Okay, this just might be a record; our officers only handled 33 calls for service last week! In their spare time officers conducted 100 traffic stops, those stops resulted in 81 citations and 19 warnings. Property Crimes: It looks like we only had one report last week; it was a shoplifter at H.E.B. Plus. A female made off with approx. $30 worth of cosmetics. It looks like our criminal element is off to a slow start for 2023. Arrests: Only one arrest last week too! A concerned citizen reported a reckless driver on Main St. and officers located the vehicle and observed him travel in the wrong lane of traffic on Benton City Rd. The driver was arrested for DWI and booked into the Atascosa Co. Jail. I have lots of information to share this week, so here we go: Our friends over at Lytle Animal Care and Control have a big adoption event planned for Saturday, January 14th. The event will be held at their facility (17971 W. FM 2790 South) from 10 AM-2 PM. Special pricing too! $25 includes spay/neuter, rabies vaccine, and a microchip. In a world where prices have skyrocketed, this is a really good deal. If you are looking to provide a dog or cat with a forever home, this is a great opportunity. Be sure and tell your friends and family about this event, as far as I know, the special pricing is valid for this Saturday only. Our friends at City Hall are firing back up the Quarterly Senior Citizen meeting and luncheon. The first one of this year will be on Thursday, January 19th at noon. This is a great opportunity for our senior citizens to meet, fellowship, and eat. Come see some old friends or make some new ones. The event is held at the Horace Fincher Center on Priest Blvd. Please RSVP by 3 PM on Monday, January 16, to Paola Rios at city hall by email (paola.rios@lytletx.org) or call 830-709-3692 Ext. 109. It’s open to Lytle Residents; I’m not even going to ask what age makes you a senior citizen. You can contact city hall for that info. I will wait to see what’s on the menu, if it looks good, I may “con” my mom into picking up a plate for me. It wouldn’t be a complete weekly report if I didn’t include some sort of traffic/construction update. So, here it is (this is “big” so pay attention): Starting on Wednesday, January 11th, the southbound access/frontage road from FM 2790 to FM 3175 will convert to one-way. It will be southbound only. To put it like a guy like me understands “The road in front of Bill Millers BBQ will be one-way, going south only…like towards Natalia”. This isn’t permanent; it’s just during the construction which will take several months. We have been dealing with this on the opposite side of the interstate but the traffic flow over there is much less. I am sure it will be interesting. On the bright side, the access roads will be much nicer once all this work is done, I hope I’m still alive to see it completed. I was out sick most of last week. I spent a few days in bed and then slowly began to recover. Mostly a sore throat, congestion, and tired. I got worried for a little bit; I thought I was like old Bill Murray in that Groundhog Day movie from the early 90s. (He is caught in a time loop and relives the same day over and over.) That’s because every time I woke up and checked the news for several days it was the same thing…. they were taking a vote on the Speaker of the House. Until next week
My son insisted on a rather odd snack last week. “I want some pickles and syrup,” he said with big eyes, shaking his head up and down like he was preparing for the most awesome thing. “Are you sure?” I asked, thinking he wouldn’t take more than one bite. Boy was I wrong. Yesterday he asked for the same thing, only he added blueberries to his request. Blueberries, pickles and syrup. Whatever floats your boat, I guess. “Mmmmm!” he exclaimed, “That’s good!” Well if you are feeling adventurous, you have a new recipe to add to your menu. I am confident not many of you have tried it!
