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Mary Marlene Sutherland

Mary Marlene Sutherland, age 85, of Devine Texas passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2026.
Marlene was born on January 19, 1941, at her family’s home in Atascosa County to Irene and Fritz Schroeter. She spent her life devoted to her family near and far and was known for her sweet and kind spirit.
Marlene had a deeply artistic nature and a keen eye for detail. She loved creating art and spent time painting many beautiful pieces that reflected her creativity and appreciation for beauty.
At a young age, Marlene’s family moved to Oaxaca, Mexico, where she and her brother, Don, spent many days walking the short distance from their home to explore and play among the ancient Zapotec ruins. Marlene always treasured her time in Mexico and the memories made there. Eventually, her family returned to Devine, Texas, where she continued her schooling.
After graduating from high school, Marlene moved to Panama City, Panama, where she lived for two years. She later settled in Austin, Texas, where she began raising her family. After seven years in Austin, she returned to Devine where she lived for the remainder of her life.
Marlene had a love for travel and adventure, visiting family in Alaska, touring parts of Europe, and returning to the southern regions of Mexico she had loved so much in her youth. She dedicated more than 20 years as an educator with the Devine Independent School District where she taught several grade levels and touched the lives of many students.
She is survived by her sons, Louis Davis of Devine, John Davis and wife Pennie of Devine, and Eric Davis of Luling; her brother Donald and wife Mary Jo Schroeter of Fort Worth; her sister Annella Dickinson and husband Frank of Valdez, Alaska; her brother Fred Schoeter and partner Ronny of San Antonio; and her sister Sara Thornbloom and husband Austin of San Antonio. She is also survived by grandchildren Jeanie Cherry, Joy Funke, John Davis, Joseph Davis, and Rose Davis; great-grandchildren Bayleigh Davis, Beau Davis, Everett Cherry, Abigail Cherry, Clara Funke, Easton Funke; and many nieces and nephews.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband of 18 years Leroy Sutherland, sister Yvette Harless, and nephew Rusty Dickinson.
A memorial service for Marlene will be held at a later date.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all those who knew her.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.

San Juanita “Janie” Garcia

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude that we announce the passing of San Juanita “Janie” Garcia, who departed this life peacefully on March 1, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on February 10, 1937, in Pearsall, Texas, Janie enriched the lives of all who knew her with her vibrant spirit, compassionate heart, and unwavering dedication to her family and faith.
She was a proud, hard-working woman who embodied the values of her strong Catholic tradition. She guided her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with love and wisdom.
She was an exceptional cook, known for her delicious meals that brought family and friends together, and she had a love for gardening.
Though her presence will be deeply missed, Janie’s legacy of generosity, compassion, and love will endure in the hearts of all who knew her. She leaves behind a family grateful for the gift of her life and the lessons she imparted.
Janie was preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Filomena Martinez; late husband Pete R. Garcia; daughter Belinda G. Morales; son Peter Garcia; and sister Clara Martinez. She is survived by her sons, Augustine “Tino” Garcia and Ricky Garcia; granddaughters Jennifer Morales Tindle and Sandra Garcia Velasco; great-grandchildren Jaslynn, Jadelynn, Maddie, Sydney, Ayden.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services Chapel of Devine. Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016 (830) 663-4445.

Margaret Gottary Grothues

Margaret Gottary Grothues, age 95, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026. She was born on September 20, 1930, in San Antonio, TX to the late Leonard and Louise (Wauters) Gottardy. Margie is also preceded in death by her husband, John W. Grothues, Sr., and her siblings Lucille Calle, Rosalie Cerna, Prudence Froebel, Gerald Gottardy, and Geraldine Kellner, and son-in-law, Keith Carter.
Margie was a former Lytle Library Board Chair, former Lytle Woman’s club member, and former Lytle ISD School Board Member. She is one of the members of the Woman’s Club that raised money for and built the Lytle Public Library. Margie also worked for years as the library assistant at Lytle Elementary School. She later worked at Hirsch Elementary School Library. She was a long time member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and helped organize the building of the prayer garden.
As a member of St. John Berchman Catholic Church, she was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Altar Society. As a founding member of the Belgian American Club, she contributed to two books, and co-edited The Belgian Gardens. Margie is survived by her children and in-laws Patricia and Joe Butler of Austin, John Grothues and John Ibanez of Houston, Edward and Elisa Grothues of Lytle, Cynthia Carter of Lytle, Matthew and Chrissy Grothues of Pleasanton, and Julie and John Maguire of San Antonio; grandchildren Stephen, Joseph, Sarah, Rachel, Nathan, Travis, Ethan, Emily, Jacob, Maggie, and Beth; 8 great grandchildren; brothers and in-laws John Gottardy, Richard and Barbara Gottardy, Leatrice Gottardy, Gene Kellner, and Elsie Grothues; as well as numerous nieces, and nephews.
A Visitation will be held in her honor on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with a Rosary recited at 7:00pm at Primrose Funeral Services of Lytle, Texas. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church of Lytle, Texas. Burial will follow in Lytle Community Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her loving husband, John W. Grothues, Sr.
If you would like to express your condolences or share a memory, please do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Funeral services are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas

Arabian lifters Jimenez, Gonzales, Caballero are State Bound!

The Arabian Powerlifting team enjoying a meal together for their regional meet at Edinberg.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The Arabian powerlifting team has had an incredible season, no doubt. Fourteen ladies qualified for the Region V Class 4A D2 Championships on March 3 in Edinberg at Bert Ogden Arena.
For 2026, three Devine lifters continue on as they qualified to compete on the state’s biggest stage…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!

