Olga De La O McLaughlin

Olga De La O McLaughlin, 61, of Alpine, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her beloved husband Dan, her son Victor ‘Tito’ and her daughter-in-law Valerie, on Tuesday, March 29, 2016.

Olga was born May 8, 1954 in Alpine, to Henry and Esperanza De La O.

She is survived by her husband, Dan McLaughlin of Alpine; her son Victor and his wife Valerie; her grandchildren, Victor Jr., Victoria, and Vincent of Alpine; her sister, Melba Cobos of Alpine; brothers Henry De La O Jr. of Austin, Danny De La O of Keller, and Glenn De La O and Ricky De La O of Alpine; also many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her mom and dad, Henry and Esperanza De La O, and her brothers Lorenzo ‘Larry’ and Hector De La O.

Funeral services were the morning of Saturday, April 2 at Calvary Apostolic Church in Alpine, with a graveside service in Holy Angels Cemetery.

Pallbearers were her beloved nephews Danny De La O Jr., Bobby De La O, Ricky De La O, Derrick De La O, Hector De La O Jr., Joe Henry Cobos, Joshua Cobos, Jerimiah Cobos, Lorenzo De La O, and Victor Carrasco Jr.

Her family and friends will miss her.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Lucy Morales

Lucyana “Lucy” Morales of Marfa passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She was 88.

Lucy was born on December 9, 1927 to Thomas and Isadora Laugheed in Marfa. She was a lifelong Marfa resident.

Lucy was a very humble and independent woman. Being self-taught all of her life, at the age of eight years old, Lucy taught herself how to read and write by reading comic books. Lucy loved being around her family and enjoyed watching her grandchildren laugh and play and watching them participate in the various activates that the grandchildren have been involved in.

Lucy was an amazing cook, with her signature dishes of tamales and chile rellenos that have been ordered and delivered as far as New York.

Lucy also assisted St. Mary’s Catholic Church bereavement committee with making her favorite green chile enchiladas.

As well as being an amazing cook, Lucy also ironed for various citizens of the Big Bend area. She was known for her excellent ironing skills as well as cooking her own starch for ironing.

Lucy had an amazing green thumb, was an avid collector, and loved sewing. Lucy’s favorite companions during her life were the various dogs that were given to her and that she cared for during her life.

She is survived by her sons, Albert Bustillos of Gardendale, Texas and Rolando Bustillos of Odessa; her daughters, Virginia Velasco of Phoenix, Arizona, Rose Granado and Barbara Valenzuela, both of Alpine; her sisters, Damas Montez and Helen Moody, both of Laramie, Wyoming, as well as 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Lucy is also survived by her special friends, Frankie Quintanar, Frances and Pete Frias, Jaime Pena-Alfaro, Chevo and Lupita Ramirez, Valda Livingston, K.B. Whitley and Bob Wright.

Lucy was preceded in death by her husband, Rafael Morales; her parents; her son, Ruben Bustillos; her brother, John Laugheed; and her daughter, Janie Wright.

Rosary was the evening of Friday, April 8 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Sister Margie reciting the Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial was the morning of Saturday, April 9 at the church, with Deacon Paul Lister officiating. Burial followed in Marfa Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Albert Bustillos III, Anthony Bustillos, Oscar Granado, Shawn Granado, Julio Marrufo, Christopher Valenzuela, Daniel Velasco and Jacob Wright. Honorary pallbearers were Chevo Ramirez, Pete Frias, Margarito Carnava, Jodie Slape, Jaime Pena-Alfaro, Cesario Valenzuela, Frankie Quintanar, Ely Gallego, Jaime Estrada, David Granado, Simon Martinez, Albert Velasco and Ruben Bustillos, Jr.

The Morales family has entrusted Alpine Memorial Funeral Home with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be made at: www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.

Jennifer Williams Mendoza

Jennifer Lynn Williams Mendoza passed away peacefully in her home after a long battle with illness on Friday, April 8, 2016. She was 32.