It is with a feeling of sadness that I sit down to write my column this week. My beloved brother-in-law passed away this past Saturday. The last several years have been really hard on him, as due to truly poor circulation, he had lost both his legs and was pretty much confined to a motorized wheelchair. He usually had a great outlook on life, knowing how closely he had come to losing his life several times. He found a hobby in making bird houses for all of us, and then he began making miniature ones for us to use in our plants. He also loved using the word-find puzzles and went through one book after another of those. He was able to move around the house on his scooter and could do a certain amount of cooking and wait on himself to a great extent. And, most of all, he kept his binoculars at hand so he could keep an eye on the deer that frequented his yard. He was a dedicated hunter in his younger days and always worked hard at being a good sportsman, and that included going to the coast and fishing, as well as hunting turkeys, and just being outdoors. He spent twenty years in the Army Reserve and retired three or four years ago with a good rank. (He just told me what it was last week, but I don’t remember!) He was a veteran of the Army as well and loved our country, our flag and his church. He never missed going to church on Sunday, unless he was confined to bed and couldn’t attend. These last several years, they have had a vehicle that he could drive his wheelchair into, be fastened down and he and my sister would go, not only to church but occasionally to the grocery store and to Victoria or even to the doctor in San Antonio if necessary. Until recently, she was able to drive them anywhere they wanted to go, but she finally needed neck surgery, so for the past couple of months, they’ve had two caregivers, as well as help from their daughters when necessary. At one time when she had a health problem, I even managed to get him where he needed to be for an appointment or whatever was needed. He will be missed by many, many people! RIP, Bob Jungman, you were a good man and a good friend to all who knew you. We are almost through our first month of winter, however, most of the time it has still seemed like summer, other than a couple of weeks ago when we had a spate of freezing weather. I was totally glad when it was over! Now, believe it or not, Saturday and Sunday both brought us rain…there was a thunder storm going on when I was ready to retire Saturday evening and it quit during the night, only to come around again this morning when I was dressing for church. Have you ever given a thought as to how soup got started as such? Was a housewife making stew and she forgot to thicken the broth? Did she add too much water to the stew and make soup instead? There is nothing in any dictionary or encyclopedia that tells anything about the origins of soup. According to the Webster dictionary, soup is, “A liquid food made by simmering vegetables, seasonings and sometimes meat or fish”. A chef who had a hard time getting a joint or a tough old hen tender probably started it. In stories from older times, you read of people taking a nice pot of broth or soup to a neighbor who was unwell. Chicken soup has long been touted as something to be eaten if you are ill. Believe it or not, it really is supposed to have some curative powers. Soup was even the basis of a children’s story called “Stone Soup” which was featured on every child’s favorite show of the time, Captain Kangaroo! It was actually a story that taught children about sharing with others. Following are some of my all time favorites, including Caldo de Res, that you will find in colder weather at many of the restaurants that feature Mexican food. Caldo de Res 2½ pounds beef shank, sliced 1-inch thick, bone in 1 medium white onion, chopped 1 tablespoon salt 2 teaspoons ground black pepper 1½ cups beef stock 1 can tomatoes (if you use whole tomatoes, cut or mash them up, or use the diced, canned tomatoes) 4 ears fresh corn 4 medium sized russet potatoes 2 zucchini 6 carrots or 12 to 14 baby carrots ¼ cup chopped cilantro Water to cover 1 small head cabbage 1 lime, cut into wedges Sliced jalapeños, for garnish Cut each piece of beef shank into three or four pieces, being sure to leave some meat on the bone. Sauté the beef chunks with the onions, salt and pepper. When beef is browned, add the beef stock and the tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about one hour, or until the beef is very tender. Wash the vegetables, cut each ear of corn into four or five pieces, cut potatoes into quarters and the carrots into equivalent sizes, or if using baby carrots, leave them whole. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise, and then cut into 1-inch chunks. Add the vegetables and the cilantro. Add additional water to cover the vegetables and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Cut the cabbage into 8 wedges, leaving the core intact and then place cabbage into the mixture and simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until cabbage is tender. Cheese Soup ¼ cup butter or margarine ½ cup each, finely chopped carrot, celery and onion ½ cup flour 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch 4 cups each, chicken stock and milk. (Canned chicken broth can be used 1 pound shredded cheese (1 cup cheddar, 1 cup Velveeta and ½ cup American) Salt and pepper to taste if desired (salt may not be necessary if you used canned broth). Sauté together the butter or margarine, carrots, celery and onions. Stir in the flour and cornstarch; cook and stir until bubbly. Add the stock and milk. Cook and stir until smooth and thick. Add salt and pepper to taste. Potato Soup 3 or 4 large Russet potatoes Water (I had chicken broth and used that to cook the potatoes, very good) 2 to 3 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 onion, chopped ¼ cup