Eliza Ann Chapa

Eliza Ann Chapa, a devoted wife and mother, a loving daughter, and a cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by loved ones.


Born on April 23, 1980, in San Antonio, Eliza radiated warmth and joy throughout her life, touching the hearts of all who knew her. She was known for her quick wit and infectious laughter, which brought joy to everyone around her.


Eliza approached her work with the same dedication and compassion that she brought to her personal life. Proud of her Hispanic heritage, she often celebrated her roots through stories and laughter, drawing her family closer with every shared moment.


She will live on through her beloved husband, William Chapa, and her loving sons, Gavin, Gabriel, and Lucas, as well as her mother, Gloria Garcia. She is also survived by her fathers, Guillermo Garcia and Cande Ramirez; her brother, Oscar Dominguez; nephews Jay and Jaren; and niece Aaliyah. Her spirit will continue in the hearts of her extended family and friends, whom she cherished deeply and spoke about often.


Eliza was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lucia Berrelez; grandfather, Pedro Pulido Jr.; sister-in-law, Debbie Bains; and cousin, Denton Gormley.
Eliza was known for her passions-her love for her home, adorned with plants, butterflies, and birds; her spontaneous kitchen dance parties that filled the air with joy; and a nurturing heart that truly knew no bounds. Whether taking trips with family, enjoying a day of shopping, or simply spending time with her beloved pets, Luna and Loki, Eliza embraced life with grace and exuberance.

Family and friends were invited to honor and remember Eliza’s life during a public viewing on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Rosary that was from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian in San Antonio, with the burial service scheduled from 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM.


As we remember Eliza, let us hold close the laughter she shared, the love she gave so freely, and the beauty she brought into our lives. Her spirit will forever dance in our memories, and her legacy of kindness will live on in every heart she touched.

Shooter gets life in prison for ‘senseless’ Hwy 90 killing

By Medina County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
MAY 27, 2025–Pedro Espinoza, Jr., 34, of Uvalde was sentenced to life in prison after a Medina County jury convicted Espinosa for the murder of Marlon Lindsey.


Marlon Lindsey, a US Army Veteran and father of four from Beaumont, Texas, had settled in San Antonio after finding work as a conductor for BNSF, a North American railroad company. The night he was killed, Lindsey was being driven to the Hondo Railyard by Vivian Olivarez, who also had John Suhling, a fellow railway employee, in her transport van. As the railroad employees traveled west on US Highway 90 through Medina County, Espinoza, who had been living in Uvalde County, was well into an hour-long crime-spree where he was reported by multiple 911-callers as driving on the wrong side of the roadway.


One witness testified to the jury about encountering a small silver vehicle, later identified as Espinoza’s, passing him and his mother on the passenger’s side of his vehicle, traveling on the shoulder of the westbound lane but heading east near the city of Sabinal in Uvalde County.

The witness described what he thought was the sound of a rock hitting his car, but when he made it to Del Rio and looked at his vehicle the next day, he noticed a half-inch bullet hole in the side of his vehicle, less than 3 feet from where his mother was sitting. Another pickup truck, driven by two young men from the Dallas area, was struck on the passenger’s side as they neared Hondo coming from Castroville. This time, the bullet was just inches from…..LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING CLICK HERE

Yuliana, 5, brings happiness to everyone she meets

Yuliana is a bright and joyful 5-year-old who brings happiness to everyone around her, with a glowing smile. Although she uses a wheelchair to assist getting around, this doesn’t stop her from exploring the world in her own unique way.


One of her greatest loves is music. Whether she’s listening to her favorite songs or moving along to the rhythm, music brings her immense joy and helps her connect with the world. She also enjoys watching a variety of shows on television, where she finds entertainment and inspiration in the characters and stories she watches.


Though expressing herself verbally can be challenging, Yuliana continues to thrive, supported by her loving caregivers. Every day, she displays resilience, joy, and a unique sense of wonder, reminding those around her of the beauty and strength she carries within. She may experience the world differently, but her vibrant spirit and love for life shine brightly, filling hearts with warmth and admiration.


Yuliana is looking for a family that can provide a safe, nurturing, and stable environment. She wants a family that is loving, patient, and understanding, where she feels accepted and supported.


If you think you could be a forever family for Yuliana or another Texas child, please call 1-800-233-3405 for more information or visit www.adoptchildren.org where you can find a schedule of online public information meetings, and learn about the foster/adoption program.
You can also view the www.heartgallerystx.org website, where South Texas children have their portraits along with individual personal stories they wish to share, with their future forever family.

Meet Candace Esparza: Devine ISD Candidate Q&A series

1. What do you believe the role of a school board member is? Why are you interested in serving?

A school board member is essential in shaping a district’s educational vision and policies. They help set standards for education, manage budgets, and advocate for students, parents, and staff. Working closely with teachers and the community is crucial to making sure every student has the opportunity for a quality education. I’m eager to serve because I truly care about education and believe that every student deserves the resources and support, they need to succeed. My background and dedication to community service motivate me to make a positive impact in our district’s educational environment.

Continue reading “Meet Candace Esparza: Devine ISD Candidate Q&A series”

Renee Frieda: Devine ISD Candidate Q&A series

  1. What do you believe the role of a school board member is? Why are you interested in serving ?

I appreciate this question as there is often confusion surrounding board responsibilities. All newly-elected board members attend state-mandated training on their role/responsibility to focus on student academic success. I am thoroughly committed to the mission of preparing our young people for their future success.

