Mary Alice Cowden of Kent and Midland died October 9, 2013. She was 81.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 am, Tuesday, November 26 at the Pecos Funeral Home. A private family burial will be at the family ranch at Kent.

She was a wife and homemaker who, along with her husband, raised three children on the family ranch. She loved to cook and was well known for the home cooked meals she fed to their many and frequent visitors to the ranch.

She is survived by two daughters, Lou Cowden Edwards and husband Tim of Kent, and Lynne Cowden Gibson of Ketchum, Idaho; one son, Dr. Wm. Lee Cowden and wife Nancy, of Mertzon; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents and stepmother; one brother; and her husband, W.H. “Bill” Cowden, Jr. to whom she was married for 59 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of Midland at 911 West Texas, Midland 79701.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com

Dora Nuñez Rivera, 85, of Marfa passed away October 19, 2013 at the Monahans Managed Care Center. She was 85 years of age.

Dora Rivera

Dora was a devoted housewife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, who, along with her husband, Alcario B. Rivera, raised four children in Marfa. She was a wonderful cook, known for her empanadas, vizcochos, and many home-cooked pastries and meals.

Dora was born September 19, 1928 to Jesus F. Nuñez and Maria L. Nuñez in Ruidosa, south Presidio County. After completing her schooling there, she continued her education in Marfa, graduating from Marfa High School. In time, she met the love of her life, Alcario, and they were married. The couple lived in Valentine for several years before moving to Marfa where they lived for the rest of their lives.

It was in Marfa where Dora and Alcario raised their three boys, Arcadio, Orlando, and Michael and only daughter JoAnn.

Dora was a woman respected and loved by many. She was a vibrant woman with a humorous outlook on life. She wanted only the best for her children and grandchildren always giving them sound advice. When times got tough for them, she would always use her favorite saying, “Don’t worry, be happy!” Her grandchildren have heard this saying on numerous occasions.

Dora is survived by two sons, Arcadio and wife Berlinda Rivera of Monahans; Michael, Gina and Blue Rivera of Marfa; a daughter, JoAnn and husband Tiburcio Garcia of Alpine; a daughter-in-law, Lupita Rivera of Marfa; four grandchildren, Rocky and wife Liz of Allen, Texas, Ricky Rivera also of Allen, Pedro-Alcario Garcia of Lubbock, Jessica Garcia of Houston; great-grandchildren Sophia and Eva Englade of Allen; also two brothers, Lee and wife Roberta Nuñez of El Paso and Regino Nuñez of Marfa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesus F. and Maria L. Nuñez; her husband, Alcario B. Rivera; son Orlando Rivera; and three brothers, Leo Nuñez, Robert J. Nuñez and Ismael Nuñez.

Rosary was the evening of Tuesday, October 22 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa, and Mass of the Resurrection was the morning of Wednesday, October 23 at the church with burial in Merced Cemetery.  Deacon Paul Lister was the officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Orlando Rivera Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Marfa National Bank, PO Box S, Marfa, TX 79843.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Maria del Refugio Ochoa Ramos, 66, of Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, went to be with her Lord on October 20, 2013 following a fatal car accident in Ojinaga.

Maria Ramos

Maria was born to Rafael and Petra Garcia Soto in La Pinta, Chihuahua, Mexico on December 31, 1943.

Maria loved to dance and sing. She was very loving and affectionate, friendly to all who knew her in Ojinaga and Presidio. Maria rarely had a frown on her face she was always happy. Maria always wrote letters the old fashioned way, handwritten, and always included a Bible verse. She always read and taught the Bible to her family. She always looked nice and loved to pose and have her picture taken.

Those left to cherish her memories are her husband, Baldo Ramos of Ojinaga; her daughter who she called “Mi Muñequita” Luz Maria Valencia and husband Edward of Odessa; her sisters Vickie and Rafaela of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rafael and Petra Soto; her first husband, Federico Ochoa; a sister, Maria Soto; brothers Ramon Soto and Francisco Soto.

Funeral services were Wednesday, October 23 at Acres West Funeral Chapel in Odessa, officiated by Pastor Humberto Porras. Burial was in Rose Hill Gardens of the Ector County Cemetery near Odessa.

