Category: Obituaries

Elva P. Delgado, from Devine, Texas joined the Lord in her heavenly resting place on May 31, 2023. She was born on January 19, 1943 in Moore, Texas. She was born to Donato & Angelita Perez and was one of 10 children.
She married Joe Thomas in 1965. Together they had four children, Bessie Smith, Martha Thomas, Joe Allen Thomas & Daniel Thomas. Eight grandchildren Marcus Velasquez, Megan (Velasquez) Ferrell, Jamie (Smith) Dale, Sonny Hernandez, Ashley Smith, Damon Thomas, Cole Smith & Slade Thomas and seven Great Grandchildren.
She had a lifetime devotion to God, her faith, prayer and helping others. She was a prayer warrior and read her bible daily, always helping others. She loved sewing especially quilts, cooking & baking, so many people enjoyed her burgers, tamales & capirotada.
She worked at the nursing homes in Devine for many years as a nurse’s aide, caring for the elderly and sick. She loved traveling and visiting others. Her greatest treasure was her children, grandchildren & family.
She was survived by her children, Bessie Smith (David Densford), Martha Thomas (Carlos Galvez), Joe Allen & Daniel (Priscilla) Thomas, Brother Arturo (Nancy) Perez, Twin brother Eliseo (Mary) Perez, Monseis Perez Sr., Tomas (Rosa) Perez, sister Yolanda (Arturo) Sanchez & Don Pererz.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Donato & Angelita Perez, her first husband Joe Thomas and second husband Jose Delgado, brother Guadalupe Perez, sister Naomi Jass and brother Saul Perez.
A Viewing will be held at 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 7th at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, TX. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, June 8th at 10:00am at the First Baptist Church in Devine, Texas with interment to follow in Longview Cemetery in Bigfoot, Texas. A reception will follow services at the First Baptist Church in Devine, Texas.
Services are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.

The soul of Raymond Edward Gallaway, of Lytle, Texas, was received into heaven on May 26, 2023. Although we will no longer hear his many stories and laughter or feel his genuinely warm greetings, the difference he made in the lives of others here on earth will continue. Raymond, also known as Ray (and affectionately as “Uncle Buddy”), was born to Homer and Mary Ellen Gallaway on May 19, 1939 in San Antonio, Texas. He was a proud graduate of Luther Burbank Vocational High School after attending St. John Berchmans Catholic School and Parish.
Ray’s devotion to Charlotte Ann DeCock began on September 17, 1960, when they wed at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church in San Antonio. Ray and Charlotte settled in Somerset, Texas in 1969 where he and his brother Patrick established Gallaway Brothers Feed, Seed & Hardware Store that was a landmark for 36 years. Ray retired from the store in 2005 and made many new friends in Lytle, Texas while continuing his lifelong passion of raising livestock. He was a founding shareholder of Somerset National Bank, served faithfully as the St. Mary’s Catholic Church council president and sang in the choir, was a Somerset City Council Alderman, was president of Somerset Little League, served two terms on the Texas Pork Producers Association, was vice president of the Somerset Lions Club and was president of the Somerset Young Farmers. He positively impacted and touched the lives of generations in the Somerset community and beyond.
Ray is survived by the love of his life and wife, of 62 years, Charlotte Gallaway, and their loving family of six children and their spouses: Joan and Marc McGaffigan, Ray Jr. and Lori Gallaway, Michael and Ann Gallaway, Claudette and Billy Jordan, Jessica and Chris Schimelpfening, and Karen and Scott Rankin. Ray is also survived by fourteen grandchildren (and spouses): Blaine (Kate) McGaffigan, Brett McGaffigan, Lauren (Patrick) Cooper, Ty Gallaway, Elizabeth Gallaway, Christi (Clynton) Knox, Kimberly (Tyler) Hardy, Blair, Jacob and Brooke Rankin, Skylar and Sadie Schimelpfening, and Hunter and Chase Rankin, along with three great-grandchildren, Fiona and Dylan McGaffigan and Layne Hardy.
Ray is, also, survived by his brother, Patrick Gallaway and his wife Janice; his sister, Janice Potter and her husband, Tom; his brother-in-law, Bobby Springer, plus many loving, nieces and nephews, who were his pride and joy, as were his many friends whom he considered his extended family.
Ray is preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Diane (Persyn) Springer, brother-in-law Rene DeCock Jr., and son-in-law, Lance Rankin.
We know Ray will be watching over us from heaven and we will remember him as we emulate his warmth toward others and his faithful love of God.
Friends and family will be received at a visitation at Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas on June 12, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Lytle on June 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Somerset. A reception will follow at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Somerset.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Lytle, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Somerset, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children or your favorite charity.
If you wish to share a memory or express your condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas.

