will be held at Pipkin Funeral Home in Midland Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. with burial at 2:30 p.m. at Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine.  The family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations are made to your favorite charity.

Koch, Etta
Etta Koch, long-time Alpine resident, passed away in Abilene Nov. 3. Etta was born in Cincinnati on June 18, 1904, to Seeley and Pearl Lindeman, who moved to Alpine during their retirement years, and lived on Mosley Lane with Etta and Patti Koch, and Etta's sister, Emma Dhonau.  Etta was a resident of Brewster County from 1945 until her move to Abilene in 2001. She was employed by the National Park Service in Big Bend National Park from 1947-59. She then moved into Alpine. For three years she was secretary to Dr. Bryan Wildenthal, president of Sul Ross.  After her tenure at Sul Ross, Etta spent eight years as administrative assistant to the superintendent at Fort Davis National Historic Site. She later owned "Thingamajig" and enjoyed supplying needle arts and crafts to the ladies of the Big Bend country.  Etta was a life-long member of the Episcopal church. For many years, she was a dependable volunteer at the hospital gift shop, Archives of the Big Bend and other service organizations.  Her most recent accomplishment was her Big Bend memoir Lizards on the Mantel, Burros at the Door, published by the University of Texas Press in 1999.  In 2001, Etta and her daughter, Patti Koch, moved from Alpine to Abilene. On June 18, 2004, Etta's daughter, Betsy Clark, planned a special tribute to her mother at Chisholm House Assisted Living Center. To celebrate her 100th birthday, photos and albums representing the many interests of Etta's life were shared with the residents and the 29 family members who attended.  Surviving family members include her daughters, Patti Koch, Betsy and husband, Don Clark, of Abilene, and June and Marcus Price of Mesa, Ariz.; five grandchildren and their spouses, Dr. Timothy and Debbie Cooper of Bee Cave, Loraine Cooper Smith and Warren Smith of Canberra, Australia, Brian and Cindy Cooper of Houston, Melinda Cooper Healy and Lloyd of Carlinville, Ill. and Trecia Clark Cunningham and Jack Cunningham of Hahira, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Peter, Benjamin and Christopher Cooper of Bee Cave, Texas, Austin and Alistair Smith of Canberra, Australia, David and Steven Cooper of Houston, Matthew and Amanda Healy of Carlinville Ill., and Coleton Yarborough of Hahira, Ga. Other close family members include Johannah and Lehn Franke of Boulder, Colo., Donald and Nancy Dhonau of Denver, and David and Mary Ann Dhonau of Cincinnati.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Koch, and sister, Emma Dhonau.  Cards may be sent to Patti Koch, P.O. Box 503, Abilene, TX 79601. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an Alpine service or charitable organization. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Leyva, Alfredo Cano
Alfredo Cano Leyva, 84, of Alpine, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006, at his residence in Alpine.  Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Peace Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Holy Angels Cemetery. Arrangements are by Geeslin Funeral Home.  He was born in Alpine and was a U.S. Army veteran.  Survivors Sons, Alfrado Leyva, Jr. of Grand Falls, Arturo Leyva of Alpine and Guadalupe Leyva of Sacramento, Calif.; daughters Alicia Castillo, Teresa Reed and Rosie Leyva, all from Sacramento, Calif., Sylvia Leyva of Alpine and Zuelma Sledge of San Antonio; sisters, Carlotta Sancez of Fort Stockton, Anita Wiley of Fresno, Calif. And Pepa Stanfield of Upland, Calif.; 17 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

Losoya, Michael Ray
Michael Ray Losoya, 36, of Alpine, died Thursday, June 22, 2006, in Abilene.  Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Holy Angels Cemetery. Arrangements are by Geeslin Funeral Home. He was born in Alamogordo, N.M. He was Catholic. Survivors Father, Abel Losoya of Alpine; stepmother, Isabel Losoya of Alpine; mother, Romelia Losoya of Austin; grandparents, Calistra Valenzuela and Pablo Valenzuela, both of Fort Stockton; and brothers, Richard Losoya of Austin and Abel Losoya III of Dallas.

Martin, James Malcolm 
James Malcolm Martin, 72, a retired machine shop foreman for Gearhart Oil Co., died Thursday, Dec. 16, at his home.  Survivors include his wife, Barbara; son, Biddy Martin and wife, Dalina; daughters, Melissa O'Hern and husband, Douglas, and Melanie Kenyon and husband, Michael; grandchildren, Delainy O'Hern, Drew Dikes and Destry Kenyon; brother, Biddy Martin, Jr.; and sister, Geneva Parks.  Funeral services were private.

Martinez, Concha
Concha Martinez, 83, of Alpine, died Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008, at Alpine Valley Care Center.  Rosary will be recited at 11 a.m. today at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, followed by funeral Mass. Burial will be in Holy Angels Cemetery directed by Geeslin Funeral Home.  Concha was born Nov. 8, 1924, in Terlingua to Teresa and Roberto Martinez. She had been a housekeeper.  Survivors include two sisters, Teresa Martinez and Lupe Vega, both of Alpine.

