Category: Obituaries

Michael Dennis Emley passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026. He was a U.S. Navy veteran with 30 years of service. He also worked and retired from the civilian workforce sector of Datapoint Lighthouse for the blind.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Mary Caroline Emley, daughter-in-law Brenda Emley, Granddaughters Jennifer Clouser and husband Chris, Ashley Jackson and husband Blake, Zoe Pruitt and husband Josh, and Mia Emley. Great-granddaughters Jazmine Ortega and Jesse Pruitt, great-grandsons Corbin Jackson and Bennett Jackson.
A family celebration of his life will be held on his birthday in July. The family requests donation be sent to the services of their choice. Michael was always a friend to any of us who were in need, whether we were a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker, or a stranger. He was always there for happy or sad occasions. He was full of life and instilled that life into occasion where he was present.
And so today, we bid Michael Emley farewell. We will not say goodbye, friend, let’s just say “Until we meet again!”

Brenda Darlene Rosenauer Rowan, 76, of Pearsall, Texas, passed away on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026 in Pearsall at her home. She was born 12/27/1949 to Charles Edward Rosenauer and Eula Lee Saunders Rosenauer.
As a beautiful young child, Brenda was full of determination. She was born with beautiful auburn hair that turned blond as she grew older. Her father adored her and spoiled her.
She enjoyed being with her siblings. They had great times visiting their grandparents’ farm where they could run and play in the sandy fields. She was baptized in the First Baptist Church in Pearsall.
She was an excellent student and did very well in school. She was friendly and outgoing and had many friends. She played French horn in band and was a cheerleader in high school. She was active and enthusiastic and always busy.
She completed LVN school and after receiving her license worked at the hospital in Dilley. We always heard stories of babies being named after her for the births she assisted delivery with. She left nursing and worked at the courthouse for Cecil Blagg as a receptionist/secretary. During that time, she drove back and forth to San Antonio to complete her Nursing degree and to become a licensed RN. She worked in the hospital in Midland/Odessa, Texas. They moved back to Pearsall to be near family and Brenda worked at Frio Regional Hospital until she retired, after about 40 years. She loved being a nurse and helping people. Working in the Emergency Room at the hospital was her favorite job. She must have helped a million people during her years.
On December 16, 1970, she married Billy G. Rowan. Besides the Lord as her rock, Billy was as well. And they are now reunited in heaven after her being a widow for 19 years. The best times of her life were after her marriage to Billy Rowan. They both loved children and animals.
They enjoyed spending time with their nieces and nephew and friend’s children. She loved going places with her nephews and nieces and being there as much for big events, birthdays, and more. They adopted and cared for horses, wild burros, cats, dogs and a parrot.
Brenda and Bill also enjoyed traveling and many times joined family members in Texas, Michigan, Missouri, Maryland, and North Carolina for fishing and sightseeing. They loved and enjoyed their family and the times they spent with them.
She is survived by her siblings Linda Charlene Sweet (Jim), Charles William Rosenauer (Denise), Susan Leann Brown (Leonard). She is additionally survived by her nephews and nieces: Desiree Sweet Halsor (Rob), Monica Brown Parks (Dalvis), and Brandon Travis Brown, and her great nephews and nieces: Zachary Clark Halsor, Everett Parks, Beckett Parks, and Suzette Parks. Brenda is also survived by her extended family, Delia and Luis (Weyo) Gonzales and their family.
A Public Viewing will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Primrose Funeral Services of Pearsall, Texas. A funeral Service will be celebrated on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 1:00pm at First Baptist Church of Pearsall. Interment will follow directly afterwards in Pearsall Cemetery.
If you would like to make a donation on her behalf, please make donations to the First Baptist Church of Pearsall, or The Animal Rescue Site https://theanimalrescuesite.com/collections/gifts-that-give-more-fundraiser
If you would like to share a memory or express your condolences, you may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com