Stella Guevara Fernandez, 91, of San Antonio, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Stella was born in Natalia, Texas, on September 23, 1931, to Francisco Guevara and Cipriana Rodriguez Guevara.
Stella attended Natalia High School and later married Felix Fernandez. They had seven children together. Stella moved to California where she raised her children. Stella worked for and retired from Memorex where she was a Quality Control Specialist. After retirement she returned to Texas where she made San Antonio her permanent home.
Stella is preceded in death by her parents Francisco and Cipriana Guevara, her infant son Felix Jr. and her brothers, Victor, Alex, and Frank Guevara. Stella is survived by her children Beth (Van) Chapa, Elsa (Rick) Valdez, Ronald Sr. (Cathy) Fernandez, Diana Miller (Vince Madden), Richard Fernandez, and Monica (Ron) Delgado. Her sister, Manuela Pena, 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Stella was a loving and compassionate person who touched many lives. In her youth, she enjoyed singing with her sister, Manuela for their father. She enjoyed sports and was a catcher for a Natalia baseball team. She was also a drum majorette in high school. Stella was a fantastic cook, the best tamale maker during the holidays and she enjoyed preparing meals for her family. She loved to bake and was famous for her delicious carrot cake. Stella loved stitching quilts for her children and grandchildren and was a great storyteller too. She had many happy memories of her childhood. She would share those stories with her children and grandchildren often. Stella was adored by all who knew her and will be missed. Above all Stella treasured her family, especially her grandchildren whom she loved watching and caring for. We take comfort in knowing that our mother, Stella went home to be with her Lord and Savior. Thank you to all for your support and prayers. Heaven gained a beautiful, sweet angel.
Visitation was held at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas on Monday, June 5th, 2023, from 5 P.M.- 9 P.M. with a Rosary that was recited at 7 P.M. Mass was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine, Texas, on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023, at 10 A.M. with interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.

Sarah Rodriguez went to be with her Lord and Savior, on May 26, 2023.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Elvira Flores; sisters, Consuelo Miranda, and Sylvia Isaac; and brother, Joe Flores.
She will be greatly missed by her husband, Johnny; sons, Dr. Ronald Rodriguez (Rose) of San Antonio, John Allen Rodriguez (Louisa) of Austin, and daughter, Cindy Hensel (Steve) of Augusta, Georgia; sisters, Amalia Espinoza, Oralia Flores of Sacramento, California, Sonia Hernandez, Rose Mary Hernandez, Gloria Garza; brother, Pastor Miguel Hernandez, along with her grandchildren; Victoria Rodriguez of Baltimore, Maryland, Lucas Rodriguez, Alana Rodriguez of Austin, Michael Hensel, Alyssa Hensel, and Matthew Hensel of Augusta, Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Sarah devoted many years to intercessory prayer for family, friends and their families and even acquaintances of their friends. Often, she did this with prayer partners which grew to a ministry unto itself.
Sarah was best known for her fantastic cooking and baking skills, including making wedding and special occasion cakes for friends and family. She was very creative and loved to make jewelry, flower arrangements, and created beautiful gardens for her and her family to enjoy. One of her greatest joys in life was baking cookies with her grandchildren. She also dedicated many years to the Lytle and Atascosa County 4-H Clubs.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Primrose Funeral Services of Lytle, Texas. Pastor Dan Ytuarte from Prevailing Word Church in Lytle and Pastor Terry Sisneros of Destiny Church in San Antonio will be officiating.
Interment to follow in Ruiz-Herrera Cemetery in Von Ormy, Texas.
If you wish to share a memory or express your condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle.

