Ronald Domingo Rodriguez Sr. Born November 15, 1959 went to be with the Lord on February 14, 2023. Ronnie “Freebird” was a beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend to everyone.
He is survived by his three sons Ronnie Rodriquez, Rudy Rodriguez, and Jesse Rodriguez, 8 grandchildren, and a million brothers and a million sisters.
Ronnie was from Natalia but raised his family in Devine, Texas. He was an Army veteran ( served overseas) , Dallas Cowboys fan, free spirited & loved by all his family and friends. He also enjoyed a cold drink at the end of the day!
His life will be celebrated with a Military Honors Burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery , 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78201, Shelter #1 on Friday March 3rd, 2023 at 10 am.
Two months into 2023 and no rain to speak of…only 1.5 inches and only 1.8 inches since November 25, 2022. Seems we also had a shortage of good winter weather. My lone mesquite tree (that Mike Barrera wondered why I kept) has green buds on it now. Usually, this means that winter is over but, according to Phil McAnelly, they been wrong before. Spoke with an old-school, retired DPS Trooper (Nap Herrera) the other day and the word “reform” came up. But not in the way that today’s liberal lead society uses the word. I remember the term “Reform School” referring to a place to send kids that refused to abide by society’s rules and laws. Never wanted to go there even though me and a couple others danced close to the edge a lot. Had enough common sense to know that if you do A, then you get B. Found that out with the Mailbox crew and Judge Oak Williams. Now we have students running the schools and their parents defending their belligerent, borderline criminal actions because the schools have no right to discipline their little angels. They have reformed the Public School System but, not in a good way. I remember that teachers could fail students for not making the required grade to proceed to the next level. Not now…the problems are just “placed” through the system whether they learn anything or not. I recall that once upon a time, if a student failed to make the grades in High School and they were of age, the Principal would send their names to the Draft Board. When a teacher screws up, rather than proceed with criminal charges or other disciplinary actions, said teacher goes to another school but does not have to reveal their past nor can the school tell the new school the reasons that they left. I know of one instance and that is too many. I have 4 family members in the Education field and am told that this happens frequently. (We have some excellent educators in our school system.) Parents should be responsible for basic education such as manners, respect for others, hygiene, the need to follow rules and the consequences for not complying with rules. Let the teachers teach and discipline when needed. Right now, seems that School is a baby-sitting service. Enough ranting about our Public Education System. I’ll save Law Enforcement for later. Pct 4 Commissioner Lawler and crew are in the process of re-constructing CR 777 from IH 35 to CR 7711…looks great and well needed. Pray a little harder for rain…Medina Lake is way down and seems the rivers and creeks have quit flowing.
Lytle P.D. activity from last week …. Officers responded to 60 calls for police service and conducted 85 traffic stops. Those traffic stops resulted in 73 citations and 12 warnings. We had only one incident that resulted in arrests; A traffic stop on Main St. by Ofc. John Cortez (assisted by Ofc. S. Pena) sent one person to the Atascosa Co. Jail for possession of cocaine and unlawfully carrying a weapon, and two other occupants received citations for possession of drug paraphernalia. Officers responded to three reports of property crimes: #1 – The Stripes C-Store construction site was the location of a burglary. A total of 8 large televisions, which were to be used as menu boards, were taken. A value hasn’t been provided. #2 – Two units at the Lytle Loft Storage Units (FM 2790E) were broken into. An assortment of items was taken, including various appliances. The value of the loss on one unit was approx. $13,000. We don’t have details on the second unit yet. #3 – A complainant reported that their vehicle was “keyed” at H.E.B. Congratulations are for the Lady Pirates being named Regional Semi-final Champs for this year’s basketball season. I know we have a good team when we do a lot of escorting