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Lytle to host July 4th Annual Independence Day Celebration

This year the city will be partnering with the Lytle Chamber of Commerce for Lytle’s Annual Independence Day Celebration to make the event even better. The event will take place on July 4th at the John Lott Municipal Park. There will be food trucks set up along with live entertainment from both Chuck Wimer and Matthew Ryan.
The music and food trucks will start at 5:00 pm and last till around 8:20 pm with fireworks being the Grand Finale. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the evening with family and friends. Don’t forget the bring your lawn chairs and dancing boots.
If you don’t want to stay for the fireworks show feel free to visit the food trucks for a great dinner option and enjoy some live music.

Welcome, Billie Bell, New CEO of Medina Healthcare System

As one of Medina Healthcare’s most tenured executives, Billie helped advance the system’s growth strategy and clinical initiatives over the years.

Hondo, Texas, June 23, 2023 — Medina Healthcare System officially welcomes Billie Bell as their new Chief Executive Officer who began her new role on June 5th, 2023.
Billie Bell succeeds Janice Simons, who announced her retirement from the Healthcare System in March. Her appointment came after an extensive selection process by the board.
“The Board and I are confident that Billie Bell will continue with the advancements of Medina Healthcare System” Tim Hardt, President of the Medina County Hospital District Board of Directors, continued. “She is a seasoned leader with significant experience working as CNO and we are lucky to have her as our next CEO.”
Billie Bell has served as Medina Healthcare System’s Chief Nursing Officer for the past 7 years. In this role, Billie has focused on building exceptional teams and strategies to deliver high quality care. As one of Medina Healthcare’s most tenured executives, Billie helped advance the system’s growth strategy and clinical initiatives, through service line expansions, a commitment to exceptional patient care, and investments in healthcare technologies. Before joining Medina Healthcare System, Billie spent 2 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas as a Senior Manager.
“I am honored to be chosen as the next Chief Executive Officer for Medina Healthcare System,” said Billie Bell. “By working together with my partners and colleagues, I am determined to use my role to build a stronger more cohesive healthcare system for our residents, families, and friends.”

Family transforms restaurant into a haircut hotspot

By Autumn Copeland
Hector and Felicia Garza are excited to introduce to you Hometown Cutz, a new full service barbershop located at 500 N Transportation Dr. in Devine. Their goal for their shop is to give people in the community a more affordable and caring option for men’s and boy’s haircuts and other services including waxes, hot towel shaves, beard trims, perms, and steamed facials.
Hector and Felicia are lifelong residents of Devine, high school sweethearts, and the parents of four boys- Xavier, Hector, Alonzo, and Ezekiel. Felicia worked in the food service industry at the Mexican restaurant Las Palmas from the time she was in high school until she was 32 years old. Hector worked in the oil field, but was never able to return to that line of work again after being in an accident and sustaining injuries to his arm and back.
During her time in quarantine with her family, Felicia realized she loved cutting her sons’ hair and was ready for a change in her work life. After getting the chance to go back to school, Felicia decided to attend a barber program and, with her husband’s patience and creativity, convinced him to go as well. The couple went to barber school for a year and bought the old Valdez Restaurant in November of 2022. Immediately they began to remodel the building, turning the old restaurant into a modern yet classic barbershop in six months.
“I just really want to be a big part of the community,” said Felicia. “I am for the customer. When you take care of your customers and care about your job, they take care of you in return.”
Being a mother of four boys, Felicia knows the struggles of getting haircuts with the steepening prices. She believes basic necessities such as haircuts should be affordable, so they offer child rates.
“Everybody who’s on a budget these days just can’t really afford it, so we really want to give them an affordable option,” said Felicia.
Another concern of Hector and Felicia’s is the accessibility of affordable haircuts for seniors. A 62 years and older senior citizen haircut costs $12 at the barbershop.
“What happened to the cut that went up from $8 to $12 to $15 that’s now at $35?” said Felicia. “We have senior citizen prices, we have kid prices, and regular haircut prices are affordable.
In the two weeks their barbershop has been open, Hector and Felicia have seen great support from the community. To show how much they appreciated customers giving them a chance, Hector and Felicia gave out 52 free haircuts during their first week of being open.
“If you go in with a good attitude and a positive mind, the positive outweighs the negative,” said Felicia. “Our doors are always open and we are ready to serve our community and welcome anybody.”
Hector and Felicia’s strong love of family and the bond they have with their hometown is shown through everything they do. It is truly a family business as you will often find their little helpers around the shop including their 16 year old Hector, who helps clean.
“What sets us apart is that we’re from here and we care,” said Felicia. “We care about the school, we care about the kids, we care about our community.”
Hometown Cutz is open from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
See their weekly ad in the Devine News for more information.

