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Roberto Alvarado, born July 21, 1960, in San Antonio, Texas, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 8, 2025.
He is survived by his devoted mother, Maria Alvarado; his wife, Irma Alvarado; his daughter, Elizabeth; and his sons, Robert and Rodney Alvarado.
Roberto is also survived by his siblings Donna (Jose) Ortiz, Melissa (Frank) Gonzales, Tina (Freddie) Mendez, Michael (Irene) Alvarado, Leonard (Grace) Alvarado, Michael Angelo Alvarado, and Robert (Tiffany) Alvarado. He is also survived by extended family, lifelong friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his father Roberto Alvarado Sr., grandmother Michaela Sauceda, grandparents, Thomas and Cristina Alvarado, sister Graciela Alvarado, brother Rodney Alvarado, and his niece Lorraine Alvarado.
Roberto will always be remembered as a jokester, protector, and a passionate musician. He had a smile that welcomed everyone he met. He would buy donuts to make people’s day. He discovered his gift for drumming at the age of 15 and went on to perform with several bands over the years, including Los Immigrantes del Sur, Cielo Azul (which later became La Mafia), Pilo Salazar, Texas Tejas Band, Mysterio Band, Virgina y Sus Cuatro Copas, Liberty Band, and Freddy Fender. That is only a few to name.
His talents earned him recognition, and in August 2025, he was honored by the Tejano Legends Houston Chapter 9, receiving a certificate of Recognition and plaque for his musical contributions and lasting friendships in the Conjunto world.
These last few months were not easy. Roberto faced throat cancer, osteomyelitis in his spine, and long hospital stays. But through it all, he never gave up. He never complained. He never asked, “Why me?” He stayed gracious. He stayed funny. And he stayed grateful – especially to those who cared for him. When our mom asked him gently, “Are you okay?” He just smiled and said: “Hey, don’t worry about it.” His strength amazed those around him.
Even while battling two aggressive illnesses, he responded with humor, gratitude, and dignity. He was deeply appreciative of all the little things his daily, facility, and hospital staff did for him. His outlook was one of peace.
Roberto’s rhythm may have stopped here on Earth, but his music and spirit continue. We’ll carry you in our hearts – always.
Rest peacefully. We love you.

It is with profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude that we announce the passing of Billie Ruth Patteson Collins, a devoted mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, who went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 30, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on February 19, 1939, Billie embodied a spirit of compassion and strength, firmly rooted in her faith and love for family.
A loving spirit, Billie poured her heart into creating a warm and welcoming home. She found joy in nurturing not just her family but also in caring for those around her, treating friends and neighbors like extended family. Her laughter and kindness uplifted all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Billie’s love for music was evident in the way she filled her home with the sounds of piano, violin, banjo, and guitar, enchanting her loved ones with melodies that resonated with joy and warmth. Her passion for singing brought light into many hearts and cherished moments shared with her family. She delighted in spending family get togethers playing volleyball with her children and grandchildren, each game a testament to her vibrant spirit and love for connection.
Her devotion to her family was unparalleled. She is survived by her beloved children, Darrell Mellene (Lou), Debbie Banks, Dorene Mellene, Brenda Mellene, Dennis Crouch (Tiffany), Denise Crouch; grandchildren Donna, Lanelle, Marty, Robert, Priscilla, Lyndsey, Jessica, Grant, Sarah, Dawson, Kaleb; great-grandchildren Tracy, Tammera, Alanah, Jayden, Matthew, Michael, Hayden, Jeremey, Kylee, Kyndel, Olivia, Sophie, Maricela, James, Faithlynn, Gracelynn, Hayden, Avery Layne, Cannon Wayne; sisters Willie Mae Mullins, Bobbie Nell Davidson. Each stood as a testament to her legacy of love, strength, and encouragement.
She is preceded in death by her parents Ada Mae and Hollin Boyd Patteson; husband Richard Collins; brothers Jimmy Patteson and Johnny Patteson; grandson Dalton Scott Crouch; great-grandson Carter Slae Mott.
Billie also had a special place in her heart for her cherished plants, much like she did for her family.
As we gather to honor her remarkable life, we invite you to join us for visitation on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 8:00 A.M. until service time at 12:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine, Texas with interment to follow in Sand Brach cemetery.
Together, we will celebrate Billie’s life-a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, laughter, and the nurturing spirit she so generously shared.
