Diana Lee Ashmore Griffin was taken unexpectedly from us on June 4, 2013.

Diana Griffin

She was born June 8, 1961, to Loretta and Robert Ashmore in Austin. She graduated from Texas State College, then Southwest Texas, with a degree in education. Diana taught many years in the Austin public schools.

She loved coaching anything, but her favorites were basketball and track. She was in it for the kids. She loved the students-teenagers especially.  She was a great motivator and role model for them.  If you acted up in her class, you did not get sent to the principal’s office.  You had to hold that person’s hand for the entire period.  She said it made it very hard to be mad at someone when you had to hold their hand for an hour.  She was the reason many at-risk students succeeded, not only on the playing field but also in the classroom.

Just like her mother, she loved to host parties and do all the cooking.  She was a fabulous chef and hostess. We don’t remember a family get-together when Diana was not in charge of the meal.  She rarely let us bring anything because she loved doing all of it, from the planning, purchasing, cooking to serving.  And we had to fight her to do the dishes after all of that.

Diana had the caretaker gene.  She helped to take care of her grandmother, Nanny; her Mom, Loretta; and Dad, Robert before they passed away.  And it was not just people she took care of.  Her dog Bubba was a big dog with a life expectancy of about nine years but he lived to 17 because of Diana’s mothering touch.

Diana never wanted anything for herself.  She derived pleasure by giving her time and love to others.   Her greatest pleasures were watching others enjoy everything around them.

She married the love of her life and best friend Danny on July 1, 2011 and moved to Alpine. There she made many good friends.  She even became a surrogate Mom to some Sul Ross students.  It was just the teacher and caregiver in her.

She loved cooking for all her friends and hanging out at the club and golf course. Diana’s kind heart, selfless spirit, and generosity will be missed by all.  There is no question she is “gone too soon.”

Diana is survived by her husband and best friend, Danny Griffin; sisters and brothers-in-law Lynn and Jon Herron, and Charlotte and Karl Schafler; nieces and spouses, Stacy and Daniel Wright, Wendy and Chris Elder, Kasey and Kelly Schafler; great-nephews and great-nieces Steve, Lance and Abby Wright and Luke and Parker Elder.

Diana is preceded in death by her grandmother, Lula C. Bell; parents, Loretta and Bob Ashmore; mother-in-law Marjorie Griffin; and sister-in-law Diane Griffin.

Diana will be greatly missed by her family and friends and while we will miss her, we know the party has begun in heaven now that she has arrived.  And a side note, the Miller Lite tap in heaven is always open and always free.

A Celebration of Life service was held the evening of Monday, June 10 at the Alpine County Club.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Socorro Salgado Carrasco, 75, of Presidio, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2013, in El Paso.

Funeral services are scheduled for today, Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 10 am at Santa Rosa De Lima Catholic Church in Pecos, with Father Fabian officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

A Rosary was said Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Peaceful Garden Funeral Home Chapel.
Mrs. Carrasco was born June 6, 1938 in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico. She was a homemaker and a Catholic.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Demetrio Carrasco Sr., and two daughters, Olga & Margarita.

She is survived by two sons Demetrio Carrasco Jr. of Seminole and Margarito Carrasco of Andrews; four daughters Justina Carrasco Tavarez of Presidio, Delma Carrasco Veliz of El Paso, Rosario Carrasco Zuñiga of Presidio and Juana Carrasco Leiga of Richardson; two brothers Ricardo Salgado, Angel Salgado both of Pecos; two sisters, Guillerma Hinojos of Pecos, and Consuelo Hinojos of Kermit Pecos; 18 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchild also survived.

Arrangements are under the direction of Peaceful Garden Funeral Home in Pecos.

Socorro Salgado Carrasco, de 75 años y de Presidio, murió en El Paso el domingo, 9 de junio de 2013.

Los servicios funerarios están programados para hoy, jueves, 13 de junio de 2013, a las 10 a.m. en la iglesia católica Santa Rosa De Lima, en Pecos; los oficiará el padre Fabián. Seguirá el entierro en el Cementerio Greenwood.

Se rezó el rosario el miércoles, 12 de junio de 2013, en la capilla de la funeraria Peaceful Garden.

La señora Carrasco nació en Ojinaga, Chihuahua, México el 6 de junio de 1938. Era ama de casa y católica.

Le precedieron en la muerte su marido, Demetrio Carrasco Sr., y dos hijas: Olga y Margarita.