Arrangements are by Acres West Funeral Chapel Odessa. Condolences may be sent online at acreswestfuneral.com.

Juliana Porras, 82, of Marfa went to her eternal rest on Sunday, October 20, 2013. She died under the care of many caring, loving nurses, including the Hospice nurses at Fort Stockton Nursing Center.

Juliana Porras

Rosary service will be at 2pm today, Thursday, October 24 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa followed by the Mass of the Resurrection. Burial will be in the Marfa Catholic cemetery, and Deacon Paul Lister will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Alfredo Mediano, Eddie Mediano, Rafael Mediano, Manuel Acosta, Raul Porras, and Joel Porras. Honorary pallbearer is Samuel Rivas.

Juliana was born in Ruidosa, Texas to Alejandro and Josepha Porras on February 16, 1931.

She lived in Marfa and labored in a variety of jobs. Her love was taking care of children. Her conversation was always of the love she had for these children and often talked about the memories she had of them.

Being that she was single all her life and never had children, she spent memorable times with her nieces and nephews, doing special things for them. Cooking, sewing, and embroidering were her favorite things to do.

An avid pet lover, many hours were spent looking for stray dogs and cats to feed. She cherished her pets, and they were a vital part of her life.

She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ala Jo Parrott, 87, a long time resident of Marfa passed away on Friday, October 27, 2013 at the Hospice House in Odessa.

Ala Jo Parrott

Ala Jo was born on February 16, 1926 to Roy Ross and Georgia Noba Oliver in Haskell County, Texas.

She was a graduate of O’Brien High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in radiology from Texas Tech University.

She married Glen Parrott and they moved to Presidio and Marfa where he worked as a border patrol agent.

Mrs. Parrott worked for many years as a bookkeeper in Marfa at the Federal Land Bank, Production Credit Association, David Kimble Illustrations, and with Clay Evans.

Ala Jo is survived by a son, William “Bird” and wife Etta Sproul-Parrott of Marfa; a daughter, Patricia and husband Bob Wertman of Waterville, Minnesota; a sister Jean and husband Babe Banner of Littlefield, Texas; five grandchildren, Lauren, Stephani, Jennifer, Jerik, and Janika.

Ala Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Ross and Georgia Noba Oliver; two sisters, Lila Giddens and Fayne Harvey; and a brother, Ross Oliver.

Services are pending and will be held in Knox City, Texas.

Longtime Alpine civic and business leader Sylvia Golenternek  “Teeby” Forchheimer passed away peacefully at her home in Alpine the evening of Tuesday, October 29, 2013. She was 95.

Teeby Forchheimer

Graveside services will be at 11am Friday, November 1, in Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine.

Teeby was born in Tyler, Texas, on February 16, 1918, to Sarah and Alexander Golenternek, emigrants from Russia. She was the youngest of 12 children and attended John Tyler High School, Tyler Junior College, and the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in elementary school education in 1939. As a substitute teacher in Tyler she learned quickly that teaching wasn’t her “calling.”

Teeby married Paul Forchheimer on December 22, 1942, and in 1951 they moved to Alpine, Paul’s hometown, with their son, David, and their daughter, Juliette, to help run Forchheimer’s Department Store (established in 1923). Teeby worked as the store’s bookkeeper for many years.

Sul Ross State University was an important part of Teeby’s life. She was a member of the Sul Ross Committee of 100 and of the President’s Support Group. She volunteered at the Museum of the Big Bend, was Grand Marshal of the Sul Ross Homecoming Parade in 1999, and received the Slingin’ Sammy Baugh Award for Outstanding Service to the university and several Sully awards for her contributions to the Theatre Program. The Department of Fine Arts and Communication established the Paul and Teeby Forchheimer Communication Endowment in 1991 in recognition of the Forchheimers’ long service to the university.

Forchheimer’s Department Store, Alpine, Texas

Teeby did not limit her service to the university, however. She was also active in the community, serving on the Committee for the Alpine Centennial Celebration, as a volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce, the Alpine Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Alpine Ambassadors, and the Food Pantry of Alpine. She was a Pink Lady at Big Bend Memorial Hospital and served on the Alpine Independent School District Board of Trustees.