them in and out of town and we did a lot of escorting this year! The city currently is accepting applications for an Animal Control Officer and a Public Works Water Laborer. Applications will be accepted up until 5 PM on March 6. Check out our website (www.lytletx.org) for more information. Now is a great time to join our team of dedicated public servants, which include people like me. I haven’t been around the office much the last three weeks; I took some vacation. I didn’t travel extremely far, I signed on to work as an off-duty peace officer at the rodeo in San Antonio. Every year they hire several hundred off-duty peace officers from all over the area to provide police service to their awesome event. I worked the night shift (Mid-8 AM) for 20 days straight and avoided all the big crowds. I did see trailer after trailer of pigs, goats, cattle, etc. I was impressed by all the Ag Mechanic projects too. I was told I would get to meet a lot of people and it would be a lot of fun. Well, mostly I met Mr. Cold almost every night and Mrs. Rain was there for a few days too. I wouldn’t say it was “fun”, but it was better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
Marlene Dyer Wells, 85 of Austin Texas, went to be with the Lord, joining her husband, Fred, February 24, 2023, after a short but fierce battle with Leukemia. Marlene lived a beautiful and robust life. An independent woman of faith, she provided guidance, care, and love to her children and grandchildren; and a life of love to her husband and friendship with those close to her. Her husband Fred adored her and together they taught their children, Sharon and Cindy, integrity, loyalty and compassion, encouraging them with the confidence necessary to pursue life with passion. Marlene was born May 29, 1937, in Bellville, Yell County, Arkansas to Gibbs Marvin Dyer and Edna Palestine Buckman Dyer. The family moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico in 1943 where her father found employment in the potash mines. Marlene’s zest for life, friendly and engaging nature resulted in forming many childhood friends that ended up being lifelong friends. Growing up with three brothers and a sister, her life was somewhat modest but full of faith and love of her family. After high school, Marlene married the love of her life, Fred Wells, on September 3, 1955, and started their life together in Texas. They welcomed daughters Sharon and Cindy, and eventually four grandchildren in whom they took great pride and spent time with whenever possible. Marlene always relied on her faith in Christ to see her way through life’s obstacles including polio, two bouts of cancer, and a debilitating stroke. This positive approach to life became the setting to provide an example for her daughters and grandchildren. To no surprise, she recently said, “I’ve had a happy life”. Her grandchildren will tell you she was the “best grandmother” who supplied all the sugar cereals a child could consume! She leaves behind a legacy with her family on how to live life. Marlene is survived by her daughters Sharon Wells Lott and husband Jerry Lott, and Cindy Wells McCarthy and husband Mitch McCarthy, grandchildren: Rachel Guevara and husband Henry Guevara, Allyson Lutz, Colter Lutz and Jacob McCarthy, her brothers: Tommy Dyer and Don Dyer, and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She will be greatly missed, but as she recently told us, “you’ll get over it”. We won’t get over it, but we choose to move on with her positive outlook. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Fred, parents Marvin & Pally Dyer, a brother, Joe Dyer and her sister, Rebecca Stringer. The family would like to extend our deepest thanks and gratitude to the compassionate care providers who were wonderful and attentive to our mom from Cedar Pointe Health and Wellness in Cedar Park and Altus Hospice. A celebration of life is scheduled for March 25, 2023, 11:00 am at Walnut Creek Baptist Church at 12062 N. Lamar, Austin, TX. Marlene will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Montell Cemetery, Montell, TX at a later date in a private service. In lieu of flowers, Marlene suggested memorial donations be made to any of the following: Swan Songs Musical Last Wishes: https://www.swansongs.org/; Walnut Creek Baptist Church, https://www.walnutcreekbc.org; Texas Choral Directors Association: https://www.tcda.net; The Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation: https://carrietingleyhospitalfoundation.org.