Le sobreviven dos hijos: Demetrio Carrasco Jr, de Seminole, y Margarito Carrasco, de Andrews; cuatro hijas: Justina Carrasco Tavárez, de Presidio, Delma Carrasco Veliz, de El Paso, Rosario Carrasco Zúñiga, de Presidio, y Juana Carrasco Leiga, de Richardson; dos hermanos: Ricardo Salgado y Ángel Salgado, ambos de Pecos; dos hermanas: Guillerma Hinojos, de Pecos, y Consuelo Hinojos, de Kermit; 18 nietos y 7 bisnietos.

Los preparativos están a cargo de la funeraria Peaceful Garden Funeral Home, en Pecos.

Siguen pendientes los servicios funerarios en Presidio para Arturo Ochoa, de 82 años y oriundo de Presidio, que murió en El Paso el pasado martes, 11 de junio de 2013.

El Rosario llevara acabo el sábado, 15 de junio a las 10 am en la Iglesia Santa Teresa de Jesús y luego sigue la misa funeraria. El entierro será en el Rancho Ochoa.

A celebration of Bruce Colvin’s life is from 4-6pm Sunday, June 30 at the Mountain Trails Lodge, Texas Highway 118 at 501 East Musquiz Drive in south Fort Davis.

Colvin, 69, of Fort Davis, died April 23 in Lubbock.

Doug Cooney, 64, a Certified Protection Professional from Fort Davis, passed away gently in his sleep on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Euclid, Ohio on December 11, 1948 to Lois Rexroad Cooney (a Marine), and his father, Thomas Cooney (Navy) both of whom precede him in death. Doug attended Onargra Miltary School, graduated from Euclid Senior High School in 1967, and then he graduated from the University of Baltimore.

Doug served in they U.S. Air Force for 12 years and as a translator in civil affairs. He then did security work for the U.S government and in the private sector as an employee of Allied Barton Security Services for more than 30 years.

Doug was a veteran of the Air Force. After many years of traveling the world for his employment, he settled in Fort Davis in 2009. He was a ham radio operator (N1FBI) and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of electricity, electronics, and radio. Doug was active in the Boy Scouts and the Lions Club.

He is survived by three brothers, David of Ohio; Ronald, his twin brother of North Carolina; and Philip of Ohio. He was cared for during his last months on this earth at home by his sister, Dr. Pamela Dalzell of Fort Davis. He is also survived by his special friends, Lee Ann Sproul, and Mac and Daisy McCutcheon.

Special thanks to Jolie who was awesome as a caregiver.

Doug requests no flowers, cards, or tears. Instead, give of your time to help others in need and keep your heart happy for he is with Jesus. Praise the Lord. He will be missed. There will be an announcement of a July memorial service in the coming weeks.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Glenn “Pappy” Harry Parrott of Midland and formerly of Marfa passed away June 16, 2013 in Midland.

He was born April 29, 1926 in Benton, Illinois.  His family moved to Midland in 1927 when he was less than one year old.  Glenn attended Midland public schools and graduated from Midland High School in 1943.

After graduating he joined the United States Marines. He was a member of the 2nd Marine Division in World War II.  He served in Hawaii, Saipan, and the Pacific invasion of Okinawa.  After Okinawa he returned to Saipan. His unit was preparing for the invasion of Japan until the atom bomb was used in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan in September 1945.  His unit was sent to Nagasaki in September 1945 where Glenn witnessed the destruction of both cities.  He was stationed in Japan before returning to the United States and being discharged in August of 1946.

Glenn attended Texas Tech University and was a member of the Texas Tech Rodeo Team in 1946-1947.  He also attended Sul Ross State University.

In 1949 Glenn joined the United States Army.  They were the first US forces to enter Korea in the police action.  Corporal Glenn H. Parrott of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement on August 19, 1950.  Glenn accompanied his squad on a reconnaissance mission where they were met with heavy enemy automatic fire.  Glenn’s jeep gas tank exploded and Glenn leapt from the jeep and opened gunfire on the enemy covering the other jeep while his squad loaded into the vehicle.  He was wounded in the back but continued firing on the enemy.  Glenn Parrott was a recipient of two Purple Hearts for his service in Korea.  He was sent home after his second injury and discharged from the Army in 1952.

In May 1952, Glenn married Ala Jo Oliver. They adopted two children, a daughter, Patti and then a son, Bill.

Glenn joined the U.S. Border Patrol and was stationed in Presidio and Marfa. After his retirement he moved to Amarillo and owned and operated a private detective agency.  He then became a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Federal Court in Amarillo.  After retiring from the Marshal Service he returned to live in Midland, which he considered his hometown.