Stefanie Maria Vera

Stefanie Maria Vera, age 68 of Devine, Texas entered eternal rest on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. She was born on November 28, 1954, to parents Domingo and Maria Hernandez Vera in Devine, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Tim H. Vera, Vicente Vera, Jesus Vera, Esmeregildo Vera, Josesito Vera, Domingo Vera, Jr., sisters Lorenza Martinez, Cecilia Hernandez.
Stefanie is survived by her brother, Albino Vera, sisters Marcy Jay, Josephina Salinas, Miquelia Castillo, Romalda Vera, Lupe Moore, nephews and nieces, Anthony Vera, Joshua Vera, John Vera, John Moore, Gabriel Rene Vera, Alfonso Vera, Alvino Vera, Jr., Frankie Salinas, Lupe Vera, Vanessa Vera, Adela Moore, Connie Salinas, Mary Salinas, Elena Salinas.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 8:00 A.M. Primrose Funeral Services Chapel Devine, Texas. Rosary will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 9:00 A.M. with Mass to begin at 10:00 A.M. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Devine, Texas with interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
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.

Jerry Gray Jones

Jerry Gray Jones was called to his eternal home June 26, 2023, fifty-six days after losing the love of his life, Lou Ann. Since her passing, he longed for the time that they would be together again. Jerry was born March 26, 1933 to Sam and Elsie Jones in San Antonio, TX. He graduated from Devine High School in 1950 and married Lou Ann Montgomery on May 29, 1955. They were married for almost 68 years and were blessed with four children.
After graduating high school, Jerry enlisted in the United State Air Force during the Korean War and served his country as a radar specialist from 1950 to 1954. After marrying Lou Ann, Jerry worked Civil Service and was later called into the ministry and pastored several churches throughout South Texas. As a pastor, Jerry enjoyed sharing the gospel with others at every opportunity. He was always available, day or night, whenever there was a need in the congregation or community.
Jerry loved deer hunting, traveling with Lou Ann and camping in their RV, spending time with the grandchildren, and family get togethers.
In 2018, Jerry and Lou Ann moved to Kingwood to live with their youngest daughter Betty and her husband Todd. He spent his final years there and enjoyed watching westerns on TV and spending time with 3 of his great grandchildren, Caleb, Hannah, and Molly. The family would like to express their gratitude to Susan Finley for giving up so much to care for both Jerry and Lou Ann and being a good friend to them. We are forever grateful for the loving care she gave them.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Lou Ann, his parents, Sam and Elsie Jones, brothers Edwin Jones, Thomas Jones, and Romie Jones, sisters Cleo Wheeler, Shirley Johnson, and Cherry Jones. He is survived by his brother David Maurice Jones, sister-in-law Mildred Jones, children Johnny (Karen) Jones, Carol (Mike) Newbery, Kathy (Kirby) Haertner, Betty (Todd) Rogers, grandchildren, David (Natasha) Jones, Jessica (David) Bonnet, Joey (Leslie) Newberry, Jennifer (Jason) Moseley, Amanda (Ryan) Meegan, Emily (Justin) Robinson, Bradley (Stephanie) Rogers, and Erin Flowers, 14 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on June 30th at Primrose Funeral Home in Devine, Texas. A visitation will be held preceding the funeral beginning at 8 AM. Interment will be at the Tomerlin Cemetery.