diced celery 1 to 2 cups milk or half and half or a combination of both Salt and pepper to your taste 1 cup shredded or diced cheese (optional) Salt and pepper to your taste Parsley (optional) Peel potatoes and cut into small chunks, place in pot and barely cover with water. Cover and cook until tender. While the potatoes are cooking, sauté onions and celery until onions are transparent. Set aside. When potatoes are tender, use your potato masher and lightly mash them leaving some un-mashed. Stir in onions and celery, add milk, and bring just to simmering. Add cheese if used. Heat gently until cheese melts, stir in parsley if used. (I had potato soup at a restaurant several weeks back, when we were in Victoria and it had either chopped up sausage or ham in it. I have tried this at home using diced ham, and it is delicious). (When I made this soup this past weekend, I had diced cheese and some shredded and not much of any of them, so just mixed it up and put in about 1½ or more cups). The following recipe is called “Grandma’s Chicken Mulligan”. It is as much a stew as it is a soup, and the recipe is aptly named, as my Grandmother and Mother made it regularly in the wintertime when I was growing up. Of course, Grandpa had to go to the hen house and catch a hen, butcher it and clean it before Grandma could make this! It really tastes best when made with a stewing hen, but you can use a broiler/fryer instead if that is what is available to you. Grandma’s Chicken Mulligan 1 cooking hen (4 to 6 pound) or use large broiler/fryer, or chicken parts if desired 1 to 2 tablespoons salt 1 or 2 onions, chopped 1 pint home canned tomatoes, or a 16-ounce can, whole, broken or cut into pieces 2 teaspoons chili powder 3 or 4 medium size red potatoes, cut into chunks (Grandma always had her own, garden grown red potatoes). Russet potatoes can be used, but they tend to break up and get mushy when cooked in this recipe, so the red are really best. 1 can cream style corn Thaw hen; cut into serving size pieces. Place in a large pot and cover with water. Add salt and cook until chicken is tender. Remove the chicken, set aside and pick meat from bones if desired. Add the onions, tomatoes, potatoes and chili powder; cook until potatoes are done. Return chicken to pot, add the corn and simmer about 20 minutes. Serve in bowls with crusty rolls or corn bread. (I made this recently and it was a delicious as I remember it being. Super-easy 5-can Soup 1 pound ground meat 1 package taco seasoning mix 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes 1 can stewed tomatoes 1 can shoepeg corn 1 can Ranch Style Beans 1 can mixed vegetables Brown meat in a large pot with taco seasoning mix; then add all cans of vegetables without draining them. Bring to boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to blend flavors. You can brown your meat and then transfer everything to a crock pot and keep hot on low temperature if desired. (Instead of the ground meat, I used 1 qt. vegetable broth, the taco seasoning, 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables, and 1 cup frozen corn).
One of the most “fun things” for me regarding December deer hunting is the changes in deer movement due to the rut. This year was no exception. On a Mid-December day, I went out to our Home Place with my friend Scott Crabtree, AKA The Turkey Meister. He has been on a lease up by Brady for a good while and has all the deer he needs to harvest for his family use up there. They have less of a population in the way of a turkeys, so he is our official Turkey Harvester as I don’t much care to hunt them. Scott has taken a few deer and hogs with us down in La Brasada , and mainly donates those deer (all properly tagged and recorded) to folks without access to the meat. In the 2022-2023 season he had already harvested his management and trophy bucks up there so was out with me, hoping for a Gobbler or two to walk by his blind. We hunted until about Noon and saw very little. Taking the back roads on the way into Charlotte for some lunch, we spotted a couple of nice bucks “walking around on a mission” along with several groups of does out feeding. The same thing happened when returning, and we decided to “high tail it” back to our hunting locations. Around Midafternoon Scott texted me that he had a big 6 point with no brow tines working his way toward the feeder. My response was an immediate Take Him! The research I have studied shows that the characteristic of weak to no brow times has a highly likely “pass along” effect from generation to generation in white tails. I have long practiced the management plan of removing all 2.5 year or older bucks with that trait. The net result of that viewpoint, plus his good shooting skills was the harvest of a mature deer that ranks as one of the larger bucks we have every taken off on our place. We did not weigh him, but I am confident he weighed in the 150 + pound field dressed range. While that may be a nice story, the real point is that we have NEVER seen this deer “in person” or on our trail cameras that have been out for several months at multiple locations. This “stranger” came visiting from who knows how far away, looking for some receptive does. His hocks, all stained and blackened, prove what was on his mind. Likewise, some of the very recognizable mature bucks that have been observed and documented for months are no longer “around” our acres. Hopefully some, if not all, will return unharmed from their travels. Biologically speaking, this is another reminder of The Good Lord’s game plan to insure there is less inbreeding among the whitetail population. At least on low fenced places like ours. And while I marvel and am humbled at that Wisdom, from this old Farm Boy’s viewpoint, it just adds another level to the fun of being out in La Brasada during the rut and having the potential to ask the question…. Where did HE come from?
