Category: Obituaries

Surrounded by family, Donna Lee Snider, of Devine, Texas passed away peacefully to be with Our Lord and Savior on October 4, 2022 at the age of 65.
Donna was born on May 1, 1957 in San Antonio, TX to parents, Melvin Eugene Hoover and Annie Dora Hoover.
She was known for her loving and kind spirit, fun personality and having a feisty attitude at times. She was an honest and loyal woman who was a hard worker with lots of determination. She enjoyed the challenge of tinkering with broken electronics to make them like new again, she found a purpose for everything. She served her community and the Devine ISD for many years working as a crossing guard, being a member of the PTO and often volunteering her time as an assistant in the classroom. Later in life, she found joy in caring for the patients at Sterling Residential Care. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her roses. She loved the sound of her wind chimes in the breeze while watching the cardinals and hummingbirds fly in for their daily visit. Her love for her family was of utmost importance; indeed she was her family’s biggest cheerleader. She devoted much of her time to being “Nana”, her pride and joy are her children and grandchildren.
Donna was a strong woman of faith and loved the fulfillment of praise music. It would be wrong to say my mom lost her battle with cancer because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, she stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in her. Just because she is not here, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight.
Donna is proceeded in death by her parents, Melvin and Annie Hoover; step mother, Cherry Hoover and brother, Johnny Hoover.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Loyd Snider; Daughters: Dana Marie Snider, Jennifer Ann Keenum and son-in-law, Shane Keenum; grandchildren: Emma Keenum, Dresden Snider, Phoenix Snider, Wyatt Keenum and Dassidy Snider; siblings: Frankie Adkins, Helen Lovejoy, David Hoover, Brenda Ebner, Edith Hubbard, Charles Rosenbloom, Jimmie Rosenbloom, Bo Callaway and Tudy Callaway.
A “Memorial Service and Celebration of Life” for Donna will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 11:00am-12:00pm at Betania Baptist Church, 404 E. Hondo Ave. Devine, TX 78016.

Petra Hernandez of Devine, TX born January 15, 1948 in Bigfoot, TX to Elisandro Ortiz and Petra Olvera Ortiz passed away on October 6, 2022 at the age of 74. Mrs. Hernandez loved spending time with her grandchildren and playing bingo.
Petra is survived by sons: Steven Hernandez of Houston and Ely Hernandez of Devine, TX; daughter: Christina (Dennis Barber) Morales of Devine, TX; brothers: Emilio Ortiz of Devine, TX, Jose (Dolores) Ortiz of Charlotte, TX; sisters: Julia Garcia and Maria Jass both of Devine, TX and Juanita Guerra of Pearsall, TX; four grandchildren: Yancey (Coleen) Montgomery, Darren Morales, Crystal Nichole Hernandez and Victoria Hernandez; great grandchildren: Aiden Montgomery, Caroline Montgomery, Charlotte Montgomery; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Mrs. Hernandez wishes were to be cremated. Private Inurnment of her cremains will take place at the Longview Cemetery on December 3, 2022.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.HurleyFuneralHome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home – Devine, 303 College Ave., Devine, TX 78016

Mary Elizabeth Leyva Davalos, 41, of Devine, Texas went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 7, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on November 7, 1980 in San Antonio, Texas.
Mary is survived by her parents—Fredrick & Maria Mollen of Bandera, TX. Brother—Jason Leyva (Rose) of Atascosa, TX, Sons—Kristian Davalos (Rachael), Xebian Dacoda Davalos, Granddaughters—Aspen Davalos, Eden Davalos all of Great Falls, Montana. Maternal Grandparents—Fortino & Maria Leyva of Atascosa, TX, Significant Other—Bianca Ortiz. Nephew—Cyrus Leyva, Niece—Abbigail Leyva, Great Niece—Anais Leyva and by her beloved dog—Sheera Rene. Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends and extended family.
Mary worked for the Dollar General Store in Devine and the surrounding areas for many years. She was known and loved by many people. She had a loving and giving nature. She always had a smile on her face. She had her own unique style which included her hair color and she loved her tattoos. Her sons remember her as being a loving, supportive and non-judgmental mother. She loved being a Mimi to her 2 granddaughters. She enjoyed spending time at the river with family and friends. Mary battled with cancer and was brave and courageous to the end. Mary was registered as an organ donor. As a result, 2 people will receive the gift of sight.
Visitation will be held on Saturday October 15, 2022 at the Faith Baptist Church in Devine, TX (575 State Hwy 132), from 9:30 am – 11:30 am Viewing, followed by a rosary and mass.
Services will conclude at Faith Baptist Church.
Arrangements by Bluebonnet Funeral Chapel, Natalia, TX.

