Category: Obituaries

Joyce Nell Silvey of Moore, Texas was born on May 2, 1931 in Gonzales, Texas to Robert Acey Thompson and Lucinda Looney Thompson, passed away on July 20, 2022 at the age of 91.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Frank H. Silvey, daughter: Donna Jean Carroll Albrecht, son: Danny Carroll, brother: Bob Thompson and two sisters: Doris and Dorothy.
She is survived by her sons: Dewayne Carroll of Three Rivers, TX, Kelly (Jo Ann) Carroll of Devine, TX; daughter-in-law: Shirley of Devine; daughters: Deborah Dee Carroll Wallace and husband Larry of Devine, TX, Daphne Gail Dubose Stepp and husband Ron of Houston, TX and Jeanette Danean Dubose Summers of San Antonio, TX; brother: John Thompson; 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren; and other relatives.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Hurley (Devine) Chapel. Funeral services will be Friday, July 29, 2022 at 10:00a.m. at Hurley Funeral Home (Devine) Chapel with Jim Word officiating. Interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Celebration of Life for Don Helton is scheduled for July 30, 2022 at 5 PM at their residence at 1166 CR 772 Natalia, TX 78059. All surrounding volunteer fire departments are welcome to attend.
Don Helton has been a volunteer firefighter at Natalia for 19 years; he began service at the department in July, 2003. He served the department for many years as the safety officer. He also worked many years with the American Red Cross in San Antonio and surrounding areas and to help fellow community members in need.
Don Helton was born July 3, 1943 and went to meet his Lord on July 2, 2022 with his family by his side at the age 74.

Mr. Ronald Martinez, of Devine, age 48, passed away on July 10, 2022.
Ronald was born in Denver Colorado, on December 13, 1973 to Eusebio Martinez and Sylvia Lopez.
He was preceded in death by his father Eusebio; his maternal grandfather: Antonio Lopez; and uncles: Danny Lopez, Tony Lopez and Ruby Lopez.
Survivors: include his mother Sylvia Lopez of Devine, TX; his daughters: Clarisse Martinez of Abilene, TX, Vanessa Martinez of San Antonio, TX and Cecilia N. Martinez of Devine, TX brother: Juan Antonio Guardiola of Phoenix, AZ; sister: Avilia Guardiola of San Antonio, TX; Grandmother: Minnie Lopez; 5 grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 15, 2022 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Primera Iglesia Bautista Bethania, 404 E. Hondo, Devine, TX 78016. A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00p.m. that evening. Services to conclude at the church. Ronald’s family has elected cremation.

Maria Jovita Lopez was born on February 6, 1933, in La Coste, Texas and passed away on June 28, 2022, at the age of 89 in Lytle, Texas. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernesto G. Lopez Sr., son, Ernest V. Lopez Jr., and grandson, Jose Humberto Ramirez.
She is survived by her daughters; Criselda (Norman) Glaze, Enitra (Jesus) Juarez, Excilla (Vince) Ramirez, and Yunila (John) Espinosa; grandchildren; Jessica, Jesus Jr., Megan, Jonathan, Ernest III and Christian; great-grandchildren, Britny, Excilla, Kasey, Anthony, Joshua, Joseph, Joshua, Jathan, Javian, Jaeliana, Jaxson; great-great-grandchildren, Eli, Peyton, Braydon, Sawyer, Meredith, Barrett, Bentley, and Hazel, along with numerous nephews and nieces all whom she dearly loved.
She will be greatly missed by all her family and especially her grandkids. They will miss her many meals made with so much love. Her witty remarks and or comebacks that filled the rooms with continuous laughter. She loved to be in her yard with her beautiful roses and talking to her neighbors. She also loved attending and watching all her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids events. She has left us with so many fond memories.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 9:30 am – 11:00 am at Hurley Funeral Home Chapel, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am at Hurley Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at Lytle Community Cemetery.
For personal acknowledgements, please visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements entrusted to Hurley Funeral Home, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052.

Florentina Pedroza Perez, also known as, “Quata”, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 66 years, 0 months and 12 days.
Florentina was born in Natalia, Texas on June 20, 1956, to Gavino Pedroza and Guadalupe Reyes. She resided in Natalia, Texas for 66 years.
Florentina leaves behind wonderful memories for all of her friends and family.
May she be with God forever.
She is preceded in death by her father; Gavino Pedroza, mother; Guadalupe Reyes, and 2 brothers; Jose Pedroza and Estevan Pedroza.
She survived by her daughter(s); April Martinez, San Antonio, Texas; Maricella Martinez Nash, Somerset, Texas; Veronica Martinez Cerda/ Jesse Cerda; Natalia, Texas and her Son; Raul Martinez Jr., Natalia, Texas. Florentina’s sisters, Sylvia Garcia/ Tony Garcia Florida; Dora Pedroza; Florida; Christina Davila/ Ricardo Davila; Florida; Maryann Pedroza; Florida. Florentina’s brothers, Twin: Silverio Pedroza; Somerset, Texas; Carlos Pedroza/Lupe Pedroza; Florida; Roman Pedroza/Sandy Pedroza; San Antonio, Texas. Florentina had 11 Grandchildren; Natalie Justine Martinez, Adriana Danielle Martinez, Raul Martinez III, Julianne Martinez, John Anthony Martinez, Meranda Michelle Constante, Jose Luis Constante III, Victoria Nicole Lugo, Christopher Kelly Nash, Zaida Rose Nash, and Ezra Roy Martinez-Leyva. 6 Great grandchildren; Autumn Janelle Martinez, Abby Jade Frias, Taylor McKenzie Martinez, Mayjor Felan, Laurel McConnell, and Hayden McConnell.
Services are as follow:
Visitation: St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Natalia, Texas 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Rosary: 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Mass: 11:00 a.m.
Place of rest, St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Devine, Texas
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Franklin Funeral Home of Floresville, Texas.

Dr. Sam Ridgway, distinguished marine mammal veterinarian and scientist, passed away peacefully at home in San Diego, surrounded by beloved family and friends. Sam was a humble man of heroic accomplishment, with a quick wit, kind heart, and gentle soul. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Sam was born in Bigfoot, Texas, son to Morris Shepard and Florence Lipscomb Ridgway. In 1960, he married his sweetheart, Dr. Jeanette Fuller Ridgway, PhD, of Richards, Texas. They enjoyed almost 60 years of marriage before she passed in 2020. Sam is survived by his brother Don Ridgway (wife Jo Layne), brother Sid Ridgway (wife Mary Jay), and their families.
He earned his undergraduate and veterinary degrees from Texas A&M University and was a loyal fan of the Aggies’ football team. Sam was commissioned in the Air Force as a veterinary officer for military service animals. Upon moving to California, he became the attending veterinarian for the US Navy’s marine mammals, which launched his career in marine mammal medicine and science. In 1970, he received a Navy fellowship to study under Sir Richard Harrison at Cambridge University, where he earned a PhD in neuroscience. He applied this knowledge to understanding the behavior and physiology of marine mammals, especially bottlenose dolphins.
Sam was a founder of the US Navy’s Marine Mammal Program, which he served for more than 60 years. He was the founding President and CEO of the National Marine Mammal Foundation, a nonprofit he helped establish in 2007. Sam was widely known for establishing novel methods to partner with marine mammals in the open ocean, which allowed humans to observe and interact with animals in their natural environment. This led to great advancements in marine mammal behavior, physiology, and acoustics.
He was one of the largest contributors to marine mammal science, publishing more than 350 peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and books. Early in his career, he published a book called Dolphin Doctor, a name that became synonymous with Sam himself. A large volume of his work focused on cetacean neuroscience, anatomy, and physiology. His book Mammals of the Sea, published 50 years ago, remains one of the most comprehensive textbooks on marine mammal physiology.
Sam was affectionately known among his colleagues as the ‘father of marine mammal medicine’ due to his pioneering spirit and ground-breaking discoveries that advanced the health and welfare of dolphins, porpoises, whales, sea lions, and seals. Sam embraced conservation biology and medicine, and he was eager to apply his knowledge and expertise to marine mammals in the wild. His scientific discoveries served as a foundation for the protection and conservation of marine mammals globally.
Throughout his career, Sam mentored hundreds of veterinary and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, marine mammal veterinarians, conservationists, and scientists. He cherished his mentor-mentee relationships and dedicated countless hours to his students. He traveled the world to share his discoveries through lectures and meetings, reaching students and colleagues on every continent. He continued to contribute in his final days, enjoying time spent with members of his Early Scientist Program as they discussed results and finalized publications.
Sam was revered as a leader in the marine mammal community. He was founding President of the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM). He served on the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Marine Mammal Commission, on committees of the National Research Council and National Academy of Sciences, and was elected a fellow of both the Acoustical Society of America and American College of Zoological Medicine. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award by Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine; the Lifetime and Clinical Medicine Awards from IAAAM; the Kenneth S. Norris Lifetime Achievement Award of the Society for Marine Mammalogy; and, two Navy awards, the Gilbert H. Curl Award, and the Lauritsen Bennett Award.
Despite his impressive accolades, Sam navigated his life with humility and grace. He touched the minds and hearts of his colleagues with his curiosity and light-hearted nature. When Sam showed his strength, it was always in regard to the animals. He was globally respected and admired for his unwavering commitment to the animals in his care and in the wild. During his lifetime, he inspired students and colleagues all over the world to dedicate their careers to protecting, conserving, and caring for marine mammals.
In 2020, a StoryFile was created of Sam, inspired by long-time friend and colleague Carolyn Schlundt Melka. The StoryFile serves as a living memorial that allows present and future generations to interact with Sam about his personal and professional life.
A memorial service for both Sam and wife Jeanette will be held at First United Methodist Church of San Diego, at a date to be determined. Information about the memorial service will be made available at www.nmmf.org/ridgway. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Marine Mammal Foundation’s Ridgway Fund, to continue Sam’s legacy.

William John Southwell, III was born on January 19, 1933 in Edinburg, TX and went to his eternal home on July 6, 2022 in Hondo, TX
John graduated from McAllen High School in 1951, volunteered for the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, and graduated from the University of Texas in 1957.
During his career, John was President and CEO of two international companies, a homebuilder and realtor as well as a Financial Consultant. He was on the lay staff of Campus Crusade for Christ for several years.
John and his wife, Debbie, moved to Hondo in 2004. Several years later they became CASA volunteers which led them to form HANK, Inc. (Helping Abused & Neglected Kids).
John was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Billie Jo Southwell, and his brother, James W. Southwell. He leaves behind the love of his life, Debbie, son John (Penny) Southwell, daughter Dion (Brian) Lawson, son Mark (Nicole) Southwell, brother Steve (Sheryl) Southwell, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at New Fountain United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. Please wear bright colors; John wanted this to be a joyous celebration of his life.
Services are under the direction of Hondo Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, John’s wish was that tax-deductible donations be made to HANK, Inc. The mailing address for HANK is 450 County Road 246, Hondo, TX 78861.

Shawn Phillip Richardson of Natalia, Texas was born on August 8, 1976 to Charles Wayne Richardson Sr. and Darenda Lynn Gaston Richardson. He passed away on July 1, 2022 at the age of 45.
Shawn is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Doris Richardson, his mother Darenda Lynn Gaston Richardson and his brother Royce Richardson.
He is survived by his father Charles Wayne Richardson Sr. of Natalia, TX his sons: Quintin (Angelica) Richardson of Harlingen, TX and their two boys: Westin and Austin Richardson of Harlingen, TX; Dustin (Kimberly) Richardson of Natalia, TX and Coltin (Briana) Richardson of Bay City, Michigan; brothers, Charlie Richardson, Derek Thompson, Lukas Richardson and Dexter Richardson; sister: Tamara Rico; and numerous other relatives.
Visitation Hours will be on July 13, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home-Devine Location. Services to conclude in chapel. Private internment at a later date.

Norma Lee Horan of Jourdanton, TX was born on March 11, 1930 to Charles Heiligman and Margaret McKinley Duncan Heiligman passed away on July 3, 2022 at the age of 92.
Mrs. Horan is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tom and her daughter Janette Kohls and brother Bobby Heiligman.
She is survived by her daughters: Alice(Mark) Whittney of Bulverde, TX and Susie (Tom) Kocurek of Robstown,TX and Becky (John) Neal of Jourdanton,TX; son: Billy (Carolyn) Horan of Port O’Conner, TX; 18 grandchildren; and many other relatives.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 8, 2022 (one hour prior to services) at 9:00a.m. at the Moore Cemetery with Graveside services beginning promptly at 10:00a.m. at the Moore Cemetery, Moore, TX with Rev. Ronny Rains of Gateway Church officiating. She will be laid to rest near her husband Tom.