Martinez, Ruth Garcia
After a long, courageous battle with cancer, our beloved Ruth Garcia Martinez was carried home in God's loving arms on March 15, 2007.  Ruth was born July 10, 1958, in Alpine, Texas. She lived in Odessa, Texas, for several years, and lived the final year of her life in Denton, Texas, under the loving care of her mother.  Ruth is survived by her devoted mother, Sara Portillo, formerly of Alpine; brother, Jerry Don Garcia, of Durango, Colorado; sister, Mona Lisa Portillo, of Denton, Texas; son, Marcos Martinez and daughter, Sarah Martinez, both of Denton, Texas. Her aunts and uncles are: Salvador Hernandez, Jr. (Suh-Jen), Rebecca Hinojos (Mike), Rachel Parras (Ruben), Lupe Rodriguez, Arturo Rivera (Rosa), Eva Dominguez (Al), Virginia Belew (Richard), Felix R. Hernandez (Mary), and Joel Hernandez (Reyna). She had many cousins who lovingly called her "Aunt Ruthie". She was preceded in death by her grandparents Eliza R. Hernandez and Salvador Hernandez, her uncle Ruben Portillo, and her cousin Salvador Evan Dominguez. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in Alpine, Texas. Interment will take place at Holy Angels Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Salvador Hernandez, Jr., Arturo Rivera, Felix R. Hernandez, Joel Hernandez, Ruben Parras, and Richard Belew. Ruth's family loved her deeply. She takes a piece of our hearts with her.

Molinar, Maria B.
Maria  B.  Molinar,  68, of Odessa, died Saturday, Dec. 5, 1998, at her home.     Mass  will  be  celebrated  at  2  p.m.  Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Sunday at Martinez Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Martinez Funeral Home.  She  was  born  in Terlingua and had lived in Odessa for 41 years. She was Catholic.  Survivors:  Husband,  Rogelio  Molinar, Sr.  of  Odessa; sons, Rogelio Molinar, Jr.  and  Rudy  Molinar,  both  of  Odessa; daughters, Esther Hernandez  of  Clute,  Elida  Garza and Sally Molinar, both of Odessa; sisters,  Lupe  Miranda  and Elidia Molinar, both of Odessa; brothers, Carmen  Betancourt,  Jesus  Betancourt and Salvador Betancourt, all of Odessa, and Gregorio Betancourt of Alpine; and 14 grandchildren.  (Permian Basin Death Notices, December 6, 1998)

Monclova, Dionicia
Services for Dionicia Monclova, 88, of San Antonio, formerly of Marathon, were held Thursday, Sept. 30, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marathon with Father Rick Ruiz officiating. Rosary was held Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the church. Burial was in Marathon Cemetery.   Mrs. Monclova died in Fredericksburg Care Center in San Antonio. She was born to Florencio and Canuta Rodriguez on April 8, 1916, in Marathon. She married her late husband, Margarito Monclova, in 1936 in Marathon.  Survivors include three sons, Pablo Monclova, Luis Monclova and Enrique Monclova, all of Alpine; two daughters, Yolanda Estrada of San Antonio and Elodia Ramos of Alpine; her brother, Justino Rodriguez of Alamosa, Colo.; four sisters, Felicita Ogas of Dallas, Geronima Ortis of Fort Stockton, and Claudia Rodriguez and Lucia Salmon, both of Marathon; 21 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Navarrette, Sr, Rafael
Services for Rafael Navarrette, Sr., 89, of Alpine, were held Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church with Father Rick Ruiz officiating. Rosary was said at the church on Monday, Sept. 13. Interment followed at Holy Angels Cemetery in Alpine. Mr. Navarrette died Friday, Sept. 10, at Thomason Hospital in El Paso. He was born to Arcario and Simona Sanchez on Feb. 22, 1915, in Terlingua, and married the late Francisca Martinez on Sept. 16, 1939, in Alpine.  Survivors include two sons, Rafael Navarrette and wife, Mary Lou, of San Diego and Eduardo Navarrette, Sr., and wife, Grace, of Alpine; four daughters, Gloria Navarro and husband, Fernie, of El Paso, Zenaida Nunez and husband, Ramon, of Marfa, Juanita Alarco and husband, Louie, of El Paso, and Yolanda Solis and husband, David, of El Paso; a brother, Patricio Navarrette of Alpine; one sister, Santos Milan of Alpine; two nephews, Danny Chavarria and Johnny White; 28 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife; two daughters, Jesusita Portillo and Mary Lou Navarrette; a brother, Agapito Navarrette; and three sisters, Josefina Wright, Dominga Herrera and Francisca Mata. Arrangements entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton.

Oliphant, Howard Blake
Howard Blake Oliphant, 45, died Tuesday, December 13, 2005, in an Eastland area hospital.  Visitation was held Thursday, December 15, and Friday, December 16, at Geeslin Funeral Home. Rosary was recited Friday at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, December 17, at the church with Father Mike Alcuino officiating. Burial was at Holy Angels Cemetery. Funeral services entrusted to Geeslin Funeral Home.  Blake was born August 10, 1960, in Fort Hood to Sherla DuBoise and Robert H. Oliphant. He was a graduate of Panhandle State University. On October 15, 1988, he married Bridget Hernandez.  He was employed as a supervisor for the United States Border Patrol for the past 19 and a half years. He was a member of the Catholic Church and was a resident of Alpine for 19 and a half years. He was a loving husband, father, brother and friend who will be greatly missed.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. and Sherla Oliphant.  Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Bridget Oliphant of Alpine; children, Sable Lynn Oliphant, Megan Renee Oliphant and Robert Shane Oliphant, all of Alpine; step-mother, Petra Oliphant of Eagle Pass; sisters, Jana Sandoval of Irving and Anabella Barrow of Eagle Pass; brother, Todd Oliphant of San Antonio; aunt, Louise Johnson of Menard; uncles, Tommy Oliphant of Sabinal, Burt DuBoise of Corpus Christi and Foy DuBoise of Eddy; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends.

