RITCHEA-GONZALES FUNERAL HOME

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Arturo Saldana, 50, passed away on Monday, May 7, 2018. He was a longtime resident of Sinton and had been employed as a farmer. He is survived by his sons, Mark Anthony Saldana and Arturo Saldana, Jr., his daughter, Kimberly Ann Saldana, his brother Daniel Garcia, his sisters, Modesta (Arturo) Cordova and Orlanda Hinojosa all of Sinton and one grandchild. A rosary was recited at 7 PM Friday, May 11, 2018 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass was celebrated at 11 AM Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Glen Mullan as celebrant. Interment followed at Eternal Rest Cemetery.

 

Ricardo G. Salinas, was born to Gabriel and Cruz (Gonzales) Salinas the 22nd of August 1933, in Saint Paul, Texas. He passed away January 21, 2020 after a long illness at the age of 86 at his home in Odem, Texas surrounded by his loved ones. On May 26, 1963, he was married to Guadalupe (Lupe) Rodriguez in Odem where he lived the majority of his life. Ricardo was a retired diesel mechanic and truck driver. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He was one of the organizers and members of the civic organization known as the Odem-Edroy Care Club during its existence and being a devout Catholic, was a parishioner of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church of Odem. He was active until his failing health prevented his participation. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Gerardo, two brothers, Gabriel and Alejandro, and his sister, Elida. Survivors include his wife, Guadalupe, daughter, Veronica who resides in Miami, Florida and son, Gustavus (Gus) of Corpus Christi, five grandchildren, Julianna Salinas and Colby Cavitt, Richard (Kassidy) De La Garza, Ananda Salinas and Gustavus Salinas, Jr. (LG) and three great-grandchildren, Clifford and Birdie Cavitt and Issa De La Garza. A rosary was recited at 7 PM Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Friday, January 24, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Pete Elizardo as celebrant. Interment will follow at San Pedro Cemetery with full military honors.

 

On Sunday evening, September 27th, God welcomed Alicia Sanchez into his Kingdom. She had a sudden and brief illness. For the six days that she was in the hospital, she appreciated all of the love and prayers sent her way. Alicia was a lifelong resident of Odem and she was a strong Christian hardworking woman who loved and cared for her family deeply. She prayed and blessed all her family members daily. She will be dearly missed but we know she is now resting and at peace in heaven. She had been a lifelong resident of Odem. She was a homemaker and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesus and Cruz Chapa, her brothers, Francisco, Estevan, and Tomas, and her sisters, Jesusa Aranda and Anita Garza. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Reymundo Sanchez of Odem, her daughter, Nora (Rick) Romero of Odem, her sons, Oscar (Mauny) of Odem, Ray (Carmen) of Bovina, and Kris (Elizabeth) of Corpus Christi, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, her brother, Benito (Mary Lou) Chapa of Aurora, Illinois, her sisters, Leonor Garcia, Maria Cruz (Jessie) Corona and Eva Garcia all of Houston, numerous nieces and nephews. Per her request, her life was honored and remembered with a private ceremony for her immediate family only.

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Merida Gomez Sanchez, 61, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Merida enjoyed reading and crocheting. Her family always came first, especially her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Angel Gomez and Dominga Arroyo Gomez, her daughter, Rebecca Sanchez, her siblings, Jose Gomez, Raul Gomez, Yolanda Garza and Elena Perez. She is survived by her loving family, her husband, Abel Sanchez of Sinton, her son, Abel (Krystal) Sanchez of Portland, her grandchildren, Brody Sanchez and Carson Sanchez, her brother, Rey Gomez of McKinney, her sister, Sylvia Medina of Sinton, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 14, 2022, from 2 PM to 9 PM with a holy rosary being recited at 7 PM at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sinton with Father Yul Ibay as celebrant. Interment will follow at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Sinton.

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John D. Sandoval, 54, loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 11, 2022. John was born on May 18, 1968, in Karnes City, Texas to Jesse and Anita Sandoval. He had been employed as a heavy machine operator and was a hard worker. He is survived by his loving family, his daughter, Joyce Sandoval of Sinton, his granddaughter, Delilah Lopez, his father, Jesse Sandoval of Kenedy, his mother, Anita Sandoval of Sinton, his sisters, Judy Martinez of Corpus Christi, Norma Jean Hinojosa and Rosemary Castillo of Sinton, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A visitation will be held Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 3 PM to 9 PM at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11 AM Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Sinton.

 

