Karen Jenkins, 71, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Christus Santa Rosa Westover Hills Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on July 2, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas.
Karen and Garry were married on June 21, 1969, in Pearsall, Texas. She had her Dietary Management and Activities certification for her positions at the Retama facilities and The Heights of Pleasanton, Texas where she worked many years and took pride in caring for others.
She is preceded in death by her husband Garry Lee Jenkins who passed in 2022, 4 siblings (3 brothers and 1 sister), and her parents Ben F. Brister and Lucille Ozell Brister.
She is survived by 3 children: son Earl Jenkins of Atascosa Co., son Ronnie Jenkins (wife Lindsay) of Atascosa Co., and daughter Jody Seiler (husband Wayne) of Medina Co., 9 grandchildren (7 grandsons and 2 granddaughters), 12 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews.
Graveside service with inurnment will be held for Karen and Garry Jenkins on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Rutledge Cemetery in Poteet, Texas.
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.
Category: Obituaries
Celebrating the lives of the loved ones we’ve lost
Maria “Mary” Sanchez Gallegos
In Loving Memory of Maria “Mary” Sanchez Gallegos, 8/14/1938-1/4/2025
It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Maria Sanchez Gallegos. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the age of 86 years old. Mary lived a full and beautiful life. She embraced her life as a homemaker, always making sure her family was taken care of. She enjoyed being outdoors, going to the coast, journaling, cooking and having family over.
She is survived by her brother Jose Sanchez, son Juan (John) Chavera and wife, Rena Chavera; grandchildren Heather Whitaker and husband, Marshal Whitaker; Stefan Chavera; Christiana Howton and husband, Everett Howton; Kimberly Chavera and husband, Joshua Nixon; great-grandchildren Zander Howton; Kailey and Kylie Nixon; Orion Howton; Peyton Whitaker, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Joe Gallegos; daughter Hilda Chavera; son Mario Chavera; parents Inez and Isabel Sanchez; siblings Hipolito Sanchez, Domingo Sanchez, Jesus Sanchez, Robert Sanchez, Emma Perez, Rosa Alaquinez, and Elvira Puente.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary’s life and the love she shared. Rosary will be held on February 7, 2024 at 9:30 am at the St. Joseph’s Parish Catholic Church in Devine with a funeral service to begin at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at the Devine St. Joseph Cemetery.
Susie (Jeannette) Savage
Susie (Jeannette) Savage was born on January 4, 1970, in Pearsall, TX. She is survived by her son, Avery Savage and Christina; her mother, Jimmie Fay Savage; her late father, Gary Savage; her sisters Terrie Bloodworth (Crestview, FL), Sharron and Mark Friedel (La Grange), Jennifer Savage (Devine); her brother Gary and Deann Savage (Canyon Lake); and her partner Tim Cates. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Reagan, Evelyn, and Amelia, as well as numerous nephews and nieces, including Joey Holmes, Summer Thomas, Kaleb Friedel, La Niece (TuTu girl) Williamson-Rush, Trace Savage, Logan Savage, Ian Moore, McKinze Savage, Brinley Savage, and 11 great-nieces and nephews.
Susie was a 1988 graduate of Devine High School and a 1992 graduate of Palo Alto College. She was a loving daughter, sister, grandmother, and aunt. A faithful believer in God, Susie had an unwavering love for her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, with details to be announced at a later date.
May she rest in peace and may we all give God the glory in her honor. We love you, Susie.
Benito (Benny) Fernandez Cortez
Benito (Benny) Fernandez Cortez of Devine passed away January 11, 2025, at the age of 93. Benny was born in Big Wells, Texas.
Benny is preceded in death by his wife Anita Cortez, son Benito Cortez Jr., parents Francisco Cortez and Cleotilda Fernandez Menchaca, sister Mary Cortez Gallegos, and brother Manuel P. Menchaca.