Sandra Martinez Alvarez age 52 of Devine, Texas entered eternal rest on Thursday, February 23, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on March 16, 1970, to parents, Ramiro and Anna Martinez in Pearsall, Texas. She is preceded in death by her stepfather Lazaro Martinez, Aunt Isabell Esquibel, Uncle Lupe Martinez, and Grandparents Juan and Lucia Chapa, Lupe and Maria Martinez. Sandra is survived by her father Ramiro Martinez, Mother Anna M. Martinez; first husband, Mariano Alvarez; partner Bernard Garcia; sons, Jose Rizo, Mariano T. Alvarez, Charles Alvarez; granddaughter Sophia Rizo; sisters April Casas and July Martinez; brothers Joey Martinez, Jason Martinez, Josh Martinez, Jonathan Martinez, Gabriel Martinez Enrique Martinez; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. Primrose Funeral Services Chapel, Devine, Texas. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 10:00 A.M. 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
07/27/1972 ~ February 13, 2023 Kissie was called to the Lord on February 13, 2023, at the age of 50, after battling diabetes for 16 years. She grew up in San Antonio, in the 70’s and attended John Marshall High School, where she participated in the band. Kissie loved music. At the old age of 25, Kissie joined the Navy, and served her country for nine years as a Torpedo Man’s Mate on the USS Cole. While her passing broke our hearts, we are comforted by her family as well as her many wonderful relatives and friends. They were the light of her life and Kissie enjoyed every minute she spent with all of them. Kissie spent her final days under the loving care of her niece, Samantha Gomez, who devoted years to her wellbeing. We miss her more than words can convey. Because of her tireless efforts to serve her country, family and friends, she was always there when we needed her. She was the first of nine children and nine cousins. Kissie was preceded in death by her father, Leroy Stine; her grandparents, Martina Madrigal Davis, Harold Davis, and Louis R. Gomez. She is survived by her mother, Mary Jane (Skip) Pitlock; her daughters and sons, Celena Gonzales, Michelle, Jennifer, Blake and Adam Buswell; siblings, Billie Jo, Duffy, River (his fiancé Anne), Andrew, Benjamin Pitlock, Heather Sanchez, Steven, Tony, Gabriel Stine; honorary sisters, Kelley Widerstrom and Crystal Ellis; aunts and uncles, Diana (Richard) Padilla, Michael (Diane) Gomez, Mary Helen (Sam) Balleza, Judy (Hector) Tudyk and Louis (Anne) Gomez; nieces Ariel (Austin) Beal, Samantha, Madison, Prudence, and Amelia; nephews, Nathaniel, Jaxon, and Gideon; grandnieces, Liberty Gomez, Adelaide, Sophie, KC Beal; and grandnephew, Benjamin Beal; cousins, Diana Marie (Joe) Bonelli, Anna Lisa (Scott) Bacon, Lydia Martina (Chevy) Hernandez, Jennifer Lee (Clifford) Martinez, Jason (Cynthia) Gomez, Roxanne Dillon (Donta), Louis Michael (Melly) Gomez, Eric (Melissa) Dillon, Page (Kevin) Martin, Victoria and Elizabeth Gomez; cousins, once removed, Martina Weikle, Vivian Gomez, Sienna Gomez, Louis Gomez Jr., Richie, Jude and Clifford IV Martinez. There will be a Visitation held Monday, March 6, 2023, beginning at 5:00pm – 9:00pm, with a Rosary recited at 7:00pm at Primrose Funeral Services, 14822 Main St., Lytle TX 78052. A final visitation will begin Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 8:30am with a Church Service at 12:00 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Somerset with Fr. James Janish. Kissie will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:00pm with a gravesite blessing by Pastor Michael Cochran. There will be a reception following the service in the Fellowship Hall at St. Mary’s Church in Somerset. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com. Arrangements by Primrose Funeral Services, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052.
John Fredrick Williamson, Sr., age 92, of San Antonio and New Braunfels, Texas went to be with his Heavenly Father on February 20, 2023, surrounded by his family. A devoted Christian, John was born on June 12, 1930, in Devine, Texas, at home, to Fred and Allene Williamson. The second oldest of four children, John graduated from Devine High School at age 16 when there were only 11 grades. He met the love of his life, Mary Grace Henson, at a school dance, when he was 18 and she was 16. Mary always felt that God had put them together at that early age. They married 2 years later, on June 30, 1950, weeks after Mary graduated from high school. They spent their early married years living with his grandparents while he worked as a carpenter, butane gas truck driver and life insurance salesman while supporting his young family, and his widowed mother and sisters. In 1956, he moved his family to San Antonio and took a job at the Burroughs Corporation selling adding machines. Through that job, he was fortunate to meet a business associate that owned a data processing company, called Central Processing Center. In 1968, he joined CPC as an owner and was instrumental in