Glenn was a Master Mason of the Ft. Hancock Lodge #1297.  He was very active in Alcoholics Anonymous in Amarillo and Midland.  He was a well-known speaker in the organization and spoke at many meetings and conferences.  He was past president of the Senior Citizens of Midland.

Glenn was a member of First Christian Church of Midland.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, William Pearl Parrott and Lulu Johnson Parrott; two brothers, Donald Parrott and Ralph Parrott; and one sister, Charline Parrott Ener.

He is survived by his companion, Mae Dawson of Midland; his daughter Patti Wertman of Waterville, Minnesota; his son, Bill Parrott of Marfa; and his grandchildren; a sister, Jill Holder of Midland; his nephew, Fred Parrott of Fort Davis; nieces Bonnie Miller of Midland, Lee Ann Holland of Oak Park, California, and Donna Steimel of Monrovia, Indiana.

He will be missed by all who knew him now that he has gone to his true home with the Lord.

Visitation and funeral services were the afternoon of Saturday, June 22 at Ellis Funeral Home Chapel in Midland. Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.

Maria Dolores “Lola” Urias, 68, of Odessa and formerly of Presidio, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at her residence.

She was born January 12, 1945 in Presidio to Fernando and Sabina Herrera Sosa. She married Florentino Urias on June 3, 1961 in Presidio.

Lola was employed as the Presidio High School cafeteria manager for many years.

In 1998 the couple and their three children moved to Odessa where they have lived the past 15 years.

She is survived by her husband, Florentino Urias Sr. of Odessa; her two sons, Florentino S. Urias Jr. of Mustang, Oklahoma and Luis Urias of Odessa; a daughter, Maria Cristina Urias Mancha of Odessa; her sister, Lupita Soza Brito of Presidio; her mother-in-law, Manuelita G. Urias of Crane; sisters-in-law Aida Casillas and husband of Austin and Eva Gutierrez and husband of Crane; a brother-in-law, Lalo Urias and wife of Austin; also many nieces and nephews, including Joe and Margie Brito of Seagoville, Texas; and 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Fernando P. and Sabina H. Soza.

Visitation was held Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4 at Martinez-Smith Funeral Chapel with the Rosary being recited on Thursday.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, July 5 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Rodriguez officiating. Burial followed in the Peaceful Gardens section of the Ector County Cemetery.

Lola will be missed much by her family and friends.

Martinez-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Richard Dean Taylor of Alpine passed away June 29, 2013 in south Brewster County.

An Alpine resident since 1979, he held a Bachelor of Science degree in Range Animal Science from Sul Ross State University. He was employed as a National Park Service ranger, an EMT, volunteer fireman, and a reserve police officer. He was especially proud of his military service in the Navy where he served in the submarine service.

All who knew him knew he lived his life around the great outdoors, helping people and his church, where he served as a deacon for many years.

Survivors include his parents, Dick and Martha Taylor of Alpine; his sister, Rhonda Taylor of Houston; a brother, Randy Taylor of Big Bend National Park; a cousin, John Carnagey of Alpine; and step-sons Jeff Adams of Dallas and Clint Adams of Big Spring.

Richard was a compassionate and friendly soul who had many friends.

His memorial service was held Monday, July 8, at the First Christian Church in Alpine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church of Alpine.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home was entrusted with his services.

A memorial celebration of the life of James Elmer White Jr. will be at 9am Monday, July 22 at the First Christian Church in Marfa. He was 92.

J. E. White Jr.

The longtime Marfa, Presidio County, and Jeff Davis County rancher died on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at his Marfa home.

White was a cattleman supreme, saying the secrets to success were “Hereford cattle and gramma grass, along with a good family, lots of hard work, determination and optimism.”

He was an active member of the Highland Hereford Breeders Association, The National Cattlemen, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and the Texas Hereford Association. Jim and his late wife Jane raised both registered and commercial Herefords on their Presidio and Jeff Davis County ranches. In addition, Jim managed the historic Brite Ranch.

He was an outdoorsman and hunter, an astute observer of wildlife and the land. He gave time, energy and insight to the Davis Mountains Trans-Pecos Heritage Association and to the Texas Wildlife Association.

Jim was a faithful believer and supporter of the Christian Church. His intellectual interests were broad and deep, with special regard of history. He was thankful for his country, his family, and his trust in “Jesus in Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

Longtime Clear Lake City resident and pediatrician Dr. Winnette Vinyard Wimberly passed away on the morning of July 10, 2013 to go to her well-deserved reward with her loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Winnette was 78 and is the mother of Marfa educator Cyndi Wimberly of Alpine.