Pirates basketball breaks throughto Area championship game

Head coach Arturo Vela motivating his players during a pivotal timeout during Lytle’s playoff win over Great Hearts Northern Oaks. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Lytle Pirates stellar season ended in the Area championship game against Poth, 54-69. The Pirates had a brilliant season, holding the second seed in district with a record of 11-3. This squad was a combination of speed and skill on offense while competing hard on defense every single night. Even though they had their go-to scoring options, every player on team would not hesitate to pass up a good shot for a better one for their teammate.
“Some nights the ball doesn’t bounce your way. We missed quite a few shots and couldn’t quite find our offensive rhythm early,” Head coach Arturo Vela said. “I felt like shots finally started falling a little too late, but our defensive effort kept us in position.”
Before their final game against Poth, Lytle had thrilling first round rematch against Great Hearts Northern Oaks High School, who bounced the Pirates out of the playoffs last year. The Pirates won that game 62-60 after Great Hearts surged back late in the game.
“We had the opportunity to compete in front of a big crowd, and more importantly, come together and stay together to secure the win,” Vela said. “Greater Hearts did a great job adjusting in the 4th quarter, and our guys responded the right way.”
Vela said the goal for this season was to play fast on the defensive end with an emphasis on ball pressure and controlled on the offensive end. What has elated him about this philosophy is that everyone from 7th grade to the seniors have held up that standard.
“Throughout the season, our focus was to improve defensively by pressuring the ball and to execute our offense with discipline. As the season progressed, I truly felt we grew on both ends,” Vela said. “More importantly, I felt we matured through pressure situations. We became the team that forced others to adjust to us, especially with our full-court pressure.”
Breakthrough. That would be the word Vela would use to describe the season. He expressed the challenges that came with being a first year head coach and how the early losses in the season fostered doubt in their minds. However, Lytle embraced the trials ahead of them because they knew the tough times would make them better as a team.
“Once we began to see the vision of where we wanted this team to be, and started stacking wins, everything slowly began coming together — from our coaching staff to our players,” Vela said.
To close out the season, Vela expressed his appreciation for the community who have been “incredible all year.”
“The mayor and our AD, Lori Wilson, made sure we had everything we needed and that Pirate Pride was felt everywhere we went,” Vela said. “To my seniors — thank you for helping create, mold, and shape the foundation of the culture I’m building here in Lytle. I appreciate the five of you for always protecting the ship.”

Local Volleyball alumni goes international

Devine, Texas — Rylee Esquibel, Devine High School graduate and former Arabian is taking her volleyball talents across the globe. Lakeland University Women’s Volleyball Team will be traveling to Brazil internationally to experience the global side of the sport.
The trip will provide Esquibel and the Lakeland University squad with the opportunity to play against international teams while immersing themselves in Brazil’s vibrant culture. For the athletes, the experience will be about more than just competition — it will also be about representing their university and communities on an international stage.
Esquibel, who made a name for herself during her time at Devine High School as a dedicated and hardworking athlete, continues to build on that legacy at the collegiate level. Known for her strong work ethic, she has become a valuable contributor to Lakeland’s volleyball program.
The international experience will allow the athletes to explore Brazil’s landmarks, cuisine and culture, while creating memories that will last well beyond their volleyball careers.
For the Devine community, seeing one of their own succeed at the collegiate level and travel internationally is a source of pride. Esquibel’s journey from a local high school gym to international volleyball courts serves as an inspiration for young athletes.
As Esquibel continues her volleyball career at Lakeland University, her trip to Brazil marks another milestone in a journey that began in Devine — proving that dedication, teamwork, and passion for the game can open doors around the world.

Warhorses team champs in Lytle with 195 points

Warhorse Enoch Hall and Pirare Angel De La Rosa race with full effort towards the finish line during the track meet in Lytle. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The Warhorse track and field team keeps racking up championship plaques as they secured yet another just down I35 in Lytle last week. Devine almost hit the 200-point plateau falling just short with 195 but it was still more than enough to defeat runner up San Antonio Cole who finished with 116. Lytle was third with 102.
Devine had several first place finishes, especially in the…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Arabian track pops 211 in Lytle, Rylie Wells sets school record in Long Jump

Arabian Claria Gulley hands off the baton to Brooklyn Hinnat during Devine’s dominant win at the track meet in Lytle. Photo by Moose Lopez.

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Once again, the Arabian track and field team put together a 200-point performance as they won the Lady Pirate Relays in Lytle last week. Their 211 points topped Hondo who finished with 99 while third place San Antonio Cole wrapped up the day with 91 points.
As one can imagine, Devine had several gold medal outcomes but none more impressive as Rylie Wells setting her new…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

­­Lady Mustangs high powered offense breezes by Blanco and Bandera

Lady Mustang Claire Wise is hounded by her teammates after hitting a homerun. Photo by Mable Byrd.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Varsity Lady Mustangs were lights out at the plate in their last two games before the start of district. In their last three games (all wins), Natalia has scored a total of 37 runs. At the time of press the Mustangs are 9-8 and are clicking at the right time.
Vs Blanco
In Natalia’s dominant win over the Panthers, the Lady Mustangs set the tone early, running the score up to 6-0 at the bottom of the first inning. They opened up the scoring after an error from Blanco scored one run, then Selyene Gallegos doubled scoring one run. Then another error by the Panthers scored two runs, and a wild pitch scored two runs. The final…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!