CPC pioneering the conversion of banks and savings and loans to their ‘on line’ mainframe computers via high speed phone lines, replacing the bank’s hand written, manual account systems. After 20 years of his leadership, CPC went public by joining FiServ in 1985, allowing him an early retirement at age 57. John enjoyed vacations of all kinds with his family. Early on, there were many memorable camping trips to the Medina River, complete with lots of Dr. Pepper and Vanilla creme cookies, under the big Cypress trees by the rapids. Also, there were countless weekends taking the boat to Canyon Lake, skiing, and tubing, with John primarily driving the boat, and occasionally getting in a ski run himself. His family’s love of the lake turned into building their dream home on Lake Dunlap in New Braunfels, where he bar-b-qued many chickens, and smoked many briskets, to feed the hungry kids coming off the lake. Not limiting their travels to just Texas, they also enjoyed international travel to Israel, Europe, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Beyond that there were many cruises, and an African safari with their best friends from Devine, the Belews. John and Mary also fell in love with Breckenridge, Colorado, where they purchased a home, and spent winters skiing and summers hiking with their family. They also enjoyed the annual ‘Happy Everything’ summer family reunions at their lake house. John and Mary had a deep faith in God and were active members of several churches throughout his lifetime. Their involvement in Trinity Baptist Church and The Fellowship of San Antonio, as well as Oakwood Baptist in New Braunfels generated many lifelong friendships. John was a generous man, supporting both local and international causes. In recent years, a commitment to sponsoring 6 children and funding building projects at the Jehovah Jireh school in Nicaragua, touched his heart in a particular way. These acts of benevolence were an indication of his supportive, positive, and encouraging manner. John was known to inspire people with his simple but powerful line to ‘just do the next, best thing.’ He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Grace, his sister Patricia Voelz, and his three children: Cyndi Wideman, of McKinney, Marilyn Ammon (Bob), of Waco, and John Williamson Jr. (Donna), of Dripping Springs. John also has 7 grandchildren, John, Kari, Ryan, Robyn, Audrey, Ava, and Scott, plus 8 great-grandchildren, Jossalyn, Jacob, James, Beau, Jackson, Cooper, Hayes, and Grace. Funeral services will be at Primrose Funeral Home in Devine, Texas, on March 3rd, at 2 pm, with a committal ceremony following at Evergreen Cemetery. Primrose Funeral Home used to be the First Baptist Church in Devine, where John and Mary were married, and where John was named the youngest deacon ever at the time. He always kept in mind and his heart the wonderful promise God gives in Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FundaCristo Missions International (www.fundacristo.com) or a charity of your choice. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 3,2023, starting at 1:00 P.M. with a Funeral Service to beginning at 2:00 P.M. Primrose Funeral Services Chapel, Devine, Texas with interment to follow at Evergreen 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, Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.
November 9, 1951 – February 20, 2023 James Lee “Skeeter” Cotter, Sr., 71, of Goodwell passed away Monday, February 20, 2023 at the Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas surrounded by his family. The son of Travis and Ruth (Rose) Cotter, Skeeter was born November 9, 1951 in San Angelo, Texas. He attended school in Devine, Texas. Skeeter had many hobbies he enjoyed – hunting, fishing, playing dominoes and pool, as well as playing music with his Rose cousins. Skeeter had many jobs but loved being a carpenter most of all. He learned carpentry from his dad. Skeeter married Nancy Waddell, June 1970. They had four children together: Jimmy, Cindy, Candice and Janet. He later married Charlotte Douthitt on May 8, 1996 in Canton, Texas. They moved from Mineola, Texas to Guymon in 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bobby Gandy and one sister, Susie Alexander. Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Cotter of the home; his kids: Jimmy Cotter and wife, Tammy of Guymon, Cindy Skipper and husband, David of Holcomb, Kansas, Candice Edwards and husband, Justin of Hysham, Montana, and Janet Cotter of Guymon; his bonus kids: Brandon Douthitt of Arlington, Texas, Breanne Bennett and husband, Neal of Mansfield, Texas, Chelsea Mullins of Arlington, Texas and Stacy Ray of Guymon. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; his sweet sister, Margaret Mazar and husband, Lou of Grand Saline, Texas; and two brothers, Bill Gandy of Amarillo, Texas and Stephen Gandy of Alvarado, Texas. There will be a family celebration of Skeeter’s life at a later date. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.