Thomas (Tommy) David Johnson

Thomas (Tommy) David Johnson, 71, of El Campo, peacefully passed away on June 19, 2023. He was born on December 15, 1951, to Cleo Nelvin Johnson and Helen Fern Ellis Johnson. He grew up in and around Lytle, Texas with his parents and sister Sue.
After graduating high school in Lytle, Texas, he went on to play football on scholarship at New Mexico University, and then at San Angelo State. He went to work at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville, and then enjoyed a successful career in sales as a manufacturer’s representative with several companies, capping off his career at Team Associates in Houston.
He married Mary Helen McDonald in 1979 and had their son Hunter Thomas Johnson in 1986. Tommy and Mary enjoyed hunting together and bringing Hunter on countless road trips. During that time, he also built many friendships in El Campo. After Mary passed away, Tommy and Hunter spent several years in Houston before moving to El Campo in 2000. Soon thereafter, Tommy met Mary Williamson and they were married in 2005.
Tommy was an avid hunter, enjoying numerous hunting trips throughout his life across the United States, Canada, and Bolivia. He loved many other outdoor activities, including fishing across the world and at his “honey hole” on the bay. He especially enjoyed spending time at the San Miguel with his family and friends.
Tommy was great at the things he loved. He was an excellent gardener, and anyone who knew him loved his tomatoes. One of his greatest gifts was his ability to tell a story. But in recent years, when Tommy became a grandfather, he found his greatest joy – his grandkids.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents Cleo and Fern Ellis Johnson and his first wife Mary McDonald Johnson. He is survived by his wife Mary Williamson Johnson; son, Hunter Johnson and wife Elizabeth, and children James, Henry, and Catherine; daughter Laura Williamson Duncan and husband Tyson, and their children Tyson Dove and Mary Margaret; daughter Sarah Williamson Burden and husband Michael, and their children Ila and Harrell; son Thomas Williamson; and sister Cleo Sue Johnson Huntsman and husband Emet (Buster) Huntsman.
Viewing will be 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, El Campo, followed by the Funeral Service with Rev. Dr. Erin McGee officiating. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Lytle Masonic Cemetery in Lytle, Texas.
Pallbearers are Miltie McDonald Devin, Sean Huntsman, Shelley Huntsman Jones, Jay McDonald, Robert “Chico” McDonald, Touchstone McDonald, Zach Montello, Christopher Raun, Paul Schnake, Brooks Ware, Ryan Ware, and Andrew Webster.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Transplant Foundation or Ronald McDonald House.
Triska Funeral Home, El Campo,TX, 979-543-3681

Peggy E. Montgomery

July 14, 1934 – June 18, 2023
Peggy Montgomery, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend went to be with the Lord on June 18, 2023, at the age of 88. Peggy was born on July 14, 1934, to Eugene and Nina Whorton in San Antonio, Texas.
Peggy is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Teri Lynn Montgomery; both her parents and sister Evelyn McBee.
Peggy will be missed by many including her loving children Tammy McDaniel (Michael), Timothy Montgomery (Vaña), Randy Montgomery (Tammye), Ronald Montgomery (Melissa); sister Patsy Henager (Thomas) as well as 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Elmer Dale Stehle

Elmer Dale Stehle, age 72 of Leakey, Texas, entered eternal rest on Saturday, June 24, 2023. He was born on March 26, 1951, to parents, Elmer Phillip and Mary Eunice DuBose Stehle in Hondo, Texas.
Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Phillip Stehle and Mary Eunice DuBose Stehle.
He is survived by his children Troy Stehle, Traci Blackman and husband Brent, Phillip Stehle and wife Krystal, Tyla Stehle, Jessica Gutierrez and husband Matt, grandchildren Korin Ricord and husband Dillon, Alissa Stehle, Gabi Blackman, Karissa Stehle, Cayden De La Cruz, Ty Stehle, Ryan Gutierrez, Kalli Stehle and Sadie Gutierrez, siblings Lynda Johnston, Cindy Kendrick and husband Randall, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Dale was blessed by his nine grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and was extremely proud of each of them.
Dale spent his life in Devine where he served as a Texas State Trooper, and then Constable. After he retired, he enjoyed his hill country life in Leakey, Texas.
Dale loved Devine and the surrounding communities. He loved his work, and he loved sports. You could always catch him at a softball or football game telling stories and sharing words of wisdom. He also had a love for coon hunting in his younger years.
We know he has touched many lives and leaves behind many fond memories for many friends and family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Services are pending at this time. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to the Medina County Sheriff’s Brown Santa. Please send donations to: 801 Avenue Y, Hondo, TX 78862, In Care of Cara Thomas
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.