Benny is survived by his daughter and son, Anna Ortiz (Rudy), Pete Cortez (Melissa), grandchildren Erica Camacho (Jeremy), Jessica Rodriguez (Everett), Nathan, George, Liz and Merci Cortez. Great-grandchildren Isaiah, Jacob, Alexandria Camacho, Aubrey Rincon, sister Olivia Jaramillo and brother Jesus J. Menchaca Jr. Benito, also known as “Benny” proudly served in the United States Marines for four years, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal.
Benny was a combat veteran of the Battle on the “Hook” during the Korean War and was honored with numerous medals, including the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, UN Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal, reflecting his commitment to service and integrity.
Napoleon Leal Herrera Jr. “Nap”
”Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13
Napoleon Leal Herrera Jr. “Nap”, a dedicated servant to his country, community, and family, was born on January 8, 1935, in San Antonio, Texas. Surrounded by love, he passed peacefully at his home in Natalia Texas on January 12, 2025, at the age of 90. He is now reunited in Heaven with his parents, Napoleon Leal Herrera, and Annita Nelson Herrera and siblings, Lloyd and Rudy Herrera, Harry Nelson, and Emma Herrera Mier. He rests in the grace of the Lord he served with steadfast faith.
Napoleon’s life was defined by an extraordinary commitment to service. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, he served honorably during the Korean Conflict, exemplifying courage and devotion to his fellow Marines and his nation. Following his military service, he continued to protect and serve as a San Antonio firefighter and became one of the first two Mexican American highway patrolmen for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 1964. His trailblazing career with DPS was marked by integrity and a dedication to justice, which he carried forward as a Special Agent for U.S. Customs.
In addition to his law enforcement roles, Napoleon shaped countless lives as an instructor at the DPS Academy and as an investigator for the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Later, he became a truant officer for Devine ISD and served as a Natalia ISD School Board Trustee, advocating tirelessly for the education and well-being of children in his community.
Hal Austin Hayter
Hal Austin Hayter passed away on January 24, 2025, at the age of 89.
Hal is preceded in death by his son Patrick Hullen Hayter, parents Archie Lee Hayter, Sr., and Sallie Wells Hayter, brother Archie Lee Hayter, Jr., sisters Marie Hayter Green, Jhonnie Hayter Fischer, Dorothy Hayter Justus, and Betty Jean Hayter Rainwater.
Hal is survived by his wife Carol, and his son Michael Lee Hayter. daughter Judy Hayter Lyon, step-sons Terry and Michael Sandoval. Brother-in-law Simon Rainwater. Granddaughters Lisa Hayter Snell. Nicole Fernandez, Odie Young, and Kelly Lyon. Great-granddaughter Vivian Snell and Great-Grandsons Holland Snell, Robert, Francis, and Thomas Fernandez.
Hal was the 6th and last child born to Sallie and Archie Hayter, on November 1, 1935, in Clovis, New Mexico. His parents sold their wheat farm in Curry County New Mexico, near the town of Broadview, when Hal was 10 years old they moved to Weatherford, Texas. In 1953 Hal Graduated from Weatherford High School, going on to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University. Hal started working at Kelly Air Force Base in March 1960 and soon moved his family to San Antonio. In the summer of 1969, he relocated to Medina County, Texas.
Obituaries week of 1-23-25
Carole Ann DuBose
May 7, 1941 – January 9, 2025
Carole Ann passed away in Lytle, Tx. surrounded by devoted family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, and her loving son, David DuBose “Chip”.
Beloved by her family, she was the cherished mother of Dawn (Ron), Susie, Damon (Lisa), and Brendan (Kelly), and the proud grandmother of Carole, Tim, Cami, Derryk, Cynthia, Hanna, Brittany, Brandi, Brooke, Jason, Korey, and Karissa.
Her work ethic was unmatched, but she will always be remembered most for her years at Triple C Steakhouse. With service delivered with a smile—and often a joke that left you in stitches—she created lasting memories for everyone she encountered.