Ontiveros, Sr, Henry
Henry Ontiveros, Sr., 89, of Marfa, passed away Saturday, Sept. 25, in a hospital at Port St. Lucie, Fla. Rosary was said, Thursday, Sept. 30, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was Friday, Oct 1 with Father Mikel Alcuino officiation. Burial followed at Merced cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home of Marfa was in charge of arrangements.  Mr. Ontiveroz was born Nov 8, 1914, in Marfa to Antonio and Hermeregilda Ontiveroz. He was a resident of Marfa for many years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.   He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Onitiveros of Marfa, and son and his wife, Henry and Lynn Ontiveros of Port St. Lucie, Fla. Four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  Serving as pallbearers were, George Roman, Lonnie Mendoza, Leo Marales, Agapito Montoya, Johnny Sanchez and Charles Waight.  Honorary pallbearers were Francisco Sanchez, Joe Mendoza, Sr., and Alex Leos, Sr.

Perryman, W. H. "Jack"
Funeral services for former Sul Ross State University coach and lecturer W.H. "Jack" Perryman, 89, were held Friday at University Baptist Church with burial in Elm Grove Cemetery.  Coach Perryman died Tuesday, Dec. 18 at Alpine Valley Care Center.  Perryman came to Alpine in 1946 to teach and coach at Sul Ross. He was assistant football coach, one of only two through 1952, and helped coach the undefeated 1948 Tangerine Bowl team that included former "Bonanza" cast member Dan Blocker. Perryman also served as head track coach.  In the classroom, he taught nearly every course offered in the department. It was also in the classroom that he gained a lasting reputation as a "tough teacher" who was interested in each student's overall education.  "Mr. Perryman was a very good friend and colleague," said Dr. Chet Sample, former director of athletics at Sul Ross. "He was highly respected by all former students and faculty as a very strict but fair professor.  "He is usually the first faculty member that former students ask me about and usually say that they did not really appreciate it at the time that they were in his class, but they realize that he was one of the best professors they ever had," Sample added. "Jack usually locked his classroom door when he arrived in the classroom and you 'just missed the train' if you were not in class when he started.  "One of the funniest things that I ever saw was about three or four students standing outside his classroom listening attentively through the door and taking notes," Sample said. "They were late for class and he locked them out!"  As a demonstration of his commitment to the classroom, Perryman established an endowment fund in 1986 to provide scholarships for physical education majors and minors. To qualify for a Perryman Scholarship, a student must also be active in extracurricular activities in physical education and have a top grade point average.  Perryman was born March 7, 1918, in Nocona and graduated from Texas Christian University. He was on TCU's undefeated 1938 football team that finished No. 1 in the nation.  He coached at Munday High School before entering the Navy. He and his wife, Dorothy, were married in 1942.  Before moving to Alpine, he was assistant football coach and head baseball coach at Kermit High School, then went to Fabens for three months. He completed his master's of education degree at Sul Ross in 1949.  Mrs. Perryman taught in the public school system for 31 years and coached basketball. She received her undergraduate degree in homemaking from Texas Woman's University and a master's of education from Sul Ross.  Asked why Sul Ross was special, Perryman replied, "It has been my whole life. I like Sul Ross and Alpine and have made good friends. There was a great camaraderie among the faculty."  Perryman retired from the physical education faculty in 1976 after 30 years of teaching and coaching. He was inducted into the Sul Ross State University Athletic Hall of Honor in 1986.  Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Perryman of Alpine.  Travis Hendryx, Sul Ross State University sports information director, contributed to this obituary

Ponce, Juan Bautista 
Juan Bautista Ponce, 78, of Odessa, passed away on Dec. 30. Juan was born in Durango, Mexico, on Feb. 15, 1926, to Jose Ponce and Fransisca Acuna. He was a missionary and a pastor. On Sept. 3, 1956, in Chihuahua, Mexico, he married his wife, Amparo Ponce.  Juan is survived by his wife; his brothers, Filimon Ponce of Fort Stockton and Ramiro Ponce of Guymon, Okla.; sisters, Clotilde Escalera of Elkhart, Kan. and Nicandra Perez of Plainview; his children, Ramon Ponce of Odessa, Marissa Sanchez of Midland, Armida Aranda of Ojinaga, Mexico, Javier Ponce of Odessa, Jose Ponce of Odessa, Lucy Stevens of Edmore, Mich., Hilda Nieto of Odessa and Ymelda Ponce of Odessa. Juan had 25 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Temple Baptist Church with the Rev. Mario Martinez officiating. Burial followed at Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Services were entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.