Calvin Coolidge Boyd was born on the family farm near Bigfoot on October 19, 1925 to William Arthur Boyd and Gladys Renee Hunt. He left his earthly life on January 30, 2026 at the age of 100 years.
Born the eldest of eight children, Calvin had a large part in raising his younger siblings after the early death of their father. He spent his remarkable life farming and ranching in the Bigfoot area with his brother, William (Bill).
Calvin is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 61 years, Ernestine, beloved daughter Yvonne Marie Boyd, grandson Clay Allen Boyd, brother Roy Boyd, twin sisters Jean Wilson and Joan Chapman, sister Joyce McRea, and brothers-in-law James Wilson, Weldon Chapman, Joe Henehan and Arthur Ehlinger.
Calvin is survived by sons Terry D. Boyd, Gary W. Boyd and wife Vicki, grandchildren Tracy Lindsey (Jay), Tanya Viesca (John), Christopher Boyd (Cecilia) and Lyndsay Marie Boyd. Great-grandchildren include Jayce and Haidyn Lindsey, Brazos, Harvest, River, Pearl, Brave and Dove Viesca, and his namesake Calvin Boyd. He is also survived by brother William Boyd (Audrey), sisters Marian Mergle and Linda Henehan, sisters-in-law June Ehlinger and Emma Boyd, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Calvin loved his large family with all of his heart and he will be deeply missed. He will be remembered for his faithful service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his remarkable work ethic, being early to everything and his love for ice cream.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Pearsall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Frio Regional Hospital and Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their help in caring for his needs.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas. Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. with interment to follow in Longview 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.

Darrell Wayne Ross, born June 21, 1963, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at 62 years old. He was born in San Antonio, Texas and raised in Bigfoot, Texas.
He is preceded in death by parents Duncan E. Ross and JoAnn B. Ross, brother Roy E. Ross and niece Connie M. Ross of Bigfoot, Texas.
He is survived by bother Johnny Ross and spouse Deliah Fraga of Natalia, sister Lorri R. Tellez and spouse Rudy Tellez of San Antonio, nephews David Mares, Matthew Mares, John Ross Jr. of Bigfoot, great-niece Madison Kendrick of San Antonio, great nephews Christian Ross and Johnny M. Ross of Devine and many family and friends.
There will be no service, cremation only.

Dolores Delgado Ortiz, age 88, of Devine, TX, passed away on January 29, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on November 27, 1937, she lived a life defined by her Catholic faith, strength, wisdom, and love for her family.
Whether she was cooking favorite meals, tending her garden, cheering at family events, or traveling with her husband, she brought warmth and cheer to everything she did.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jose O. Ortiz, son Javier (Odilia) Ortiz , daughter Graciela (Ivan) Molina, and grandchildren Monica, Valerie, Javier Jr., Vanessa, Jaclyn, Jon Michael, Ana, Laura, Ivan, Kristianna, and Christopher along with many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who will continue to honor her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents Simon and Maria De La Luz Delgado, siblings Inez, Guillermo, Apolinar, Celia, Teresa, Jose, Simon, Maria, and Eliseo. She was also preceded by three sons Elisandro, Cristobal, and Rolando Ortiz.
Her love, strength, and spirit will remain with us always.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas. Mass will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bigfoot, Texas with interment to follow at Longview Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook by visitation www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.

San Antonio Tx
Billy was born in Corpus Christi, Tx. He attended and graduated from Pearsall ISD 1981. After graduation he worked in the oilfield for several years until his enlistment in the US Coast Guard. He retired from the USCG and moved to San Antonio for a few years then was in Springfield, IL for several more years until moving back to San Antonio, Tx.
He is survived by 2 sons William Austin Cole (Sarah)and Travis Cole and 1 daughter – Kali Cole. His mother – Linda Cole and Sister – Margie (Randy) Zinsmeyer, Nephews – Beau (Sierra) & Tyson Zinsmeyer. Grandchildren – Makenna , Michael and Abeline Cole as well as multiple Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He was predeceased by his father William James Cole, Sr. He had a large group of friends in Pearsall and surrounding areas he cherished from his high school days.
His final resting place will be Feb 2, 2026 at 2:30 pm in Ft Sam Houston Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.

