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.

Don Geeslin of Lubbock and formerly of Alpine, a former funeral home director in Alpine and Marfa, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 2, 2014.

A viewing will be held 5-7pm today, Thursday, February 6 in the Geeslin Chapel of Alpine Memorial Funeral Home. A service in Don’s honor will be held at the First Assembly of God Church in Alpine on Friday, February 7 at 11am.

Don was born to the late Lyle and Murl Geeslin on August 14, 1935 in Conroe, Texas.  He attended public schools in Evant and Lampasas, Texas where he graduated in 1953.  Don received a degree in Mortuary Science from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Science in 1957.

He began working as a Funeral Director in Houston before moving to Alpine in 1961 to purchase the local funeral home.  Don would then own and operate the Geeslin Funeral Home from 1961 to 1996.  He also owned the Marfa Funeral Home from 1974 to 1984.

Throughout his career, he touched the lives of many families, always provided the utmost care during their time of loss.  Don was always a very generous and very kindhearted man who had a great sense of humor.  Some of his hobbies included watching sports, feeding and taming many deer over the years and spending time with his family.  He was a loving son, loving husband, loving father, and a devoted Christian.

He is survived by his wife, Stella Geeslin of Lubbock; eight children, Julie Geeslin of Austin, Wayne Geeslin of Sugarland, Jim Geeslin of Naples Florida, Jamie O’Leary of Austin, Serina Geeslin of Lubbock, Kenneth Geeslin of Abilene, Molly Geeslin of Austin, and Bryan Geeslin of Paris, Texas; also seven grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, and baby brother, Larry Wayne Geeslin.

Charlie Ann Cowell

Charlie Ann Cowell, 80 of Fort Davis, died January 24, 2014, after a brief illness.

She was a native of Fort Davis, born June 9, 1933, to parents Carl Ross “Bill” and Vivian Bird Fryar. She married C. C. “Pete” Cowell on Aug. 2, 1952.

After several years of living away from Jeff Davis County in Kingsville and Midland, Ann and husband Pete recently returned to Fort Davis in January of 2013.

She graduated from Fort Davis High School and later attended Baylor University. She is a member of the First Baptist Church in Midland. She loved to paint and garden. Her passion was her family and friends, which she enjoyed at every opportunity.

A loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother, she is survived by her husband Pete, daughter Cathy Largent and husband Mark of Kaycee, Wyoming, son Chuck Cowell and wife Sally of Dallas and daughter Sharon Tucker of Fort Davis; and by her seven grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Albert Fryar and son-in-law Doyle Tucker.

A celebration of Ann’s life was the morning of Feb. 4 at the First Baptist Church in Fort Davis. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to First Southern Baptist Chapel, P. O. Box 241, Kaycee, Wyoming 82639 or to the charity of choice.

Jessie Carrillo

Jesusita “Jessie” Valenzuela Carrillo, 65, of Alpine and formerly of Marfa, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at her residence while surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Carrillo was born Tuesday, February 5, 1948 to Jesus and Isabel Valenzuela in Marfa. In 1966, Jesusita entered into marriage with Manuel Carrillo Sr. Jessie was a graduate of Marfa High School and a longtime resident of Alpine.  She had worked as a nurse’s assistant at the hospital and as a caregiver for the elderly for many years. Jesusita was a member of the Catholic Church and had assisted with the Bereavement Committee at the church.  Jessie enjoyed and was very involved in her grandchildren’s activities.  Mrs. Carrillo was a fantastic cook and enjoyed cooking for her family.  Jessie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be greatly missed but will remain forever in our hearts.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Manuel Carrillo Sr. of Alpine; her daughter, Sylvia Ann Carrillo of Odessa; her three sons, Manuel Carrillo Jr. of Alpine, Michael Carrillo of Lubbock, and James Carrillo of Alpine; her sister, Maria Elena Ford of Alamogordo, New Mexico; her two brothers, Tiodoso Valenzuela of Fort Stockton and Cesario Valenzuela of Alpine; her nine grandchildren; her six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Jesusita was preceded in death by her parents, Jesus and Isabel Valenzuela; her sister, Anita Valenzuela; her brother, Mario Valenzuela; and her granddaughter, Sara Molinar.

