It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mary Lee Enderlin, on June 10, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on July 3, 1942, in Val Verde County, to George and Mary Cammack, who precede her, along with her husband, Kenneth Enderlin, brother William Cammack, and sister Dorothy Carney. Mary Lee devoted her life to her family, her work, and the simple joys that made a house a home.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she found her greatest happiness in time spent with those she loved. She especially cherished farming alongside her husband, tending her garden, cooking favorite dishes for family gatherings, browsing shops on a leisurely afternoon, and making trips to the coast. For two decades, Mary Lee served the Natalia School District with dedication and care.
Mary Lee is survived by her sons, William Enderlin and wife Sandra, Darrell Enderlin and wife Rachel; her daughters, Laurel Ijams, Leigh Enderlin and husband Gabriel Hernandez, Rose Mary Delaney and husband Robert. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Katie and Wyatt Enderlin, Jessica Nehr and husband Matthew, Mariana Aramburo, Dustin Keith and wife LaShelle, Whitney Keith and husband Tye Dowell, Bo Enderlin, Shelby Vestal, Jacob and Jacelyn Delaney; and by her great-grandchildren, Kylie, Lylah, and Kolby Keith, Kooper and Kenna Dowell, Manolo Garcia, and Kreese Sellers. Her legacy of love and perseverance lives on in each of them.
Visitation will be held on June 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Primrose Funeral Home Chapel, 303 W. College Avenue, Devine, Texas. Funeral services will be conducted on June 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 301 Pearson, Natalia, Texas, with interment to follow at Moore Memorial Cemetery in Moore, Texas.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a life well lived and a heart that never stopped giving.
Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Author: admin
The Forgotten History of Father’s Day
“A father carries pictures where his money used to be.”
-Steve Martin
Settled on our calendars and marked the third summer Sunday in June comes the most humble of all our holidays. More socks, ties, and crayon-covered cards are awarded on this day than on any other in the year. Some call the day “Dad’s Second Christmas.” No matter our age, if we are still blessed with a living father, we celebrate. If Dad has passed, we remember him. Dad’s day is, of course, Father’s Day. How did it start? I wanted to know…
While it seems that some forms of father remembrances were practiced even in ancient times and at various places, as it turns out, two intrepid women deserve credit for launching our American version of Father’s Day.
We know that Mother’s Day gained traction first (originally organized in 1908 and then recognized as a national holiday in 1914). Perhaps inspired by the success of Mother’s Day, the first Father’s Day service occurred in Fairmont, Virginia in July of 1908. But the seed of this first Father’s Day was birthed from tragedy.
The Monongah mining disaster was the result of a coal mine explosion that happened on December 6, 1907, in Monongah, West Virginia. It has been described as “the worst mining disaster in American history.” The official death toll was 361, but it is believed that the actual number was much higher. The disaster widowed 250 and left over 1,000 children fatherless. Overwhelming grief permeated the entire state.
Six months later, in the summer of 1908, Grace Golden Clayton was mourning the loss of her own father. Prompted by her grief and considering the recent and incalculable loss of fathers in the mine disaster, she organized a special memorial service, held on July 5, 1908. This observance was well received, but did not, however, become an annual event, in part because of its date. They tried to continue the practice every year, but the day was always overshadowed by the 4th of July. But Father’s Day was to catch on in a different place, on the other side of the country. The next year, in 1909, a woman in Washington State would take up the cause.
The practical origins of Father’s Day as we celebrate it here in America are primarily the work of Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. She initially proposed the idea of a Father’s Day to honor her father, William Jackson Smart.
William Smart was a farmer and Civil War veteran. Born in 1842 in Arkansas, he had the unusual experience of fighting on both sides during the war. As an Arkansas native, he first fought for the Confederacy. But in 1863 he switched sides to fight for the Union. When the war ended, William married his first wife Elizabeth. In 1878, she died and William was left to care for his three children – an infant daughter, a five-year-old son, and a six-year-old son.
After two years of single fatherhood, William remarried in 1880. His second wife Ellen had three children of her own. William and Ellen, apparently determined to be fruitful and multiply, added seven more children to their family and moved from Arkansas to a farm in the Pacific Northwest.
William was widowed again in 1898 when Ellen died. His older children were grown, but he was left to raise his 16-year-old daughter Sonora, and five sons, ages 7-15. Sonora said in later years that her dad performed the role of father “with courage and selflessness until we were all in homes of our own.” William Smart was a good dad.
While attending a Mother’s Day service in 1909, Sonora Dodd was inspired. She thought we needed a holiday for fathers. Soon she convinced the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA to set aside a Sunday in June to celebrate fathers. On June 19, 1910, the first Father’s Day events were held in Spokane. These popular and publicized events struck a chord with the rest of the country, soon reaching all the way to Washington, D.C.
In 1913 a Father’s Day bill was introduced in Congress. In spite of an endorsement from President Woodrow Wilson, it did not pass. Eight years later, President Calvin Coolidge signed a resolution in favor of Father’s Day, but nothing more happened. Later, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed an executive order proposing that Father’s Day be celebrated the third Sunday in June. But it wasn’t until 1972 during Richard Nixon’s administration that Congress passed an act establishing Father’s Day as a national holiday.
This Father’s Day, if you are still blessed to have your dad, consider doing these three things. Forgive his failures. Being a dad is hard work and it’s easy to make mistakes. Then give him a good, hard hug. Dads need these too. And tell him you love him. That’s all he needs. And maybe just one more pair of socks…
Meet Joey … a sports fan looking for a forever family
Meet 13-year-old Joey … a sports fan looking to be matched to his forever family …
Joey is described by his caseworker as a cheerful & energetic boy who is a joy be around, and although he may seem a little shy at first, he quickly forms connections when he finds shared interest with others. As he loves to learn from others on a variety of topics. And that learning discussion leads to making new friendships. The quest to learn is a part of Joey’s natural curious and adventurous nature, as he is always eager to lean and explore new things.
Joey enjoys all sports and activities, but he has shown a special interest in soccer, basketball, and football, and wishes to continue to thrive and develop in these activities. He loves to play soccer as it is favorite sport and plays on his schools’ team.
Even though he likes to be outside, Joey also enjoys indoor activities like watching TV and playing video games, such as Fortnite and Roblox.
Joey would like his future forever family to know he is loves going to amusement parks, and he is not a picky eater, but given the option, he prefers Mexican style food. And would like to have a mother and father to be cheering him on as his biggest fans in the stands, as he plays in his various sports…
In his own words; Hello! My name is Joey! I love soccer and football; I can’t wait to show you, my talent!
If you think you could be a forever family for Joey, or another Texas child, please call 1-800-233-3405 for more information or visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find a schedule of online public information meetings, and learn about the foster/adoption program.
You can also view the www.heartgallerystx.org website, where South Texas children have their portraits along with individual personal stories they wish to share, with their future forever family.
The City of Devine Launches Operation GET LIT!!
City of Devine Announces Partnership with AEP to Upgrade Street Lights to Energy-Efficient LEDs
In the next couple of weeks, across the city of Devine, you will see AEP service trucks changing out all old streetlight fixtures. The City of Devine is proud to announce Operation GET LIT!!, a new partnership with American Electric Power (AEP) to replace streetlights throughout the city with energy-efficient LED lighting.
This important upgrade is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to improving quality of life for our residents. By installing brighter, more efficient LED lighting, Devine will enhance public safety, improve visibility along city streets and in neighborhoods, and create a brighter environment for drivers, pedestrians, and families.
Beyond improving safety, this project will also deliver meaningful energy savings for the City. Traditional lighting uses far more electricity to produce the same amount of light as LED fixtures. LED lights are designed to use significantly less energy while providing brighter, more reliable illumination. That means the City can reduce overall electricity consumption, lower utility costs over time, and make better use of public resources.
LED lights also last much longer than older lighting types, which means fewer replacements and reduced maintenance costs.
I’m excited about this new initiative, states City Administrator David Jordan, With lower energy use, longer life, and improved performance, this upgrade is both a smart financial decision and a sustainable investment in Devine’s future.
The City of Devine appreciates its partnership with AEP in helping to bring these improvements to our community. Together, we are building a safer, brighter, and more energy-efficient future for Devine.
Celebrating“OLD GLORY” at the Park this Sat. June 13! Everyone is invited! FREE Flags & Popsicles
Where: Joe E. Briscoe City Park pavilion, 1550 N. Windy Knoll Drive, Devine
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026 Time: 9:00 – 11 am
What Is Happening: An official America 250 celebration and dedication in Devine, dedicating a new flag pole and marker commemorating Flag Day and our nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The program includes: recognition of veterans and historical groups, readings, the delivery of the flag by the Rescue Fire Truck, first raising of the US flag and musket salute by SA Chapter #4 Sons of the American Revolution, as well as photo opportunities.
Music: “Fort Sam’s Own” 323rd Army Brass Quintet will provide the patriotic music. Sing along with the 323rd Army Band as the play the National Anthem “The Star- Spangled Banner”, “God Bless America”, “America the Beautiful”, and “She’s a Grand Old Flag” to name a few.
Presented By: Devine Chamber of Commerce Historical Committee in cooperation with the City of Devine
FREE FLAGS: Flags will be handed out by the Devine VFW and Current Events Club for you to wave patriotically and decorate your home with as well.
…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!
MISSION DEVINE!
June 15-19 Join and HELP paint, build handicap ramps, walk-in showers for the elderly
By Kayleen Holder & K.K. Calame
Editor/Publisher
Mission Devine volunteers are hoping to complete around 31 projects this year for those in need. They need volunteers of all abilities, but they are especially in need a few people with at least some carpentry/plumbing experience to lead teams of volunteers.
They always have more projects pending, if they can find some new leaders with a little experience who are willing to take the reins. “This year we have 27 projects in the works that our teams will try to complete during Mission Devine week June 15-19. We do have 4-5 more that have been approved but we don’t have anyone to take the lead on those projects yet. Finding skilled volunteers to take over and supervise jobs such roofing, ramps, plumbing repairs is always our biggest hurdles,” said Donna Trott, Mission Devine volunteer.
“We have 4-5 elderly residents needing handicap ramps, and I know we have one volunteer who will be the lead on some of those, but we have more than one project leader can handle. So we need someone comfortable with taking on a couple of those ramp projects,” said volunteer Cliff Redus.
Another great need are handyman volunteers to install handicap bathroom items.
Project leaders aren’t necessarily professional contractors, but have at least a little bit of experience, and will help guide a group of 4-5 volunteers on their teams.
“Whenever our leaders feel like they get into an issue that is a little more than they can handle, we have some professions who are on-call to help out when needed,” Redus said.
On the other end of the spectrum, Mission Devine has smaller projects as simple as yard work, installing a ceiling fan, and exterior paint jobs.
Mission Devine will also be helping several local families in need of roof repairs this year.
What makes Mission Devine special?
“The scriptures teach us to be doers of the work,” Redus said. “To me, it’s a wonderful opportunity to set aside your own agenda for a week and give back to other who just need a little bit of help….to be the hands and feet of the Lord.”
When is it? Mission Devine work week will be Monday June 15 through Friday, June 19, 2026, though occasionally volunteers will complete projects before or after the main work week.
Kick off- June 14. The Kick off service will be at Devine First Baptist Church in the fellowship hall on Sunday, June 14 at 6:00 pm. During the week of Mission Devine, St Joseph Catholic Church will host. Various churches will provide the breakfast and lunch daily.
What can you help with?
Ways to help: Painting crew, tree and yard service, our prayer team, carpentry work, electrical, plumbing, roofing and much more.
We start every morning with breakfast and devotionals. Come back at noon for noon meal. Please help spread the word
Where can you sign up?
If you need to fill out an application online, please go to Missiondevine.org. Or just show up at 7:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church hall and join a team. Breakfast and a devotional starts at 7:30am. By 8:00 am crews are headed out the doors.
TO VOLUNTEER, show up kickoff Sunday, or any morning or lunch during Mission Devine week. You will be assigned to a team. One day, half day, all week whatever you have time for. For further info call Todd Summers at 210-287-6883.
Shirts & Caps- The signature “Mission Devine” red T-Shirt with bold white letters and ball caps will be on sale daily. Shirts are only $10 and caps are $15, to cover the costs.
Donations can be made to : Mission Devine, Po Box 134, Devine, Texas 78016. Or dropped off at the St. Joseph Catholic Church hall during Mission Devine week or given to your local church.
www.missiondevine.org.
Mission Devine is a non denominational ministry of the South Texas Ministerial Fellowship a 501(c)(3).
Mission Devine NEEDS YOU!
Volunteer June 15th-19th
Screwworms hitting close to home, it’s time to act
Bob Bendele, 80, remembers the screwworm battle in the 60’s very well. Today, he shared some stories and advice for the next generation of ranchers. Above, Bendele and his dog Smokey work some of the cattle he’s raised over the years. It’s time to act…Check all animals including dogs and pets as well as livestock every day for open wounds and use the available spray and covering to prevent infections.
Meeting June 23rd at Medina Co Fair Hall
By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Screwworms have already begun to take a toll on livestock within 60 miles of here. The first was reported June 3 in LaPryor where a calf came down with it, and within days three more cattle and a goat were reported between Zavala, LaSalle and Gillespie Counties. A Texas vet had also reported an infected dog, however, the dog was actually located in New Mexico. Officials say now is the time to get prepared and take action to prevent losses here at home.
We spoke to Bob Bendele, of Devine, who lived through the Screwworm battle of the 60’s.
“I’m 80 years old, and I’ve been in and out of ranching for most of my life, mostly in,” Bendele said.
We asked if he had any advice for younger ranchers as we go towar with the New World Screwworm.
“Keep an eye out, but keep a nose out too,” Bendele said. “Stand downwind because it stinks terribly, and when there’s Look at your cattle real closely, because you don’t just look for infestation, you need to be looking for the eggs.”
He notes that the art of roping and doctoring cattle every day has been long gone for a while now.
“When we eradicated screwworms it made absentee ranching possible. This is a game changer. Long ago, on those big ranches, you’d have cowboys who would ride and doctor cattle daily. Is that gonna come back now? Because every single calf has to be caught and doctored. Just stop and think about that,” Bendele said.
“Most people don’t…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!
Devine Lions Club thanks community for successful Golf Tourney
1st place team in Lions Golf tournament were Kellen Nixon, Mark Marcum, Bonnie Manning and Kenny Kerr.
The Devine Lions Club would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for making their 36th Annual Golf Tourney a success. Without their backing the Lions Club would not have the resources to fund their projects for the coming year. All the money generated in this tourney goes back into the town of Devine. An extra thanks goes to the Devine Golf Course and staff. Also, thanks to the Devine News for printing the tourney flyers and their publicity. A special thanks to HEB for providing water and Gatorade for all participants. Thanks to Kellen Nixon, Scott Herring, Jeff Wisenbaker, Bill Herring, and Ron Richards for all their extra help.
Prize money: 1st place of $750, Brown Chevrolet; 2nd place of $570, Chaparral Ford and 3rd place of $450, American Momentum Bank.
Hole Sponsors: $1000 Chris B. Christians, $1000 Jerry and Anne Dykowski, $500 617 Brown LC (Frank and Lynn Bain, George and Martha (Bain) Wall, Bill and Karen Bain), $500 Devine Chamber of Commerce, $200 Todd Summers, $500 Mark Kidd, $300 Herrera’s Income Tax Service LLC, $200 Marsha and Lewis Stroud, $200 Alma Horvath, $300 Martin and Debbie Bomba of Window World, $150 Lytle State Bank, $200 Ernie and Cindy Morales, $200 South Texas Refuse Disposal Inc. Freddie Cuellar & Blake Caesar, $150 Circle C Services, $250 George and Martha Wall, $200 Eric Smith, $500 North Park Chevrolet in Castroville, $250 Devine Education Foundation.
$100 Hole Sponsors: Bo and Wendy Maxwell, Alexander Insurance, Security State Bank, Devine Current Events Club, Tommy’s Tees and Embroidery LLC, Medina Glass, Jim and Betty Walter, Todd, Ashtyn, and Rynlee Grandjean, Knights of Columbus, VFW 3966, Jeff and Susan Wisenbaker, Scott and Sherry Herring, Bill and Linda Kreinhop, Devine Garden Club, Tommy Weisinger, Tommy Ramirez, Lee Davis, James Ornelas, Charlie’s Daughter, Linda McAnelly Consulting, Gary and Nancy Saathoff, Jerel Beaty, Steve Anderson, Franklin Wanjura and Tex and Judy Eaddy.
2nd place team in Lions Golf tournament were Kara Navarro, Todd Grandjean and Gary Schmidt (not pictured) with Lions Kellen Nixon and Lewis Stroud. Kara and Todd donated their money back to the Lions Club.
3rd place team in Lions Golf Tournament were Jay Dishman, Bryce Dishman and Jack Dishman pictured with Lions Kellen Nixon and Lewis Stroud.
Hats off to Natalia’s class of 2026!
Natalia’s graduating class of 2026 release their caps into the air in celebration of leaving High School behind and beginning their own unique journeys into the world. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Tessa Del Toro receiving her dipolma. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Raeann Juarez gave the benediction during Natalia’s 2026 graduation ceremony. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Jayston Rodriguez gave the closing remarks and the recognition of the tassels during Natalia’s 2026 graduation ceremony. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Andres Terrazas receives his dipolma during the 2026 Natalia graduation ceremony. Photo by Mable Byrd.
Today’s students, tomorrow’s leaders; Devine Graduate Chosen to Intern in Washington, D.C.
By Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
From the pastures of Devine to the offices of the nation’s capital, 2023 Devine graduate Harper Parson recently began an internship in Washington D.C. through the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program at Texas A&M University.
Son of Chad and Carly Parson, Harper, a Animal Science senior, is one of 17 students selected to spend the entire summer as an integral part of the House Committee on the Agriculture-Majority Office. He will be monitoring legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings and preparing reports for senior staff members.
Stephanie Webb, director of the ANRP internship program, explains that this internship is one of the few in the nation that specifically focused on “transforming today’s agricultural students into tomorrow’s leaders.”
“Through this opportunity, students use what they have learned in the classroom in a professional work setting,” Webb said. “Not only will the D.C. experience be attractive to future employers, but our students are also providing valuable assistance to the officers in which they intern.”
The program is in its 36th year and has had more than 1,300 Aggies participate. Each student receives course credit for their internship as well as a scholarship in the form of housing, which is partly supported by private donors and commodity organizations.
Growing up in Devine, Parson already had an affinity agriculture and livestock from raising show pigs with his family. During his tenure as a Texas Pork Junior Ambassador, he was able to lobby on the behalf of the national pork industry, catalyzing his passion for livestock production while protecting its interests on the federal level.
Parson is involved with numerous organizations at Texas A&M, but his proudest achievements is competing in the 2025 National Champion Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team, as well as winning the 2025 Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Conference. He also competed on the 2026 Meat Animal Evaluation Team and served as the Chairman of the Swine Committee, and serves as the Vice President of the Animal Science Ambassadors.
Congratulations to Parson on this incredible achievement!