Felicita “Cleo” Bohmfalk passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 25, 2022, in Austin, Texas. Cleo was born to Gregorio and Ines Delgado DeLeon on November 2, 1950, in Hondo, Texas. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and brother, Guadalupe “Lupe” DeLeon.
Cleo was a long-time member of Concordia Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX and most recently joined Divine Saviour Lutheran Church in Devine, TX. She loved the Lord and had a true servant’s heart; it was evident to all that knew her. She cared for family, friends, and those in need and no matter how big or small the need was, she showed up for everyone unconditionally and without hesitation. Cleo’s final act was to give the gift of life through organ donation. She represented the good that we all need every day in our lives.
Cleo was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. She took special pride in her grandchildren. She was so proud of the young men, Preston and Gage had become and visited Jayden and Violet as often as she could. She loved watching them grow up and made every trip special for them. She loved going to church, spending time with her childhood friends from Devine, as well as her friends in San Antonio, family trips in the summer, shopping, road trips and hosting the holidays. Cleo started planning her Thanksgiving meals each September, she made the best tamales at Christmas and dropped them off to family and friends. Cleo loved people and was not one to turn down a social outing. She formed many close friendships and maintained those over decades. This was Cleo’s 25th year as a breast cancer survivor.
Cleo is survived by her former spouse, William Bohmfalk (San Antonio, TX), daughters, Jennifer Villarreal (Houston, TX), and Stefani Bohmfalk (LaVernia, TX), and her four grandchildren, Preston Perez (New York City, NY), Gage Guerra (San Marcos, TX), and Jayden and Violet Villarreal (Houston, TX).
Cleo’s daughters have honored their mother’s wish to be cremated and not have a viewing; she requested her ashes be buried at her mother’s gravesite. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 29 at Divine Saviour Lutheran Church, officiated by Pastor Randall Wehmeyer.

Mayra Stout passed away on September 26, 2022 at the age of 70 in Somerset, TX. She was born on January 17, 1952 in Mexico.
Mayra is survived by her husband, Ernest W. Stout; son, Alexander E. Stout and an extended loving family.
A visitation was held from 9 am-10 am with a Chapel Service that followed at 10 am on Monday, October 3, 2022, at Hurley Funeral Home in Lytle with interment that followed in Lytle Community Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle, 14822 North Main Street, Lytle, TX 78052.

Martin (Marty) R. Soto entered eternal rest on September 30, 2022 at the age of 55 years. Marty was born on December 31, 1966 to Marcelino V. Soto & Josephina Rivera. He was a proud 1985 graduate of Natalia HS. He is survived by: brother and sister-in-law Robert (Patricia) Soto; sister Marcella Soto; nephews Jonathan (Jennifer) Cortez; Isaac (Samantha) Soto; nieces Jennifer (Ryan) Dusseau; Lori Soto; great nieces and nephews Emiliana, Eleana, Zachery, Josiah, Benjamin, Caleb, Zayla; extended cousins and many friends.
Visitation will take place on Thursday October 13, 2022 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Southwest Funeral Home, 3946 S. Zarzamora Str, San Antonio, Tx, 78225. Rosary will be recited at 6:30 pm.
Friday October 14, 2022 Funeral Mass will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devine, Tx (108 S. Washington Drive). Interment will follow at Lytle Community Cemetery, Laredo Street, Lytle, Tx.
Marty was a man of many talents. He was a master gardener. He was meticulous with this yard work. He loved planting and nurturing a variety of plants and flowers, especially mandevillas. He loved to sketch and write poetry, and his calligraphy was impressive. He loved the outdoors so he went for many for long walks. He liked to cook. When he worked at Tex-Spice he was well known for his chicken enchiladas that he prepared for his co-workers on special occasions. Another of his favorite pastimes was completing 1000 or 2000 piece puzzles. Marty was a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Many will remember seeing him each Saturday, sitting at “his pew” at 4:30 mass. Marty will be missed by many.

