Our loving mother, grandma, sister, and friend. Ramona (Mona) V. Gallegos went to be with our Lord on April 1, 2023, at the age of 87. Ramona was born on September 18, 1935 in Dilley, Texas to parents Maria Luz Del Real and Simon Velasquez. With her immeasurable inner strength, Ramona created her own path. She learned early in life to overcome hardships. Her life philosophy was “Do what makes you happy” and “ Lo que Dios quiera.” Ramona devoted her life to supporting her family, facing life’s deepest struggles with love and faith. She delivered the San Antonio Express-News in the Devine area for over 40 years. She also worked various jobs to take care of her children’s needs. Ramona created a safe and loving home. She never feared hard work as she began to work at the tender age of 7. Later in life, Ramona was a facilitator in her church retreats (School of Evangelism- St. Andrew) and an avid member of the Christian Mother’s Organization. She treasured spending time with her church members and sisters after mass. Ramona is now reunited in heaven with her husband, Eliodoro Gallegos, her parents, Maria Luz Del Real and Simon Velasquez, and her brother, Margarito Velasquez. Ramona is survived by her children; Ermalinda Aleman, Ernestina Wilburn (Woodrow), and Valdo Gallegos (Gracie). Grandchildren; Angela Aleman, Bronson Wilburn, Brian Gallegos, and three great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings include Amelia Samarrippa, Robert Velasquez, Visente Velasquez, Gloria Ballesteros, Mary Velasquez, Lydia Ochoa, as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Primrose Funeral Services from 5 P.M. until 9 PM, with a Rosary recited at 7 P.M. on Thursday, April 13, 2023. Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 10 A.M. with interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Services are being conducted by Primrose funeral Services in Devine, Texas. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com.
Larry Alan Lacy, 80, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2023, in the company of his family following a mercifully brief battle with cancer. Larry was born on February 2, 1943, in San Diego, CA to Neola and Thomas Clyde Lacy. He graduated from Devine High School in 1961, and married his high school sweetheart, Stephanie Malone Lacy, on June 8, 1963. Larry earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas in 1967. Larry chose to pursue the ministry, and was elected a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1967. In 1970, he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University and was elected an Elder in the United Methodist Church in 1971. Larry dedicated his life to the ministry and praising God through helping others, and with his loving wife Stephanie, served churches in the Central Texas Conference, Southwest Texas Conference, and Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church for almost six decades. He began preaching as a student pastor in Thrall, TX while attending Southwestern University, and later served Methodist Churches in Ennis, Oak Grove, Bertram, Leander, Oakalla, Hallettsville, Lampasas, Edinburg, Trinity San Antonio, St. John’s Corpus Christi, Fredericksburg, and Memorial Austin. Following his retirement, he agreed to serve as a pastor for a small congregation at St. Paul Methodist Church just outside Austin, where he continued to preach the gospel every Sunday until he became physically unable to do so several years ago. Larry had a beautiful strong singing voice, and his voice could almost always be heard over every other voice in the congregation on Sunday mornings. He and Stephanie loved to sing duets in church and performed at dinner musicals and other musical productions throughout their careers. Larry also loved to travel, whether it involved taking youth groups on numerous ski trips to Colorado, camping at Big Bend, or traveling to other countries such as Israel, Germany, France, Austria, Italy and Russia. Many of these trips were taken with friends and church members, and created lasting and loving memories. Larry was an avid reader, sometimes reading several books a week. He also loved cars, and often said that if he had not been a minister, he probably would have been a car salesman! He had a special affinity for his Ford trucks! He loved spending time at his lake house on Lake LBJ, and enjoyed few things more than pulling his kids behind the boat. He also loved his pug dogs, who, as great judges of character, loved him back. Most of all, Larry was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and he will always be remembered for his kind, caring heart and his compassionate soul. He is survived by his wife of almost sixty years, Stephanie Malone Lacy, son Jeff Lacy and wife Gina of Colleyville, TX, son Steve Lacy and wife Wendy of Arlington, TX, son Paul Lacy and wife Dawn of Leander, TX, and daughter Kaye Collins and husband Michael of Corpus Christi, TX, grandchildren Immanuel Lang, Tiffany White, Kalvin Pomplitz, Chris Lacy, Shelby Hedrick, Lauren Lacy, Jay Lacy, David Collins, Sam Lacy, Anna Belle Lacy, Sydney Lacy, sister Edie Buffington, and five great grandchildren. The family would like to thank numerous caretakers from Isle at Cedar Ridge, St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center and Hospice Austin for their care and compassion these last few weeks. The family also thanks all of the many friends and family members who so lovingly supported him.