Rosary was the evening of Sunday, February 2 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine. Funeral Mass was the morning of Monday, February 3 at the church with Father Marcos Salas officiating. Holy burial was in Holy Angels Catholic Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Andrew Carrillo, Manuel Carrillo Jr., Junior Valenzuela, Jessie Valenzuela, Mario Valenzuela Jr., and Christopher Valenzuela.  Acting as honorary pallbearers are Jason Carrillo, Joe Carrillo, Oscar Carrillo, Eliberto Almodova, and Israel Natera.

Funeral services entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home of Fort Stockton.

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.

Glenn Lujan Garcia, 55, a lifelong Marfa resident whose community and public service to the town and school that he loved with all his heart was unparalleled by anyone of his generation, was called home to our Lord on Sunday, February 23, 2014.

He passed away in Dallas, surrounded by his loving family.

Services for Glenn will include a Rosary at 7pm Friday, February 28 and a funeral Mass at 11am Saturday, March 1 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A Celebration of Life at the Capri Lounge will follow the Mass.

Glenn, the oldest of four siblings, Sammy, Debbie and Brenda, was born November 6, 1958 in Marfa to Armando and Lucy Garcia. Save for a few years, Glenn was a life-long resident of Marfa, graduating from Marfa High School in 1976, and attending Sul Ross State University where he met his life partner, Leticia Barron.

Glenn and Letty were married in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico on August 16, 1980. Glenn earned his BBA from Sul Ross in May 1981 and began his career with the Marfa National Bank that summer.

On September 30 of that year, Glenn and Letty’s first child, Aaron Daniel Garcia, was born. Glenn went on to earn his MBA from Sul Ross in December 1982.

Glenn and Letty’s second son, Marco Samuel Garcia, was born November 20, 1985.

Glenn earned graduate banking certificates from Texas Tech University, Louisiana State University, and the University of Delaware.

Dedicated to service, Glenn was actively involved in numerous civic, academic, and athletic organizations in the Marfa Independent School District and community, earning him numerous awards and recognition, all humbly accepted.

The announcer of Marfa High School football games for 25 years, Glenn was dubbed “The Voice of the Shorthorns,” the namesake now gracing the press box at Martin Field.

Glenn is survived by wife, Letty, and sons Aaron and Marco; his parents, Armando and Lucy Garcia, and his siblings, Debbie Falknor and Brenda Garcia; and also by many nieces and nephews, cousins, godchildren and an entire community of dear, dear friends. Glenn’s passing leaves a large, impactful void in our small West Texas town yet he lives on in the countless memories, hearts, and souls of all that he encountered.

Glenn was preceded in death by his brother Sammy and in-laws Lazaro and Mercedes Barron.

In lieu of flowers, Glenn requested that donations be made in his name to the Marfa Athletic Booster Club or the Merced Cemetery. Please contact the Marfa National Bank for information regarding donations.

Pherba Lee Fisher Wilson

Pherba Lee Fisher Wilson, 81, of Alpine went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 24, 2014, in Fort Stockton.

Memorial services will be held at a later date in Alpine.

Mrs. Wilson was born July 20, 1932, in Del Rio to Thelma Utzman and Ray Fisher. She married Chester Wilson on July 24, 1950 in Del Rio.

Pherba graduated from Del Rio High School in 1949. Chester and Pherba moved to the Alpine area in 1964 and raised their children. She was a stay-at-home mom, but also was a tax clerk in Brewster County in Alpine.

She enjoyed doing crafts, bowling, hunting, and fishing with her husband. She will be greatly missed but will remain forever in our hearts.

Survivors include her husband, Chester Wilson; her son, Greg L. and wife Claudia Wilson; her three daughters, Cheryl Ann Nelson of Duncan, Oklahoma, Raydell and husband Timothy Boerjan of Falfurrias, Texas, and Brenda Kay Wilson of Alpine; a sister, Frances and husband Leroy Owens of Lampasas, Texas; also eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Fisher and Thelma Utzman; a grandson, Jason Sanders; and a nephew, Kenneth Higgins.