Ruthie Belle Jackel, passed away on October 1, 2022 at the age of 91 in Devine, TX. She was born on March 6, 1931 in Black Creek, Texas to parents Jim and Elsie Allen.
Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents; son, Ernest Jackel; husband, Clarence Jackel; son, Roger Jackel (Kay); siblings, John Allen, Jimmy Allen, Jessie Weimers, Evelyn Sollock, Shirley Overall; granddaughter, Cheyenne Baumann; sons-in-law, Joe Delaney Wells II and Michael Krumm.
Ruthie is survived by her children, Wanda Wells, Thelma Davis (Kelvin), Robert Jackel (Laura), Ella Krumm, Brenda Baird (Denny); brother, Willie Allen (Carol); sister, Elsie Reppert; grandchildren, Amy, JJ, Jeff, Julie, Laney, Joe, Bobby, Yolanda, Katie, Kelly, CJ, Clint, Elizabeth, Lilly; 28 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Public Viewing will be held at Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle on October 9, 2022 from  5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 10, 2022, at Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle with interment to follow in Hermann and Sons Cemetery, Macdona, Texas.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home – Lytle, 14822 North Main Street, Lytle, TX 78052.

Leroy Henry Tondre of Lytle, passed away on October 1, 2022 at the age of 86. He was born July 6, 1936 in Rio Medina, Texas to Oscar L. Tondre and Louisa Wengenroth Tondre.
In 1955, Leroy graduated from Southwest High School. He married Margaret Ann App on June 1, 1961 in San Antonio. Margaret passed away on May 25, 2007, just a few days before their forty-sixth wedding anniversary.
For forty-seven years, he owned and operated Floyd’s Dairy Bar on Goliad Road in San Antonio, retiring in 2017 at the age of 80. Leroy raised chickens and especially loved his chihuahua, Coco.
Survivors include his children, Ruth Tondre of Elmendorf, Joann Pawelek of Lytle, Roland H. Tondre of Lytle, Judy Tondre (Robert Frausto) of Lytle, Priscilla Tondre of Lytle, and Amanda Tondre (Juan Lara) of Lytle; grandchildren, Eliseo Lara, Jr., Christopher Opiela, Kresenda Hernandez (Alfred), Michelle Tondre, Shawn McCraw, Addisyn Lara, Luke Lara, Avery Lara, and Everleigh Lara; and great-grandchildren, Novalee Rangel, Shelby Rangel, Aubree Rangel, and Matthew Hernandez.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret Ann Tondre; an infant son; son-in-law, Raymond Pawelek; sister, Dorothy Leihsing (Joe), and brother, Alvin Tondre (Gayle).
Visitation will be Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. A Prayer Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2022 at Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Interment will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville, Texas.
Memorials may be made in Leroy’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.