Though Billie has departed from our midst, her memory will forever bloom in the hearts of those she touched. May her joyful melodies echo on and her legacy of love continue to inspire us all.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dianna Lee Brown of Natalia, Texas. Dianna was born in Natalia, Texas, on July 1st, 1945, and passed away on August 29th, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.
Dianna was one of a kind; sweet, loving, giving, and kind-hearted. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. To know her was to love her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Doil Richardson, and father, Forrest Antrim, as well as her brothers, Gary Richardson and Woody Richardson.
Dianna is survived by her husband and best friend of sixty years, Charles Brown; daughter, Tiffany Brown; and son, Chuck Brown (Vanessa). She will be missed greatly by her five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, as well as multiple nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services will be held at Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.
A public viewing will be held in her honor on Thursday, Sept 11, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, with a Funeral Service on Friday, Sept 12, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Moore Memorial Cemetery.
If you would like to express your condolences or share a memory, you may do so at www.primerosefuneralservices.com
Funeral Arrangements are under the care of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas. 303 West College Ave, Devine, Texas 78016

Alma Lamar Lopez Cavazos, beloved wife, sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, August 11, 2025, with her loving husband by her side. She was born in Laredo, Texas on August 17, 1943 to Alejandro and Olivia Lopez. At a young age, Alma and her family moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she and her two sisters were lovingly raised.
At the age of five, Alma would accompany her father to nearby counties on election day to watch the political process, shenanigans, and political arguments that occurred during election days. Her exposure to the political environment at a young age would influence her career in politics. Her maternal grandmother urged her to be “la nunca vista” – something that’s never been seen before.
Alma excelled at Graebner Elementary and Burbank High School on the south side of San Antonio before continuing her education at San Antonio College and St. Mary’s University, where she earned a B.B.A. degree. Although her father hoped she would attend UT Austin for law school, Alma followed her own path and enrolled at St. Mary’s University School of Law, where she was one of just four women in the program.
After earning her doctorate in jurisprudence in 1968, Alma began her legal career working alongside Attorney Frank J. Green, where she gained experience in immigration law and further strengthened her Spanish language skills. She went on to establish her own private practice, specializing in immigration and family law for more than two decades.
Encouraged by her law school friend Frank Herrera, Alma pursued a judgeship. He secured a meeting with Governor Ann Richards resulting in Alma’s historic appointment in 1993 making her the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Fourth Court of Appeals and only the second in the United States to serve on an appellate court. She was later elected chief justice, becoming the first Hispanic woman to be elected chief justice of an appellate court in the United States and highest-ranking justice on the first all-female appeals court in the United States. She served with distinction until her retirement in 2008.
Alma’s legacy extended far beyond her judicial decisions. She broke barriers for Hispanic and other women in the legal profession. St. Mary’s University School of Law honors her contributions each year with the Alma L. Lopez Women in Leadership Award. Even in retirement, she remained active in the legal community, volunteering her time and advocating for women in law and for survivors of domestic violence.
Alma married the love of her life, Emilio Cavazos, on March 3, 1983. Their marriage was a true partnership, built on unwavering support, and deep affection for one another. Their bond was an inspiration to all who knew them.
Alma is preceded in death by her parents, Alejandro and Olivia Roach Lopez, her mother-in- law Guadalupe Cavazos, her aunt Suzanna “Susie” Garza, her uncle Daniel Garza, nephew Daniel Valero, her brothers-in-law Arthur Cavazos and Johnny Cavazos.
In addition to her husband, Emilio, she is survived by her sisters Sylvia “Syl” Valero and Sandra “Sandy” Nemic (husband – Theodore), daughter Elizabeth Cavazos (husband – Bryan Kersten), son Emiliano Cavazos (wife – Kathy), granddaughters Katie Roberts (husband – Brock) and Kelli Elrod (husband – Jimmy), nephews Vince Valero (wife – Jessica) and Mark Valero (wife – Letty), sister-in-law Sandra Cavazos Ayala (husband -Sam), brothers-in-law Bernie Cavazos (wife – Veronica) and George Cavazos (wife – Keke), sister-in-law Mary Cavazos, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alma Lopez will be remembered not only for her trailblazing career and service to her community, but for her kindness, strength, love for everyone, and unwavering belief in justice. She leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Her funeral Mass was celebrated on Sunday, September 5, 2025 at Mission San Jose Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas and burial at Mission Burial Park South.