Georgia Agnes Martinka Schmidt, 91, went to her heavenly home with the Lord on Saturday, January 13, 2018. She was born on January 8, 1927 in rural West St.Paul, San Patricio County, Texas to Peter Martinka and Mary Anna Krchnak. Georgia was born to a large Catholic Czech farming family. The Martinka, Vanecek and Rozypal Families moved to San Patricio County from Williamson County in the mid 1920's. Georgia started school in 1933 at the Miculastic School, a rural country school located about 5 miles west of St.Paul. Georgia spent several years in Vattman near Riviera living with her eldest sister, Lillie and attended Vattman School. The family endured the hardships of the Great Depression. Georgia graduated from Sinton High School in 1946. Following graduation after WWII, she helped with the family and farm. Georgia married William Schmidt in 1947 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sinton. They met after the war at a Catholic Youth Dance in San Patricio. Shortly after their wedding, they purchased a farm from Georgia's cousin, George Vanecek, and made it their homestead for 71 years. Georgia worked tirelessly to turn the homestead into a home and she and William raised nine children on the farm. Later in life, the two enjoyed spending time there with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Georgia also assisted William during his agricultural career engaging in the production of hogs, cattle, hay, silage, vegetables, cotton and grain. They were innovative farmers in the forefront of activities such as irrigation, custom grain harvesting and vegetable production. In 1972, Georgia and William took over operation of Pete's Place and after a fire in 1974, rebuilt the establishment as Schmidt's Country Store, which they operated until their retirements in 2007 at the age of 80. Georgia was known as a friendly, caring, loving and helpful person. Everyone was a friend. She enjoyed painting, dancing, dominoes, canning, cooking and especially, family life on the farm. As a lifelong Catholic, she was diligent in her service to the Catholic Church. For many years, Georgia was the Schmidt Family matriarch and loved spending time with her large family. She was a member of the Greatest Generation, weathered the Great Depression and World War II, lived her whole life on a farm and exemplified the American Dream. But above all, she served her Lord, Jesus Christ. She is preceded in death by her parents. Peter and Mary Martinka, husband, William Schmidt, sisters, Lillie, Theresa, and Bernice, brothers. Paul, Rudy and Lewis and son, Randy. She was the last member of a family generation that included 110 first cousins. She is survived by daughters, Mandy (Gwynn) Senf of Sinton, Macy (David) Culpepper of Sinton, sons, William III (Gayle) of Richmond, Texas, Louis (Carol) of Tuleta, Texas, David of West St.Paul, Allan of West St.Paul, Lawrence (Loretta) of Ardmore, OK and Robert (Robin) of Sinton. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Joan Winsauer of Odem. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Chad Schmidt, Casey Schmidt, Wesley Schmidt, Andrew Schmidt, Randal Schmidt, Richard Schmidt, David Schmidt and Kenneth Schmidt. A holy rosary was recited at 6 PM Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10:30 AM Friday, January 19, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment followed at Sinton Cemetery.

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Maria Yolanda (DeLeon) Segovia, age 69, left us on Friday, May 25, 2018. Since her birth in Sinton, Tx till her death, she has been a contributing member of the community. She was born and raised in Sinton, Texas, the fifth child born to Lino O. DeLeon and Aurrora DeLeon. There she attended and graduated from Sinton ISD. She then attended Delmar College, and worked for the San Patricio County News. She then married her high school sweetheart, Juan Manuel "Johnny" Segovia in 1969 while he served in the United States Air Force. One could say they were true soul mates from the moment they were born. Having been born on the same day, at the same hospital, and in the same town back in 1949. When Yolanda returned to her hometown, she showed her generosity and commitment with over 40 years of service with Sinton ISD. Left to honor Yolanda and remember her love are her Husband, Johnny Segovia , her three daughters , Melissa (Steve) Sepeda, Sandra (Roger) Rocha, and Lori (Richard) Painter; her five grandchildren Hallie Nicole Sepeda, Deric Jon Rocha, Mia Aurora Painter, Abigayle Kalin Rocha, and Adam Preslley Painter. She was also survived by six sisters Guadalupe Salinas, Alice Castillo, Mary Lerma, Minerva Amador, Irene Herrera, and Janie Gonzalez and one brother Lino DeLeon. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lino O. DeLeon, Aurora (Hernandez) DeLeon, and a grandson, Jonathan Steven Sepeda. Services were open to the public beginning May 31, 2018 at 1:30 P.M. and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. Friday, June 1, 2018 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10 A.M. Saturday, June 2,2018 at Sacred Heart Cathoilc Church in Sinton. Interment followed in the Eternal Rest Cemetery.

 

Modesta Riojas Segovia, 93, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 21, 2017 surrounded by her family following a sudden illness. She was well known in the community of Sinton where she was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and a member of the Crusillistas. She always welcomed her children and friends and always had an abundance of food for them to enjoy.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Candelario Segovia, her sons,Candelario Segovia,Jr. and David Segovia, her son-in-law, Andy Gomez and her grandsons, Candelario Segovia,III, J.D.Segovia and Jonathan Segovia, her brothers, Adan and Adolfo Riojas and her sisters,Estella Flores and Elidia Martin. She is survived by her loving family, her sons, Ronnie (Linda) Segovia of Taft, Johnny (Yolanda) Segovia, Daniel (Sylvia) Segovia and Salvador "Chava" (Sandra) Segovia of Sinton, her daughters, Angelica "Terry" Gomez of Taft, Elva (Joe) Pereida of Portland, Joyce (Brian) Powell of Austin and Dolores (Eliseo) Lopez of Houston, her brother, Richard Riojas of Corpus Christi, her sisters, Eva Rivas and Emma Garcia of Corpus Christi, Linda Marple and Irene Ochoa of San Antonio, 26 grand-children, 34 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. A rosary was recited at 7 PM Wednesday, December 27,2017 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10 AM Thursday, December 28,2017 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Isaias Estepa as celebrant. Interment followed at Eternal Rest Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Jacob Segovia, Jose Pereida, Shane Segovia, Christopher Dominguez, Andy Gomez and Ryan Segovia.