Memorial Funeral of Fort Stockton is in charge of arrangements.

Moisés Sánchez Sr.

Moises Sanchez Sr., 66, of Presidio passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at his residence.

Mr. Sanchez was born February 15, 1948 in Mexico to Manuela Lujan and Nicolas Sanchez. He entered into marriage with Gregoria Olivas on August 16, 1970 in Mexico.

Mr. Sanchez was a lifelong resident of Presidio and a member of the Assembly of God Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend whom will be greatly missed, but will remain forever in our hearts.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Gregoria Olivas Sanchez of Presidio; his son, Moises Sanchez Jr. of Presidio; his four daughters, Senia Armendariz and Rebeca Sanchez, both of Presidio, and Sintia Baez of Arlington, Texas and Meradi Sanchez of Odessa, Texas; four sisters, Ninfa Perez of Ojinaga, Mexico, Eunice Suchil and Hilda Carbajal, both of Midland, and Griselda Zermeño of Durango, Mexico; four brothers, Eduardo Sanchez, Abelardo Sanchez, Juan Daniel Sanchez, all of Odessa, and Hector Manuel Sanchez of Denver City, Texas; eight grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicolas and Manuela Sanchez, and daughter Mireya Sanchez.

Services were the morning of Saturday, February 22 at the Tabernaculo de Reuniones Church with Minister Oscar Uranga officiating. Burial was in La Juanta  Ranch Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Daniel Perez, Ramon Samaniego, Cesar Sanchez, Abdi Sanchez, Jaime Suchil, Saul Suchil, Jairo Sanchez and Ever Sanchez.

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

Trinidad Samaniego Morales

Trinidad Samaniego Morales, 101, of Marfa passed away Friday, February 21, 2014 in Marfa.

Trinidad was born June 2, 1912 in Lajitas to Flora Galindo and Antonio Samaniego. Trinidad was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and sister. She liked sewing, crotchet, and gardening. She will be greatly missed but will remain forever in our hearts.

Survivors include four daughters, Beatrice M. “Betty” Bentley and Abigail “Abby” Morales, Minerva M. Quintela, all of Marfa and Florel M. Skinner of Edna, Texas; two sons, Roger Garcia and Joe Luis Morales, both of Marfa; also grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Trinidad was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Flora Samaniego; her husband, Francisco Morales; a daughter, Martha S. Morales; a son, Joe Henry Samaniego; grandchildren Sevastian Espinoza, John Morales, Chris Bentley, Jaime Morales; sisters Maria S. Rivera, Antonia S. Ramirez and Lucy S. Galindo; and brother, Antonio Samaniego Jr.

Rosary and the funeral Mass were the morning of Tuesday February 25 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa, with Father Rolando Fonseca officiating. Holy burial was in the Marfa Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Eddie Quintela, Mike Garcia, Richard Garcia, Nathan Arredondo, Sebastian Arredondo and Marcus Peña. Honorary pallbearers are Mario Paz Rivera and Jordon Haynes.

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

Idaly Baeza Huitron

Idaly Baeza Huitron, 32, of Midland passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Midland Memorial Hospital.

She was born July 2, 1981 to Loelia and Carlos Alfredo Baeza in Midland. God gave us an angel to teach us about love, the true meaning of family and what it means to be a loving mother, always full of life, a free spirit, and a light in the darkness.

Her family and friends were what she held dear to her heart, putting their needs before her own. We will remember her as the beautiful wife, loving mother, devoted daughter, caring sister, unforgettable aunt and cousin and vibrant friend she is and always will be. Lord, we ask that your angels wrap their wings around her and lead her into paradise.

Idaly is survived by her husband, Israel Huitron; children, J.R. Martinez and his son, Zayvian Martinez; daughter, Kianni Huitron; son, Kaleb Huitron; and son, Blake Huitron; parents, Carlos Alfredo Baeza and Loelia Marquez; sister, Adriana Baeza; brother, Oscar Baeza; brother, Ismael Baeza; brother, Carlos Alfredo Baeza Jr.; and sister, Gabby Baeza; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Abelardo Baeza and Jose Marquez.