Continue reading “Renee Frieda: Devine ISD Candidate Q&A series”

This week’s E-edition

Get INSTANT full online access to our E-edition by setting up a subscription at www.DevineNewsMembers.com

You will get online access right away, plus you will begin receiving our traditional print edition in your mailbox every week for only $36 a year total in Medina County or $48 per year anywhere else in Texas!

This page is designed for fast upload, and as soon as you login to our website, you will be able to zoom in and read.

Sign up for Devine Prekinder Roundup before Sept. 1st

The child must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025 in order to register for Head Start/Pre-K.
**Be prepared to submit the following information to register your child:

  1. Shot Record
  2. Official Birth Certificate
  3. Proof of Residence
  4. Proof of Income for 12 months (ex. 2024 – 1040 tax form)
  5. SNAP Benefits Letter
  6. Child’s Social Security Card
  7. Federal Assistance (Medicaid, TANF, WIC, etc)
  8. Photo ID of parent/guardian registering child

Scar-Head Lois & Other Chickens I have Known

     “It may be the cock that crows, but it is the hen that lays the eggs.”

Margaret Thatcher

     I once had a little squat Barred Rock hen named Scar- Head Lois.  She was so named because she had a gaping hole on the side of her head, the obvious result of some unknown farmyard injury.  Lois was a special little hen, so special in fact that I, in a fit of generosity, gifted her to my dear sister-in-law one Christmas.  Scar-Head Lois would happily lay her eggs for anyone who fed and talked to her.  Lois was fond of conversation.  And she had a happy life out on the ranch until she met a ravenous racoon one night who breached the walls of her happy henhouse.  One sad truth in life is that everyone, and everything, loves to eat chicken. 

     Remembering Scar-Head Lois, my mind has been on chickens this week.  Since egg prices continue to skyrocket, and prime chicken raising springtime is upon us, I thought I might again visit the topic of poultry.  So here goes…

     We currently do not have a flock of hens, thanks to predators who visit from time to time.  But I have a confession – I do love chickens, and eggs.  If forced to live like Robinson Crusoe on some deserted Caribbean Island, all I would ask for is a small library of good books, my typewriter along with an ample supply of paper, and a flock of chickens.  With those three things, I would be happy.

     If, like me, you are poultry friendly, and find yourself short of eggs, or are simply tired of spending each week on eggs money that would have paid for a small used car in 1968, then you may need some chickens.  And maybe I can help.

     In years past, much to my wife’s chagrin, I have made a habit of raising chickens in our home.  This usually involved placing a large tub or box on our kitchen table, with attached heat lamp, filled with shavings, feed, water, and an assortment of baby chicks.  Those days were fun, and I remember my girls well.

     Fond of using vintage “old lady” names for my hens, here were some of my favorites:  Mavis, Phoebe, Vera, Fern, Ruby, Eunice, Phyllis, Sadie, Cora, Eleanor, Ida, Mabel, Opal, and Nellie.  I once had what I thought was a beautiful little hen that I named Amelia.  With growth, my little hen turned out to be a rooster, so she/he then became Amelio.  Amelio was sent as a Christmas present along with Scar-Head Lois and met her same fate.

     Speaking of roosters, be warned.  Roosters crow, long and early.  If you have close neighbors you might want to stick with hens alone, in order to avoid conflict.  If you have no close neighbors, then adding a rooster to your flock does give your girls some security.  If you allow your chickens to wander in your pasture or yard (free-range eggs always taste better), then an irritable rooster can often discourage daytime predators.  But roosters can be, and often are, rank, and may need to be dispatched if you find they will attack you or other family members.  And it helps to name them accordingly.  We once had a rooster that clued me in early as to his temperament.  Predicting that he would soon need to lose his head, we named him John the Baptist.

     If buying chickens, it is best to purchase chicks and raise them yourself (my opinion) – if this is agreeable to other humans in your circle.  If you are new to nurturing poultry, a visit to YouTube might be in order.  You can learn all you want to about raising chickens quickly this way.  And of course, breed selection is most important.   

     I have always preferred the old standard dual-purpose breeds.  They are typically good natured, and most lay brown eggs.  Here are some of my favorites:

Barred Rocks (beautiful dark gray and white barred plumage) – the ideal farm or ranch chicken, Barred Rocks are steady and reliable.  They always seem among the most intelligent hens in a flock.

Buff Orpingtons (golden colored feathers) – large quiet birds, they make good setters and mothers if you want to hatch more chicks later.

Rhode Island Reds (lovely red plumage) – popular breed and very good layers – they can be feisty and sometimes pick on other birds.  If you have a mixed flock, good idea to limit their number for peace in the henhouse.

Black Australorp (all black feathers) – wonderful chickens, quiet and gentle, superior heat tolerance, and very good layers.

Ameraucanas (plumage varies) – they lay blue and green eggs, so make a nice addition to any flock.

     There are many other wonderful chicken breeds available.  If you are ready to become a poultry parent, here’s a great source for good chickens – Murray McMurray Hatchery (mcmurrayhatchery.com).  Good luck!

© 2025 Jody Dyer

typewriterweekly.com

Military eyes airspace over Medina County for simulated combat training

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Every kid loves to see the airplanes flying by, and it looks like they may be seeing a lot more of them soon. The military has selected most of Medina County and parts of Uvalde, Frio, and Bandera Counties as a prime area to conduct “low-altitude” flight training with a floor of 500 feet above ground level.

Continue reading “Military eyes airspace over Medina County for simulated combat training”