Gary ‘Mike’ Coffey of La Coste, passed away on September 5, 2022 at the age of 78. He was born February 29, 1944 in San Antonio, Texas to William Russell Coffey and Mildred Teinert Coffey.
In 1962, Mike graduated from John Marshall High School in San Antonio. He served in the United States Coast Guard for two years and then attended San Antonio College, Southwest Texas State College, and Trinity University. He always said he was following the girls! He then went to the University of Texas in Austin where he received his BBA in Accounting in 1976. He was an accountant for many years. Mike received a BS in Secondary Mathematics Education from University of Texas at San Antonio in 1998 and then began his teaching career. He taught math at Poteet Middle School, Somerset High School, and Medina Valley Middle School.
Mike was a San Antonio Alzafar Shriner Clown and would visit children who were in the hospital at Christmas time to bring them gifts. He greeted all the children at the Alzafar Shrine Circus every year. He also participated in local parades with the clowns and would visit with every child on the parade route.
He loved talking to new people. He never met a stranger.
On March 2, 1996, Mike married Claire Louise Christilles at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in La Coste. They were blessed with twenty-six years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Claire Coffey of La Coste; children and their spouses, Kelly and Tom Gehrmann of Black Forest, Colorado, Cable and Brittney Coffey of Arvada, Colorado, and Abby and Eric Schwarte of Austin; grandchildren, Katy Gehrmann, Jilly Gehrmann, Darby Coffey, Ridley Coffey, Charlotte Schwarte, Eli Schwarte, and Lucas Schwarte; siblings, Ruth Coffey of San Antonio and Scotty Coffey Muenchow of Austin; mother-in-law, Shirley Christilles; in-laws, Dian Pfeil (Thom), Randall Christilles (Laura), Jon Christilles (Lori), George Christilles (Rachel), and Melissa Ames (Dale); and many nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia Coffey Bones; and his father-in-law, James Daniel ‘Jim’ Christilles.
A Masonic Memorial Service will be held during his Celebration of Life from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Beethoven Hall, 422 Pereida Street, San Antonio, Texas 78210. A Graveside Service with military honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 17, 2022 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #3, in San Antonio, Texas.
Memorials may be made in Mike’s memory to Shriners’ Hospitals for Crippled Children or Orthopedic (https://lovetotherescue.org) or the charity of your choice.

John Robert Slater passed away on October 1, 2022, at age of 91. He was born on October 2, 1930, to Otis and Margaret Slater and lived in Yancy, Texas.
He was a 1948 Devine High School graduate and a 1951 Texas A & I University graduate with a bachelor in Agricultural Education. He earned a master’s degree in Administration in 1963. He was married to Martha Leary on June 30, 1951. John began his teaching career as an instructor for 7 months in the Veterans Ag Program in Alice, Texas. In 1952 he began teaching Agriculture Education in Killeen, Texas. The move of a lifetime occurred in June 1956. John, his wife and three children moved to Orange Grove to be the agriculture teacher. From then until his retirement in 1987, John held the positions as ag teacher, junior high principal, high school principal and superintendent. John also was made a lifelong member by the Texas Association of School Administrators. He was very active in the Jim Wells County Fair for over 50 years. He never missed going to the fair ground to work in the swine barn. He was the Swine Barn Superintendent for many years as well as the Jim Wells County Fair Association President. John was always there to help the 4-H and the FFA students with their projects. His leadership and advice given to them was enormous. He was a 1960 charter member of the Orange Grove 4-H /FFA Boosters Club. John served as President and Director of the Orange Grove Co-op. He served several years on the city’s Board of Aldermen and was a member of the Jim Wells County Appraisal District Board.
John was very devoted to his church, St John of the Cross Catholic Church. He was a charter member of the St. John of the Cross Catholic Church Council. At St Pius X Catholic Church in Sandia, Texas, he served as Chairman of the Council. Being a strong leader, he was one of those who could get people behind him, get things done and when he spoke everyone listened. After retiring from the school, John then began his second career as a rancher. John ran cattle with Charles Houlihan. Afterward he managed the Worsham Ranch and in 1997 the Bernie De Laune Ranch. Always a cowboy at heart, an avid reader of westerns novels, and born a generation too late, he was the happiest when he was on a horse and working cattle. He cared for the cattle and the quail at Bernie’s ranch as if it was his own. Every day he looked forward to getting up to go to the ranch. He worked from day light to dark. He liked to say he worked from “can to can’t.” Everyone admired him for working so hard at his age, but he loved every minute of it. He finally retired around the age of 86.
Along with his many talents, he was a great storyteller and love to spin yarns with just enough truths that the grandkids never knew whether to believe him or not. He loved to play dominoes and poker.
He is preceded by his wife, Martha Slater to whom he was married just short of 70 years.
He is survived by 5 children: Randy (Eileen) Slater, Donald (Amanda) Slater, Kathy Slater, Allen (Victoria) Slater, and Nancy Slater (Kevin)Oswald. He has 5 grandchildren: Amy Slater (Andrew) Cook, Caitlin Slater (Channing) Williford, Cassandra McAden (Jeff Altenbern), Karl (Jenny) Slater, Casey (Rick) Oswald Jewell, and Jessica Oswald. His great- grandchildren are: Jace Cook and Nova Altenbern.