Terry Rex Mayhew

Rex Mayhew, 82, of Lytle, peacefully, passed away at his home, on June 20, 2023. He was born on March 15, 1941, to Guy and Juanita Mayhew in Edinburg, Texas.
Rex moved to Lytle at the age of 6, when his father established what is known as Mayhew Farms. Rex graduated from Lytle High School, and Southwest Texas State in San Marcos. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Ann, in 1962, and shortly thereafter had their daughter Terri in 1963. They loved to travel and explore new places. They especially enjoyed the snow country of Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, spending weeks at a time driving to these beautiful destinations.
Rex was an avid outdoorsman, he loved to farm and hunt, enjoying numerous hunting trips across the United States and British Columbia. Rex served on the board at Lytle State Bank for 27 years and spent many years on the BMA Irrigation Board. He knew the history of the local water wells and offered his advice to the city on water issues. Rex loved the community of Lytle, often volunteering his time and resources by donating hay and trailers for the annual Christmas hayride. He also donated auction items to the LASSO organization each year by building swings and picnic tables.
Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Juanita Mayhew and wife, Phyllis Ann Mayhew.
Rex is survived by his loving daughter, Terri Pringle; brother-in-law, Larry Stanfield and wife, Jeri; loving, grandsons, Shawn Pringle and wife, Megan, and Nathan Pringle; and great grandchildren, Hudson and Holly Pringle.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 10:00 A.M at Lytle United Methodist Church, 19341 S. Somerset St., Lytle, Texas 78052.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105; https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
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.

Shirley Baker bloomed in Tiny Town Devine

Class of ‘82: L-R: Clarice Wood, Jennifer DuBose, Debbie Bush, and sitting, Shirley Baker at the FBC Hobo Party.

As told by Shirley Baker Humberson:
Ode to Seniors 82
Now that summer time is near
Anticipation grows.
Graduation brings new worlds
Of fun for you to sow.
Details you may not recall
But surely you will deign
To know Shakespeare or Macbeth’s lines
You won’t have learned in vain.
Meanwhile let us reminisce
Once more of student’s ways—
Things you’ve done throughout the year
In time will muse your days,
Journalism, paper staff—
You labored under fire.
Deadlines kept you working hard
To lessen B.G.’s ire.
Other courses bring to mind
Debates with Coach Malone.
Worries over chemistry
Exams brought mournful groans.
Football taught new strategies;
Each year we struggled through.
Basketball brought some success—
The Warhorse spirit grew.
Honors came to special ones;
Our Queen was Mary Lou.
Shirley was the favorite girl of 1982.
Malefactors used free time
To mow and paint and clean.
Student council worked to start a campus-pride campaign.
Silly things somehow remain
Like glasses someone smeared —
Sacrifice our dignity
To pass the stress-filled year!
Seems so many things
Would surely bring us doom.
Later on we’ll understand
that here our lives have bloomed.

KAVTR

I found this poem written by Kathleene Runnels, our senior English teacher, to be a perfect fit for remembering the class of 1982 – the happiness, the details, and even disappointments of our years in high school. Lots of laughs and silliness ensued, from the annual green hand inductees for F.F.A. to the Halloween water balloons!
The stories I can recount, too many to mention. One in particular came just after the “Around the World” party. We had finished up with the country of Australia at the Baker’s house, where everyone ended up being thrown into the pool. Fun times, except not everyone knew how to swim, a brief yikes!
Once cleared from any harm the party ended and several friends headed to the DQ for the infamous drive around to see who was there. My friend Debi Crouch (prior to Campsey) and I devised a plan that we would tell our mothers that each one of us would be spending the night at each other’s homes. To this day I have no idea what we thought we would do! The town shut down and the lights began to blink at 10:00pm. At the time I was driving Paul Haas’ old 1959 Chief Apache pickup. I proudly purchased that from him with the money I saved from working for $2.25/hour all summer long at Devine Nuts.
In our cruise around the DQ, we happened upon Kenny Lessing. He, too, had a very old blue truck he called Bessie. I pulled up next to him and asked if he would like to race out at the quarter on 2200. He gladly accepted the challenge, and off we went, neither truck having the ability to break 60 miles per hour (laugh laugh).
Just when we were to turn off 173 to 2200, we began to pass my mother’s car. With a stern face and in her night gown, she pointed a finger right at us and commanded we get home right away. My mother looked directly at me and stated that my father wished to speak with me. Instant tears began to flood my face for fear of my father’s wrath. Debi Crouch assured me that “WB” would not be that angry.
Once we arrived, my dad was sitting in his recliner, calmly reading the Devine News. He lowered the paper and grimly stated that “stupid people do stupid things. Don’t be stupid. Now go to bed.” I was shocked and relieved by his response, and promptly grabbed Debi’s hand and headed to my room. Of course, Debi had to tease me for crying so much.
She said, see “WB” wasn’t that mad.
I never did get to race that quarter of the highway, and I believe that Kenny Lessing would have blown me away. This didn’t stop me from blooming, as we all did in this sweet tiny town of Devine!