Jennifer was a kind, compassionate person who enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved playing with her daughter, nieces and nephews. Jennifer also enjoyed baking and found great comfort in the scriptures. Despite her own trials and deteriorating health, Jennifer always kept a smile on her face and a positive attitude.

Jennifer, her parents and siblings lived in Marfa a few years ago.

She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Mendoza of Midland; a daughter, Aleena Jayde Mendoza; parents, Joe Angel Williams and Della Dymphina Quintela; brother, Jose Angel Williams; sister, Janet Rae Williams Campos; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her brother, John Michael Williams, and her grandparents.

Jennifer was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, and sister, and she will be greatly missed by her entire family.

Viewings were Sunday, April 10 and Monday, April 11. A sharing of memories was the evening of Monday, April 11. A service was the morning of Tuesday, April 12 at Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Chapel in Midland.

Funeral service is under the direction of Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home and Chapel. Family messages and condolences may be emailed to: pipkin@nts-online.net or you can visit our website at www.lewallengarciapipkinfh.com.

Gilbert Garcia, 58, of Odessa, died Sunday, April 10, 2016, at his residence.

Funeral services are scheduled at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Acres West 24 Hour Chapel with the Rev. Humberto Porras officiating. Burial will be at the Peaceful Gardens section of Ector County Cemetery. Arrangements are by Acres West Funeral Chapel.

He was born in Marfa. He was self-employed.

Virginia “Gingie/Kina” Gonzales

Virginia “Gingie/Kina” Najar Gonzales died February 9, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona surrounded by her family.

She was born July 5, 1931, in Fort Davis to Nicholas and Anastacia Najar.

A memorial Mass will be at 11am Saturday, April 30 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Davis with burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

She worked for Jim and Pansy Espy for 61 years.  She loved the Espy family and they loved her.  She not only helped raise the Espy children and grandchildren, she helped raise many Fort Davis children.

She loved watching Fort Davis athletics and attended as many games as she could.  She also was a wizard at bingo and loved going to Alpine on Tuesday nights to the American Legion Hall.

Gingie adored her Fort Davis. She loved her Catholic faith and lit many candles for families and children in the community and beyond.  She loved her family.

She moved to Tucson several years ago when she became unable to care for herself and lived with her sister and her family.  They were her caregivers and were with her until the end.

She is survived by a brother, Robert “Broda” Najar and wife Dolores from Monahans; sisters  Betty Najar of Tucson and Julie Burge of Houston, and her best friend forever, Chelo Bentley of Fort Davis, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Anastacia Najar, brothers  Nicholas Najar and Ronnie Najar, sisters Mary “Leo” Najar, Elisa Herrera and Mary Najar, and her beloved Jim Tre Espy.

James Carpenter

James Neil “Jimmy” Carpenter, 77, passed away peacefully at his Burnet home on April 18, 2016.

He was born July 21, 1938 in San Antonio to Harry Edgar Carpenter and Edna Brown Carpenter.

He attended Brackenridge High School in San Antonio. He started working as an apprentice printer at the San Antonio Express-News in 1962, and retired from the San Antonio Light newspaper as production director in 1993. He also loved to tell stories about his years as jail administrator at the Brewster County Jail in Alpine from 1997-2003.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Betty Cullison Carpenter of Burnet; daughter Julie and husband Ross Mortillero of Plano; son James Morgan “Jim” Carpenter of Temple; daughter Jackie and husband Dallas Haynes of Burnet; sister Elaine Fleming of Tulsa, OK; brothers Harry and wife Wendie Carpenter of Kerrville; Charles and wife Kelly of Corpus Christi; six grandchildren: Carlie Carpenter, Riley Carpenter, Arianna Mortillero, Carlina Mortillero, Carter Haynes, and Blake Haynes; one aunt, Norma Brown Luttrall of San Antonio; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard “Toby” Carpenter, sister Cherie Carpenter Sansing, and nephews Eddy Sansing and Randy Fleming.

He loved to play golf, make people laugh, go hunting, and go fishing at the coast. But, we hope he will be most remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, faith in God, and his loyalty to his family.