 

Wanda "Pee Wee" Louise Senf, 90, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2019. She was a homemaker and was preceded in death by her husband, Gwynn N. Senf, her son, John Elton Senf and two grandchildren, Katie Senf and Shamus Senf. She is survived by her sons, Gwynn Andrew Senf of Sinton, Robert Allen Senf of La Vernia and James Paul Senf of Austin, her sister, Estelle Roberts of Illinois, 9 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. No services are planned.

 

Toribio "Toby" Serna Jr., 46, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2015 following a long illness. He was born on June 1, 1969 in Sinton, Texas where he was raised. He attended Sinton schools and was last employed by the city of Sinton as a maintenance man. He is survived by his sons,Toribio Serna III and Joshua Serna of Sinton, his sister, Brandie Vargas of Sinton, his brother, Francisco Serna of Dallas, his aunt Sulema
Gutierrez of Corpus Christi, cousins and friends. A rosary was recited at 7:00PM
Sunday, August 2, 2015 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated at 9:00AM Monday, August 3, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Patrick Serna as celebrant. 

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Candelario (Cande) Serrano, 60, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 following a short illness. Candelario was born on October 15, 1961. He was a lifelong resident of Sinton and was employed by Herc Equipment for eight years. He was a graduate of Sinton High School Class of 1980. After graduation he joined the US Navy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Felipe and Anita Serrano, sisters, Aida Lopez and Maida De Leon and his brothers, Wallie Garza and Andrew Serrano. He is survived by his loving family, his son, Canden Felipe Serrano, his fiance, Amanda Rojas, his sisters, Irma Rodriguez, Diana Chapa, Mary Soliz, Isabella Mayuex, Patricia Lopez and Dora Ramirez, his brothers, Felipe (Willard) Serrano, Ismael Serrano, Pedro Garza and Gabriel Serrano, numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends.A rosary will be recited at 7 PM Monday, January 24,2022 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30 AM, Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sinton with Father Glen Mullan as celebrant. After the mass, interment will follow at 11 AM at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi with full military honors. The family requests that masks be worn at the visitation-rosary at the funeral home, mass at the church and the cemetery.

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Felipe G. Serrano, 87, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, on the third anniversary of his wife's passing, following a long illness. Felipe was born in Gonzales, Texas and had been a lifelong resident of Sinton. He had been a longtime member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and had been employed by J.C. Weaver Construction until his retirement. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita M.Serrano, his parents,Tomas and

Candelaria Serrano, two sons, Guadalupe Garza and Andres Serrano, one daughter, Maida DeLeon and his siblings. He is survived by his loving family, his sons Pedro Garza and Ismael Serrano of Corpus Christi, Felipe Serrano Jr. and Candelario Serrano of Sinton and Gabriel Serrano of Van Vleck, Texas, his daughters, Dora Ramirez of Skidmore, Aida Lopez, Patricia Serrano, Irma Rodriguez and Diana Chapa of Sinton, Maria Anita Soliz of Michigan and Isabel Mayuex of Louisiana, his brother Panfilo Serrano of Richmond, Texas and his sister, Jesusa Alaniz of Sinton, 28 grandchildren, 30 great grand-children, 7 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A rosary was recited at 7:00PM Friday, January 22, 2016 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass was celebrated at 9:00AM Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Patrick Serna as celebrant.

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Panfilo G. Serrano, of Corpus Christi, Texas passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the age of 94. He was born to Tomas and Candelaria Serrano on June 1, 1926, in Gonzales, Texas. He worked for South Texas Construction Company in Corpus Christi, Texas for many years before retiring and moving to Clute/Lake Jackson. He loved music, his Houston Astros, Dallas Cowboys, and was a devoted Catholic. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He is preceded in death by his late wife Lina Torres Serrano, his sons, Victor and Reynaldo Serrano, his brothers, his sister, and his parents. He is survived by his wife Cruz Serrano, his children, Pete Serrano (Tina), Jovita Pardo (Isidro), San Juanita Quintanilla (Ismael), Maria Garza (Frank), Nicolas Serrano, Adolfo Serrano (Edith), Isabel Serrano-Garcia (Paul), his step children, Lupe Guerrero (Joe), Millie Samarripa (Andy), Lorraine Elizondo (Valentine), Benny Delgado, Bebe Delgado, Cindy Payne (Jr), his sister, Jesusa Serrano-Alaniz, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at 4 PM at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. A rosary will begin at 7:00 pm that evening. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Sinton, Texas. Burial will follow at Eternal Rest Cemetery.

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​Victor Torres Serrano, 73, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019.He was a retired US Army veteran who served his country. He is preceded in death by his mother Lina Torres Serrano and his brother, Reynaldo Serrano. He is survived by his father, Panfilo Serrano of Corpus Christi, his sons, Benjamin Hart Serrano of Dallas and David Lee Serrano of Monterrey Park, California, his daughter, Tarifa Serrano Lopez of Jonesboro, Tx, his brothers, Pedro Serrano of Three Rivers, Adolfo Serrano and Nick Serrano of Houston, his sisters, Jovita Pardo and San Juanita Quintanilla of Sinton, Maria Garza of Palestine and Isabel Garcia of Houston and six grandchildren. A rosary was recited at 6 PM Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass was celebrated at 9:30 AM Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Yul Ibay as celebrant. Interment followed at 11 AM at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