Annie E. Van Winkle, affectionately known as “Chummy,” went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the venerable age of 90. She was born in Von Ormy, Texas to Kenneth and Mollie McMonagle on July 24, 1932. She married her high school sweetheart, Howard, on August 2, 1948. They celebrated 62 years of marriage together. Annie and Howard both worked at Kelly AFB until they retired in the late 1980’s. After retirement, they traveled to 48 of the 50 states and visited many cities. Annie called the San Antonio area home her entire life but eventually settled down in Lytle, Texas in 1992. While living in Lytle, Annie enjoyed playing golf and volunteering; at the Library, The Women’s Club thrift store, the Lytle Methodist Church and at the Hospice Thrift store in Devine. Her first love was the people in her life; extensive family, friends and the thousands of people she could strike up a random conversation with. Her second love was the Dallas Cowboys and she hoped she could watch them win another Super Bowl. Annie loved cooking for and spending time with her loved ones. She lived a life full of fun, laughter, music, family and friendships. Annie’s infectious laughter and generosity affected a tremendous number of people over her 90 years, and she will be missed by many.
Annie is preceded in death by her husband, Howard; her parents; brother, Mickey McMonagle; sister, Catherine Wenzel and grandson, Chris Becker. She is survived by her daughter, Linda (Jim) Becker, son Don Van Winkle; sister, Mary Lee Fey; grandchildren, Stacy (Jon) McAnarney, Erin (Rick) Clark, David (Dana) Van Winkle, William Parke (Paige) Van Winkle; great grandchildren Ashley, Austin, John, Madison, Logan, Ryan, Audie, Jackson and Wilder, as well as many other family members.
A Graveside Service was held Friday, June 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Lytle Community Cemetery on the corner of N. Benton St and Laredo St. After the service, The Women In Faith of Lytle Methodist Church served refreshments for family and friends in the Lytle Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, where all were able to share their stories of remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the Lytle Methodist Church or your favorite charity.
If you wish to share a memory or express your condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas.

July 24, 1932 ~ May 7, 2023

Annie E. Van Winkle, affectionately known as “Chummy,” went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the venerable age of 90. She was born in Von Ormy, Texas to Kenneth and Mollie McMonagle on July 24, 1932. She married her high school sweetheart, Howard, on August 2, 1948. They celebrated 62 years of marriage together. Annie and Howard both worked at Kelly AFB until they retired in the late 1980’s. After retirement, they traveled to 48 of the 50 states and visited many cities. Annie called the San Antonio area home her entire life but eventually settled down in Lytle, Texas in 1992. While living in Lytle, Annie enjoyed playing golf and volunteering; at the Library, The Women’s Club thrift store, the Lytle Methodist Church and at the Hospice Thrift store in Devine. Her first love was the people in her life; extensive family, friends and the thousands of people she could strike up a random conversation with. Her second love was the Dallas Cowboys and she hoped she could watch them win another Super Bowl. Annie loved cooking for and spending time with her loved ones. She lived a life full of fun, laughter, music, family and friendships. Annie’s infectious laughter and generosity affected a tremendous number of people over her 90 years, and she will be missed by many.
Annie is preceded in death by her husband, Howard; her parents; brother, Mickey McMonagle; sister, Catherine Wenzel and grandson, Chris Becker. She is survived by her daughter, Linda (Jim) Becker, son Don Van Winkle; sister, Mary Lee Fey; grandchildren, Stacy (Jon) McAnarney, Erin (Rick) Clark, David (Dana) Van Winkle, William Parke (Paige) Van Winkle; great grandchildren Ashley, Austin, John, Madison, Logan, Ryan, Audie, Jackson and Wilder, as well as many other family members.
A Graveside Service will be held Friday, June 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Lytle Community Cemetery on the corner of N. Benton St and Laredo St. After the service, The Women In Faith of Lytle Methodist Church will be serving refreshments for family and friends in the Lytle Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, where you will be able to share your stories of remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the Lytle Methodist Church or your favorite charity.
If you wish to share a memory or express your condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas.