Powell, Elmon Fisher 
Elmon Fisher Powell, 84, of Fort Stockton passed away Friday March 4. Services were held March 7, at the Fort Stockton Church of Christ, followed by burial at the East Hill Cemetery with Harold Durham officiating.  Fish was born May 9, 1920, in Ozona. After attending high school in Ozona he was employed at the H.W Baker Grocery Store in Ozona followed by employment with Noble Drilling Company, and Boehmes Bread Company. In 1939, he married his beloved wife, Louise Boyd of Ozona. Fish was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  In 1985, Fish retired from his family business in Fort Stockton and continued his busy lifetime enjoyment of community service. He was a dedicated member and on the board of directors of the Texas Lions Camp for crippled children in Kerrville, and received many distinguished service awards from the Lions Club. Being a strong supporter of education and youth, Fish was a member of the Fort Stockton school board, director of the Pecos County Livestock Association, a loyal sponsor for the Fort Stockton FFA, and received a Gold Buckle and Plaque from the Sul Ross Rodeo Club for all his hard work.  Fish was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years and is survived by three children, Kent Powell and wife Judith of Rankin, Richard Powell and wife Lynda of Alpine, and Brenda Menzies and husband John of Aledo. Also surviving him are his grandchildren Trey Powell of Odessa, Justin Powell of Rankin, Nena Boettcher and husband Harlan of East Bernard, Turtle Powell and wife Molly of Stephenville, Leslee Hallmark and husband Trey of San Antonio, and Ashley Menzies of Aledo. He was also survived by five great-grandchildren; a sister, Luetta Kost of Ozona; sister-in-law, Johnye Coleman of Birmingham, Ala.; and many nieces and nephews.  Pallbearers were Gerald Porter, Peeberry White, David Shelton, Harper Caldwell, Delmon Hodges, Dan Law, Frank Velasco and Ernie Holder. The Honorary Pallbearers were Cliff Harris, Harlan Lambert, Don Maxey, Bill Moody, Mac Hill, Dennis Card, John May and Evening Lions Club.  Memorial contributions can be made to Fort Stockton Evening Lions Club, West Texas Boys Ranch or to a favorite charity.

Powell, James Keith 
James Keith Powell, 75, passed away quietly on Sunday, Jan. 2. He was father to son Andrew Morgan Powell, who is married to Kellie McDaniel Powell, parents of grandchildren Hailey Grace and Rylie Hope Powell, all of Alpine.  He was born in Torreon, Mexico, on Jan. 24, 1929. He graduated from the American High School in Mexico City, and attended Texas Tech University and Sul Ross State University, graduating in 1951 with a bachelor of science.  Mr. Powell was a second generation career foreign service officer with the United States Department of State and served in diplomatic missions to Guadalajara, Mexico, Mexico City, Manila, Philippines, Mozambique, Lorenco Marques, Washington DC, Guayaquil, Ecuador, Tijuana, Toronto, Kingston, Jamaica, and Ciudad Juarez.  Mr. Powell was a lifelong resident of El Paso and retired there in 1980 after 31 years with the Foreign Service with his wife, Rosemary Adams Powell. After retirement he worked as an immigration law consultant and in later years as a registrar with El Paso Community College. His great loves included his family, literature and travel. He was also an avid reader, pistol shooter, R/C model airplane builder, and a passionate supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces and state and federal peace officers. He was a member of the congregation of Saint Francis on the Hill Episcopal Church.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mary Powell, and wife, Rosemary Adams Powell.  He is survived by his brother, Phillip Morgan Powell of Lufkin; sons, James Ian Powell of Conroe and Andrew Morgan Powell of Alpine; and grandchildren, Christine, Brad, Hailey and Rylie Powell.  Memorial services will be held on Sunday, Jan. 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Saint Francis on the Hill Episcopal Church, 6280 Los Robles Drive, El Paso. A private, graveside service and interment will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38015, or to the Peace Officers Memorial Foundation, 200 West 14th Street, Austin, TX 78701.

Ramey, Arline Annie (Dillon)
Arline Anne (Dillon) Ramey died Saturday, Nov. 20, in the Pecos County Memorial Hospital in Fort Stockton. Arline was born in New York City. After living many years in Northern California, she retired to Alpine. The Fort Stockton Nursing Center cared for her during the last two years of her life; Arline suffered from Alzheimer's Disease.  Arline is survived by four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, including her son, Matt Campbell and his wife, Phoebe, and their daughter, Michelle, who live in Marathon; Arline's daughter, Leslie Campbell and her husband, Bob, of Falls Church, Va.; her other son, Steve Campbell of California; and daughter, Sami Campbell of Oregon.  Private family services will be held later in Texas and California. Gifts in Arline's memory may be made to the Fort Stockton Nursing Center.

Ramirez,  Luciano “Sukie” 
Luciano “Sukie” Ramirez, 71, died on Monday (Feb. 14) in an Alpine nursing home. Visitation and Rosary were held on Wednesday (Feb. 16). Funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday (Feb.17) at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine with Father Rick Ruiz officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Angels Cemetery. Funeral services were handled by Geeslin Funeral Home.  Ramirez was born on August 3, 1933, in Alpine to Luciano and Anita Ramirez. He worked in janitorial services and as a shoe-shiner for many years. He was a member of the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus and was a life-long resident of Alpine.   Ramirez is survived by his sisters, Teresa Urquidez and her husband, Tino, of El Paso; his brothers, Frank Ramirez of Linden and Billy Ramirez of Alpine; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ramirez, Mary Lou
Mary Lou Ramirez, 67, of Marfa, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marfa with Father Rolando Fonseca officiating. Burial will be in Merced Cemetery directed by Geeslin Funeral Home. Viewing and rosary were held Wednesday.  Mrs. Ramirez was a lifelong resident of Marfa and was married to Adan Ramirez for 42 years; he is now deceased. She was born Oct. 20, 1940, to Margarita and Alfonso Lujan, both of whom are now deceased.  Mrs. Ramirez graduated from St. Mary's Parochial School and Marfa High School.  She was employed by Baker's Jewelry Store for 10 years before joining West Texas Utilities, where she worked for 25 years. She then retired to be a homemaker.  She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was an active member of the Marfa High School Band Booster Club.  Survivors include a son Michael Ramirez and wife Enica of El Paso; granddaughters Michaela Ramirez and Toni Janee Ramirez of Marfa; great-granddaughter Summer Nicole Ramirez Kulhman of Marfa; sister Lucy Dominguez and husband Raymond of Pecos; and many nieces and nephews.  Honorary pallbearers will be Lalo Marquez, Ramon Ramirez, Harvey Quintana, Delfin Lopez, Pat Brijalba and Lando Villanueva.  Pallbearers will be Mando Hernandez, Eddie Pallarez, Omar Guevara, Billy Melton, Danny Jurado and Tony Diaz.