A Rosary was the evening of Thursday, February 20 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland. Funeral services were the afternoon of Friday, February 21 at San Miguel Catholic Church. Burial was in Serenity Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers are Carlos Alfredo Baeza Jr., Ismael Baeza, Oscar Baeza, J.R. Martinez, Auden Marquez, Jessie Alvarado, Heriberto Jasso, and Charles Troxell.

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

Mary K. Earney, 93, formerly of Marfa, and a historian, teacher, non-fiction writer, and proud Texan, passed away peacefully the afternoon of February 24, 2014 in Fern Park, Florida.

Mary K. Earney

Burial and a gathering of family and friends will be at 3pm Sunday, March 9 at the Marfa Cemetery. The family asks for friends, past students, and anyone still in town who knew “Mary K.,” to please join them and wear or bring something decidedly Texan or Marfan.

Mary K. was born in 1920 to Hunter and Fletcher Metcalfe and she spent her childhood in Marfa. She valued education, graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1941 with two degrees and where she was also a member of Alpha Phi sorority.

In 1969, Mrs. Earney furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree from Sul Ross State University in Alpine.

Mary K. married William H. Earney in 1942 in Beverly Hills, California. In the following years, they had four children. Mrs. Earney worked as a newspaper correspondent and photographer for regional newspapers, and she taught history for 10 years in the Marfa Independent School District.

Mrs. Earney moved from Marfa to Georgetown, Texas, a few years after the death of her husband, Bill Earney in 1993. In Georgetown, Mary K. continued her pursuit of writing as a member of the San Gabriel Writer’s League. Her other writing endeavors included being a columnist for The Big Bend Sentinel and authoring three books.

She enjoyed interacting with people, hosting parties and family holiday gatherings, and playing bridge. She also instilled in her family a love of Marfa and Texas.

Mrs. Earney is survived by her son, Robert F. Earney of Lubbock; a daughter, Anna Curtis of Fern Park, Florida; a niece, Emily Croom of Bellaire, Texas; also seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Two sons preceded her in death, John Fletcher Earney in 1970 and Craig Metcalfe Earney in 2010.

In lieu of flowers, the family hopes anyone wishing to honor her memory will make a contribution to the Marfa Independent School District.

Arrangements are by DeGusipe Funeral Home, Maitland, Florida.

Mauricio “Wilo” Cordova Sr., a lifetime resident of Alpine, passed away Monday, March 3, 2014 at Midland Memorial Hospital.

Mauricio Cordova Sr.

Rosary will be recited at 7pm today, Thursday, March 6 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10am Friday, March 7 at the church with Fr. Mike Alcuino officiating. Military graveside service will follow in Holy Angels Cemetery.

Visitation was the afternoon of Wednesday, March 5 at the Geeslin Chapel.

Mr. Cordova was born in Terlingua on November 2, 1924 to Hilario and Trinidad Cordova. He was the last survivor of a total 10 children.

He had worked as a clerk for the Thriftway store for several years. He was an avid reader and he especially enjoyed reading the Odessa American newspaper. He was a World War II US Army veteran.

He is survived by his wife Cindy Cordova; a daughter, Diana Ramos; sons, Larry and Lisa Cordova, Mauricio Jr. and Laura Cordova, all of Alpine, and Oscar and Elsa Cordova of Corinth, Texas; also 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Alpine attorney John Anderson died February 25, 2014 at the Veteran’s Hospital in Temple, Texas, after suffering a stroke the previous night. He had been hospitalized for many months as a result of medical complications following a successful hip surgery in September 2013.

John Anderson
(photo by Walt Frerck)

Funeral services will be at 2pm Friday, March 7 at St. James Episcopal Church in Alpine, the corner of North Sixth and Avenue A. A reception will follow the service, followed by a private burial.