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Michael Douglass Shipman was born January 25, 1939, in El Paso, Texas, to Jimmy and Ruth Shipman. He passed away March 14, 2022, at 3 PM. Shortly after starting to school, his family moved to Lubbock, Texas. He completed his education at Texas Tech with two degrees. Immediately upon graduating from Texas Tech, he joined Uncle Sam in the Army during the Korean War. He was in the Army two years and two years in the Army Reserves and was discharged a Sargent. He was a Mason and a member of the American Legion. (I asked him if it was hard becoming a Mason and he said extremely hard!) After leaving the Army, he was hired by Kroger and managed a Kroger grocery store in Dallas, Texas. He had some humorous stories and some serious experiences to tell. He moved to Houston and worked for Crown Zellerbach, a large company headquartered in California. He worked for several companies, always in sales. He worked for Royal Paper Company that had over 80 salesmen. Each year end the company had a sales party announcing different sales awards. Mike won Salesman of the Year five years in a row. He lost the sixth year to a company that had twelve salesmen. He congratulated the men and then said he would beat them the next year, and he did! He and his wife, Betty, moved to Kerrville, Texas, where they started their own company, Mike Shipman and Associates. They had five salesmen working for them and his territory included five different states. Mike had a stroke in 2009 and was unable to continue his business. Mike and Betty moved to Odem, Texas, in 2010, Betty's hometown where she was born and had numerous family that she could depend on for help in taking care of Mike. Mike had two sons - Michael Douglass Shipman II and wife, and Bryan Stephen Shipman and wife, Ivana. He had three grandsons, Michael Douglass Shipman III, James Mathew Shipman, and John Michael Shipman, one great grandson, and one great granddaughter. He had two stepdaughters, Dian Kay Oppel and Connie Lynn Hunter, eight step grandchildren, and eleven step great grandchildren. He had several cousins and numerous friends. If you were fortunate enough to have known Mike, you would never forget him. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Evergreen Cemetery in Odem. 

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Ernesto "Ernest" R. Silvas, Jr., 75, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 4,2022. Ernest was born on October 21, 1946, in Mathis, Texas to Ernesto R. Silvas, Sr. and Dolores R. Rodriguez. He had been employed as a park supervisor by the city of Sinton. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Emilio Silvas, his sisters, Alicia Muniz and Linda Dominguez. He is survived by his loving family, his wife, Estella Silvas of Sinton, his sons, Jerry (Linda) Silvas of Fate, Texas, Ernesto (Susan) Silvas, III of San Antonio, Richard (Alba) Silvas of Sinton and Anthony (Joeniva) Silvas of Corpus Christi, his daughters, Mary Jane (Ernest) Gutierrez of Odem and Krystal (Abel) Sanchez of Portland, his sisters, Lydia Martinez of Odem, Rachel Muniz of Garland and Esmeralda Hernandez of Sinton, 20 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. A visitation will be held from 2-9 PM on Monday, March 7, 2022, at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel with a holy rosary being recited at 7 PM. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Tuesday, March 8,2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sinton with Father Yul Ibay as celebrant. Interment will follow at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Sinton. The family would like to give thanks to the Spohn Shoreline staff who took very good care of their loved one. Also, a big thank you to all their family and friends for their love and support. The family requests that masks be worn during the visitation, rosary, and at the mass.

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Robert William Simpson, age 91, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2016. Robert was a kind, generous, loving and happy man who will be greatly missed by his friends and family.  Born June 9,1924 in Beaumont, he spent most of his childhood in Rockport and San Antonio. After serving in the Army in the Philippines during World War II, he settled in Corpus Christi, where he met and married his wife of 61 years, Margaret Simpson. In 1967, Robert, Margaret and their three children moved to Portland where he spent the remainder of his life. Robert enjoyed a varied career, first selling sporting goods and athletic equipment to schools throughout South Texas, then working as Inspector of Boxing and Wrestling for the Texas Department of Labor and Standards. Robert enjoyed sharing many colorful stories about his time as inspector, meeting many well-known boxers and wrestlers of his time. Robert was a devoted and cheerful family man. He adored his wife, children and grandchildren. Even though he did not have the opportunity to meet his great granddaughter in person, he loved hearing updates and seeing pictures and videos, which he shared with all his visitors. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, son John, parents Francis and May Simpson, and brothers, Charles Simpson and Francis Simpson. He is survived by his son, Robert (Mary) Simpson of Fort Davis, daughter, Rebecca (Chris) Pease of Lacombe, Louisiana, three grandchildren, Allison Pease (Drew Dittmer) of Lubbock, Emily Pease of Austin and Dylan Simpson-Wilk of Portland and his great granddaughter Hazel Margaret Dittmer of Lubbock. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Clare Gilmore, Lee Johnson, Madonna Moore, Christy Evans and Israel Blanco of Christus Hospice and Dr. Lee Sang and his staff for their extraordinary care during Robert's prolonged illness. We will always remember the kindness and comfort they provided to Robert and the entire family. Services were held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the First Christian Church, 1103 Lang Road, Portland.