A memorial service was the morning of Saturday, April 23 at Vanderveer St. Church of Christ in Burnet.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Cherokee Home for Children, P.O. Box 295, Cherokee, TX 76832-9989.

Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet. Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.

Mr. Carpenter isn’t related to the Johnny Carpenter family of Alpine. – the editor.

Maria “Mari” Ines Trevizo, 57, of Odessa, died Friday, May 6, 2016 in Odessa.

Maria was born July 6, 1958 in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico to Benjamin Rodriguez and Soledad Talamantez. Maria worked at Rosa’s Café. She loved spending time with her family and buying brand name purses.

Maria is survived by her husband, Guadalupe Trevizo of Odessa and formerly of Presidio; sons, Guadalupe Trevizo Jr. and Jose Ivan Trevizo; daughter Iris Trevizo Cruz; brother Chemo Rodriguez; sisters Sandra Rodriguez, Angela Rodriguez, and Melin Rodriguez; grandchildren Justin Trevizo, Abigail Trevizo, Alexee Trevizo, Jasalynn Cruz, Aubrylynn Cruz, Zayeley Trevizo, Aubrey Trevizo and Azalea Trevizo, nephews, nieces and many friends.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Benjamin Trevizo.

Raul Treviño

Raul Treviño, 73, died Wednesday, April 27, 2016, peacefully in Laredo surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Treviño was a retired U.S. Customs agent who proudly dedicated over 30 years of his life in serving his community and his government. During his career, he served at the Presidio Port of Entry.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 44 years of marriage, Armida Treviño; children, Raul and wife Mayra Treviño, Paula Treviño, Mari and husband Luis Palafox and David Treviño; grandchildren, Luis Palafox, Victor Palafox and Pamela Palafox; also five brothers, three sisters, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

The family received guests on Thursday, April 28 at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, where a Rosary was also recited. Funeral services were Friday, April 29 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial was in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services. You may leave condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com.

Francisca Tercero Leyva, 85, of Odessa died Monday, May 9, 2016, in Odessa.

She was born in Alamos de San Antonio, Mexico on Tuesday, December 2, 1930 to the late Josefa Ybarra and Andres Tercero.

Those left to cherish her love and memories are her spouse, Martin “El Guero” Leyva of Odessa; three sons, David Leyva and Remigio Leyva, both of Odessa and Joel Leyva of Presidio; five daughters, Flor Carrasco, Edelmira Renteria, Letty Carrasco, Corina Leyva and Vilma Muñoz, all of Odessa; a brother, Homero Vazquez of Portales, New Mexico; two sisters, Reyes Leyva of Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexio and Melita Lujan of Midland; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rosary was recited Tuesday at Acres West Funeral Chapel and Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, May 11 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Odessa. Burial followed at Ector County Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Hector Anaya, Javier Carrasco, David Leyva, Ricardo Lopez, Remy Leyva, and Severo Carrasco.

Arrangements are entrusted to Acres West Funeral Chapel and condolences may be sent to the family online at acreswestfuneral.com.

In the loving arm of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is to be found a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and dear friend Emma A. Barriga, 73, of Odessa and formerly of Presidio who died at Medical Center Hospital on Saturday, May 7, 2016.

She was born February 23, 1943, in Pecos to Carlos Alvarez and Frances Rivera Alvarez. She was a member of the Catholic church and a homemaker.

She is survived by sons Alberto “Chino” Gochicoa, Willfido (Will) Barriga Jr., wife, Maxine Richard A. Barriga, all of Odessa; daughter, Josie Aranda and husband George of Colleyville; grandchildren, Eric Barriga, Ashley Piel, Brittany Barragan, Selena R. Barriga, Richard Jr., Alex Aranda and Monique Ramirez; 14 great-grandchildren, and one on the way; sisters, Sulema Chavez and Theresa Renteria, both of Odessa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Willfido B.”Sacate” Barriga, a Presidio native; parents, Carlos and Frances Alvarez.