March 2, 1940 ~ September 24, 2022 MJ “Butch” Shoemaker, age 82, passed, unexpectedly, Saturday, September 24, 2022 at M.A. Assisted Living, in Natalia. Butch was born March 2, 1940, in Washington, DC, the son of Milton John aka Milton Fremont Shoemaker and Frances Housel Shoemaker. Butch, as known by his many friends, graduated from Edison High School in 1958. After graduating from high school, Butch’s mother told him to either get a job or join the military, so at age 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served 4 years as an Electrician’s Mate aboard the Aircraft carrier, USS Coral Sea. In May 1964, after his military service was completed, he went to work for Union Pacific Railroad, which later became Missouri Pacific or MOPAC. Butch started as a Trainman and worked his way up to Conductor status when he retired, after 41 years, in January 2005. He loved working for the Railroad, was dedicated to his job, and formed many Railroad friendships during this time, with lunches and get-togethers continuing after his retirement. In his mid-30’s, Butch married Juanita Hill and they were married for 32 years until her death in 2009. In 2010, Butch was fortunate to find, at age 70, the perfect partner with whom to spend the rest of his life, Linda Darlene (Rutherford) Glover. They were married for 12 years. It was during this time that Butch was baptized at Southwest Church of Christ, by Bro. Bob Stokes, the minister who married them. Bro. Bob and Butch became good friends and Butch became a faithful servant to his Lord and Master. Even though he had only been a Christian a short time and was still learning, Butch would participate in helping serve at the Communion table and whatever else he felt comfortable doing. A few years ago, Butch & Linda started worshipping at the Natalia Church of Christ closer to home in Lytle and developed a deep fondness for this loving and caring “church family”. Butch loved his church family, his immediate family, especially all the children with whom he bonded very quickly. He loved driving his 1919 Model-T Depot Hack, which he inherited from Juanita’s father. He got a big thrill out of driving it in parades, going on Model-T tours along with Linda and Butter, his yellow lab. She rode in the front seat next to Butch until Linda came along, and then she had to “take a back seat” but was ok with that just as long as she got to ride. He also loved his animals, watching the weather and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Butch always had a firm handshake and a bear hug for anyone he met…it was really hard for him during Covid to refrain from hugging anyone. He was a gentle man who exhibited concern and empathy for others. Butch supported the Veterans of Foreign Wars and when available would buy a poppy or two from them. He always made it a point that we vote in important elections. Surviving, in addition to his wife, Linda, are his step-children, Christine M. Glover of Lytle; Justin W. Glover and wife, Sharon, of Natalia; three step-grandchildren, Coleton Martin, Darren Glover and Katelyn Glover; one step-great-granddaughter, Kendall Martin; one sister, Georgiana “Pinky” Shoemaker Starzel and husband, Dave Madison of Denver; two brothers, Lawson Housel “Happy” Shoemaker and his wife, Pat; Joel David Shoemaker; & numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at Primrose Funeral Services, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052 with Preacher Jim Word officiating. A private burial will follow at Jourdanton City Cemetery in Jourdanton, Texas. Memorials can be sent to M.A. Assisted Living, 185 CR 679, Natalia, TX. 78059, under MJ “Butch” Shoemaker or Natalia Church of Christ, P.O. Box 209, Natalia, Texas 78059 Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements by Primrose Funeral Services, 14822 Main St., Lytle, Tx. 78052, (830) 709-0698.
Phyllis Ann Hill, born May 26, 1936 to parents Bud and Ora Hamilton of Natalia, entered the gates of Heaven on February 8, 2023, to join the love of her life, John Logan Hill. John and Phyllis met in Eagle Pass Texas at the movie theater, it was love at first sight! They would make many trips back to Eagle Pass, where they enjoyed playing the slots at Kickapoo. They’ve now hit the Mega jackpot by rejoining in Heaven where they can enjoy eternal life together. Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband John Logan Hill, parents Bud and Ora Hamilton, Father and Mother In Law Dee Witt and Ada Hill, son Keith and Grandson Christopher. She is survived by her brother J.J. Hamilton (Linda), sons John Phillip Hill (Paula), Mark Allen Hill (Deb), daughter Robin Kay Qualls (Mike), grandchildren John Dee Hill, Connie Hill, Jessica Reyes, Danny Hill (DeShana), Shannon Holland (Tim), April Qualls, Amanda Morrow (Joseph), 14 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Phyllis had a heart of gold, always caring for others and being the anchor to never let you fall. She made an impact on anyone she met with her kindness, nurturing and humorous spirit, loved by all. Although we will miss her tremendously, her presence will always be with us, we know that her faith has carried her on to her Heavenly Father and she’s rejoicing in Heaven with a big family reunion! And making sure all the kitty cat’s are well fed! We love you Mama, Grandma, Meemo, Sissy. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, starting at 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. Primrose Funeral Services Chapel Devine, Texas with a Graveside service starting at 2:30 P.M. at Evergreen cemetery. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangemtns are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas, 78016, (830) 663-4445.