She cherished her years volunteering at the Hospice Thrift Store in Devine, raising funds for hospice care.
Her door was always open, welcoming anyone who needed a place to land. You’d often find a grandchild or two by her side, whether it was a casual day or one of her legendary sleepovers. She spoiled them with popcorn, cokes, and candy as they stayed up watching True Crime marathons. There wasn’t a case on TV she couldn’t solve.
If she was out and about, you definitely knew it. Whether cruising in her white car or sliding in on two wheels in her green Mustang, music blasting—Last Kiss by Pearl Jam (please play this loudly for her today)—you could hear her coming from a mile away.
More than just a mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend, she was a one-of-a-kind soul. She checked in on her loved ones daily, cared for her neighbors, and adored all animals. Her kindness, humor, and heart made her truly unforgettable.
There will never be another like her. Forever loved, always missed.
In honor of our mom and all the waitstaff, please raise your glass—whether it be coffee, tea, or a cold beer.
Her graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, 2:00pm., at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine, TX.
With a “Carole Ann Toast” immediately following at Triple C Steakhouse.
Maria Miranda
Maria Miranda, departed this life peacefully on January 12, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on April 1, 1943, Maria embodied the essence of compassion and dedication throughout her life, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.
Maria’s career as a caregiver was not merely a profession; it was a true calling. She approached her work with a warmth that nurtured those around her. Her gentle spirit and tireless dedication to helping others epitomized her loving nature. Maria embraced every moment spent with family, reveling in the laughter, stories, and shared experiences that forged lifelong bonds. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel cherished and important, always bringing a sense of joy and comfort to those in her care.
One of Maria’s proudest accomplishments was learning English as a second language, a testament to her perseverance and desire to connect with those around her. This determination enriched her life and created opportunities that she valued deeply. Her legacy of love and strength will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
Maria is survived by her beloved sons: Frank Miranda, Jorge Miranda, Stephen Miranda, and Roman Garcia, who will forever hold dear the lessons of love and compassion imparted to them by their mother. She is also survived by her siblings: Reyes De La Garza, Juan Antonio Garcia, Gregorio Garcia, Rosalinda Rodriguez, and Leticia Curup. Last she is survived by 11 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren, as well as numerous Nieces and Nephews.
John Wesley Cook Jr.
The evening of January 3, 2025 my father’s restless soul found peace. John Wesley Cook Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 77.
The eldest child of John W. (Jack) and Beulah Gilcrease Cook, Dad was born in Arkansas on August 20, 1947. He grew up in Beeville, Corpus Christi, Devine, and Lytle, Texas. John joined the Navy after high school and served during the Vietnam War. But his greatest pleasure was being a cowboy. Whether working as a ranch hand in New Mexico or Texas, cowboying at the Stockyards or the rodeo in San Antonio, or guiding hunts in the mountains of Wyoming, Dad was in his element around horses, cattle, and wildlife. My brother, Johnny, used to say that the song “Desperado” by the Eagle’s could have been written about Dad and I couldn’t agree more.
He is preceded in death by his father, his mother, an infant sister (Grace Emile), his brother (Tommy), his son (Johnny), and our mother, Patricia.
He is survived by his sister, Patsy Cook of Lytle; daughter, Heather Yanta (Chris) of Devine, daughter in law, Patricia of San Antonio, and stepson, Lance Rogers (Shari) of Nebraska; and six amazing grandchildren: Michael Cook, Ethan Yanta, Bryce Yanta, Jacob Yanta (Maggie), Jessica Rogers, and Jarred Rogers; and a great grandson, Matthew Yanta.
A private celebration of life will be held in the Spring and Dad will be laid to rest near his son in Devine.
In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations in his honor to be made to Mission Devine, PO Box 42, Devine, TX 78016.
“The LORD cares deeply when His loved ones die.” Psalm 116:15 NL