Barbara Lucille Haywood born July 06, 1934 in Frio, Texas to the late David “Butch” Haywood and Melecia Dillard Haywood. Barbara, known as Lucille, was delivered by her paternal grandmother, Lucy Haywood who was a midwife and a sharecropper.
Lucille grew up in the country, but it was more than a home, it was a place of solidarity, dirt roads, and wagon wheels. Her grandmother owned eight acres of farm land and Lucille and family lived in a small home next to hers. The land from Pearsall to Devine, Texas, known as Black Jack.
Lucille married the late Jessie Lee Brooks Sr. and had five children. She leaves to cherish memories with her children: The late, Delane Leola Brooks, the late Sandra Kay Telfair (husband Stanley), Michael Brooks, Jessie Lee Brooks Jr. (wife Norma)and Emilio Florencio Brooks (wife Tammy). Grandchildren: Daniel Lee Telfair, Victor James Telfair, Tahirah Jessalyn Brooks, Analea Barbara K Brooks, and Conrad Brooks. Great granddaughter: Angelica Telfair. Siblings: Lacy Haywood (Sharon), the late Gene Haywood, Annette Todd, Elizabeth Haywood, the late Suzie Haywood, the late Vivian Fields. Nieces: Barbara Woodard (husband Dan), Sandra Harper, Sonia Haywood, Ellen Greene, Sheila Haywood, Trina Haywood. Nephews: Johnny Harper Jr., Robert Haywood, David Haywood, Stacy Haywood, Allen Harper, the late David Harper, Chauncey (Shawn) Fields. Grandchildren by marriage: Joshua Rene Leal, Dillion Zachary Yanez, Katrina Petra Monsivias, Bobby (Myson) Ray King Jr. The Todd Family.
Special thanks to dear friends of the family Mr. & Mrs. Bobby and Spring Contreras (Matthew, Gabryelle, Christian, Nathaniel) Mr. &Mrs. Reverend John Greene
A visitation was held at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 5 PM-9 PM. Funeral Services were held at Primrose Funeral Services on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 10 AM following interment at Evergreen Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.

Born March 12,1927 in Somerset, Texas to parents John Henry Cowley and Geneva Stacy Cowley. Myrtle attended High School in Poteet, Texas and graduated at the age 16 as salutatorian in 1943. Soon after graduating, she was employed at the First State Bank in Poteet. At that time, she was 1 of 3 employees. Myrtle continued to work until the love of her life, William L Thompson (Bill) came home on leave from the Navy. They were married on November 27, 1943 in Poteet and honeymooned at Garner State park before Bill returned to duty in San Diego.
Myrtle stayed in Poteet until Bill was discharged in February 1945. Bill and Myrtle had a son, Billy Lawrence in 1947 and a daughter Nancy Jean in 1950. They then moved to a 130 acre farm in Bigfoot, Texas. In 1956, Bill continued to work in San Antonio and also on the farm. Son, Robert Hal was born in 1956 followed by son John Chris in 1957 and Jeff Stacy in 1958. Myrtle and Bill moved to Devine where they stayed until their children graduated high school. They then moved to La Pryor, Texas where Myrtle worked on the Chaprrosa Ranch as house caretaker which she enjoyed and loved. In 1991, after the passing of her husband, Myrtle moved back to Devine where she enjoyed her church, flowers, yard work and great friends. Myrtle remained in the Devine/Natalia area until her Passing.
Myrtle is preceded in heaven by her husband William L. Thompson. Parents, John and Geneva Cowley. Children, Nancy Schwarzbach, Robert Hal Thompson and Billy Thompson. Siblings, Robert (Bub) Cowley and Francis Carr. Sister in law Betty Gene Cowley. Son in law, Thomas F. Schwarzbach.
Myrtle leaves behind her son John Chris Thompson, son Jeff Thompson and wife Andrea Thompson. Daughters in law, Judy Thompson and Priscilla Thompson. Grandchildren: Mike, Lisa, Joseph, Melissa, Shawn, Amber, Jeremy, Ashlea, Allyson, Adam, Erin, Elizabeth, Tyler and Kelsie, Shannon, Billy and Andrew. Great-grandchildren: Josh, Noah, Samantha, John John, Aria, Grayson, Madison, Karysn, Ava, Charles, Destiny, Ethan, Jacey, Caleb, Campbell, Tatum, Presley, Reagan, Remington, Vincent, Terryn, Jessica, Cora Kate, Billy, Joseph, Cooper, Ashton, Logan, Landon, Avery, Eli, Ella, Liam, Andon and Aevin. Great great grandchildren: Mackenzie and Brooks We are beyond grateful for Debbie Clemens, not only for providing the best care to Myrtle but also being a great friend to her in her later years.
Funeral service will be held at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine Texas on May 31st. Viewing will start at 10:30am with funeral service following at 12:00pm. Graveside service immediately after at Sand Branch Cemetery.: FM 2504 Kyote, Tx