 

Alex Maurice Smith, was born on May 25,1935 in Sinton, Texas to the late James Smith and Alvera Wright. Maurice was a faithful member of Zion Fair Baptist Church and was the Superintendent of the Sunday School. He did a lot of work to the church. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Virginia Mae Smith, his brother, A.B.Valdez, three sisters,Verna Mae Taylor, Janette Taylor and Carolyn Brasfield Oliver. He is survived by his brother, Rev.James T. (Gloria) Smith of San Antonio, his granddaughter, Tiffany Lopez, special friends, Donnie and Barbara Davis and Charleston "Chad" Bess.Numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:00AM Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Interment followed at Heaven's Acre Cemetery.

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Our beloved mother, Janet Marie Myrick Smith, age 84, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019.  Janet was born on December 12, 1934 in Sinton Texas, the first of three children born to Ace Curtis Myrick and Janie Omega Williams Myrick. She graduated from Sinton High School in 1953, was a member of the national honor society, high school choir, acted in theater, and played the clarinet in the high school marching band. Janet married Charles Heywood Smith, Jr. on June 1, 1958. They resided in San Antonio during their years of marriage.  She and Heywood were the proud parents of three children. She was a member of the Sinton First Baptist Church, and a lifetime member of Alamo Heights OES in San Antonio. Retiring in 1995 from Northside ISD in San Antonio, Janet pursued lifelong hobbies of family events, line dancing, country western dancing, dominos, cruises with friends, and fellowship with all. She loved attending the Sinton High School Reunions to visit with all her Sinton friends.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband; parents; in-laws- Charles H. Smith Sr. and Lillie Mae Smith; brother- Ace (Eddie) Myrick and wife Marilyn Haynes Myrick; brother- Robert Curtis Myrick; brother-in-law - Willis Stebbins; and nephew - Ryan Myrick. She is survived by her children, Paula Owens; Darlene Stander and husband Steve; Charles Smith III and wife Pam; sisters-in-law Linda Myrick and Katherine Stebbins; Grandchildren Breanna Smith, Brittney McClellan and husband John David; Justin Stander and wife Lauren, David Stander, Destiny Savage, Jessica Melton and husband Kobe, LaCoda Torres and husband Valentin; 6 Great -Grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends. The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the staff of Greenwood Home Care of San Antonio for their care and support. Visitation was held on Friday, February 8, 2019 from 5 pm to 7 pm, at the Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. A graveside service was held Saturday, February 9th, 2019 at 11:00am at Sinton Cemetery, with Pastor Randy Samuels of the Sinton First Baptist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Ofelia De Leon Smith, 76, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Ofelia was born on January 20, 1946, in Sinton, Texas to Manuel and Blasa De Los Santos De Leon. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her loving family, her husband, Kyle Smith of Sinton, her sons, Christopher (Yuleima) and Eric Dean (Ivy) Smith of Sinton, her daughter, Chelsee Smith of Sinton, her brothers, Manuel (Gracie) De Leon, Jr. of Sinton and Reynaldo De Leon of Taft, her sisters, Eloise (Jesus) Moreno, Elma De Leon, and Mary Helen De Leon of Sinton, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Graveside services will be held at 10 AM Friday, February 11, 2022, at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Sinton with Father Yul Ibay officiating. Interment will follow.

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Ofelia Barrios Soto, 79, passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2016 following a long illness. She was born in Karnes City,Texas and had been a resident of Sinton for the past 45 years. She was a housewife and was preceded in death by her husband, Reyes Cantu, Sr. and her brother, Amado Barrios. She is survived by her sons, Bernabe Gonzales, Jr. of Campbellton, Tx. and Magdaleno Gonzales of Beeville, her daughters, Norma Jean Lopez of Sinton and Duvelza Cantu of Corpus Christi, her brothers, Herminio Barrios, Jr. and Rogelio Barrios of Sinton and Manuel Barrios of Port Lavaca, her sisters, Marcela Silguero of Port Lavaca, Anita Sandoval of Sinton and Manuela Cantu of Three Rivers, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A prayer service was held at 7:00PM Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services were held at 3:00PM Sunday, December 18, 2016 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel with Linda and Debra Cantu officiating. Interment followed at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Sinton.

 

Richard G. Soto, 73, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020 after a sudden illness. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His passion was cooking which led to the start of Antonio's Drive-Thru Taqueria. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents Jose and Paula Soto, siblings, Jose Soto, Jr., Pedro Rodriguez and Amanda Trejo. He is survived by his loving family, his wife of 44 years, Antonia V. Soto, his son, Antonio N. Hernandez, Sr., his daughters, Velma (John) Gonzales and Brandie Vargas, his beloved grandson, Antonio N. Hernandez, Jr., step grandchildren, Crystal (Alex) Horne and Roland Castillo and Carol Gonzales and John E. Gonzales, Jr., his siblings, Alvina Arriaga, Esperanza Benavidez, Lupe (Christina) Rodriguez, Concha (Pedro) Cordova, Nancy Samudio, Elvia (Robert) Velandia, Heno (Robert) Zamora, Edelmira "Mimilo" (Salamon) Rodriguez, Marcelo Soto and Jesse (Mamie) Soto, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation was held at 2 PM Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home with a holy rosary being recited at 7 PM. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10 AM Friday, February 21, 2020 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Edroy with Father Pete Elizardo as celebrant. Interment followed at Edroy Cemetery. 