She wasn’t all work and no play, though. She was an avid golfer for many years and excelled at needlework. She read voraciously on many subjects and loved more than anything being with friends and family. She was a beautiful, elegant, kind, generous, and down-to-earth woman with a terrific sense of humor.

She is survived by her daughter, Juliette Forchheimer Schwab and her son-in law, Gregory Mark Schwab of Alpine; her grandson, Dr. Jon Adcock and his wife, Stephanie; and her great-grandchildren, Kate, Sarah, Maggie, and Libby Adcock, all of Birmingham, Alabama.

Teeby was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband, Paul, and her son, David. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Teeby’s favorite charities: the Paul and Teeby Forchheimer Communication Endowment at Sul Ross State University; the Alpine Public Library; the Food Pantry of Alpine; or the Alpine Humane Society.

Lydia M. Alvarado, 75 years young of Marfa, passed away on October 23, 2013 at her residence in Odessa, Texas.

Visitation and Rosary were held on October 28, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa. The funeral service was held at St. Mary’s on October 29 with Father Rolando Fonseca officiating.

Lydia will be laid to rest at Merced Cemetery. Arrangements are by Martinez Funeral Home from Odessa.

Lydia was born in Marfa, Texas to Catarino L. Madrid and Delfina V. Madrid on the beautiful day of May 26, 1938. She attended Blackwell Jr. High and Marfa High School in Marfa. She made many friends and crossed many journeys while growing up in Marfa.

While in school she enjoyed singing in the church choir, playing many sports, one being volleyball, in which she excelled. The love of movies led her to meeting James Dean, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor during the filming “Giant” in Marfa, but one true passion was taking photographs of, and with family, friends and trips since her teens.

On November 10, 1957 she found her true love, Remigio Alvarado who she married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa. This began her new chapter leading to many more chapters of her life.

She is preceded in death by Remigio Alvarado Jr. (son), Catarino L. Madrid (father), Delfina V. Madrid (mother), Aurora Franco (sister), Catarino Madrid Jr. (brother), Ida Lara (sister), and Brenda S. Madrid (niece).

She is survived by her husband, Remigio Alvarado; sons, Jodie and Irene Alvarado, Robert and Cissy Alvarado, Charles Alvarado and his partner Bryan Lari; and sisters, Anita Villarreal, Irene Campos and Betty Robles.

She is also survived by grandchildren Brandee Alvarado, Tracie Alvarado, Jessica Alvarado, Hannah Chavez, Robert Alvarado Jr., and Carolina Alvarado; great-grandchildren, Sierra Alvarado, Lena Chavez and Brooklyn Chavez; and many nephews, nieces, and family who loved her.

The pallbearers will be Jodie Alvarado, Robert Alvarado, Bryan Lari, Leeroy Campos, Roscoe Hidlago and Robert Alvarado Jr.

The family of Lydia M. Alvarado wish to send special thanks and hugs to Dr. R.J. Patel, Star Care Home Health and Star Care Hospice.

She was a person of values, integrity, honesty and compassion. Her love of music, dance and family will long live within us as will her zest for life.

Freddy S. Valenzuela, 64, of Lubbock and formerly of Alpine passed away in a Lubbock nursing home on Saturday, January 11, 2014.

Visitation will be from 10am to 3pm Tuesday, January 14 at the Geeslin Chapel, with a Rosary service at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at 7pm. Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11am Wednesday, January 15 at the church with burial in Holy Angels Cemetery.

Freddy was born November 20, 1949 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Eduardo and Juanita Valenzuela. He was a self-employed auto mechanic.

He is survived by his mother, Juanita Valenzuela of Lubbock; daughters Keanna Valenzuela and Arianna Valenzuela, both of Alpine; sons Fred Valenzuela of Shallowater and Darren Valenzuela of Kerrville; sister Estella Geeslin of Lubbock; brothers Joe Valenzuela El Paso and Gilbert Valenzuela of Turlock, California; and four grand-daughters, Breanna, Savanna, Leanna and Lillianna Valenzuela.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Benjamin Madrid Campos, 63, of Marfa passed away Friday, January 10, 2014 in San Angelo.