David Anthony Rihn Sr., 84, of Devine, Texas passed away on March 28, 2023. He was born in Devine, Texas in June of 1938. He married Julia Ann Wilburn in 1957 in Hondo, Texas. He was employed with City Public Service in San Antonio and was a member of the Texas National Guard. Later he was self-employed with real estate, ranching, and farming. He is preceded in death by his wife, Julia Ann Wilburn Rihn; parents Frank Rihn Sr. and Hilda Bendele Rihn; sisters Velma Billings, Anna Mae Mumme, and Frances Thornell; brothers Arnold Rihn, James Rihn, Walter Rihn, and Frank Rihn Jr.; and granddaughter Kaylla Brooke Rihn. He is survived by his children; David Rihn Jr., Laura Jaquez, Anne Petmecky, Keith Rihn, Paul Rihn and Philip Rihn; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Services were held on Thursday, April 6, 2023, with a Rosary being recited at 10:30 A.M. and Mass starting at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devine, Texas. Visitation followed the service beginning at 12:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas until 1:00 P.M. services will concluded at the funeral home. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Mary G. Rizo gained her angel wings Thursday, April 6, 2023, 14 days short of her 92nd birthday, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born April 20, 1931 in Buda, Texas, to Ernesto Chavera and Elvira Mendez. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Pete M. Rizo, Brothers Lucio Chavera, Vale Chavera, Delfino Chavera, Benito Chavera, Ferman Chavera, Jesse Chavera, and Ray Chavera. Sisters Adela Villareal, Eloisa Castillo and Ramona Guajardo and Granddaughter Elisa G. Pina. She is survived by two brothers, Juan and Mary Chavera of Lakeview, Michigan, and Ralph Chavera of Belvidere, Illinois; Sons Frank and Robin Garza of Devine, Texas, and Abel and Cynthia Garza of Moore, Texas; Daughters Elida and Refugio Maza of East Jordan, Michigan, Florinda and Steve Mares of Woodstock, Illinois, Paula Ayala of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and Gloria Garza of Moore, Texas. Twenty-one grandkids, Four Step Grandkids, Forty-six Great Grandkids, Twenty-three Great great grandkids, and many nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023, between 5:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services Devine, Texas. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 17, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, with interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic cemetery. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.