Richardson, Rolf
Rolf Richardson, 67, of Terlingua died Friday, Dec. 1, 2000, in an Odessa hospital.  Graveside  service  was  Sunday  in  Terlingua  Ghost  Town  Cemetery.  Arrangements were by Geeslin Funeral Home.  He  was  born  Sept.  5,  1933,  in Edwardsville, Kan., and had been a  resident of Terlingua for 20 years. He was an Army veteran.  Survivors include three daughters, Janine Seyhun, Julie Richardson and Kathy Wisdom.  (The  San  Angelo Standard-Times, Dec. 1, 2000)

Salmon, Emilio Briceno
Former Brewster County Commissioner Emilio Briceno Salmon, 78, was received in heaven on Monday, Jan. 14, 2008.  Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church with Father Mike Alcuino officiating. Burial was at Holy Angels Cemetery in Alpine directed by Geeslin Funeral Home.  Hymns were sung by Rick Ruiz and niece Maria Gross. Pallbearers were Mr. Salmon's grandsons: Marcos A. Rodriguez, Roman R. Rodriguez, Martin Estrada, Mario Estrada, Moises Estrada and Adrian Salmon.  Mass lectors were granddaughters Julie Barraza and Lucinda Gallegos.  Mr. Salmon was born July 17, 1929, in Marathon, one of five children of Anita Briceno, a native of Fort Davis, and Juan Soto Salmon, a native of Terlingua. He attended Hidalgo Ward.  His life was one that consisted of numerous careers, experiences, troubles, failures and successes.  One of the earliest obstacles that Emilio faced was being forced to leave school in the sixth grade so he could help support his family, working as a delivery boy at a local grocery store for $10 a week.  He proceeded to work with his father, Juan Salmon Jr., on the Gage Ranch, where he made a promise to himself of owning his own ranch one day.  Having no formal education, Mr. Salmon educated himself by reading newspapers and law books, among other literature. As Emilio entered adulthood, he began a series of careers that included construction and the beer industry, in which he worked from the early 1970s until he retired in 2002. He continued to work for Permian Distributing until 2006.  One of Emilio's many accomplishments started when he was elected to public office in 1968, serving as a Brewster County commissioner.  He ran for public office because of his passion to work against discrimination and injustice.  The late Commissioner Roberto Valadez was his mentor, and Mr. Salmon credited Valadez for his political guidance and encouragement when he first became a county commissioner, according to the Archives of the Big Bend.  His public service would last for the next 36 years, and he served his constituents with great pride and humility. As a commissioner, Mr. Salmon helped bring road and Pena Park improvements, and emergency service to Marathon.  He was always supportive of his church, organizational and school-sponsored programs and projects.  Because of his heartfelt passion for justice and equal treatment for all, Mr. Salmon made a tremendous difference for his constituents and for the communities of Marathon, Alpine and Brewster County.  Mr. Salmon continued to work for the people, as his last position held was as an officer of the Department of Veterans Affairs (formerly the Veterans Administration).  Like his father, a World War I veteran, and his brother Eduardo, Mr. Salmon entered the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country as a corporal and tank engineer from 1950 to 1952. The same year of his induction into the Army, Mr. Salmon married Guadalupe Valero, his loving and dedicated wife. Through all of these accomplishments, Mr. Salmon's most gratifying feat was fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning his own ranch when he acquired what is now known as Rancho Guadalupe. He made Rancho Guadalupe an intimate, serene piece of rare earth beauty that many friends and family have come to enjoy.  Mr. Salmon was known for many things during his rewarding life, but above all and foremost he was a father, grandfather and loving husband to his family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Anita and Juan Salmon; one brother, Juan Salmon Jr.; and two sisters, Guadalupe Baeza and Isabel Terrazas.  He is survived by his wife, Guadalupe Salmon; son Jose Antonio Salmon and wife Adelaida of Alpine; three daughters, Priscilla Estrada of Alpine, Maria Rodriguez of Waco and Gracie Shepherd and husband Jim of Midland; one brother, Eduardo Salmon and wife Lucia of Marathon; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  B.J. Gallego and the Archives of the Big Bend contributed to this obituary.  Jan. 16, 2008

Santiago, Lupe Briceno
Loving husband and adored father died peacefully at home on Jan. 20, 2004.  Born Dec. 12, 1933 in Marathon, Texas.  He is survived by his wife of 46 years Lupita and 3 children, Alicia (Gene) Estrella, Veronica (Cliff) Lum, and Robert (Shannon) Santiago and 7 grandchildren; siblings, Tony Esequiel , Sostenes and Maria Santiago.  A 38 year WLA resident.  In 1972 he started his own business, Santiago Screen Service.  He retired in 1992, and moved to Murrieta in 1995.  He was passionate about his faith, family, golf, gardening and Notre Dame Football, and affectionately called "Pops" by his younger golfing buddies.  He will be deeply missed.  Funeral services were held Jan. 29, at St. Martha's Catholic Church in Murrieta.  Per his request, donations may be made to St. Martha's Building Fund, 37200 Whitewood Rd. Murrieta, Ca. 92563.  (Los Angeles Times, Feb. 9, 2004) Submitted by Eleanor Evans Borkenhagen, Jan. 2007.