Benjamin Campos

Rosary will be recited at 7pm Tuesday, January 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am Wednesday, January 15 at the church with Father Rolando Fonseca officiating. Holy burial will be in Merced Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Carlos Guajardo, Lee Roy Campos Jr., Ricardo Campos, David Campos, Johnny Valenzuela Jr., Benjamin Lee Campos Jr., Anthony Lee Campos, and Derek Francis.

Mr. Campos was born July 24 1950 in Marfa to Irene Madrid and Julian Campos Sr. Benjamin was a loving, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be greatly missed but will remain forever in our hearts.

Survivors include his mother, Irene Madrid Campos of Marfa; two sons, Benjamin Lee Campos Jr. and Anthony Lee Campos, both of Alpine; three daughters, Annabel Marie Campos and April Ybarra, both of Alpine, and Cecil Campos of Moreno Valley, California; four brothers, David Campos of Brackettville, and Julian Campos Jr., Frankie Campos, and Ricky Campos, all of Marfa; three sisters, Viola Campos, Nancy Campos Francis, and Amy Villarreal, all of Marfa; also eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Benjamin was preceded in death by his father, Julian Campos Sr.; a daughter, Veronica Campos, and a cousin, Brenda Sue Madrid.

Funeral services entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton.

Eliser “Ellis” G. Villalobos, 68, of Presidio passed away January 22, 2014 in Dallas.

Ellis Villalobos

He was born in Van Horn on January 29, 1945 to Cecilio and Esther Villalobos.

Eliser was a resident of Presidio for many years. He taught third, fourth, and sixth grade students at Presidio Elementary School for 23 years, from 1974-1997, where he was known as Mr. V. He touched the hearts of many and he will be truly missed.

Mr. Villalobos worked at the Oil Flyer Restaurant alongside his aunt Nancy Crown and his uncle Eliseo “Güero” Galindo. Ellis also owned La Escondida Bar and Restaurant for a period of time.

After leaving Presidio Elementary School, Mr. Villalobos taught at Dallas Public Schools and Plano ISD.

He is survived by his three brothers, Edward Villalobos of Chaparral, New Mexico, Ponce Villalobos of El Paso, and Cecilio Villalobos of Van Horn; also several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecilio and Esther Villalobos; his two brothers, David and Sammy Villalobos, and a sister, Elva Brown.

A funeral service was held January 25 at Familia Cristiana Church in Van Horn. The service was officiated by Pastor Ruben Arrazate. Burial was in Van Horn Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jose Cabezuela, Sandra Cabezuela, Nicole Osterloh, Antoin Wallace, Tony Gallegos and Abel Fierro.

Funeral services were entrusted to Carrillo Funeral Home of Van Horn.

Muy sensible fue el fallecimiento de Miguel Rodríguez Menchaca para sus familiares, amigos y la comunidad ojinaguense.

Miguel Menchaca

Miguelito como le decían de cariño era hijo de la familia Rodríguez Menchaca, hijo del destacado profesor Miguel Rodríguez, gran beisbolero y catedrático.

Nacido en 1973, contaba en la actualidad con 40 años de edad, se desempeñaba como trabajador de Telmex, era soltero, muy aficionado a todos los deportes e integrante de la Porra de Los Soles de Ojinaga, encargándose casi siempre de tomarle fotos al equipo.

Miguel Rodríguez Menchaca falleció el domingo 26 de enero del 2014 a causa de complicaciones respiratorias en la clínica del Seguro Social de esta ciudad de Ojinaga.

Era muy querido y eso lo pudimos constatar en las instalaciones de la clínica donde falleció, ya que un numeroso grupo de amigos y conocidos, los cuales con lágrimas en los ojos fueron a darle el pésame a sus padres que se encontraban inconsolables ante tan dolorosa perdida.