Dr. Winnette Wimberly

The precious only child of Frankie Jane Jenkins Vinyard and Wilburn Morris “Doc” Vinyard, Winnette was born at home on August 31, 1934 in Gander Slough, Texas (near Luling) a small oil field community, which no longer exists. Winnette grew up in nearby Prairie Lea, another small oil field community, and had recently refurbished her childhood home where she lived until illness took her back to Clear Lake City.

While Dr. Wimberly’s four children were still young, she decided to fulfill her lifelong ambition to attend medical school to become a pediatrician.  She attended Texas Woman’s University in Denton and Rice University in Houston.  Practically a pioneer, she was one of the first women to receive an M.D. from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.  During her 28 years of practicing pediatrics in the Clear Lake City area, Winnette endeared herself to a large and loving following of patients.  Upon retirement, she served for a number of years as a locum tenens physician which took her to clinics as far away as El Paso and south Texas.  She was also a dedicated church volunteer.

Winnette will be remembered for her zest for life and love of all things that involved speed, from cars to boats to airplanes, many kinds of which she owned over the years.  She was an avid sports fan and threw her enthusiasm behind all the local teams.  She also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and could cook up an excellent steak and seafood dinner.

Winnette was very definitely the matriarch of the family and innumerable family gatherings centered around her.  She was a thoughtful, generous gift giver and a gracious hostess.  She loved to travel, and would wear out the roads in her Lexus visiting her children and grandchildren.

Dr. Winnette Wimberly

Although plagued by a myriad of physical problems over the last 10 years, she maintained her feisty spirit and never let a chance to enter into a debate go by.  Her opinions and her will were strong and forceful, but were balanced by her fierce loyalty and love for her family.  She was a force to be reckoned with and she will be sorely missed by those who loved her.

Winnette’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Emeritus Clear Lake.  They would also like to extend love and thanks to Loly and The Caring Angels for the loving care they gave to Winnette during her final month.

Winnette is survived by her eldest daughter Cyndi Wimberly, her partner Patty Manning of Alpine and grandchildren Marley, Mary and Jonathan Boyd; her son Dr. David Wimberly, his wife Kelli and granddaughters Claire, Hannah and Emma of Friendswood; and daughter Sally Eustice, her husband Scott and grandchildren Dylan, Morgan and Mason of Clear Lake City.  She was preceded in death by her son Michael Wimberly and is survived by grandson Sean Wimberly of Austin.

A visitation was held at Crowder Funeral Home in Webster on Sunday, July 14. The funeral took place at Clear Creek Community Church in League City on Monday, July 15. A graveside service was held at Memory Lawn Memorial Park cemetery in Martindale, Texas on Monday, July 15.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prairie Lea Baptist Church, 6725 Texas 80, Prairie Lea, TX 78661.

Crowder Funeral Home of Webster is in charge of arrangements.

Pauline Beall Sims, 91, of Alpine passed away on July 12, 2013 after a brief illness.

Pauline Sims

She was born on September 29, 1921 in San Angelo and moved to Alpine three years later.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Bob Sims, and her seven siblings.

Pauline is survived by her son, Robert G. Sims and his wife Patty of Harper, Texas and her daughter, Mary McFadin and her husband John McFadin of Christoval, Texas; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She also leaves behind two very special ranch neighbors and friends of Alpine, Mac and Tommie Benge.

Visitation was at the Alpine Memorial Funeral Home the morning of Monday, July 15. Graveside services took place at the Elm Grove Cemetery Tuesday morning.

The family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church in Alpine and condolences can be offered to the family at Alpine Memorial Funeral Home in Alpine.

Irma Sandate Perez of Del Rio and formerly of Alpine, joined the Lord on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 in San Antonio after a fight against cancer.

Irma Sandate Perez

An Alpine High School class of 1974 graduate, the Alpine native and daughter of Antonio and Alberta Sandate, Irma was an excellent athlete and a caring, outgoing person.

She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1978 from Sul Ross State University.

Samuel Sidney “Ted” Harper passed away on July 14, 2013 after a rich and rewarding life of 98 years.  Born May 17, 1915 to Rollie Dunlap Harper and Flora Ella Fisher in Rio Frio, Texas, he was the last living of their six children.

Ted Harper

Services for Ted Harper will be at 10am today, Thursday, July 18 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he served 29 years as Bishop’s Warden, with burial to follow at the Carrizal Ranch.