Scott, Wyllette Dawson
Wyllette Dawson Scott, 85, passed away Monday, Jan. 10, in Comanche Community Hospital in Comanche, Texas.  She was born May 13, 1919, in Brewster County to Edgar P. Dawson and Bessie (Kendrick) Dawson.  On Sept. 16, 1939, she was united in marriage to Curtis Elmo Scott in Alamogordo, N.M. He preceded her in death on July 30, 1999. She was a retired interior decorator.  She is survived by her brothers, Perry Dawson and wife Ruby of Corpus Christi, Thomas Dawson and wife Verna of Midland, and Leslie Dawson and wife Brenda of San Saba.

Schmidt, John R.
John R. Schmidt, age 84, of Alvin, Texas and formerly of Plymouth, went to touch the face of God on March 30, 2004, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  John was born on Aug. 11, 1919, in New Holstein, a son of the late John and Wilma Wandersleben Schmidt. He attended New Holstein and Plymouth grade schools and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1937.  John served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a flying instructor and proudly boasted that no German aircraft got past Oklahoma City. He retired as a Lt. Colonel USAF.  He married Wanda Deaton in December of 1947 and they had 52 years together before her death in December of 1999.  The couple retired to Alpine where they lived for 25 years, then after Wanda’s death, he moved to Alvin to be near his surviving family.  As a boy of 12, John first got his fascination with birds that lasted his entire life. He was a longtime member of the Texas Ornithological Society.  Survivors include two daughters, Brenda Johnson and her husband and Bennetta Schmidt; two granddaughters, Raechel Bartholomew and Laura King; two great-grandsons, Christian and Caleb Bartholomew; one brother, Carl (Dorothy) Schmidt of New Holstein; one sister, Rose Flickinger of Frost Proof, Fla.; and one sister-in-law, Betty Schmidt of Ellicott City, Md. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He also had one sister, Carita Fulwiler, who passed away this past week on April 16, 2004, and was preceded in death by two brothers, John and George Schmidt.  Funeral services were held at the Geeslin Funeral Home Chapel in Alvin, Texas, with Interment at the Elm Grove Cemetery.  The measure of a man is how much he is missed after he is gone, and John will be greatly missed.  The Sheboygan Press, April 21, 2004 Submitted by Mary Bell Lockhart <mblockhart@gmail.com>, July 2008

Sibley, Jr., D.J.
D.J. Sibley, Jr., retired physician and West Texas rancher, passed away Saturday morning, Jan. 8, at his home in Austin in his ninety-second year of life.  D.J. was the only child of Dr. D. Jacobi Sibley, Sr. and Effie Potts Sibley. Born prematurely on March 5, 1913, in Bertram, 20 miles outside of Austin, D.J. weighed only 3 lbs. His incubator was a shoe box filled with wool, placed in the warm oven of the kitchen wood stove.  D.J.'s father, D. Jacobi Sr., was a dentist with offices in several central Texas rural towns. He developed tuberculosis and entered a sanatorium for treatment in El Paso. The Sibleys never left West Texas.  Along with Effie Sibley's parents, John and Emma Potts, they settled in Fort Stockton, developing ranching and business interests in Pecos and Brewster counties, branding many cattle, horses and sheep with the "lazy S."  D.J. served in the U.S. Medical Corps from 1940 to 1948 and participated in the first jungle fighting in it's history. He served in ten major encounters, beginning with Battle of Buna, Papua, New Guinea, and was in command of the medical forces for the retaking of Corregidor north through Luzon, Leyte and Milne Bay in the Phillipines.  D.J. received his first commission as a 2nd Lieutenant from New Mexico Military Institute in 1931. As a Lieutenant in the U.S. Cavalry, he was automatically transferred to the army medical corps after induction into the service, leaving his medical residency in Baltimore. After 39 months in the South Pacific, D.J. was awarded the Bronze Star and rotated home to treat his tuberculosis, hepatitis and amoebiasis. He was separated from the service as a colonel after three years of hospitalization.  D.J. received his B.A. from UT Austin and his M.D. from UT Medical School in Galveston in 1937. At 37, he married Jane Dunn Sibley in Fort Stockton in 1950, where he practiced medicine and ranched until 1961. During this time, D.J. persuaded the bishop of the Rio Grande to let him start a mission in Fort Stockton, where he acted as lay reader. A gift of a tiny, historic Victorian one room church from Pecos that was rescued from the wrecking ball and moved by D.J. and Jane to Fort Stockton later became St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Together, they founded the Fort Stockton Historical Society, leaving the city a permanent gift of the Old Fort Parade ground, and their home, which was adjacent to it. With this bequest, the city began rebuilding the pre-civil war fort and restoring the existing officer's quarters.  In 1962, D.J., Jane and their three children, Jake, Mahala and Hiram, moved to Austin, where he nourished his interest in ecology, range management, plant biology and genetic programming while engaging in scientific research at the UT Clayton Foundation Biochemical Institute in Austin. In 1982, he established the D.J. Sibley Centennial Professorship in Plant Molecular Genetics, the first endowed support for plant research at UT Austin. His other interests were music, ballet, art, history, genealogy and philanthropy. His lifelong passion for languages centered upon Spanish, but included Latin, German, Creek and Pidgin English. He was an active participant in the Austin Symphony, was keenly interested in the archeology of Texas and was a founding member of the Texas Rock Art Society, Bat Conservation International, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, Environic Foundation International and the Big Bend Studies Program at Sul Ross State University in Alpine. D.J. was proud of his heritage as a member of the Creek Indian Nation.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane Dunn Sibley; their son, Hiram, of Alpine, along with his wife, Liz, and their two children, Rachel and Christopher; Shiloh and Kiowa Sibley-Cutforth, daughters of Mahala Sibley; and Sarah and Elizabeth, daughters of Jake Sibley and their mother, Jan.  Jake and Mahala preceeded him in death. His faithful canine friend, Priscilla, was with him at the end, along with Raul Moreno. The family will greet their Austin friends at home on Sunday, Jan. 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. D.J.'s ashes will be placed in the family cemetery at the Glass Mountain Ranch this spring, following a service in Fort Stockton with the Rev. Elaine Ponton officiating.  Gifts may be made in honor of D.J. to the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, Box 905, Fort Davis, TX 79734; the Center for Big Bend Studies, Sul Ross State University, Box C-71, Alpine, TX 79832; the Fort Stockton Historic Society or Friends of the Fort, 301 S. Main St., Fort Stockton, TX 79735; or the UT Austin Plant Biology Graduate Program, 1 University Station A6700, Austin, TX 78712-0183.