Melvin Edward Koehler, Jr., lovingly known as Mel, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the age of 64. He was born September 16, 1960, in Brunswick, ME, to Melvin and Irene Koehler of San Antonio, Texas, who have preceded him in death.
Mel is survived by his brother Mack (Lisa) Koehler, sister Marjorie Koehler, and brother Michael Koehler. He is loved by his nieces, Amanda, Laci, and Skyra, and his nephew, William. He was also admired by his great nephews, Jack, Tanner, David, Brayden, Luke, Kai, Koehler, and Wade, along with one great niece, Cory.
Mel was a proud graduate of Stinson Vocational School through Harlandale ISD, class of 1983. It is there that he made his famous half-court shot at a basketball game that earned him the nickname “Ice Man” after George Gervin, amongst his classmates. After high school, Mel became a dedicated employee at Tex-Spice in Devine, Texas. He worked there diligently, packing and labeling spices for 30 years until he retired in 2013. After retirement, Mel enjoyed spending time at home, watching sports, and being with his family. Before his death, he was a resident of Pleasanton South Rehabilitation Home, where he looked forward to playing bingo with his friends.
Mel led a life filled with the love of his family and the love of sports. He was a simple man with a big heart and a plethora of knowledge of all things Dallas Cowboys. The loyalty he had didn’t end with his teams; it poured into all those who knew him and those who treated him with kindness. He never knew a stranger and was always up for a conversation about the upcoming games. His family is rejoicing knowing that he now has the best seat in the house for all his favorite sporting events.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hillcrest Funeral Home. A service will be held on September 19, 2025, at 9 am at 1281 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX, with a burial to follow at Mission South Cemetery, 1700 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, TX.

Rosa Gonzales Hernandez, age 91, went home to the Lord peacefully on September 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother Rosa’s life was a reflection of unwavering faith, selfless love, and deep-rooted generosity.
Born on August 30, 1934, in La Union, New Mexico, Rosa spent most of her life in Dell City, Texas, where she raised her family and built a legacy of hard work, service, and compassion. For the past 18 years, she resided in Lytle, Texas, where her love continued to bloom among generations of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Rosa is survived by her beloved husband, Salvador M. Hernandez Sr., and their children: Salvador Hernandez Jr. (Trina Nunez), Susana Estrada (Joe L.), Carol Aguinaga (late Alfredo Sr.), Ana Ortega (Robert), Alberto Hernandez, Corina Hernandez-Muraira (Adrian), and Juan Hernandez (Raquel). She also leaves behind a beautiful legacy of 24 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her cherished son Victor Hernandez, her parents Francisco and Maria Gonzales, and her brothers Manuel, Ismael, and Jesus Gonzales.
Rosa was known for making each grandchild feel uniquely loved – often through the meals she lovingly prepared or advice on life. A gifted home cook, she created her own recipe book and poured her heart into every dish, making food a powerful expression of her affection. This passion for cooking realized into owning a beloved restaurant where she poured her heart into every meal, sharing her love for cooking with the community and creating a place where every customer felt like family.
Faith was the cornerstone of Rosa’s life. A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, she faithfully attended Mass, prayed daily rosaries – especially for those who asked for prayer – and volunteered through the Ladies Guild at San Isidro Church in Dell City, preparing snacks, supporting church events, and always ready to serve.
Rosa also found joy in tending her bountiful garden, caring for her many pets, and adopting strays in need of love. As a farmer’s wife, she embraced the outdoors and cherished a life rooted in simplicity and service. Her talents also extended to sewing, knitting, and crocheting, creating beautiful handmade items treasured by many.
She was deeply loved not only by her immediate family, but also by her nieces, nephews, neighbors, and countless friends who were touched by her generosity, kindness, and enduring faith.
Funeral services will be held at Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas, beginning on Tuesday, September 16, with a viewing at 5 PM and Rosary at 7 PM. A Mass of Catholic Burial at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Lytle, Texas, will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 17 at 10 AM, followed by interment at the Lytle Community Cemetery on N. Benton St & Laredo St, Lytle, Texas. A reception will take place immediately after at the St. Andrews Catholic Church Hall.
Rosa Gonzales Hernandez’s legacy lives on in the lives she nurtured, the prayers she offered, the meals she prepared, and the love she gave freely. She will be forever remembered and deeply missed.