Las redes sociales estuvieron repletas de muestras de afecto y condolencias para los familiares, el perfil del joven aficionado a los deportes ya lucía un moño negro y tenía escritos varios mensajes de afecto y fotos en la que aparece con la porra de los soles, con sus amigos y como siempre disfrutando del deporte.

La misa para despedirlo fue en la Parroquia de Jesús Nazareno el día martes 28 de enero a la 1 de la tarde, para de ahí partir a enterrarlo al Panteón Último Refugio. Muere un gran aficionado a los deportes, muere un gran amigo, un excelente fotógrafo y sobre todo un magnifico ser humano.

Los recintos deportivos de Ojinaga lo van  extrañar y la Porra de los Soles siempre va a tenerle un lugar apartado en su corazón.

Descanse en Paz.

Augustin Rice Martinez of El Paso and formerly of Marfa went to be with the Lord on January 24, 2014.

Augustin Martinez

Rosary is 7pm Friday, January 31, and funeral Mass is 10am Saturday, February 1 at at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Marfa.

Augustin was born August 26, 1953 to Luis and Margaret Martinez. He graduated from Marfa High School.  After high school he worked for Colomo’s grocery store for two years before moving to El Paso. He worked for Diebold Inc. in El Paso as a locksmith. After he retired, he spent his time at the YMCA  and taking computer classes.

Survivors include his mother, Margaret Martinez of Marfa; two sisters, Veronica Campbell and husband Michael, and Margie Mendoza and husband Alonso, all of Marfa; four brothers, Ben Louis Martinez and wife Maria of El Paso, Oscar Martinez and wife Mary Lou of Kerrville, Robert Martinez and wife Marian of Pueblo, Colorado, and Samuel Martinez and wife Michelle of Alpine; also numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Luis Martinez Jr., and his sister, Monica Cantu.

Augustin was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Felipa E. Madrid, 89, of Presidio, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Midland Memorial Hospital.

A memorial Mass will be at 10am Saturday, February 1 at the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus Mission in Shafter.

Mrs. Madrid was born in Colorado City, Texas on August 23, 1924 to Refugio and Sebastiana Escontrias.

She is survived by her sister, Dominga Escontrias of Midland; daughters, Eduwiges (Vicki) Muñoz of Midland and Elda Madrid of Presidio; two sons, Mario Villa of Ojinaga, Mexico  and Leoel Madrid of Shafter; also 22 grandchilden and many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Refugio Escontrias and Sebastiana Armendariz Escontrias; her husband, Ismael B. Madrid; a son, Manuel Villa; and nine siblings.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home was entrusted with her services.

Lucila R. Cano, a native of Redford, was born on June 3, 1922 and went to join the Lord on January 15, 2014.

She was married to the late Camilo Cano for 41 years. Lucila was a loving mother who enjoyed doting over her children and grandchildren. Her garden was always full of color and her twin pine trees are a Redford constant. Lucila will affectionately be remembered as “Mama,” “Mami,” “Lita,” “Buelita,” “Titila,” and “Dona Lucy.”

She is survived by four generations of her family:  daughter Elvira and late husband Ruben Madrid, son Ezequiel and Concepcion Cano, daughter Araceli and late husband John Malik, son Carmen and Luz Elena Cano, daughter Rosa and husband Hector Morales, daughter Irma and Jaime Maldonado, 19 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation was held at the Geeslin Chapel in Alpine, on Sunday, January 19, from 1-8pm. Rosary was recited at 10am followed by Mass of the Resurrection at the San Jose Catholic Church in Redford on Monday, January 20. Burial was at the San Jose Catholic cemetery.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Our beloved Eliso has gone to be with our Lord in Heaven. Eliseo Santiago Briseno passed away quietly at his home in the presence of his loving wife and sister, on Monday, January 20, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Eliseo Briseno

Rosary was recited Friday, January 24, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon, Texas. Mass of the Resurrection was held Saturday, January 25 at St. Mary’s. Military graveside service followed at the Marathon cemetery. Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 Eliso was born on December 2, 1930 and attended schools in Marathon. He worked for Big Bend National Park for a short period in 1948.

In 1949 he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He made the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1952. He attended Northrop Institute of Technology. He worked for Douglas Aircraft Co. and Northrop Corp. Nor Air Div, from 1955 to 1962 and Northrop and Lockheed Companies through the early 60s.

While living in Inglewood, California, he also worked for Boeing and Learjet in the late 1960s while living in Reno.  In 1972, he returned to Marathon with his first wife, Mary Jane Jordan to assist his mother after his father passed away.  At this time he went to work for the Texas Highway Department where he stayed until he retired. He was a devoted and active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Parish, where he served as communion minister and treasurer. He also served as treasurer for the cemetery association. He spent numerous hours watering and caring for the trees that were planted in downtown Marathon.

Eli and his wife Mary were helpful with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for many years. He was very passionate about providing a home and caring for dogs and cats who did not have a home.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Domingo Garcia Briseno and Rosa Santiago and his first wife, Mary Jane.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary Martinez Briseno and his brothers and sisters, Maria Dutchover (Fred), Fidel Briseno (Peggy), Jesus Briceno, his step children, his grandchildren, his nieces and nephews and his devoted companion, Choco, his dog, who all loved him and will miss him greatly.

We would like to thank his cousin Zeke Santiago from El Paso and his sister Julia for spending so much time with him and assisting him and his wife Mary in their time of need. It meant so much to them and we are all deeply appreciative.

Velma G. Villarreal, 62, went to be with the Lord November 18, 2013.

Velma Villarreal

Funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, February 21 at St Mary’s Catholic Church at 10am, burial to follow at Merced Cemetery.

Velma was born to Simon, Jr. and Consuelo Tarango in 1951. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be greatly missed but will be in our hearts forever.

Velma is survived by her husband of over 40 years, Armando D. Villarreal, along with two daughters Debra and James Moreno of Tomball and Mindy Villarreal of Marfa; a son Armando, Jr. and Elizabeth Villarreal of Tomball; one granddaughter Kay Lynn Moreno and three grandsons Jesse, Jose and George Villarreal, all of Tomball.

She is preceded in death by her parents Simon, Jr. and Consuelo Tarango.

Pallbearers are Freddy Aguilar, Tommy Garcia Jr., Charles Ortiz, Michael Rivera, Ben Villarreal Sr., and Ernest Villarreal Sr.

Funeral services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa and Forest Park Lawndale of Houston.

John Patrick Stolte age 47, entered into rest on his birthday February 16, 2014 in Del Rio, Texas.

John Patrick Stolte

He was born in San Antonio, Texas on February 16, 1967. He attended school in Victoria, Texas and obtained his Masters of Science in education from Sul Russ State University. He was employed as a Physics teacher at Del Rio High School and loved teaching. He was an avid outdoors man with passion for fishing, hiking and camping.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 8 years Theresa Chambers Stolte, her son Brent Waldrep and wife Liz, and her daughter Brandy Chase. His parents are Kenneth and Theresa who brought him to us February 16, 1967 and saw him leave us too early. Brothers include Bill Stolte and wife Milena, Bob Stolte and wife Rebecca, Eddie Stolte and wife Brenda, Ken Jr. Stolte and wife Connie, sister Tracie Massey and husband James.  His grandchildren are Tyler Waldrep and Natalie Chase.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary 6:30 PM.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2014 2:00 PM at St. George Catholic Church  304 Crockett Street George West, Texas.

Gentlemen with the honor of Pallbearers Lou Lutz, Walter Klein, George Bauml, Russell Morkovsky, Mike Carle, Michael Goynes, Douglas Walleck and Joby Langfield.

Honorary Pallbearers Robert Chambers, Fred Neland, John Woods, Dale Adams, Andrew Houle, Luke Walleck, Keith Scheibelhut and Kevin Finger.

Interment to follow at Gussettville Cemetery in George West, Texas.

He has taught so many of us so much. His kindness, and dignity and sense of humor were such a gift. All of our lives have been enriched by John. His passion for this earth, its rivers and its skies will be forever remembered by the people he had touched so deeply.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to American Cancer Society or Sacred Heart Catholic Church gymnasium building fund in John’s name.

Please visit our website at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.com and sign our online guestbook.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2020 Bedell Ave., Del Rio, Texas 78840, (830)778-2020.

Longtime Alpine resident and drummer supreme Charlie Eugene Hill, 57, passed away February 5, 2014 at Big Bend Regional Medical Center after a long battle with cancer.

Charlie Hill

A celebration of Charlie’s life will be at 8pm Friday February 21 at the Railroad Blues in Alpine.

A memorial service for Charlie will be at noon on Saturday, March 15 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1003 West Holland Avenue in Alpine.

He was born September 1, 1956 in Stanton, Texas, to Betty and Bill Hill. He grew up and attended school in Alpine where he was a member of the Buck Band and was one “Hill” of a drummer. He teamed up with Richard Fallon, David Arnold, Steve Cowell and Steve Bennack in the band Spontaneous Combustion, affectionately “Spon Com,” a staple of the Alpine music scene.  He was a carpenter by trade but the love of his life was music.

Charlie had a large, extended family who miss him dearly.

He is survived by his father, Billy Hugh Hill; his daughter, Kellie Anne Hill; and his grandson, Townes Eugene Woodruff, all of Alpine; his sister, Karen Miller Darling of Lakewood, Colorado; four nieces, Nichole Dayton of Katy, Texas, Kimberly Elliott of Boulder, Colorado, Julie Boling of Arvada, Colorado and Shannon Bryant Reinhard of Orlando, Florida; three great-nieces, Chloe Cervantes of Denver, Colorado and Emma and Madeline Dayton of Katy, Texas; and three great-nephews, Daniel Cervantes of Monahans, Texas, Austin Carner of Arvada, Colorado, and Sinjin Reinhard of Orlando, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Hill, a sister, Julie Holland Reeves; and three brothers, Jake Brisbin Jr., Bill David Hill, and Bobby Hill.

Neal F. Harrison, 72, a former Marathon ISD superintendent, passed away in Dallas on Sunday, February 16, 2014.

Visitation will be from 6-8pm today, Thursday, February 20 with Rosary at 7pm. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, February 21 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Ennis.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by the J.E. Keever Mortuary, www.jekeevermortuary.com.

Frances Eugenia Greenwood, a member of pioneering Presidio County ranching families, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2014 at her ranch home after a long life of 95 years.

Frances Greenwood Harper

Services will be at 1pm today, Thursday, February 20 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, with burial to follow on the Carrizal Ranch.

Pallbearers are Cleat Stephens, Sandy Stephens, Sam Stephens, Roberts Weyerts, Kelly Craven, and Hart M. “Trey” Greenwood.

She was born in Marfa on June 12, 1918 to Hart Mussey Greenwood and Amy Frances Pool. She was raised at La Cienega, one of the ranches acquired by her great-grandfather John Pool, upon coming to Presidio County in 1877.  She was very proud of her heritage and never wandered far from the place she called home.

Frances met Ted Harper while herding cattle to water at a windmill owned by the neighboring Harpers.  A courtship ensued and they were married in 1935.  Ted and Frances would spend the rest of their 77 years together raising cattle, horses and family on their ranch south of Marfa.  Every bit the cowgirl and horsewoman, Frances was an essential part of their everyday ranch life and was frequently called upon to snub colts or drag calves.

Though some knew her as “Kika,” Frances was known by most as “Granny.” She was a wonderful but messy cook who liked her coffee strong and her steak rare.  She had great love for her ranch, her horses, her church and her family.  She was really good chute help and drove many miles hauling kids, grandkids and anybody else who needed hauling, to rodeo events all over.  No one ever got turned-out with Granny driving.

She is survived by her daughter, Tana Harper Surratt; three granddaughters, Amy Weyerts and husband Robert, Mya Craven and husband Kelly, Tana Dumas and husband Mike; three grandsons, Cleat Stephens and wife Cami, Sandy Stephens and wife Diane, and Sam Stephens; 10 great-grandchildren, and many great friends, including Manuela Garcia, Adela Hernandez and Elias Paz.

Granny was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Harper; a daughter, Amy Harper Stephens; her son-in-law, Johnny Surratt; and her brother, Hart Greenwood Jr.