Simons, Lewis Elmer
Lewis Elmer Simons, 79, died on Saturday (Feb. 12) at his residence in Alpine. Memorial services will be held at a later date at the Oakland Cemetery in Oakland, Iowa.  Simons was born on April 7, 1925, in Dennison, Iowa, to Bernard and Antoinette Ransom Simons. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years, first as a letter carrier and later as a carrier supervisor. He was a 50-year member of the Texas Masons and a longtime member of the Iowa Masons. He was also a member of the Methodist Church. Simons was wed to Jean Ann Christensen on Feb. 22, 1997, and they resided in Alpine.   Survivors include his wife; his daughters, Linda Koonce of Connecticutt, Cindy Haines and her husband Terry of Oakland, Iowa, Nancy Edberg of Omaha, Neb., Toni Dorencamp and her husband Tom of Fremont, Neb., Leslie Gleaves and her husband Mike of Oakland, Iowa, and Laura Baller and her husband Arnie of Council Bluffs, Iowa; his son, Lewis E. Simons of Richmond, Va.; his sisters, Bernice Kountz of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Sandy Sweeney and her husband Jerry of Council Bluffs, Iowa; his brothers, Thomas Simons of Omaha, Neb., and Enice Simons of Council Bluffs, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.   Memorials may be sent to the Alpine Public Library or to a favorite charity.

Sotelo, George Jaimes
George was born April 22, 1924 in Alpine, Texas.  He was the 6th of 9 children born to Juan Sotelo and Petra Jaimes. George passed away at home in La Puente, California on March 15, 2006, surrounded by his loving family.  George is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary, 4 children, John, Alfred, Ruby and Edward; and 6 grandchildren, Veronica, Sarah, Damien, Mercedes, Cole and Kaden Sotelo.  Shortly after his 18th birthday George was drafted in the US Army and served in the European Operation in WWII and earned 4 Bronze Stars, 2 years after his honorable discharge he married his high school sweetheart, Mary, in Fort Stockton, Texas and proceeded to move to California.  He worked in the grocery business until retirement in 1987.   Services will be conducted by Rose Hill Mortuary in Whittier, California in the Memorial Chapel.  Viewing will be Monday, March 20 at 6:30pm followed by rosary at 7pm.  Funeral services, Tuesday Memorial Chapel. (Los Angeles Times, March 18, 2006) Submitted by Eleanor Evans Borkenhagen, Jan. 2007

Sotello, Juan Jaimes
Juan “Johnny” Jaimes Sotello, 86, passed away Monday (May 30). Arrangements are being handled by  Geeslin Funeral Home in Alpine. Visitation will be Thursday (June 2) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  at Geeslin Funeral Home Chapel. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday with his cousin, Father Alfred Villanueva, officiating. Military burial will follow at Holy Angels Cemetery.  Sotello was born June 24, 1918, in Alpine to Juan and Petra Jaimes Sotelo as they celebrated both their wedding anniversary and Juan Sr.’s birthday. He married Gabriela “Gay” Gonzales on June 25, 1949. Sotello received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sul Ross State University. He served in the Air Force from 1941 to 45, where he adopted the United States military’s new spelling of his family name. He lived and worked in California for several years before returning to raise his family in Alpine. Through the years, Johnny  worked as a grocer, teacher, merchant and principal and was proud he “never retired.” During his many years of service to Alpine, he spent several years on the Alpine Independent School Board and was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where in 1986-87 he was selected to be named All-American District Commander.  Sotello was preceded in death by his wife, Gay Sotello; two sisters, Anita “Annie” Barron and Senaida “Naya” Cadena.   He is survived by his sisters, Ophelia “Filia” Rodriguez of Arcadia, Calif., and Berta Hazlett, also of California. Surviving brothers include Raul and Jorge “George” Sotelo, both of La Puente, Calif., and Eliseo “Cheo” and Francisco “Frank” Sotelo, both of Alpine.   Other family members include his sons, John Ivy Sotello and Gerald “Jerry” Peyton Sotello and family, all of Alpine. Grandchildren include Suzanne Harris and Joe Tom Elmore; great-grandchildren, Peyton Marie Harris, Derek Ryan Harris and Arwen Louise Elmore; and close friends, Leigh and Daniel Eaton. Johnny Sotello was admired and respected by too many nieces, nephews and close friends to list. Serving as pallbearers are Leo Dominguez, Danny Villanueva, Ray Hendryx, Al Sotelo, Ronnie Harris, Rey Rodriguez, Ed Sotelo and Kachoo Valenzuela. Honorary pallbearers are all members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. The family asks that memorials be made to: VFW Post 7207, 605 Ave. F, Alpine, TX 79830, or Frontier CASA, P.O. Box 1232, Alpine, TX 79832.