Juanita Torrez Cervantes (Nita/Jenny), age 45 of Natalia, Texas entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. She was born August 6, 1977, in San Antonio, Texas. Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, Anunsacian (Chon) and Anita Torrez; brother, Ramon Garcia. She is survived by her loving husband of thirteen years, Juan Cervantes; sister, Jessica Ferdin (Venancio); five special God-Children; numerous extended family and friends. Visitation will be held Monday, January 9, 2023, 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas. Mass will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2023, 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
On Friday, December 9, Gilbert E. Ricord, 66, of Pearsall, Tx, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away. Born to Mannie and Martha Ricord of Devine, Texas, Gilbert was raised alongside his 2 sisters (Elizabeth & Eleanor) and 3 brothers (David, Lonnie & Ricky). Gilbert worked many years at local tire shops and convenience stores. Those who stopped by will remember his infectious laugh and friendly nature. When not working, he took every opportunity to go fishing. Whether it was along side his brother, Lonnie (Captain), oar at the local pond, going fishing was his happy place. Gilbert was predeceased by his parents Mannie and Martha Ricord, and his brother David Ricord. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Maria, and their 5 daughters Valerie, Nicole, Estrellita (Jason), Martha (Joseph), and Priscilla (Timothy). There are 3 granddaughters and 5 grandsons who love their Grampi very much. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at San Pablo United Methodist Church.
Barbara Lynn Carr Pacini, born May 18, 1962, went into the loving arms of the Lord on December, 20, 2022 at the age of 60. Barbara loved being a mother and grandmother. She was always available to help friends and loved planning special occasions and making beautiful decorations and gifts. She thoroughly enjoyed being an educator and helping children grow and learn in the classroom and in their faith. She is loved and will be dearly missed by parents Charles Richard Carr & Lee Cowan Carr; her daughter Jacqulynn & Josh Hermann of D’Hanis; and her son John & Monica Pacini of San Antonio; and grandchildren Stella Pacini, Tyson Hermann, and Cassius, Christian, and Cadenece Hermann; and a brother Rick and Barbara Carr. Barbara earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Houston at Victoria. Barbara was married to Tony Pacini in Victoria, TX. Born to the marriage were the loves of her life, her children Jackie and John, her two biggest blessings. After they married they moved to Devine, TX where she made lifelong friendships and his parents ran a dairy farm. She taught in Devine, D’Hanis, and Big Springs. She loved to teach math, which was her favorite subject, and created “Pacini City” to help kids understand the value of money. Everyone had a job with a salary and would have to pay to do certain things. She taught CCD in Devine and D’Hanis and helped start up the Alter Server program in Devine with her friends. When Barbara and the kids moved to D’Hanis one of her favorite things to do with her teenage children and their friends was to play board games one night a week. Some of her favorites were Farkle (dice) with the kids, and Euchre with her friends and having movie nights/game nights with her friends and families. When she retired from teaching Barbara took on a new career selling insurance for Get More Insurance in Devine, TX, with her friends the Sultenfuss’ who were like family to her. Then, when her parents health started to decline and they needed help she dropped what she was doing to help them day to day. She also made time to take care of her grandson Tyson a couple times a week. She was so excited to become a grandmother, “GIGI” and made both Tyson and Stella newborn clothes and a sleeping pillow. She loved making clothes for everyone. Barbara hand sewed Jacqulynn’s wedding dress, and made the grandkids many outfits. She even made Stella’s first Halloween costume. She also sewed diaper bags and breastfeeding pillows. Anything they needed she looked up how to make, including rompers when that was all Jackie felt comfortable wearing as her belly grew. Barbara was super creative, from Halloween costumes growing up (John was a John Deer Tractor) to Jackie’s Mardi Gras themed party where the kids all built their own cardboard boxes. If you had an idea she was able to bring it to life. More recently she would enjoy the days she got to pick the grandkids up from school and hang out with them until their parents got home. They would always play some sort of board game or card game. She loved gifting them different books series she thought they would be interested in and helped them enjoy reading for fun. She made a huge impression on everyone she met. Since her passing many ex-students have reached out expressing their love for her 20+ years later. She never met a stranger and always made everyone feel welcome. Services have been changed to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 14th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine. A reception will follow in the hall.