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Jesus David Soto, 62, was born on April 26, 1958, and passed away on October 8, 2020, surrounded by his loving family at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paula and Jose Soto, brothers, Richard Soto, Jose Soto, Jr., and Pedro Rodriguez. Jesse was raised in Edroy, Texas, and was a graduate of Odem High School in 1976. He married the love of his life, Mamie Ann Soto, in 1978. They birth three children, Orlando Soto of Odem, David (Alma) Soto of Houston, and Jessica (Marisol) Soto of Odem. Jesse had six grandchildren, Andrew Michael Soto, Ashton David Soto, Trenton Zane Garces, Vada Rose Soto, Mia Grace Soto, and Davidson Orion Soto. Jesse loved his family, cooking, and humor everybody loved. He was a big fan of the Houston Astros and the Dallas Cowboys. Jesse used his cooking and food to bring family and friends together. He had many friends and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He also had many brothers and sisters. He is survived by Esperanza Benavidez, Lupe Rodriguez, Ascencion Cordova (Concha), Nancy Samudio, Edelmira Rodriguez, Marcelo Soto, Elvia Velandia, Erminia Zamora, and Alvina Arriaga. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2020 from 1 PM to 9 PM with a holy rosary being recited at 7 PM at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Odem with Father Richard Gutierrez as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Edroy Cemetery in Edroy.

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Naomi "Jeanne" Walker Spacek was born in Sinton, Texas on November 1, 1948 to Harold and Roberta W. Walker. Her sisters, Francine and Sharon, were her best friends. She attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Science, majoring in Home Economics from Southwest State University in San Marcos. She met her husband Victor Spacek in Halletsville, Tx where they were both teachers. They married on May 28,1972 and moved to Victoria,Tx. They had two children, Stephanie and Brian. Jeanne was loved by everyone she met. She was a talented seamstress, collector of antiques and teacups, scrapbooker, and loved to decorate her beautiful home. Her love of the holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween inspired her children and grandchildren to follow  in her footsteps. Her Christmas Snow Village was a magical site to behold. She transformed an entire room into a winter wonderland. Jeanne's talent for teaching and decorating led her to leading unforgettable vacation bible school programs and teaching Sunday School at Northside Baptist Church. She loved to read and always wanted to visit Australia. A kid at heart, Nana knew how to have fun. She spent hours teaching chess to her grand kids and playing board games, puzzles and make believe. Guilt trip extraordinaire, she knew exactly how to keep her family in line, always out of love. Her faith was evident by sharing scriptures and verses with her family. Her strength was inspiring proof of the love she had for Jesus. Jeanne went home to the Lord on May 10, 2021 and is singing and dancing in heaven. Jeanne is survived by her loving family, her husband, Victor Spacek of Victoria, her son, Brian Spacek of Victoria, her daughter, Stephanie Hamilton of Garden City, Kansas, her sisters, Francine Lukehart of Waskom, Tx and Sharon Cobb of Aransas Pass, Tx, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Ritchea Gonzales Funeral Home in Sinton. Interment will follow in the Sinton Cemetery in Sinton.

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Charles W. Spencer, 82, passed away during the early morning of March 8, 2017 at Brookdale Northshore in Portland,Tx. Charles was born May 6,1934 to Joe Weaver and Lena Wilson Spencer in Falfurrias,Tx. He lived in Sinton from the time he was in 2nd grade until 1978. It was then that he moved his family to Carrizo Springs. He and his wife, Lyn, also lived in West Columbia,Tyler and settled in Mathis about 1991 until his retirement in 2003. He then moved to Portland in 2004 until his death. Charles was born into, raised and lived a strong Baptist faith. He served as a deacon in nearly every Baptist church he was a member of. He had put his life and trust on God's hands at a young age and never swayed from it Galations 2:20. He graduated from Sinton High School in 1952. That's when he went to work full-time at Commercial State Bank. He started in the bookkeeping department and at the time of his retirement he was Sr. Vice President. In 1954 he took a leave of absence from his job to enlist in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Japan for two years. He served for 3 1/2 years and was honorably discharged in 1957. He was one of the original members of the Sinton Lions Club and he was a Lion's Club member wherever he lived. Yet in Mathis he joined the Kiwanis Club. He was always a proud member of the communities he lived in and Charles was also known for his fairness and honesty. Charles married Lyn Wolleson September 5, 1959. They demonstrated what a marriage means through sickness and health, richer or poorer until death do you part to their only child, Judy Lynne. They had a strong marriage of 40 1/2 years until Lyn's passing in 2000. Those waiting to welcome him to heaven are his wife, Lyn, grand-son, Charles William Stroman, his youngest sister, IIene Walker, nephew, Joe Weaver Spencer, parents, Joe Weaver and Lena Spencer, brother-in-law,Travis Wolleson. Left here on earth to share his memories are his daughter, Judy Lynne (Leonard) Stroman, granddaughters,Tiffany Lynne (Max) Cochran, Shannon Kay Stroman, Emily Carroll (Cameron) Smith, great grandchildren, Rebecca Joyce Cochran, Elliott Charles Stroman, Garrett Samuel and Hayden James Smith all from Portland,brother, Joe R.Spencer of Kerrville, sister, Bea McClintoc of Trinidad, Tx, brother-in-law, Jack Walker of Junction City, AK, sister-in-law, Susie Wolleson Willams, his nieces and nephews and his many friends that he held close to his heart. The family would like to thank everybody and the residents at Brookdale Northshore for their love, compassion, friendship and watchful eyes as Charles struggled with his Parkinsons and dementia. Also the compassion from Nurses on Wheels Hospice. It will never be forgotten. Visitation of family and friends was Friday, March 10, 2017 from 5:00-7:00PM with the family present at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. This celebration of life was at the chapel at the Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 10:00AM. Interment followed at Sinton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local Lions Club or civic organization or the South Texas Children's Home would be appreciated.