Visitation was Tuesday, May 10 with a Rosary at Odessa Funeral Home Chapel. Services were Wednesday, May 11 at the chapel with the Rev. Joseph Uecker officiating. Burial is to be held privately at a later date.

Services by Odessa Funeral Home.

Funeral services for long-time Presidio resident Elisa Baeza Spencer, who passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016 in El Paso, are scheduled for next week in Presidio.

Rosary is 7pm Tuesday, May 31 at Santa Teresa Catholic Church, and funeral Mass is 10am Wednesday, June1 at the church.

Billie Weston

Former Jeff Davis County commissioner and longtime rancher Billie Weston died May 22, 2016 in a Sweetwater hospital.

A memorial service will be 10am Saturday, May 28 at The Hoyt Place in Sweetwater with a graveside service to be announced for a later date at Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine.

Born Billie Edwards Weston on April 15, 1927 in San Angelo, he was the son of Forest “Pop” Weston and Elfleda Etheridge Weston of Alpine.

He was a graduate of Alpine High School and served in the Merchant Marines. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sweetwater and had been a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Davis.

He lived in Fort Davis until 2000, when he and his wife moved to San Angelo. He moved to Sweetwater in 2008.

He married Fannie Louise Forrester August 29, 1943 in Fort Davis. Very active in the Big Bend Livestock Association Show and Sale, he was inducted into that association’s Hall of Honor for his many years of service to the association and both FFA and 4H programs in the Big Bend. He served in many capacities, including judging shows.

He was a member of the First National Bank in Alpine Board of Directors for many years. As a football and basketball referee, he was well known throughout West Texas, calling high school games for many years in both sports.

In the late 1980s he became commissioner of Precinct 3 in Jeff Davis County, taking over for legendary commissioner H.L. Kokernot Jr., who had served for over 50 years before his retirement as a commissioner.

Weston was active as one of the early officers of the Far West Texas Judges and Commissioners Association, created in this part of the state by the late Brewster County Judge Tom Connor.  The association sought to help elected officials who lived in this remote area get the required education hours needed to meet state mandates.

Working with the late Jeff Davis County commissioners John Robert Prude, Bill Cotton, Dr. Ben Gearhart and Bill Gearhart and then-County Judge Bob Dillard and Commissioner Chris Lacy, he was active and supported the renovation of the Jeff Davis County Courthouse, the building of a county park and the purchase of the old Union Building for the Jeff Davis County Library.

He worked with the court and volunteer firefighters under Kelly Bryan to get the firehall built and was involved in helping get the county its first state-of-the-art ambulance. He was involved in the passage of the hotel/motel tax that became the backbone of the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce and was a strong voice for youth and school activities in Fort Davis and throughout the Big Bend.

Survivors include a daughter, Candy and husband Charlie Joel Nunn of Sweetwater; a son, Tommy and wife Cindy Weston of Bertram; five grandchildren, Kakai Wulfjen and husband Cole of Colorado City, Cindi Lea and husband Kevin of Lubbock, Marcy Steward and husband Brian of Georgetown, Jess Weston and wife Sarah of Bertram and Christa Calloway of Sweetwater; and eight grandchildren, Weston, Jaci, Makenzi, Makenna, Makurri, Riley, Weston and Addie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Fannie Weston in 2010, and by his parents.

McCoy Funeral Home of Sweetwater is in charge of arrangements.

Jose Alvarado

Joe Alvarado, 63, of Ventura, California and formerly of Presidio and Redford, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Ventura after a valiant struggle with health issues.

He was born July 4, 1952, Alameda, California, and no one would have guessed it was an omen of the fireworks that would fill his life to the end. Joe had health issues that required him to move to Texas at a young age. Although it took him away from his immediate family, the time he spent with his paternal grandparents in Redford would forever stay in his heart.

Anyone who spent time with him would invariably end up hearing a story about Texas – some true, some not so true. He would return to Texas a number of times and had lived in Presidio the last three years.

He grew up in Decoto, California and was ‘One of the Boys’ in high school. That’s where he met Francine. They became parents at a young age and raised two beautiful children. Joe worked hard and played hard, spending many years in the oil field industry, and then operated a car wash.