Jacob Sanchez, age 35, of Bigfoot, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, on Thursday, January 5, 2023. He was born November 23, 1987, in San Antonio, Texas to Raul D. Sanchez and Maria Del Jesus Sanchez. Jacob is preceded in death by his brother, Tony Sanchez. He is survived by his loving wife of eighteen years, Rebecca Renee Powe; daughter, Karli Joy Sanchez; father, Raul D. Sanchez; mother, Maria Del Jesus Sanchez (Oscar); and mom, Yolanda Ornelas, siblings, Raul Sanchez, Jr., Jose Luis Sanchez, David Sanchez (Stephanie), Saily Z. Sanchez (Jessica), Donald Ornelas (Jessica), Suzanna Vasquez (Uriel), Jose Sanchez, Jr., Jeremy Currie (Hilary); nephews, Connor, Isaac, Oliver, Wyatt, and Ryan; nieces, Bailey O., Bailey D., Leighton, Mia, Bella, Mariyah, Chloe, and Aunalyse. Bonus family, James and Jennifer Howard, David and Donna Powe, Eric and Amanda Rodriguez, David, Jr. and Taryn Powe, Chelsi and Sam Hall, & Erika Temple. Jacob went to live with his Aunt Yolanda in Bigfoot when he was six. He stayed with her through school, and he graduated from Devine ISD in 2006. He continued his education at Texas A&M, graduating in 2016, with his Bachelor of Science. He landed his dream job, teaching and coaching at Devine ISD in 2016. He taught sixth and eighth grade Science, and coached football, basketball and track, for the last seven years. Jacob met the love of his life, Becky, while in High School and in 2015, they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Karli Joy Sanchez. He blossomed as a father and was wrapped around Karli’s finger. He was always going above and beyond to provide for his family and make all their dreams come true. Jacob had a love for the beach. In the summer he would take his family down for weeks at a time to stay in their camper. He woke early and plotted their day of fishing. He was always after the biggest catch. He, also, recently, started taking guitar lessons so he could play and sing to Karli. Their favorite song to sing together was Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash. Jacob loved spending time with his family as often as possible. Football Sundays were spent in Bigfoot watching games and trash talking the other teams and on how, his Titians, were going to win. On the off season it was flea market, Ross, then Game Stop. He loved to find a good deal, and splurged on whatever deal he could find. Throughout Jacob’s life his love for people shined through in many ways. He initiated a few projects to help his community, mowing yards for those who couldn’t do for themselves, and collecting shoes for students in need. He would often have snacks available in his classroom, and sneak in food for his students, and buy tacos and doughnuts for his colleagues. He was the kind of guy that made you feel like you mattered, no matter what your background was. Jacob would tell you if you were in the wrong, and how to turn it around. He believed in supporting one another, however possible. Jacob truly felt the calling to be a teacher, not just in the classroom. “I’ve never wanted a student to dread coming to my class, I make sure to tell them, ‘I want to see them everyday’, I tell my kids that I truly do care about them and they become honorary “Sanchez” when they are taught by me.” -Jacob Sanchez. A Visitation will be held Thursday, January 14, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016. Funeral Services will be Friday, January 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 308 W. Hondo Ave., Devine, Texas 78016. Interment at Longview Cemetery on CR 2729, Bigfoot, Texas. If anyone wishes to make a donation to “Jacob’s Love Fund”, an account is set up at Security State Bank, Devine, Texas. Also, available for donations https://venmo.com/u/jacoblovefund and https://cash.app/$jacoblovefund75 Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guest book may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Thomas Steven Smith of McQueeney, Tx, took his seat with Our Lord on December 11, 2022 at 68 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Walter and Lillian Lee Smith of Devine, Tx, his brothers Gerald Walter Smith, Jr, and Patrick Wayne Smith, sister Debra Ann Johnson, and daughter (in his heart) Denae Erin Enfinger. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda Marie Smith; brother Michael Ray (Mike) Smith and wife Linda of Celina, Tx, sister Dana Lynn Hood and husband Tracy of Seguin, Tx, brother James Allen (Jimmy) Smith and wife Jeanne of Adkins, Tx, lifelong best friend and brother Scott Matykiewicz and wife Trish of McQueeney, Tx; children Steven Thomas Smith and wife Stacey of Schertz, Tx, Daniel Alan Smith and wife Danielle of McQueeney, Tx, Lisa Marie DuBose and husband JR of Devine, Tx, Christopher Michael Smith and wife Jessica of Warrensburg, MO; grandchildren Kortney Cannon, Celeste Smith, Kahlie Smith, Jonathan Washington, Clint DuBose, Steven Smith, Brooke DuBose, Harper DuBose, Brielle Smith, Scarlett Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved like his own children. Tommy served in the US Navy until his second child was born, and then began driving a truck for Texas Test Fleet alongside his father. He drove for many companies throughout the years, the longest being Parkway Transport (HEB) for the last 33 years of his career. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, siblings and in-laws and sharing tales of life on the road and memories of the past. He could tell a story like no other, and his love for family was endless. Services were held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, Tx 78209, on December 30, 2022 at 1:15pm, under Shelter #2. There was a luncheon that followed at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 1530 Kitty Hawk Rd., Universal City, TX 78148.