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Eddie Mae Stephens, age 96, passed away on July 9, 2021. Mrs.Stephens was born April 14, 1925 to Ed and Clara Davis in Robstown, Texas. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Zion Fair Baptist Church. Eddie Mae met and married the love of her life Floyd L.Stephens. To this union there is one son Robert L.Stephens. Her husband became a minister and pastored at the Union Baptist Church in Refugio, Texas. She served as First Lady at Union for over 20 years. While at Union she worked with the Mission Board and the Pastor Wives under the Western District Association. Pastor and Sister Stephens later moved their membership back to Zion Fair Baptist Church and she became one of the Church Mothers. Some of things she enjoyed doing was singing, going to Church, fishing and being with her friends. Other things she did was sing with the Angelic Gospel Mass Choir and the Joys of Faith Gospel Singers. Eddie Mae was one of the founders of the Silver Leaf Club. Also,she served as the Vice President of the Afro-American Historical Cultural Society. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three sisters and one brother. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Robert L. Stephens, nephews, Donald Davis (Barbara) and Tommy Green (Carolyn), her godsons, Howard Nelson, John Hollowell and Dallas Baldwin, her best friends, Marcella Laws and Tommie Rich, a host of cousins and friends and her church family at Zion Fair Baptist Church. Eddie Mae greeted everyone with "WHERE IS MY SUGAR". For 52 years Pastor and Sister Stephens called each other Honey. They are now reunited and calling each other Honey again. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 2 PM to 8 PM at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 PM Friday, July 16, 2021 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home with Rev. Alton Coleman officiating. Interment will follow at Heavens Acre Cemetery.

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Ginger Twist Stone, 59, passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2016 following a long illness. She was born on March 10, 1957 in Sinton, Texas to Van and Ruby Twist. She had resided in Sinton until moving to Elgin, Texas in 1979. She had been employed as an administrative associate for UT Austin. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Stone of Elgin, Tx, her sons, Hunter Stone of Elgin, Tx and Justice Stone of Corpus Christi, Tx, her granddaughter, Hailey Stone and her brother, Jesse Twist of Corpus Christi, Tx. Graveside services were held at 2:00PM Wednesday, January 4, 2016 at Sinton Cemetery in Sinton. Interment followed. 

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Sandra Ann Surginer, 65, was born on March 31, 1956, and passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. Sandra was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. In her early years, she was a cashier/manager at many different places, Sonic being the main one. In her free time, she could be found enjoying life with family and friends. She was an avid outdoors person from messing with her plants to fishing. She brought joy to everyone she knew and embraced life as it came. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hiarm Dudley and Gladys June Floyd, her sister, June Floyd and infant child, and her brother, James William Floyd. She is survived by her husband, E. L. Surginer, Jr., her daughters, Katrina Surginer, Amanda Surginer, Krystal Lynn Clark and Sheryl Lynn Collins, her sons, Paul Timothy Clark and Dusty Surginer, her brothers, Toby (Alice) Floyd, Gary (Sheri) Floyd, Terry (Sheri) Floyd and Larry (Neva) Floyd, her sisters, Gloria (Lucky) Smith, and June Berry Floyd, nine grandchildren and one future great grandchild due in May, numerous nieces and nephews.

 

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Anna Maria Torres, 58, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021. Anna had been employed as a cashier for HEB Grocery Store in Sinton. She is survived by her loving family, her husband, Eulalio Torres, Jr. of Sinton, her son, Oscar James Torres of Sinton, her daughter, Jessica Marie Torres of Sinton, her parents, Raynaldo and Rita Montemayor of Odem, her brother, Raynaldo Montemayor, Jr. of Odem and her sister, Laura Faye Ruiz of Odem, many other relatives, and friends. Visitation will be held from 2 PM to 9 PM Sunday, April 11, 2021, with a holy rosary being recited at 7 PM at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 AM Monday, April 12, 2021, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sinton with Father Glen Mullan as celebrant. Interment will follow at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Sinton.

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Arturo "Artie" Torres, Jr., 40, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 4, 2018. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Simon Vargas, his paternal grandparents, Juan and Dora Torres and his brother, Matthew Balli. He is survived by his sons, Ethan Torres and Jadon Torres, his mother, Sylvia Balli, his stepdad Steven Balli, his father Arturo (Kelly) Torres, his sisters, Sabrina (Ignacio, Jr.) Vela and Kelsie Torres, his maternal grandmother Evangelina Vargas, his nephew, Adrian Vela and his niece, Dora Torres. A rosary was recited at 7 PM Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass was celebrated at 12 noon Friday, June 8, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Pete Elizardo as celebrant. Interment followed at San Pedro Cemetery.

 

Petra Gomez Torres, 67, passed away on Monday, October 15, 2018. She was born in Sinton on October 8, 1951 to Gregorio and Margarita Torres, Sr. She resided in Sinton all her life. She  is survived by her sisters Guadalupe T. Hernandez of Sinton, Elida T. (Frank) Franco of St. Paul and Maria T. (Joel) Morales of Sinton, her niece, Demicia " Demmi " (Carlos) H. Cano of Sinton and numerous nieces and nephews. A rosary was recited at 7 PM Friday, October 19, 2018 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass was celebrated at 11 AM Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment followed at Eternal Rest Cemetery.