Ted came to West Texas in 1935 when his father bought the Carrizal Ranch south of Marfa.  He quickly fell in love with the land and a neighboring cowgirl.  He married Frances Greenwood on September 18, 1936 and they began their 77 years together at Cienega Mountain.  During that time they would acquire the roughly 30,000 acres of ranchland that would be their life and home.  There they raised cattle, Palomino horses and two daughters, Tana and Amy, who would become widely acknowledged as two of the best cowgirls around.  Their success in the rodeo arena brought exposure to the horses and Ted and Frances sold their Palominos in as faraway places as Pennsylvania, Mexico City, Monterrey and the Philippines.

Ted Harper as a young rancher.

Ted Harper exhibits his horsemanship skills.

Horses were Ted’s passion and he loved everything about them – breaking, training, even shoeing them.  A true cowboy and horseman, most of his days were spent horseback.  He carried a firm belief that wet saddle blankets made the best horses and horseshoes were cheaper than tires.  He was a religious man with little use for money, a dry wit, a hint of stubbornness, a true zest for life and love for his family.

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

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Harper Stephens, and his son-in-law, Johnny Surratt.

Pallbearers are Cleat Stephens, Sandy Stephens, Sam Stephens, Roberts Weyerts, Kelly Craven, Mike Dumas, Cody Everett and Elias Paz.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or the Presidio County Ag Building Fund.

Longtime Alpine resident Sidney Charles Spear Jr., 56, passed away suddenly at his home on July 27, 2013.

Charles Spear

He was born on April 17, 1957 in Laredo to Elizabeth and Sidney Charles Spear Sr. He graduated from J. W. Nixon High School in 1973 at the age of 16.

He attended Sul Ross State University his freshman year, majoring in journalism. For the remainder of his college years he went to San Angelo State University. During his time at Sul Ross he developed a love for the Big Bend area that would never leave him.

Charles moved back to the Big Bend area in 1978 and in 1981, started a small company, which evolved, with the help of his brother and partner Tom, into SpearCo Construction. The two built many beautiful homes and became skilled at historical restorations. He was also the co-owner of the Desert Springs Restaurant in Alpine during the 1980s.

Charles loved the outdoors and was happy to have found a career that allowed him to work outside a great deal of the time. He was an avid reader, enjoyed collecting and working on guns, an excellent hunter, and a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved music, collecting western artwork, cultivating bonsai and was an exceptionally good cook. He loved sharing the wonderful food he prepared with his family and friends. Lately he had been spending time on weekends working on his casita at the Spear South 40, located near Terlingua.

Preceding him in death was his stepson, Jay Steven Woodward.

Survivors include his father, Sidney Charles Spear Sr. and wife Irene of Concepcion; mother Beth Allen and husband Ray of Lockesburg, Arkansas; daughters Jade Spear and Chani Spear and her fiancé John Skinner, all of Alpine; brother Tom Spear and wife Mary Clare of Alpine, stepbrothers Rene Garza and wife Celia of Austin and Jon David Garza and wife Denise of Buda; three nieces Genny Spear, Scout Garza and Andie Garza, and three grandchildren, Jaci, Sophia, and Sean Spear, all of whom he adored.

Other survivors include former spouses Melissa Hill of Corpus Christi; Lauren Satterwhite Spear of Alpine; his very good amigo Neal Novosad of Alpine, his beloved dog Bella and cat Kenya, and many friends.

Charles’ larger–than-life personality and his love of the Big Bend area will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

The spreading of his ashes will take place on October 26, 2013 at the Spear South 40. A “Celebration of Life” party will follow after the ceremony.

Memorials may be made to the Archives of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University or the American Heart Association.

Melaney Lizabeth Parker Rayburn, 27, of Marfa unexpectedly passed away on August 8, 2013.

Melaney Parker Rayburn (photo by LESLEY BROWN)

She was born in Palo Alto, California, on February 4, 1986, to Bob and Liz Parker.  Melaney graduated from the nationally recognized magnet high school, the Liberal Arts and Science Academy at LBJ High School, in Austin in 2004. Melaney was 10^th in her class.  She was a national honor student, and played the euphonium in the marching band.

From the time Melaney was 16 years old until she graduated college, she was a dedicated volunteer in domestic violence shelters.  Melaney attended the University of Chicago where she graduated with honors in 2008 with a degree in Sociology.  She went on to serve in the Peace Corp for two years.