Chavela Camacho Gonzales passed away at home peacefully on December 27, 2022, in Live Oak, TX at the age of 69. She is preceded in death by her son, Clifton Charles Gonzales, her parents, Tomas, and Santiaga Camacho;Grandmother, Irena Cerna; Siblings, Ruben Camacho, Lupe Gauna, Tom Camacho; Sister and Brother in laws, Carmen Camacho, Margie Camacho, Bartloa Camacho, San Juan Gauna, and Stella Camacho; Mother and Father-in-Law, Efren and Apolonia Gonzales whom she loved dearly. Chavela is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Clifton Gonzales, Daughter, Rebecca Cavazos (Edward), Grandchildren, Israel, Bianca, Olivia, Noah, and Great granddaughter, Ellie; Her siblings, Paul (Jean), Manuel (Aurelia), Chago (Pat), Josie, and Vicki Camacho. Born on June 14th, 1953, in Pearsall, TX, Chavela was the youngest of 10 brothers and sisters. In her childhood, she enjoyed making wonderful memories with her siblings and cousins playing outside. Chavela loved to play with dolls. She was spoiled by her grandmother and always got what she wanted. In her teen years, she discovered her love and passion for dancing and big hoop earrings. On July 29th, 1978, she married Clifton V Gonzales in her hometown of Pearsall, TX. Together, they built a life in San Antonio and had two children, Clifton Charles Gonzales, and Rebecca Camacho Gonzales Cavazos. Chavela was a stay-at-home mom and took pride in taking care of her family, ensuring home cooked meals were on the table each night. She attended and volunteered at every event for her children and always knew how to make her family feel better when something was wrong. Chavela woke up each morning joyously to make breakfast and lunch for her husband. She supported and loved him dearly and was grateful for the gift of being able to stay home and raise their two wonderful children. Throughout the years, Chavela often told her children stories of her childhood that included many cherished memories with her parents, grandmother, brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends, growing up overall. There was never a quiet moment in the presence of her sweet soul. She held a very close bond with her many nieces and nephews, and she often expressed this love with the upbringing of her mother’s teachings in dedication to family. Chavela was known for remembering every birthday and made a friend wherever she went. She loved to laugh, joke, and truly lived a life of every moment mattering to life and her family. Chavela was diagnosed with a degenerative disease in 1995. She often told her family she was going to fight the disease and promised herself she would be able to stand up for her children’s graduation. Chavela surpassed this goal and so many others and while able to care for her first grandson, Israel Nathaniel from birth until elementary school age; teaching him preschool and kinder concepts. She loved her grandchildren dearly and considered herself extremely blessed to be a grandmother. Chavela will forever leave a lasting imprint on their hearts. She was an active member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church. Chavela always ensured her children received a catholic teaching, each were baptized, received reconciliation, and were confirmed at St. Monica’s Church. She attended weekly prayer groups and made many friendships through her faith. When Chavela was no longer able to attend services due to her illness, she and her husband watched the daily rosary and mass from home as her continued commitment to God. Chavela will be deeply missed by so many. Her memory will live on through her loving family and friends. A very special heartfelt thank you to her husband, Clifton Gonzales for providing the best care for her and his commitment to his vow as a husband to care for her through sickness and in health. The family would like to also thank the many special individuals who were with them in so many ways during her last weeks of life. Pallbearers: David Camacho, Edward Cavazos, Gary Allen, Israel Urdiales, Jerry Camacho, Joe Valadez, Manuel Camacho, and Mario Camacho. Honorary Pallbearers: Noah Cavazos, Bianca Herrera, Olivia Gonzales
