With a heart full of gratitude and sorrow, we are announcing the end of life of our beloved Yolanda (Villarreal) Vasquez, who took her final bow – surrounded by her loving children and husband on February 11, 2026, at the age of 80.
Yolanda was a devoted,
daughter to the late Guadalupe & Leonila Mota Villarreal;
sister to her late brothers Lionel & Guadalupe (Junior) Villarreal;
sister to Tereasa Salazar and Gloria Cantu;
wife to Liborio R. Vasquez Jr., her husband for 60 years;
a proud and guiding mother of her son – Robert, two sets of twin daughters Adriana & Norma and Gloria & Dolores (deceased at birth);
grandmother to Leeroy Dominguez, Lindsey Hope, April Renae and Alexandar James Vasquez, Eric Alan & Jake Ryan Burris;
mother-in-law to Rosalinda Vasquez and Alan Thomas Burris; and
loved one to an abundance of cats (her first and favorite Blondie), family and friends.
She began her life from humble beginning but built a life defined by self-reliance, independence and a deep devotion to family and service to others. Her extraordinary beauty, strength, and unspoken love, is a silent force that taught resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional support through actions rather than words will be forever remembered and revered.
Her talents were many: a seamstress with the patience of a saint and the precision of a surgeon, her keen eye and attention for detail like an artist painting a Picasso. She loved to cook decadent food, especially for Thanksgiving without missing any courses from main dishes down to the last bite of dessert.
She also dedicated her life to service by working in the housing industry. She managed and assisted people of all ages of life, from the young adults living in the Housing Authority in Pearsall and Dilley to the elderly with monthly rent paperwork for the elderly retirement housing communities in Pearsall and Devine. She raised and lived all her life in Pearsall, Texas with the last few years living in San Antonio, Texas.
She was a real beauty with brown hair and a smile that could light up the night sky and sometimes scorch it depending on who needed to be put in their place. She was as sharp as a samurai sword and just as precise. She lived life exactly on her terms: no shortcuts, no nonsense, no ifs ands or buts about it, never out of step with her own style.
She conveyed safety, strength, and constant presence, shaping character through daily, selfless acts. These unspoken lessons often included quiet endurance in adversity, unwavering belief in her children, and the importance of nurturing compassion. She was complex. She was funny. She was tough. She was magnificent. She was absolutely one of a kind. And though this world feels a little dimmer without her in it, we carry her with us-in our hibiscus flowers, fierce independence, our cooking, and in the way we show up for the people we love.
She is survived by a legacy of strength, compassion, and unforgettable charm and leaves behind not just her husband, children, grandchildren and extended family – but also a blueprint of living with courage, humor and grace. She showed us how to find our own voice, how to face challenges with resilience, and how to stand tall in the face of adversity.
Her spirit lives on in those she guided, nurtured, and cheered on. To know her was to be seen, to be remembered, and to be loved. Yolanda V. Vasquez, you were truly a once in a lifetime woman. We promise to keep the legacy going with love, laughter and memories of you.
Author: admin
Andrew H. Zapata
Andrew H. Zapata (Butch), a cherished longtime resident of Devine and Big Foot Texas, passed away on April 21, 2026, he was born on January 6, 1946, in Devine, Texas. Andrew’s life was marked by his unwavering dedication and love to his family and many friends in the community. He was known as a hard working man who lived with his heart and purpose. Andrew is lovingly remembered by his children: Laura Ann Zapata of Natalia, Juanita Zapata of Natalia, and Andrew Zapata Jr. along with his wife Dawn of Pipe Creek, Texas. He took great pride and joy in his grandchildren: Jordan Ashley Zapata, Andrew Quentin Zapata, and Aiden Charles Zapata. His family circle extended warmly to numerous nieces and nephews. Andrew was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delia L. Zapata, and his parents, Frank Zapata and Gregoria Goya Zapata. He also mourned the loss of many cherished siblings: Adolfo Garcia, Adelfa Castillo, Ernestina Castillo, Linda Garza, Frances Kika Martinez, Maria Zapata, Frank Zapata, Ray Zapata, Johnny Zapata, Mary Perez, Stella Garza, Joe Zapata, along with is surviving brother Sammy Zapata Garza.
A celebration of Andrew’s life will be held on May 9, 2026, with an inurnment service beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St Joseph’s Cemetery located on Allman Cemetery Lane in Devine, Texas. Andrew H. Zapata’s memory endures through the love and strength of his family, friends, and the community he called home. He will be deeply missed and forever honored
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Andrew H. Zapata, please visit our flower store.
Warhorse Track and Field Regional Runner-Up!
Devine Warhorses Alex Garcia-Castillo, Rowdy Esparza, Mikey Rodriguez and Ryan Weinkam will be competeing in the 4×400 relay race at state!
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The entire Regional-Qualifying Warhorse Track and Field team had terrific outings under cool and rainy conditions last week in Kingsville as twelve student-athletes combined to pull out a second place finish.
Devine scored 64 points in the team standings, only six points behind champion Lago Vista who posted 70 points. Austin Johnson was a distant third place with 48 points.
Seven Warhorses qualified for the State Track and Field Meet in Austin on Thursday, March 14 with Rowdy Esparza leading the way in three events.
Esparza won Region IV in Long Jump and was runner up in both the 400m Dash and Mile Relay along with Alex Garcia-Castillo, Zach Guerra, Mikey Rodriguez, and Ryan Weinkam
Karter Brown was the region silver medalist in Shot Put as was Bo Wheeler in High Jump.
Others contributing to the Warhorses fantastic showing at Texas A&M Kingsville were Enoch Hall, Esai Sanchez, Lucas Hudson, Brody Lane, and Jonathan Cantu also finished their great year as Regional Qualifiers.
Congratulations to Head Coach Lon Cozby, his assistants, and all Warhorse track and field regional qualifiers and best of luck at State!…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Arabian Track & Field 11th at Regional; Rylie Wells is STATE BOUND!
Arabian Rylie Wells will represent Devine in the triple jump event at state after coming in second during the regional qualifiers. Photo by Moose Lopez.
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Scoring 23 points at a Regional Track and Field Meet is nothing to sneeze at as the Arabian team placed 11th overall out of 29 schools represented in Kingsville last week. Under the cool, rainy skies Rylie Wells earned her way to a State Qualifier berth in Triple Jump as she placed second with a jump of 38 feet six and one half inches.
Eight Arabians in all competed with each giving all they had in trying to advance to the final meet of the season inside Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.
In addition to Wells, Kylie Monreal, Kenzie Schott, Peyton Dixon-Davis, Ivy Stricker, and Caroline Suhr represented the Arabian program phenomenally all season long and their efforts at Regional was no different.
Congratulations to all Arabian track athletes as well as Head Coach Lon Cozby and each of his assistant coaches!
Best of luck at State, Rylie!…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Pirate Track & Field 4th in Region IV;Cantu, Garcia, & Hicks are STATE BOUND!
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Ten Pirate Track and Field student-athletes combined to score 28 points at last week’s Class 3A Region IV Meet in Seguin to secure a fourth place finish. There were 34 different schools represented.
Three of those 10 now move on as State Qualifiers after senior Jewell Hicks won the 400m Dash, Jacob Cantu won the 1600m, and Sebastian Garcia earned the Wild Card spot in the 800m Run after finishing third in the region but having the next best qualifying time from across the state.
Others competing at a high level not only at Regional but throughout the 2026 season were Adrian Reyna, Diego Reyna, Clayton Jopling, Noah Smoot, Angel De La Rosa, and Christopher Jacques.
Congratulations to all Pirate athletes and to Head Coach Sebastian Benavides and best of luck to Jewell, Jacob, and Sebastian at State!…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Lady Pirates complete ’26 Track and Field season at Regional
Lady Pirate Frances Scotello placed sixth in the 3200n run with a time of 12:17.78 at the regional meet in the Seguin. Photo by Moose Lopez.
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Head Coach Gilbert Ruiz and two of his Lady Pirates did all they could to advance to the State Meet in Austin but fell just short of that season-long goal at Regional in Seguin last week.
Senior Klayre Cook made the finals in the 400m Dash after a preliminary time of 1:05.07 that placed her seventh. In the finals Cook shaved over two seconds off her previous time to place sixth with a time of 1:02.98.
Senior Frances Scotello placed sixth in the 3200m Run with a time of 12:17.78.
Congratulations to Klayre and Frances on a tremendous Regional-Qualifying season!
Arabians playoff run ends at Area championship
Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
Devine’s softball season comes to an end after a tough loss to the Wimberley Texans, 11-12. Devine held the lead the entire game until the Texans pulled off a miraculous comeback, scoring 11 runs in the final inning.
Head coach Micheal Sotelo was almost at loss for words, admitting he had never experienced a game quite like this one.
“We got tired and the Wimberley hitters did a great job of making good contact off our pitching,” Sotelo said. “I thought there were a couple of balls that could have been caught that would have kept it close but that didn’t happen and we found ourselves down 12-7.”
It wasn’t just a breakdown by the Arabians; Sotelo noted that the Texans forced the issue, executing perfectly to produce that monster inning.
“It was mostly their offense figuring out our pitching. They put the ball in play safely,” Sotelo said. “Our defense has been getting better and better throughout the year and that night it was no different.”
Although the season may be over, Sotelo is confident this loss will propel the team into future successes as the girls will be extra motivated to improve this offseason.
“As far as a coach I still would like to us continue getting better in every facet of the game from running, weight room, and softball. We are a young team and we will continue growing as people first and players second.”
Sotelo wanted to acknowledge the city for their unwavering support this year, highlighting their commitment to the Arabians as a key factor in their success this season.
“We as a team would like to thank everyone that has helped make this a season to remember. From all the people behind the scenes, to the parents and finally the fans,” Sotelo said. “The support has been unbelievable and has made it easy for us to coach and play for the community of Devine.”
The Arabians finished the season with an overall record of 20-15-1 and a district record of 8-4 where they held the two seed.
Congratulations to the Devine Arabians for a fantastic season!
Vs Wimberley
Batting: Sam Zamora- 2 R, 3 H, 3 RBI, 2 doubles, Abriella Kayl- 1 R, 1 RBI, Kenny Cruz- 1 R, 2 H, 1 RBI, Reece Schueling- 1 R, 1 H, Maddy Hester- 1 H, Tucker Traylor- 2 R, 2 H, 5 RBI, 1 double, 1 homerun, Karsyn Deleon- 2 H, 1 RBI, Karsyn Mann- 3 R, Olivia Taylor- 1 R, 1 H, Paislee Freisenhahn- 1 H
Fielding: Zamora- 1 for 1 on PO, Schueling- 3 for 3 on PO, Hester- 7 for 8 on PO, Deleon- 1 for 2 on PO, Ava Rangel- 3 for 3 on PO, Mann- 1 for 1 on PO, Taylor- 3 for 3 on PO, Freisenhahn- 2 for 2 on PO
Pitching: Sam Zamora and Tucker Traylor both stepped into the circle for the Arabians. Traylor threw 28 pitches and Zamora threw 128. Zamora threw 7 strikeouts on 32 batters faced over 6 innings pitched.
Stat Leaders
Homeruns: Tucker Traylor- 4, Maddy Hester- 3, Reece Schueling- 2 (Olivia Taylor, Karsyn Mann, Kenny Cruz, Karsyn Deleon and Sam Zamora all had one homerun this season.)
Stolen Bases: Zamora and Schueling- 8, Cruz- 7, Ava Rangel- 4
Fielding Percentage: Schueling- 0.969, Hester- 0.899, Deleon- 0.896
Put Outs: Schueling- 156, Hester- 150, Deleon- 58
Runs: Cruz- 38, Zamora- 28, Hester- 25
Hits: Zamora- 45, Cruz- 43, Hester- 41
RBIs: Zamora- 36, Hester- 23, Schueling- 21
Doubles: Zamora- 12, Hester- 10, Deleon- 8
Triples: Cruz- 6, Zamora- 6, Hester- 3
Strikeouts: Traylor- 127, Zamora- 110, Taylor- 33
Mustangs ‘26 Baseball season comes to an end
Mustang Jacob Camacho had two assists in the field during game one against Jourdanton in the first round of the playoffs. Photo by Moose Lopez.
Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Natalia Mustangs’ season concluded after a two-game sweep by Jourdanton, despite a narrow 2-1 loss in the opener and a tough 16-1 result in game two. The Mustangs had an overall record of 9-16 and a district record of 4-6.
Congratulations to the Mustangs and the Natalia community on a hard-fought season!
Vs Game 1
Batting: Leo Buentello- 1 H, 1 RBI, 1 double, Xander Crouch- 1 H, Andrew Arizola- 1 R, 2 H
Baserunning: Zack Peralta- 1 SB
Fielding: Buentello- 1 for 2 on PO, Crouch- 1 PO, 1 A, Jacob Camacho- 2 A, Arizola- 4 for 5 on PO,1 A, Jordan Castro- 1 for 1 on PO, Moses Leija- 3 PO, 1 A, Peralta- 3 PO, 1 A, Andrew Monreal- 2 PO, Josh Garcia- 3 for 3 on PO
Pitching: Josh Garcia threw 2 strikeouts on 27 batters over 5 innings pitched.
Stat Leaders
Homeruns: Zack Peralta- 2
Stolen Bases: Andrew Arizola- 16, Peralta- 10, Leo Beuntello- 7
Fielding Percentage: Josh Garcia- 0.947, Arizola- 0.899, Moses Leija- 0.800
Put Outs: Arizola- 59, Peralta- 46, Leija- 43
Runs: Arizola- 21, Buentello- 14, Leija- 11
Hits: Arizola- 20, Buentello- 13, Crouch- 11
RBIs: Peralta- 10, Leija- 9, Buentello- 7
Doubles: Crouch/Leija/Buentello- 2, Peralta/Arizola/Andrew Monreal- 1
Triples: Arizola/Leija- 2, Buentello/Monreal- 1
Strikeouts: Arizola- 33, Camacho- 24, Garcia- 23
Local Sports pages!


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Medina County: Tax values rose from $2.8 M to $8.1 Min past 10 years
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
The numbers are now 28,980 homes in Medina County, up from 18,791 homes in 2017. It’s an increase of just over 10,000 new homes in 10 years, with just under 1/3 of those new homes popping up in the past two years alone. The appraised value of Medina County properties has nearly tripled from $2.8 million to over $8.1 million in ten years as well (2017 to 2026).
Total appraised values in Medina County :
2017: $2,857,428,102
2018: $3,007,626,516
2019: $3,476,214,251
2020: $3,832,984,245
2021: $4,374,084,631
2022: $5,232,813,305
2023: $6,240,126,321
2024: $6,994,751,873
2025: $7,693,299,977
2026: $8,173,758,160 Preliminary will certify values in July
Average Homes values in Medina County:
2022 – $253,805
2023 – $295,180
2024- $295,475
2025- $295,484
2026- $299,593