In 2010, Melaney moved to Marfa where she met the love of her life and best friend, John Rayburn.  They were married in May 2013.  Melaney was working at the Presidio County Health Services Office in Marfa and had planned to attend graduate school to study statistical research in health services.

She is survived by her husband, John Fredrick Rayburn, son to John Bernard Rayburn and Elizabeth Ann Rayburn of Alpine, Texas, and brother to Paedric William Rayburn and wife Nyssa Mariah Barrick, also of Alpine, Texas; her parents Sylvia Lizabeth Cantu Parker of Marfa, Texas, and Robert Eugene Parker of El Paso, Texas; her brother Jesse Joaquin Parker of Scottsdale, Arizona; as well as her grandparents Cynthia Rue Parker of El Paso, Texas, Robert Gene Parker of El Paso, Texas, and Elizabeth Lopez Cantu of Karnes City, Texas.  She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends.  She will be greatly missed by everyone she has touched.

A memorial service was held the evening of Monday, August 12 in Marfa.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to offset funeral and other expenses.  Please make checks payable to John Rayburn, noting “Melaney’s Memorial Fund” on the memo line, and send to Marfa National Bank, P.O. Box S, Marfa, Texas 79843.  Contact the bank for direct transfers.  Unused proceeds will be donated to a charity in Melaney’s name.

Elida Vasquez, 69, a lifetime resident of Alpine, died peacefully at her residence Wednesday, August 28, 2013.

Born August 24, 1944 in Alpine, she was preceded in death by her late husband, David Espinoza, and her mother, Jesusita Vasquez, both of Alpine.

Elida is survived by her son, Ramon Vasquez of Dallas; daughter Clarinda Espinoza of Alpine, grandsons Paul Vasquez, David Campbell of Alpine, granddaughter Anissa Vasquez of Midland; brother Carlos Vasquez of Lubbock; sisters Maria Luisa Rodriquez and Corina Lopez, both of Hobbs, NM, Balvina Fuentez, Odilia Merino, and Teresa Rios, all of Alpine and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held the morning of Saturday, August 31 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine with burial in Holy Angels Cemetery. Fr. Mark N.P. Salas officiated.

Pallbears were Paul Vasquez of Midland, Flavio Ybarra of Alpine, Joe Rodriguez, Jesse Rodriguez, Sonny Rodriguez and George Chavez, all from Hobbs, NM.

Elida had a big heart and will be missed tremendously by all.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Mae Simpson, 82, of Alpine died August 30, 2013 following a prolonged illness.

She was born February 25, 1931 to Carson and Margaret Lafollette in Tacoma, Washington.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Ray Simpson, a veteran of World War II who retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

Following his honorable discharge from the military, Ray and Dorothy made their home in El Paso where Dorothy worked as a secretary at La Tuna Federal Prison in Anthony, Texas, retiring after 20 years of service. Together they had two children, the late Maggie Miller of Alpine and Cliff Simpson of Seattle, Washington.

Simpson is survived by her only granddaughter, Beth Miller and her husband Westley of LaGrange, Texas and her son-in-law, Dennie Miller of Alpine.

There won’t be a memorial service and the family asks that donations be made to the Sunshine House in Alpine, Texas in lieu of flowers.

Services are pending for Marfa resident Dolores Peña, who passed away unexpectedly Monday, September 2, 2013 in California.

She was the wife of Marcos Peña.

Amparo Acosta Manriquez, 75, a longtime Presidio resident, was called to her Lord on Sunday, September 1, 2013.

She was born January 16, 1938 in Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico to Guadalupe Garcia and Jesus Carrasco Acosta. Amparo married Manuel Manriquez Jr. December 19, 1965 in Ojinaga Chihuahua, Mexico. Amparo was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was a member of the Catholic Church. She will be greatly missed but will remain forever in our hearts.

Amparo is survived by her husband, Manuel P. Manriquez Jr. of Presidio; three daughters, Diana Martin of Pecos, Marina Hernandez of Odessa, and Yvonne Spencer of Presidio; three brothers, Enrique Acosta of Julimes, Chihuahua, Mexico, Daniel Acosta of San Jose, California and Adolfo Acosta of Stockton, California; also eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesus and Guadalupe Acosta; her brother, Miguel Acosta; and two sisters, Elvira Hermosillo and Celia Miranda.

Rosary was the evening of Tuesday, September 3 at Santa Teresa de Jesus Catholic Church in Presidio. Funeral Mass was the morning of Wednesday, September 4 at the church, with Father Miguel Alcuino officiating.

Funeral services are entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton.