In Loving Memory of Belinda Mata DuBose

Belinda Mata DuBose passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2026, at the age of 68. She was born on July 24, 1957, in Highland Park, Illinois, to her parents, Maria and Jesus “Chuy” Mata.
Belinda lived her life filled with love, strength, dedication, and faith. She shared her life and made cherished memories alongside her husband of nearly 25 years. She was known as a sister in Christ at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she served on the ACTS team and was always willing to volunteer or lend a helping hand.
She enjoyed sewing, a hobby taught to her by her mother. Belinda came from a large family and cherished every opportunity to visit loved ones in Illinois. She’d gather with her parents, siblings, daughters, nieces, nephews, and cousins and share lasting family memories.
Belinda and David always had a large garden where she enjoyed seeding her own plants and flowers. She truly had a green thumb and was also a member of the Garden Club, Quilting Club, and Art Club.
She loved to travel and visit churches along the way. She also enjoyed traveling in her RV, always bringing the dogs along on their adventures. In her later years, she especially cherished traveling with her daughters, spending time together laughing, and creating fun memories they would always treasure. Belinda and David loved to dance; any music had them floating around the dance floor. She was known for her unforgettable laugh and her love of life.
She is survived by her husband, David Wayne DuBose; mother, Maria Mata; children, Jennifer (Martin) Reyes, Monica J Villarreal, Ashley (Derek) Coyle, Samantha (Coy) Barber, and David DuBose II; grandchildren, Emma Coyle, Hannah Coyle, Kade Barber, and Gustaf DuBose; siblings, Mario (Darlyn) Mata, Mary Elsa (Marquette) Fricot, Elizabeth (Dennis Mahoney), Mark (Teri) Mata, and Dina (Richard) Oberman; siblings-in-law, Debbie DuBose, Don DuBose, Janice DuBose, and Pam (Ron) Shoemake; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jesus “Chuy” Mata; parents-in-law, Darrell and Evelyn DuBose; and brother-in-law, Darrell “Tinker” DuBose.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a rosary at 7:00 PM, at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.
Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:00 AM, with interment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Devine, Texas.
A meal will be provided by the family immediately following the burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall.
The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.
Her memory will be cherished forever by all who knew and loved her.

In Loving Memory ofNorma Alice Calderon

Norma Alice Calderon, lovingly known by many as “Grandma Alice” and “Grandma Grandma,” passed away on May 15, 2026, at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 89.
Alice was born on August 20, 1937, in Fort Davis, Texas to Jim and Magdalena Hartnett and was the oldest of seven children. In 1950, she moved with her parents and sisters to San Antonio, Texas, where she later graduated from Little Flower Catholic School in 1955.
In 1958, she married Antonio Calderon of Marfa, Texas, and together they built a life centered around faith, family, and service. During Tony’s 23 years in the United States Air Force, Alice proudly served as a military wife, traveling across the country and creating a loving home wherever life took them. Together they raised three daughters: Jeannie Olivares, Elizabeth Vera, and Terri Lerner.
After returning to Texas, Tony and Alice eventually settled in Devine, Texas in 1976, where she spent the past 50 years surrounded by family, ranch life, and generations of grandchildren. She worked for many years in the hotel industry and later became a nanny in Dallas, a role she deeply loved until the birth of her first great-grandchild, Alyssa Cortez, created five living generations in the family.
Alice returned home to help raise and nurture the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who filled her life with purpose and joy. Her home was always full of laughter, love, stories, and the comforting smell of homemade treats. Christmases will never be the same without the famous baked cookie baskets she lovingly prepared and gifted to everyone she cared for.
She held a deep affection for spending time with her grandchildren and treasured the close bond she shared with her best friend, Melly Haro. Alice was strong, independent, loving, and endlessly devoted to her family. Her kindness and generosity touched all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Magdalena Hartnett; sisters Esther Hartnett and Olivia Fauley; former husband Antonio Calderon; and beloved great-grandson Triese Vera.
Alice leaves behind a legacy of love through her daughters Jeannie Olivarez, Elizabeth Vera, and Terri Lerner; sisters Teresa Hernandez, Arlene Imkin, Sally Gwyn and husband Larry Gwyn; brother Jim “Jimbo” Hartnett and wife Liz Hartnett; along with generations of six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory.
Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Alice’s strength, warmth, laughter, and unconditional love will remain with us always.
Funeral Services will be Friday, May 29, 2026 at Primrose Funeral Home, 303 West College Avenue, Devine, Texas 78016 with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m. and Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. Procession to St. Joseph’s Cemetery to follow.
Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon at the Calderon Ranch following the services.

Darlene Hitzfelder Whetstone

Darlene Hitzfelder Whetstone passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, at the age of 92.
Born on June 11, 1933, to Alexander Joseph Hitzfelder and Adela (Kauffmann) Hitzfelder, Darlene lived a life centered on family, love, kindness, and quiet strength. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Darlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Edward Whetstone, who passed away on February 26, 2023. Together they shared a lifetime of love, commitment, and cherished memories. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Matthew Max Hitzfelder, Marie Virginia Hitzfelder, Alexander Joseph Hitzfelder Jr., and Therese Adella (Hitzfelder) Bendele.
She leaves behind her loving daughters, Becky Jolly (Mark Jolly) and Brenda Whetstone. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Jason Tuttle, Sean Whetstone, Anthony Whetstone, and Geoffrey Hillner, and a treasured great-grandmother to Bradford Andrés Carlson Jolly.
Darlene will be remembered for her warm heart, gentle nature, and unwavering love for her family. She had a special gift for making others feel cared for and welcomed. Whether through a comforting conversation, a shared laugh, or simply her presence, she brought peace and love to those around her.
Her family was her greatest joy, and the memories created with her will forever be held close in their hearts. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, compassion, and devotion will continue through the generations she leaves behind.
The family takes comfort in knowing that Darlene is now reunited with her beloved husband and family members who went before her. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

COLLEGE SIGNING DAY!!

Arabian Abriella Kayl will be attending Bryant & Stratton College. In her senior season Kayl had 13 plate appearances, nine at bats, one run and one RBI. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Congratulations to all the students furthering their athletic careers!

Warhorse Jackson Hagdorn signed to the United States Coast Guard. Hagdorn earned All-District honors in his last season at Devine. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Warhorse Riley Gutierrez signed to Schreiner University. In his final season in Devine, Gutierrez led his team in total runs at 17 and earned an honorable mention on the All-District team this year. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Warhorse Rudy Castillo signed to Arlington Baptist University. In his senior season, Castillo earned All-District first team honors with a .333 batting average, 13 hits and 27 K’s. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Warhorse Ryan Weinkam will be attending Texas A&M University- San Antonio. Weinkam was a force on the track this season. He and his relay team broke multiple school records and punctuated his senior with a trip to the State track and field meet in Austin. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Warhorse Tanner Davis will be attending Texas A&M- Kingsville. During a meet in Kerrvile this season, Davis won three gold medals and contributed 30 points to Devine’s 73 total. He took first place in High Jump, Pole Vault and the 400m dash. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Warhorse Trystan LaFond will be attending Wayland Baptist University. In his senior season at Devine, LaFond had 124 rushing yards while leading his team in total conversion points. Photo by Brigid Howard.

Warhorse Ty Sadler will be attending Bethel College. In his final season on the diamond, Sadler made the Academic All-District team. Photo by Brigid Howard.

DHS well-represented at STCA All Star Game

Devine had an astounding 14 student athletes make the South Texas Coaches Association All-Star game. Devine had multiple representatives across basketball, volleyball and football. The Warhorses who hit the field were Tyler Hinnant, Nate Martinez, Riley Gutierrez, Jackson Hagdorn, Trystan LaFond, Ty Sadler, Jeremy Steinbrunner, Mario Vicente and Derek Taylor. Photo from Devine Athletic booster club.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
For many high school athletes, the final game or meet of their senior season marks the end of a journey years in the making. But for 14 Devine High School seniors, the opportunity to compete one more time became a reality after earning selection to one of the prestigious South Texas Coaches Association All-Star Game in Floresville on May 14.
The honor serves as both a celebration of their accomplishments and recognition from opposing coaches who witnessed firsthand the impact these athletes made throughout their careers.
Selections to an all-star event are never handed out lightly. Coaches across South Texas evaluate athletes not only for statistics and performances, but also for leadership, consistency, sportsmanship, and the ability to compete at a high level against strong competition.
For Devine, having 14 seniors chosen speaks volumes about the caliber of athletes the Warhorses and Arabians placed on the field and court for their final taste of glory during the 2025-26 school year.
The selections also reflect the respect these seniors earned from rival programs throughout the region. Week after week, Devine athletes competed with determination and pride, often elevating the level of play around them.
Whether through clutch performances, relentless effort, or simply being dependable teammates, these seniors left lasting impressions on their own coaches as well who now have the privilege of watching them compete one final time, but this time, as fans…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 had two Arabian seniors participate in the South Texas Coaches Association All-Star game. Bella Flores and Cami Carroll got to hit the hardwood one final time in Floresville. Photo from Devine Athletic booster club.