Joe Castillo, Jr., born on January 26, 1953, in Stanfield, Arizona, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 72, where he later made his home in Lytle, Texas.
Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. A proud Native American man with a wild and free spirit, Joe lived life on his own terms. He had a heart full of love, a contagious laugh, and a way of making everyone around him feel joy and warmth. Though his wings were ready, our hearts were not.
Joe worked for many years as a roofer, providing for his family through hard work, strength, and dedication. Outside of work, he loved to joke, dance, and have a good time. He was always the life of the room, and his favorite song, “Free Bird,” perfectly captured his free spirit and love for living.
Above all else, Joe was the best dad ever. He was the proud father of seven children—“and counting,” as he liked to say—and his family was the center of his world. He adored his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
Joe shared a deep and loving bond with his beloved wife, Virginia “Vicki” Torres, whom he cherished deeply. He welcomed her family as his own and loved them with unwavering loyalty and care.
He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Torres, and his children and their spouses: Jojo Castillo and Sandra Lopez; Tony and Michelle Castillo; Monica Castillo and Lorenzo Olvera; Debby Flores; Katie and David Chlad; Joelouis Barlow and Virginia Reese; Marjorie Castillo and Terrance Bedingfield Jr.; Amy Castillo and Carlos Ortiz; Olivia and Rudy Rodriguez; Stephanie and Dan Booth; Pedro and Loretta Guerrero; Santiago and Marissa Morantez; and Anna Marie Guerrero.
He is also survived by his siblings, Constance Ochoa, Anita Ochoa, and Louie Castillo, along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Marjorie Galvan Hernandez; his father, Jose Castillo; his brother, Daniel Castillo; his sister, Marjorie “Hope” Ochoa; and his grandson, Gabriel Benegas, who now welcome him home in heaven.
Joe now rests in the promise of eternal life, as written in Scripture:
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” — John 11:25–26
A Funeral Mass will be held on January 26, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Church in Lytle, Texas. An open reception will follow the service at the Rodriguez residence.
Joe Castillo, Jr. will be remembered for his love, strength, laughter, dancing, and the powerful legacy he leaves behind through his family. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

Billy was born in Corpus Christi, Tx. He attended and graduated from Pearsall ISD 1981. After graduation he worked in the oilfield for several years until his enlistment in the US Coast Guard. He retired from the USCG and moved to San Antonio for a few years then was in Springfield, IL for several more years until moving back to San Antonio, Tx.
He is survived by 2 sons William Austin Cole (Sarah)and Travis Cole and 1 daughter – Kali Cole. His mother – Linda Cole and Sister – Margie (Randy) Zinsmeyer, Nephews – Beau (Sierra) & Tyson Zinsmeyer. Grandchildren – Makenna , Michael and Abeline Cole as well as multiple Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He was predeceased by his father William James Cole, Sr. He had a large group of friends in Pearsall and surrounding areas he cherished from his high school days.
His final resting place will be Feb 2, 2026 at 2:30 pm in Ft Sam Houston Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials can be made in his honor to a benefit of your choice.

Natalia Police Report

1/5/2026 – Officers responded to the 500 Blk of 5th street for a theft that had occurred the case is being investigated.
1/6/2026 – Officers were dispatched to the 600 Blk of 4th street for a dog bite that occurred the victim was take to the hospital for the bite case is still pending investigation.
1/8/2026 – Officers responded to the St Hwy 132 for illegal dumping the individual was advised and picked up the trash.
1/9/2026 Officers were dispatched to the 600 Blk of 4th St for a verbal disturbance; everyone was separated and no charges were filed.
1/9/2026 – Officers were dispatched to 3rd St and 471 for a couple arguing upon arrival they were separated and the female left the area.

Barbara Lee Smith passed away on December 31, 2025. Barbara was born July 12, 1940 in San Antonio, TX.
She was independent and strong-willed, living life on her own terms and loving her family deeply.
She is survived by her sons James Woodcock and wife Missy, Greg Woodcock and wife Tena, and Fred Smith Jr.; grandchildren Chris, Logan, and Savanah Woodcock; Jaren and Lily Woodcock; Jayden Causey; sister Sissy Joyce; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Lytle Methodist Church, 19341 S. Somerset St., Lytle TX 78052.