Kathleen Ann Lamon Kohlleppel of La Coste, passed away at her home on April 3, 2023 at the age of 85. She was born May 25, 1937 on the family farm near La Coste, Texas to Joseph Hubert Lamon and Lorene Josephine Jungman Lamon. In 1955, Kathleen graduated from La Coste High School. After graduation, she worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone for twelve years. On November 4, 1967, Kathleen married Henry Charles Kohlleppel at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste. They were blessed with fifty-five years of marriage and two daughters. Kathleen sang in the Our Lady of Grace adult choir for over twenty years. Survivors include her husband, Henry Kohlleppel; daughters and sons-in-law, Monica and Tim Rihn, Stephanie and Christopher Haan; grandchildren, Jacob and Tiffany Rihn, William Rihn, Ben and Hayla Rihn, Nicholas Haan, Meghan Haan, Julia Rihn, and Joseph Haan; great-grandchildren, Carter Bateman and baby Rihn on the way; in-laws, Margaret Lamon, Ted and Ann Kohlleppel, Ralph and Karen Kohlleppel, James and Veronica Kohlleppel, and Iris Kohlleppel. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Patrick Lamon; in-laws, Paul Kohlleppel, Rose and Weldon Tondre. Visitation will be Monday, April 10, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home, with the Holy Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery in La Coste, Texas. Memorials may be made in Kathleen’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Building Fund, or the charity of your choice. Kathleen’s family would like to thank Bristol Hospice for the loving care they gave to her. Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com
George Joseph Horvath, 79, Natalia, TX, entered eternal rest on Monday, April 3, 2023. He is preceded in death by his father Carl Horvath & Mother Maria Magdalena Molivar Horvath. George is survived by his wife Alma Ornelas Horvath; sister Andrea Horvath Schmidt (Eberhardt) (Germany); aunts and cousin and extended family Gilbert R Ornelas; Mary Ornelas Montelongo (Carlos); Inez R Ornelas (Debbie); Ancelmo Ornelas (Sonia) and many nieces, nephews and Cousins. George was born in Komaron, Hungary on March 19, 1944. In 1956, George’s family left Hungary during the Russian invasion. Ultimately, George’s family settled in Caracas, Valenzuela. At the age of 14, George arrived in the United States. He made it his goal to better his life. George obtained his bachelor’s degree at New York State College. He earned his Master’s and Doctorate degree at Florida State University in Marine Oceanography (1973). George began his working career with the State of Florida. He later accepted a job in Washington DC with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) working in the Water Department. In 1979, he relocated to Region 6, EPA, in Dallas, Texas. In 2012, George retired from the Federal Government after 33 years. Simultaneously, George volunteered for the Dallas Police Department Reserve Unit for 23 years earning the rank of Reserve Lieutenant. In addition, George was well traveled. He was awarded the Congressional Antarctic Service Medal in 1974 for his participation in a United States sponsored exhibition to Antarctica. In 2012, after his retirement George moved to Natalia. He volunteered at the Devine Area Thrift Store and also served as Secretary to the Devine Lions Club George loved his home and his fur babies (Puli & Polo). He will be missed by many. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your charity of choice. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com
Elizabeth Annette Carter passed away on March 26, 2023 at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Carter; son-in-law, Jim Briscoe; grandson, Curt Briscoe; and brother, Carl Hogenson, Jr. Elizabeth is survived by her sons, Michael Carter (Patti), Larry Carter (Susan); daughter, Debra Briscoe; grandchildren, Casey Briscoe (Brittny), Carly Parson (Chad), Hayley Carter (Jonathan); 5 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild. She was a loving wife, mother and raised three children and worked for Lytle State Bank for 31 years until her retirement. Annette then worked for Lytle High School for 5 years as a substitute teacher after her retirement. In her spare time with her husband, they traveled all over Texas doing bird dog trials which they truly loved. A Visitation was be held from 11:30 am till 12:00 pm followed by a 12:00 pm chapel service on Monday, April 3, 2023, at Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle with interment that followed at Blackhill Cemetery. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas, 78052.
Minerva “Minnie” Muzquiz, age 99, of Moore, Texas, entered into eternal rest on March 30, 2023, in San Antonio, after a short illness. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments on earth, which came just two months shy of her 100th birthday. Minnie was born on June 1, 1923, in San Diego, Texas to Ernesto and Maria Garcia and spent her childhood years living in several rural communities within Frio County, Texas, including Bigfoot, Schattel and Moore. She graduated from Pearsall High School in 1940 at the age of 16 and moved to San Antonio to attend San Antonio Business College, graduating a year later. After college, she worked as a medical stenographer in the business office of Santa Rosa Hospital and later in the radiology department at Kelly Field. In 1946, Minnie left her job at Kelly Field and returned to Moore to marry her sweetheart, Frank Muzquiz, Jr., a resident of Moore, who had served overseas in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. As Minnie and Frank began to build their family of six children, Minnie forewent outside employment to raise the kids until the late ‘70s when their youngest child entered the eighth grade. She accepted a job as a field representative with the U.S. Census Bureau, driving thousands of miles each year throughout Texas and Louisiana to conduct housing, employment, economic and crime surveys in residents’ homes as assigned by the Dallas regional office. She loved her job and meeting people, and consistently earned stellar performance reviews until the day she retired in 2009 — at the age of 86. Minnie was a dedicated volunteer for her children’s schools, including serving as the PTA president at the Moore School where her three oldest children started their education. When Moore’s school closed and students transferred to Pearsall, she served as a room mother to coordinate class parties and volunteered with the Pearsall High School Band Boosters during the 20-year span in which her six children played in the band. She also marketed for the Devine Area Artists’ Concert Series, fundraised for the American Cancer Society, taught sewing to members of the Moore 4-H Club, served as a poll worker for local elections, and handled the bookkeeping and numerous other duties for St. Augustine Catholic Church in Moore for many years. In 2013, Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller presented Minnie with the Lumen Gentium Award from the San Antonio Catholic Archdiocese for exemplary volunteer service to the church. When a hip injury in 2014 challenged her ability to continue living independently, Minnie relocated to San Antonio. In 2015 she became a resident of Brookdale Maltsberger Senior Living, an assisted living facility where she thrived and considered her home until her passing. Minnie’s husband Frank predeceased her, as did her parents, parents-in-law Francisco Sr. and Ramona Muzquiz, sister and brother-in-law Rose Marie and Nasario Alvarado, brother and sister-in-law David and Rita Garcia, brother Ralph Garcia, and brother-in-law Frank Garza. Minnie is survived by her six children: Ernest Muzquiz (Alice) of Syracuse, New York, Gloria Villarreal (Emilio) of San Antonio, Robert Muzquiz (Diana) of Mesquite, Roland Muzquiz (Sandy) of Plano, Ramona Teter of San Antonio, and Donald Muzquiz of Franklin, Tennessee; 16 grandchildren: Minerva “Little Minnie” Muzquiz, Michael Villarreal (Blanca), Andrea Kohnert (Chris), Belinda Villarreal, Carolyn Villarreal, Daniel Muzquiz, Aaron Muzquiz (Eric), Amanda Muzquiz, Gabriel Muzquiz (Racheal), Ramon Muzquiz (Sarah), Renee Muzquiz (Kelly), Rochelle Muzquiz, Ryan Teter, Adrienne Scharch (Tanner), Celeste Muzquiz and Brandon Muzquiz; 9 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; sister Martha Garza, brother and sister-in-law Ernest and Christine Garcia; sister-in-law Emma Garcia, and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Primrose Funeral Home in Devine, Texas, with a Rosary recitation to follow at 7 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, April 12, at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, also in Devine. Burial will follow at the Moore Catholic Cemetery in Moore. The family offers sincerest thanks to the staff of Brookdale Maltsberger for providing Minnie with extraordinary care and friendships for the past seven years, as well as to San Antonio Wellness and Rehabilitation and Gentiva Hospice for their gentle care and support during her final days. Donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to her parish, St. Augustine Catholic Church, Moore, Texas, or the Moore Catholic Cemetery, c/o 108 S. Washington Dr., Devine, Texas, 78016. If you wish to offer a word of condolences to the family or share a memory you may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.
Patrick Clifton McMillan, of San Antonio, Texas entered the gates of heaven on Monday, March 6, 2023, at the age of 79. He was born in Castroville, Texas November 28, 1943. Patrick was raised in Pearson, Texas primarily by his grandparents, Oscar & Kate Conover, where he attended public school in Natalia while spending a lot of time on the family cattle ranch in Moore, Texas. After high school, Patrick joined the Army and served until he was medically released due to heart complications. Upon release of the Army, Patrick followed his heart and dream of dancing and moved to Alaska where he attended the University of Alaska and began his journey of teaching. While in Alaska, he not only taught but also choreographed and judged for the Miss Alaska Beauty Pageant. He was then recruited by UC Berkley to teach classes and choreograph for their dance and play performances. In the early 70’s Patrick made his way back to Texas where he taught for the past 40 years and became one the most prominent, well I say, the MOST prominent, dance instructor in San Antonio, Texas. He taught classes in ballroom, country western, and salsa. His journey began at Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio and then he began teaching classes for the school districts in many locations around town. As he progressed, he then taught for Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio College, Incarnate Word, and Trinity University. While at Trinity University, he was voted favorite professor, which he bragged on quite often. While teaching for the Connections Program at the Village of Incarnate Word, he taught a line dance class for the most wonderful group called the Sisters of Charity that he loved very dearly and couldn’t ever stop talking about. One of his biggest highlights that he was so very proud of was his performance groups of McMillan and Co. and the Trinity Ropers. These groups performed at every and any festival you could name, as well as the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, Mickey Gilley’s Night Club, Billy Bobs, and The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, TN. They were featured on TNN’s Club Dance, traveled to Japan to perform for the mayor of Kumamoto City and were accompanied by Mayors Lila Cockrell and Henry Cisneros. His dance troupe also performed for the Queen of England and former President George W. Bush when they visited San Antonio, another performance he couldn’t stop talking about. Patrick took the road, literally, in 1984 and Waltzed Across Texas, to raise money to take his dance troupe to perform at the Alaska State Fair. Pledges were made for every mile he waltzed. He put in 13- hour days and waltzed for 488 miles and was able to cover all cost. And lastly but certainly not least, he taught lessons at the San Antonio Spurs Christmas Party with Greg Popovich, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Sean Elliot, Avery Johnson, and the other amazing team members. He choreographed the dancing for the IMAX movie The Spirit of America with Lyle Lovett, and John Schneiders movie, The Real Deal, and performed on the Lawrence Welk show. Patrick has spread his love of dancing across the US and touched so many people during this time. He was loved by so many and has experienced so much that it would be impossible to put it all down on paper. He was preceded in death by his grandparents William Oscar Conover (1895-1970) and Dora Katherine Phillips Conover (1893-1994); his parents Garland Dean McMillan (1915-1989) and Billie Jo Clifton (1920- 1991) and his brother Michael Dean McMillan (1942-2017). He is survived by his niece and nephews, Bobbye Joe McMillan of San Antonio, William Michael McMillan of San Antonio and Nicholas Claude McMillan of Gulfport, Mississippi, great nieces and nephew, Samantha Joe Flores, Aaron Preston Guerrero, Alexandria Reigh Schneider, and Charlyze Brooke Hemby; great-great nieces and nephew, Ryleigh Elizabeth Flores, Daniel “DJ” Joshua Flores, and Rain Leilani Guerrero, as well as numerous cousins throughout Texas. A Visitation was held at 11:00 on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Primrose Funeral Home, 303 W. College Ave, Devine, Texas with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 directly following the viewing. Burial followed at Moore Memorial Cemetery in Moore, Texas. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements by Primrose Funeral Services 303 W. College Ave, Devine, Texas 78016.
Estevan M. Perez, born January 23, 1961, went into the loving arms of the Lord on March 11, 2023, at the blessed age of 62. He is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Andrea Perez, as well as brother Alberto Perez. He is loved and will be missed by his wife Rosalinda Perez and sister-in-law Maria Perez, as well as 11 god-children and numerous other family members and friends. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Visitation was held Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 4pm to 8pm. A rosary and mass were held Thursday, March 16, 2023 at St. John Bosco Catholic Church of Natalia with all services concluding at the church. Services under the direction of Bluebonnet Funeral Chapel.