Anderson was born in Denison, Texas on March 7, 1943. He graduated the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1965. He served two tours of Vietnam, where he was honored with two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars. In 1974, he graduated from the Law School at the University of Texas at Austin. He practiced law in Austin for 30 years until moving his practice to Alpine in 2005.

John was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Alpine where he served as a Bishop’s Committee member and a Lay Worship Leader.

He is survived by three children, Cyrus Anderson of Austin, Chris Anderson of Portland and Berit Anderson of New York City, and a community of people who held him in much respect and affection.

Mary Frances West bore and raised six boys at their home at Rio Vista Farms and was to the very end of a long and lauded life the very essence of a warm, wise and witty southern lady that could tell a story like no other. She will be missed, but better than that, she will be remembered with laughter and love, and deservedly so.

Mary Frances West

“The history of Texas has been made glorious by the deeds of its private citizens…who have not sought places of prominence but have worked along the bypaths of life which lead to the great public highways of progress.  Such timber as this has been laid in the foundation of the republic.”

These words from “Texas, The Country and Its Men” were written about Mary Frances West’s maternal grandfather, W.F. Mitchell, a pioneer West Texas rancher, but could just as well apply to her.

Born to Herschel and Katherine Mitchell Hord on November 18, 1923 in Alpine, Mary Frances Hord had an older sister, Elizabeth Hord, and a younger brother, Herschel Frank Hord. Soon after her birth, the family moved to Marfa where Mary Frances grew up and attended Marfa public schools. After graduating from Marfa High School, she attended Stephens College, the University of Colorado, and the University of Texas at El Paso and was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

From her marriage in 1946 to Albert Washington “Tito” West, the couple enjoyed more than a half a century of loving partnership.  Mary Frances also found time to be an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, the San Antonio Country Club, The Battle of Flowers, the March of Dimes, the San Antonio Junior League, and the Argyle Club.

Because of her strong faith and love in Jesus Christ, Mary Frances West ascended peacefully to her certain reward on Monday, March 14, 2014 at her home in San Antonio, with the comfort of loving family members by her side.

She is survived and celebrated by four sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Scarlette, Mitch and Elizabeth, Jim and Martha, and Randy and Linda West and Isabelle and Ed Badouh; 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, admirers and friends.

She was preceded in life everlasting by her brother, sister, and parents, by her husband Albert Washington West III, and by two of her sons, Albert “Cuatro” and Chris West.

Honorary pallbearers are Jon Lindskog, Charles Hummell, Greg Marshal, Dr. Vivian Davis, Ed Badouh, Bill Rogers, Sam Maclin, Elkin McGaughy, Kirk McClelland, Tom C. Frost Jr., and George E. Fischer.

The family thanks Personal Care Management staff Liz Sanchez, Oralia Aguilar, Anna Mata, Maria Escabar, Anna Lopez, Lupe Leal, RN, and Brenda Jaye, RN, co-owners, for their warmth and compassion.

The family received friends the afternoon of Sunday, March 16 at Porter Loring Mortuary in San Antonio. A memorial service was the afternoon of Monday, March 17 at the Alamo Heights Methodist Church in San Antonio.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites any who wish to do so to make contributions to the charities of their choice.

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com. Arrangements are with the Porter Loring Mortuary in San Antonio.

Juanita M. Leos, 80, of Marfa passed away February 11, 2014 in Big Spring.

Rosary and funeral services will be 10am Saturday, March 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Rolando Fonseca officiating. Burial will be in Merced Cemetery.

Juanita was born in Presidio to Rosendo Leos and Maria Del Pilar Martinez Leos on August 21, 1933. She attended Blackwell School in Marfa.

She never married or had children, but she helped raise several generations of nieces and nephews.

She worked in the dry cleaning business for most of her life and owned and operated Bennet Cleaners in Marfa until her retirement.

She was actively involved in the church as a lector and Eucharistic minister.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Rosendo Leos and Maria Del Pilar Martinez Leos; and her siblings, Conrado Leos, Estanislado Leos, Manuel Leos, Anastacia Leos, Maria Leos and Antonia Leos.