Survivors include his wife, Francine; a son, Adam Alvarado; a daughter, Joie and husband German; a granddaughter, Gianna; grandson, Gianluca; his parents, Cosme and Albina Alvarado; a brother, Jerry Alvarado and his wife Marilyn; a sister, Nora and her husband Nay; and a large extended family including his aunt Evalina Soza and husband Robert of Alpine.

He was preceded in death by his older brother, Jaime Alvarado.

Funeral Mass and graveside service was held Friday, May 20 in Ventura.

He loved spending time with friends and family and was always ready to share a drink and a story. His last days were spent in peace surrounded by family.

Eliza B. Spencer, 96, a longtime Presidio resident, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2016 after a brief stay at Kindred Rehab

Eliza Spencer

Hospital in El Paso.

She was born at Rancho La Haciendita in southern Presidio County in 1919. She married Ismael Spencer of Presidio in March 1943, one day before he left El Paso for Europe to his assignment as a U.S. Army Medic during World War II.

Eliza and Ismael lived in Presidio when he returned from active duty in February of 1946.

Mrs. Spencer accompanied her husband to a post-war job in Mexico City where he was part of a team of American and Mexican medical personnel and their staff, attempting to eradicate hoof and mouth disease in cattle.

After three years in Mexico, Elisa and Ismael returned to Presidio where Ismael entered into a farming venture with his father.

She is survived by five children, Norma Joachim (Richard) of El Paso, Dr. Jose A. Spencer (Bernadette) of Austin, Dr. Roberto R. Spencer (Cynthia), of Golden, Colorado, Eduardo Spencer (Martha) of Corpus Christi, and Joel W. Spencer (Leticia) of Copperas Cove; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Alfredo Baeza of Presidio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ismael; a son, John William; her parents, Jesus and Gregoria Baeza; and seven brothers and two sisters.

Visitation and the Rosary were the evening of Sunday, May 29 at Sunset West Funeral Home, El Paso. The Rosary was also the evening of Tuesday, May 31 at Santa Teresa de Jesus Catholic Church in Presidio and Mass of Christian burial the morning of Wednesday, June 1 at the church with burial to follow.

Nestor “Chato” B. Mendoza, surrounded by his beloved family, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 in Van

Nestor Mendoza

Horn. He was 82.

Chato was born April 28, 1934 in Pilares, Chihuahua, Mexico to Viviano and Tomasa Mendoza. Chato married the love of his life, Otila, July 19, 1959 and they spent 56 wonderful years together raising a family and making a life for them, which included Chato building his family home.

Chato was owner of Otis Café in Van Horn for 11 years. The job that was most near and dear to him was being a fruit truck driver in Van Horn in which he earned the nickname “Chato.” He loved handing out fruit to everyone that he came in contact with. He enjoyed meeting new people and befriending them.

Chato loved to tell jokes and loved being the “George Burns” of his family and friends. His favorite NFL team was the Dallas Cowboys in which he and Otila enjoyed cheering them on game day. Nestor was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in which he was also a member of the morning choir. Chato loved to raise his voice in worship to Jesus Christ his personal Lord and Savior, thus instilling a love of God to his children, grandchildren and all who knew Chato.

Chato was always available to give his family advice, there was never a time that his family and friends could not go to him with a problem, and he was not able to offer his aged advice and wisdom to them.   Further, he taught his family to be very generous and helpful to all that ever needed it. Through this Chato displayed the Love of Christ the same as Christ did.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Otila; his son, Nestor B. Mendoza Jr. of Sierra Blanca; his daughters, Martha Martinez of Panhandle, Bilma Molina and Linda Hillin and husband Lonnie Hillin of Van Horn, and Tomasa Gonzales of El Paso; his brothers, Julio Mendoza of Presidio, Ismael Mendoza of Van Horn, Eliseo Mendoza of El Paso; his sisters, Maria Penà of Chaparral, New Mexico, and Adella Lujan of Lovington, New Mexico; also 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces , nephews, and wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Viviano and Tomasa Mendoza.

Visitation was Friday, May 27 at Heritage Funeral Home in Van Horn. The Rosary was the evening of Friday, May 27 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Van Horn with Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 28 at the church with Father Saul officiating. Burial was in the Van Horn Cemetery with a meal following at the Van Horn Convention Center.

Heritage Funeral Home of Van Horn is in charge of arrangements, and online condolences may be made at: www.pecosfuneralhome.com.

Adrian Franconi

Adrian Kalie Franconi, 83, passed away at his home in Presidio on Tuesday, May 31, 2016.

Mr. Franconi is survived by his wife, Norma Arroyo Franconi of Presidio; a son, Anthony S. Franconi; and a daughter, Angela S. Franconi, both of Ventura, California.

Rosary was the evening of Tuesday, June 7 at Santa Teresa de Jesus Catholic Church in Presidio with funeral Mass the morning of Wednesday, June 8 at the church. Burial was in Desert Hills Cemetery in Presidio with full military honors.

Memorial Funeral Home of Alpine is in charge of arrangements.

Mark Battista

Mark Joseph Battista died peacefully pre-dawn on June 1, 2016 in Alpine.

Born July 4, 1947, his first home was with his father’s family in New Haven, Connecticut. Later, when his father rejoined the Army as a financial officer, the family resided in various locations, including New York City, Virginia, Indiana, California, and Taiwan.

In 1964, Mark was elected president of his senior class at George Washington High School at the Presidio of San Francisco, but his family was reassigned to Germany that summer so he spent his last year of high school at a new school, Heidelberg American School. But, as his mother likes to say of him, “He could fit in anywhere.”

He attended Case Western Reserve for a year before transferring to Rice University in 1968. He made many lasting friendships there as well as meeting his wife, Lalae. He received a Master’s Degree in Architecture in 1972. Following graduation, he worked as a model builder for a Houston architecture firm until he ventured out on his own professionally.

One of his first projects used recycled lumber to build a four-story tower behind existing artists’ studios. From the top of the tower, you could see the sunset over the Houston tree line. In the late 1970s, he painted signs and worked on a passive solar home for his family. He also did residential additions and remodels and made drawings for numerous and varied projects.  His last project in Houston was building a spec house near Buffalo Bayou.  He lived and worked in Lower Montrose for almost 30 years.

In 1997, Mark and his wife and son moved to Alpine, and began building their home on Sunny Glen Road.

Working on behalf of Alpine Recycles, Mark acquired and installed on his property equipment to convert used glass bottles into aggregate. For three years, he collected bottles from Alpine and Marfa, and with the help of loyal volunteers, he turned the bottles into mulch. Seeing the project’s success, the City of Alpine eventually used a COG grant to purchase the recycling equipment. Thus, the life of the landfill has been and continues to be extended.

Meanwhile Mark returned to being a sustainable builder. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase salvage rights to a historic building moved to Alpine years ago from the Marfa Army Airfield. He loved working with the vintage virgin Douglas fir (delivered by rail from California during World War II). Gradually another spec house began to appear on West Lockhart Avenue.

His final project, still in progress, is an earth-covered shelter on Lalae’s family land. He was proud of the 18-inch thick slab that he and Arah Joe formed up, as well as the shell made from precast concrete arches that were lowered onto the slab using a 60-foot crane. Progress on the retaining walls flanking the shelter was slowed by Mark’s illness, but he continued to try to find a way.  Today, with help from Mauda and Lalae, Arah Joe continues to build formwork for the retaining walls Mark designed.

Mark is survived by his mother, Miriam; a brother, Matt of Oahu; by his devoted wife Lalae, his adoring daughter Mauda, and only son Arah Joe, a 2005 Alpine High School graduate.

No services are planned at present.

Trinity Rayne Hernandez

Trinity Rayne Hernandez, 3, passed away June 10, 2016 in a Houston hospital.

Rosary was Wednesday, June 15 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Davis. Funeral Mass is 10am today, Thursday, June 16 at the church with Deacon Paul Lister officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fort Davis.

Trinity was born June 30, 2012, in Hobbs, New Mexico to Denica Richelle Salcido and Gustavo Martinez Hernandez Jr., both originally from Fort Davis. She was a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend who will be forever missed.

She spent and enjoyed her time playing with her Bubba and Sissy, hunting Easter eggs, popping fireworks, swimming, riding horses, being outdoors, enjoying life overall.

She is survived by her parents, Denica and Gus Hernandez Jr. of Lovington, New Mexico; grandparents Gustavo and Maria Hernandez of Lovington, NM; Hooper and Rosie Salcido of Fort Davis; Ellen Kinzie of Fort Davis, and Johnny Salcido of Alpine; great-grandparents Hermina Salcido and Frank and Delma Hartnett of Fort Davis and Virginia Hernandez of Presidio; brother Estevan Hernandez of Fort Stockton; sister Jaylynn Hernandez of Lovington, NM; God parents Ruben and Rosemary Martinez of  Marfa; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and the many people in the community who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandfather Gabriel Salcido, maternal great-grandmother Maria De Jesus; grandfather Roger “Popo” Kinzie; Uncle Jon Salcido; paternal great-grandparents Nito and Josefina Martinez; paternal great-grandfather Salvador Hernandez; great Uncles Moy Martinez, Adan Martinez, Manuel Martinez and Adolfo Martinez; cousins Jacob Martinez, B.J. Martinez and Carmen Hernandez.

The family thanks the donor family for their amazing gift of life that gave them extra time with their precious daughter Trinity, and to the amazing staff at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for the amazing talents and kindness.

Valentin Lujan

Valentin Ybarra Lujan, 57, of Alpine entered into eternal life on Wednesday, June 22, 2016.

He was born June 12, 1959 in Alpine to Lilly Ybarra and Luis A. Lujan. He was a loving brother, and friend who will be greatly missed but will remain in our hearts forever.

Valentin is survived by his brother, Arnulfo Lujan of Alpine; four sisters, and Mary Ann Lujan of Alpine, Corina Lujan of Odessa, Selma Leyva of Denver, Colorado, and Laura Lujan of Fort Stockton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luis A. and Lillly Ybarra Lujan; brothers, Jose Luis Lujan and Edwardo “Lalo” Lujan; and nephew, Jesse Ramirez IV.

Viewing and the Rosary were the evening of Sunday, June 26 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine. Funeral Mass was the morning of Monday, June 27 at the church with Father Anthony officiating. Burial was in Holy Angels Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Nelda Leyva Valenzuela, Michelle Leyva, Bianca Tellez, Andrea Leyva, Roxanne Iben, Cenorina Cortez, Lori Dominguez, and Delilah De la O.

Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton is in charge of arrangements.

Mark Greenwalt

Mark Kevin Greenwalt, 62, of East Freetown, Massachusetts and formerly of Marfa, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, June 23, 2016.

He was the companion of Maribeth Williams of Marfa.

He was born January 22, 1954 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a son of Therese Y. Greenwalt and late Lee Roy Greenwalt.

Mark worked for more than 30 years as a mud engineer for oil companies that he traveled the world with. Mark also worked for American Airlines as a mechanic for many years.

He loved motorcycles, especially his BMWs. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and loved Texas, especially Marfa.

Mark was an avid Boston sports fan. He enjoyed fishing with his close friends and was a strong Republican.

Mark’s heart will always be in Texas, leaving behind a group of very close friends and family located in Massachusetts and Texas, who will greatly miss him.

Surviving are his four sons of Texas, Max, Myles, Mason and Merle Greenwalt; a brother, Glen Greenwalt and wife Michelle of Westport; a sister, Joselyn Kirby and husband Bruce of New Bedford, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and family are respectfully invited to his cremation memorial service at a date and time to be announced at South Coast Chapel Mortuary in East Freetown. An additional memorial service will be held in Texas with Mark’s close family and friends.