Trammell, Rayford Hearce
Ray Trammell, 67, of Terlingua Ranch, in South Brewster County, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2007.  Ray was born Sept. 3, 1939, in Crowell, Texas to Elba M. Simmons Trammell and R.H. (Dood) Trammell.  Ray joined the Texas National Guard when he was 16 years old and served actively in the 1960’s Cuban Crisis for a year at Fort Polk, La.  Ray attended and graduated Slocum High School. He then worked and attended the University of Texas Business School in Austin, Texas. He received his degree in 1966 as a CPA. He worked for Touche, Ross, Bailey and Smart in Houston, Texas as a CPA auditor for several years, then later for Foster Wheel Corp. as a Comptroller.  In the early 1970s, he began a love affair with the land, fresh air and beautiful mountains of Brewster County; decided to chucked the corporate city world, bought a business in Alpine, Texas 1976, and made his move to the land he fell in love with!  After a few years, he moved to Terlingua Ranch, where he lived until his death.  He was a member of the Terlingua American Legion Post 653, and served several years with the TAVFD.  For the past 29 years, he has been very involved in land sales in and around Terlingua Ranch.  He is survived by his parents, Elba and R.H. Trammell; four sisters, Sharon Marie Smith and husband Larry, Emma Louis Schwab and husband Frank, Virginia Juanita “Nita” Johnson and husband Cliff, all of Palestine; Barbara Sue Trammell of Terlingua/Study Butte; six nieces and nephews, Rodney Smith and wife Kim, Denise Poindexter and husband Terry, Kasie Thompson and husband Tim, Chet Lee Schwab, Morgan Johnson and J.C. Johnson; great nieces and nephews, Cory Smith, Kristen Smith and Haley Poindexter.  Ray had an extended family including Carolyn Small, Susan Weber and husband Joe and their family; and all the family of Jim and Mary Ann Dunn.  Ray leaves many friends and acquaintances he made in his years of service and in land sales at Terlingua Ranch.  He left this world trying to smile through the tears, laughter, questionable prayer and singing of his three sisters and family. He was very independent and lived to his life the way he wanted. He will be missed.  A memorial will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made Terlingua EMS or the Terlingua Boys and Girls Club.  (The Palestine Herald, April 21, 2007)

Uranga, Lorina Ogas
Lorina Ogas Uranga, 78, of El Paso and formerly of Alpine, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, at Del Sol hospital in El Paso.  Rosary was recited Saturday, Feb. 9, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine, followed by funeral Mass at noon. Burial was in Holy Angels Cemetery directed by Geeslin Funeral Home. Viewing was held Friday, Feb. 8.  Mrs. Uranga was born Oct. 10, 1929, in Alpine to Guadalupe and Abelino Ogas. She had worked in electronics as a technician.  Survivors include three daughters, Corrine Underwood of Midland, Darlene Garleb of Holtville, Calif., and Katrina McFall of Odessa; two brothers, Ricardo Ogas of Menomenee Falls, Wis., and Raymundo Ogas of Dallas; more than 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

Vega, Isabel
Isabel R. Vega, 78, a retired maintenance worker at Sul Ross State University, died Friday, Dec. 4, 1998, in a Midland hospital.  Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Peace Church.  Burial will follow in Holy Angels Cemetery. Rosary will be said 7 p.m. today  at  Our  Lady  of Peace Church. Arrangements by Geeslin Funeral Home.     He  was  born in Terlingua, and was a life-long resident of Alpine. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was Catholic.  Survivors:  Wife,  Manuela  Vega; sons, Isabel Vega Jr. of San Angelo, Lupe Vega  and Ramon Vega, both of Alpine, and Enrique Canales of San Antonio; daughters, Anita McCoy of San Antonio, Alicia Van Zandt of El Paso,  Aurora  Huddleston of Tyler, Amelia Roe of Alpine, Lupita Floyd of  Arlington  and Ramona Holder of Dallas; sisters, Concha Porras and Petra  Alvarado, both of Merced, Calif., Carlota Rodriguez of Phoenix, Ariz.,  Maria Valenzuela of Fort Stockton and Reyes Novarro of Loving, N.M.; 20 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.  (Permian Basin Death Notices, December 6, 1998)

Vega, Maria Franco
Maria “Mary” Franco Vega, age 61, of Grandfalls, passed away Friday, September 9, 2005 at her home. She was born January 11, 1944 in Buena Suerte, Texas, to Francisco and Tomasa (Hinojos) Franco. She married Jesus Vega in December, 1963, in Alpine, Texas.  A funeral mass in Alpine, and a memorial service in Grandfalls will be held later in the week. Burial will be in the Holy Angel Cemetery in Alpine. Services are under the direction of Family Funeral Services.  Survivors are her husband, Jesus Vega of Grandfalls, and sons, Jesse Vega of Grandfalls, Danny Vega of San Antonio, and David “Gis” Vega of Ft. Worth. Also a daughter, Angie Portillo of Alpine. She is also survived by her brothers, Joe Franco, Jesus Franco and Frank Franco all of Alpine, and sisters, Maye Salgado of Odessa and Margie Urquidez of Globe, Arizona.

Vorosmarty, Dr.