Born March 12, 1927 in Somerset, Texas to parents John Henry Cowley and Geneva Stacy Cowley. Myrtle attended High School in Poteet, Texas and graduated at the age 16 as salutatorian in 1943. Soon after graduating, she was employed at the First State Bank in Poteet. At that time, she was 1 of 3 employees. Myrtle continued to work until the love of her life, William L Thompson (Bill) came home on leave from the Navy. They were married on November 27, 1943 in Poteet and honeymooned at Garner State Park before Bill returned to duty in San Diego.
Myrtle stayed in Poteet until Bill was discharged in February 1945. Bill and Myrtle had a son, Billy Lawrence in 1947 and a daughter Nancy Jean in 1950. They then moved to a 130 acre farm in Bigfoot, Texas. In 1956, Bill continued to work in San Antonio and also on the farm. Son, Robert Hal was born in 1956 followed by son John Chris in 1957 and Jeff Stacy in 1958. Myrtle and Bill moved to Devine where they stayed until their children graduated high school. They then moved to La Pryor, Texas where Myrtle worked on the Chaparrosa Ranch as house caretaker which she enjoyed and loved. In 1991, after the passing of her husband, Myrtle moved back to Devine where she enjoyed her church, flowers, yard work and great friends. Myrtle remained in the Devine/Natalia area until her passing.
Myrtle is preceded in heaven by her husband William L. Thompson. Parents, John and Geneva Cowley. Children, Nancy Schwarzbach, Robert Hal Thompson and Billy Thompson. Siblings, Robert (Bub) Cowley and Francis Carr. Sister in law Betty Gene Cowley. Son in law, Thomas F. Schwarzbach.
Myrtle leaves behind her son John Chris Thompson, son Jeff Thompson and wife Andrea Thompson. Daughters in law, Judy Thompson and Priscilla Thompson. Grandchildren: Mike, Lisa, Joseph, Melissa, Shawn, Amber, Jeremy, Ashlea, Allyson, Adam, Erin, Elizabeth, Tyler and Kelsie. Great-grandchildren: Josh, Noah, Samantha, John John, Aria, Grayson, Madison, Karysn, Ava, Charles, Destiny, Ethan, Jacey, Caleb, Campbell, Tatum, Presley, Reagan, Remington, Vincent, Terryn, Jessica, Cora Kate, Billy, Joseph, and Cooper. Great great grandchildren: Mackenzie and Brooks.
We are beyond grateful for Debbie Clemens, not only for providing the best care to Myrtle but also being a great friend to her in her later years.
Funeral service will be held at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas on May 31st. The viewing will start at 10:30am with funeral service following at 12:00pm. Graveside service immediately after at Sand Branch Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.
Primrose Funeral Services: 303 College Ave. Devine, Tx 78016
Sand Branch Cemetery: FM 2504, Kyote, Tx

Claude A. Rankin, age, 77, of Jourdanton, passed away on May 18, 2023 after succumbing to complications of an illness.
Claude was born on July 23, 1945, to Orie Ray Rankin and Anna Emma Jung in San Antonio. After high school Claude joined the Navy and traveled on the USS Mars. Once his military service ended, he worked as an industrial engineer at Kelly Air Force Base until he retired.
Claude is survived by his lovely wife of 55 years, Evelyn Elaine; his daughter Bonny (Stephen) Collins; grandchildren, Jeremiah (Kandice) Collins, Brandon (Brianna) Collins, and Kimberly Collins; great grandchildren, Clyde, Liam, Remington, Jackson, and Riley; sister, Barbara (Frank) Hatch; brothers, Billy Rankin, Allen (Patty) Rankin; nieces and nephews, Emma (Davy) Allen, Michelle Hatch, Joseph Hatch, Tracy (William) Knight, Shelley (Jeremy) Phelps, Anna Rankin, Jessica (Brian) Luna; sister-in-law, Carol Rankin; great nieces and nephews, Laura Reichel, William Reichel, Michael Reichel, Brooke (Matthew) Allen, Nicole Allen, as well as many great-great nieces and nephews.
Claude was preceded by his parents Orie and Anna Rankin, and brothers, Bobby Rankin, Buddy Rankin, and Timmy Rankin.
Claude was a wonderful person; a devoted Catholic, husband, and father. He loved hunting, fishing, mowing, and farming, especially with the help of his favorite red tractor. Claude also enjoyed sharing his stories about his incredible Navy experiences and truly illustrated in the most captivating way.
Claude left a huge impression on individuals all around the world and will be deeply missed but certainly not forgotten. Although the body is temporary, his spirit thrives.
We will have a viewing for Claude at Hurley Funeral Home on Monday May 22, 2023, from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm, followed by the reciting of the rosary at 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday May 23, 2023, at 11:30 am at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Additional burial services will be held at St. Matthew Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at the church afterwards.