Memorial DayServices May 24 in Natalia, May 25 at Devine VFW

The Veterans Memorial Monument Association, Municipal Development District and the City of Natalia will host a Memorial Day Service on Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial Monument.
Everyone is welcomed. Please bring your own seating.
We will pay TRIBUTE to all men and women who gave the Ultimate Sacrifice in defense of our Country.
Memorial Day starts the Annual Name Drive to add new names to the monument. Criterion is that the name of the individual who served our nation needs to have been born in Medina County, raised in Medina County or is living in Medina County. The cost for names to be engraved on the Monument will be $175 per name. The deadline for all names to be turned in will be September 1st, 2026. Forms can be picked up at the Natalia Municipal Development District Office, City of Natalia Office or on line at: cityofnatalia.com. Click on Community Places & Events, click on Natalia Veterans Memorial Monument name Registration Form, fill out necessary information and mail to the address on the form. Or you can also drop off the form at either office.

Medina County Museum Heritage Day May 23

OPENING CEREMONY 10:00 at the flagpoles in front of Museum with Judge Keith Lutz and members of Rio Medina Boy Scout Troop 471, SAR, SCV
Museum and outdoor exhibits will be open until 3:00 following the Opening Ceremony.
Exhibits include blacksmith shop, antique farm implements, 19th century wagons and buggies,
SAR American Revolution and SCV Civil War reenactors, 1913 D’Hanis Brick & Tile steam engine, old school house (complete with original WPA outhouses), 1964 (unrestored) caboose, and thousands of unique items portraying the frontier beginnings of Medina County when this 1893 Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was relocated from downtown Hondo to present location (2202 18th Street) becoming Medina County Museum in 1970.
Local DRT, CRT, 4H, CCHA organizations and vendors will be selling local honey, homemade soaps, lotion, yarn, and books.
There’s room for more vendors at no charge. Vendors bring your own canopy as shade is limited. No electricity available outside of buildings. We’d love to have music (piano, fiddle, guitar, harmonica, etc). Anyone wanting to sell hot food must get a (no charge) permit from City of Hondo; no permit required for sales of cold sodas, lemonade. If you’d like to bring a box lunch picnic, bring your picnic quilt and lawn chairs to eat under a shade tree.
The theme is Patriotic as we will be honoring our Veterans and our Nation’s 250 Years of Freedom so dress in Red, White and Blue; Veterans wear your Military insignia ballcaps. It’s also fun to dress in pioneer costume.
Come join in the fun!
For more information please contact Director @ 830-538-3911

Medina County Runoffs: This week is last chance to vote in two big races

Modgling-Everett will have a runoff against Bermea for the Medina County Clerk seat.

Two local races will end with the runoff election ongoing right now. Early voting continues until May 22, and Election Day is May 26th.
Vying for the JP 3 spot is Teresa Koch and Michael Sanchez.
Cindy Modgling-Everett and Kimberly Bermea are running for the Medina County Clerk seat.
For the runoffs, Early Voting began this week, May 18-22, and Election Day is Tuesday, May 26.

Massive power line project draws local backlash

Brandon Herrera, a Republican congressional candidate for the Texas 23rd District, and Wes Virdell, representing District 53 in the Texas House of Representatives, face local participants in a town hall meeting May 13 at the Devine VFW to discuss the controversial Howard-Solstice power line project. (Photo by Anton Riecher)

By Anton Riecher
Concern about land rights, health issues and cost of a proposed 370-mile power transmission line project to connect San Antonio to the Permian Basin in West Texas monopolized the discussion during a town hall meeting May 13 at the Devine Veterans of Foreign Wars hall.
Brandon Herrera, a Republican congressional candidate for the Texas 23rd District, urged those tracking efforts to win regulatory approval for the 765-kilovolt Howard-Solstice transmission line project to contact not one, but all their elected representatives able to bring influence to bear.
“Everyone should be hearing about this from you because they need to know that this is an issue that they should be advocating for as well,” Herrera said. “That might be enough to push them over the edge, that maybe they make a phone call and maybe that call has a little bit of influence to push things down the line.”
Wes Virdell, representing District 53 in the Texas House of Representatives, and members of the Hill Country Preservation Coalition were also on hand.
Only a few transmission…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!