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Angelita "Kene" Trevino was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. She loved to cook and bake. Her tamales were the best. She loved getting together with family and friends to play bingo and Mexican Chalupa. They had several close friends, Comadres, and Compadres. They loved getting together with them for BBQing or hunting trips. Angelita was a devout Catholic and a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. She was also a Crusillista. She loved praying her rosary and would pray daily for all her family and friends. Her favorite pastime was shopping and eating out with her three daughters whom she loved very much. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Angelita Sanchez, her husband, Frank Trevino, Sr., her son Frank Trevino, Jr. and several siblings. She is survived by her loving family, her daughters, Patricia (Frank) Escamilla, Gracie T. (Javier) Guerra and Alma (Leonardo) Moreno of Sinton, her brothers, Alberto Sanchez and Jerry Sanchez of Sinton, five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 4, 2022, from 2 PM to 9 PM, with a holy rosary being recited at 7 PM at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 AM, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sinton with Father Glen Mullan as celebrant. Interment will follow at Eternal Rest Cemetery in Sinton. The family requests that masks be worn at the visitation, rosary, and at the mass.

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Juanita "Janey" Aguirre Trevino, 69, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020. Janey was a very loving person who loved and enjoyed life to the fullest. She was preceded in death by her son, Fernando Villarreal, Jr., her husband, Miguel Trevino, her parents, Augustine and Maria Casarez Aguirre, her brother, Juan Aguirre, and her sister, Alma Rosa Martin. She is survived by her son, Rudy Moreno of Louisiana, her brothers, Luis (Nena) Aguirre of Taft, Augustine (Debbie) Aguirre of Victoria, Regino (Eloisa) Aguirre and Jesse (Nora) Aguirre of Odem and Peter (Gracie) Aguirre of Sinton, her sister, Cristina (Lupe) Rodriguez of Odem, several grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A rosary will be recited at 7 PM Monday, November 16, 2020, at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Tuesday, November 17 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Odem with Father Isaias Estepa as celebrant. Interment will follow at San Pedro Cemetery in Odem.

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Valentina Bilano Trigo, our beloved Nana, passed away peacefully at her home in Austin,Texas on Monday, July 27, 2015. She was born in Taft, Texas on January 17, 1924 to Pablo and Maria Hemerejilda (Parra) Bilano. A lifelong resident of Edroy and a member of the Sociedad Guadalupana at Our Lady of Guadalupe for over 50 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Atanacio Trigo and her sisters, Lucinda, Leonor, Candelaria and Maria. She is survived by her brother, Castulo Bilano,Sr. and her sister, Anastasia Luna. She leaves a legacy of love to her daughters, Rosaura Acosta, Nelli Wolverton, Tammy Chavez, Elaine (David) Cates and Evelyn Castro. (3) grandchildren, (18) great grandchildren and (14) great great grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Heartfelt appreciation to Arianna Sanchez, Stephanie Palomo and Derek Acosta for their assistance with her continuous care. A holy rosary was recited at 7:00PM, Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10:00AM Friday, July 31, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Isaias Estepa as celebrant. Burial followed at the Edroy Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Juan Acosta, Robert Nunez, Cruz Lopez, David Ortiz, Henry Bilano and Claudio Esparza.

 

Juan Villarreal Trujillo, 90, died on July 25, 2016 at the age of 90.  He passed peacefully in his sleep Monday morning at his home in Sinton, Texas, in the presence of his loving daughter Linda Ramon, daughter-in-law, Dianna Trujillo, and his grand-daughter Amber Trujillo.  Juan had a long and happy life with a big family. He was born on February 8, 1926, in Woodsboro, Texas, and was the first born son of Tomas and Ramona Trujillo, who had a family of 10 children, all born in Texas.  At the age of 5, he and his family moved to Sinton, Texas where he grew up and eventually met the love of his life, Beatrice Longoria Anzaldua, upon returning home from WWII.  They married four years later, on March 26, 1950 in Gonzales, Texas. They had 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.  Juan served in the US Army from 1945-1946.  He was stationed in Germany and France, and received the WWII Victory Medal & The Army of Occupation Medal. Juan was preceded in death by his parents Tomas Hernandez Trujillo & Ramona Villarreal Trujillo; his wife Beatrice Anzaldua Trujillo; his brothers: Victor, Pablo, Tomas, and Benito Trujillo; and his Sisters: Elvira Trujillo and Mary T. Gonzales. He is survived by his brother Jimmy V. Trujillo, and his sisters Salome T. Garza, and Nieves T. Cerda; his 2 sons: Oscar & Juan "Popo'' Trujillo Jr; his daughters: Linda T. Ramon, and Sylvia T. Walter.  And Cindy Ann Ivy, whom he raised and loved as his own. (10) Grandchildren and (19) Great GrandChildren. Services are as follows. A rosary was recited at 7:00PM Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home. Funeral mass was celebrated at 9:00 AM Thursday, July 28, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Father Patrick Serna as celebrant. Interment followed at Eternal Rest Cemetery with full military honors.