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.
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Melvin Edward Koehler, Jr.
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
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.
Devine Cheerleaders, Mascots, Pep Squad Across the Years to be honored at Homecoming – Sept. 26 & 27
Click here to see who is pictured above
1997-98 DHS Varsity Cheerleaders & Mascot: Top Row – Keri Ehlinger, Bianca Pittman (Mascot), Rebekah Lively; Middle – Clarissa Fernandez, Samantha McClure; Seated – Kayci Waters, Marci Long *picture from the 1998 DHS yearbook
No matter the years or styles of uniforms, Devine cheerleaders, mascots, and pep squad members have always been known for not only their spirited talents and enthusiasm, but for their hard work and dedication for a sport that puts you out in front of huge audiences in gyms and stadiums! That is no easy task, but for decades, young women, and a few young men, from Devine put in the time and effort to become skilled at what they did best!
On Friday night, Sept. 26th all former cheerleaders, mascots, and pep squad members will be asked to stand, or sit, and wave to the fans as they will be recognized for their leadership and dedication in carrying on the Spirit of the Devine Warhorses and Arabians!
On Saturday, September 27th all former Devine cheerleaders, mascots, and pep squad members from Devine Middle School/Jr. High and High School will be honored at the annual DExSTA Homecoming celebration, starting at 1:00pm at the Devine VFW (Green Alamo), at 211 W. College Ave., across from the post office. Lots of cheering pictures, uniforms, and more, from over the years, will be on display, and special photos will be taken. So please join us for the special day honoring these special leaders of the Warhorse & Arabian Spirit!
*DExSTA members will get in free, with guests at $5 each. *Annual DExSTA membership is only $15 a year, with an option for a Lifetime Membership at $100. *You are welcome to join at the Homecoming football game on Friday night, or at the Saturday event at the VFW, or you can even send it by mail to Devine Ex-Student Teachers Association at PO Box 586, Devine, Tx 78016. If you send it by mail, please include a note with your name, class year or teacher, and a current address. *Proceeds are used toward the cost of the hall, refreshments, stamps, supplies, and scholarships.
Lytle Police Report
Friday, September 05
8:16 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a possible intoxicated driver. The homeless male was okay.
5:14 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
6:35 PM – 19500 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to speak with a parent regarding a child custody issue.
8:48 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 400 Blk. Meadowview Dr. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with a disturbance.
8:58 PM – 19900 Blk. FM. 2790 – Officer responded to a 911 hang-up. Everything was okay.
9:51 PM – 19900 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active panic alarm. The business was secure. False Alarm.
Saturday, September 06
9:14 AM – 19800 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to the report of a Ford F-250 with a broken window. Nothing was taken from the vehicle. The window was valued at a loss of $165.
12:19 PM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver and spoke to the driver, who was experiencing muscle spasms.
1:31 PM – 15100 Blk. Adams St. – Officer responded to speak to the business owner regarding a vehicle that struck his business.
5:31 PM – Hildago St. (Coal Mine Subdivision) – Officer responded to report of shots fired but could not locate any gunfire.
6:15 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
8:11 PM – Main St. @ N. Prairie St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in a citation and release of a 47 year old male for possession of drug paraphernalia.
9:57 PM – 19800 Blk. Bruce St. – Officers responded to a 911 hangup. Everything was okay.
Sunday, September 07
12:19 AM – 14300 Blk. Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for failure to maintain a single lane of traffic, which resulted in the arrest of a 38 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
2:19 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a report of missing $40 from a lost wallet that was turned in to the store.
3:40 PM – Assist Atascosa County EMS – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to assist a patient having a medical emergency.
5:00 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to speak with an employee regarding a request for criminal trespass.
6:29 PM – 16000 Blk. Imes Way – Officers responded to a family verbal disturbance.
Maxwell Mural depicts a “young” Devine– 1800s imagined
A while back Bo and Wendy Maxwell approached me about doing a painting for them. They wanted this painting to depict old/time Devine as Bo would imagine it in the 1800s. His vision was the young town nestled down in the valley with the train passing through. He wanted bluebonnets, oak trees, a horseman, a road runner and a rattlesnake, (which I almost refused to do), a house and barn, children playing in the lane, a farmhouse and cattle in the distance, and, of course, the hill country on the horizon. I can do that. But wait. This is no ordinary painting on canvas. This is going to be a mural painted on the Maxwell‘s dining room wall! This is going to be a 14 feet wide and 5 feet tall mural painted on site! Well, this is a new venture, but of course I can do it!
So, when the time came around in February of this year, I gathered up my materials – paint, turpentine, brushes, acrylic paint for the base and headed to Devine. For the next six weeks, I showed up two or three times a week for a 3 to 4 hour afternoon painting session.
It didn’t take long for Bo and Wendy to learn that I loved Big Red and chips, especially Cheetos. So, every time I showed up, they brought out the refreshments.
Day One, with the scaffolding in place, I climbed up so I could reach the ceiling! The wall was painted dark maroon, a 14’ wide and 8’ tall maroon wall. Bo had planned to put up a rustic wooden siding along the bottom 3’, so he had taped it off. Remaining was the 14’ X 5’ wall that I had to prime with acrylic to neutralize the maroon!
The scenario of me on the scaffolding lasted for weeks. But, eventually I painted my way down to ground level!
On occasion Bo would make suggestions. It’s always good to have a fresh set of eyes. But the coolest thing about this project is how special Wendy and Bo Maxwell treated me and that, regardless of whether it’s true or not, they think the painting is wonderful. I recently asked Wendy if they were tired of looking at it yet. She assured me that they still enjoy it, and I certainly hope so because it’s there for posterity.
City, County, ESD tax rate public hearings set
City, county and ESD leaders set public hearings for the proposed increase or decrease in tax rates for year 2025. Due to property tax changes the rate increase or decrease still always brings in more tax money than the previous years. It is quite confusing at times. Do you look at the rate or the amount expected to be brought in as the factor for an increase or decrease argument. Leaders have to figure out each year how much taxes must be brought in to provide the services they are required to or want to provide with those tax dollars.
Tax notices have been posted online and in the newspapers to include:
City of Devine -Proposed Tax Rate is 59 cents, which is a 0% decrease from the current rate of 59 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept.16 at 7:00 pm at community center. Total tax levy on all properties will increase from $1.519 million to $1.58 million or $61,694 increase or 4% increase in total tax levy.
City of Natalia- Proposed Tax Rate is 44.49 cents, which is a 6.87% decrease from the current rate of 47.77 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept.15 at 6:45 pm at city hall.
City of Lytle- Proposed Tax Rate is 43.93 cents, which is a 9.79% increase from the current rate of 39.83 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept.16 at 7:00 pm at city hall. Due to average homestead taxable value decreasing by 38.84 %, the tax on average homestead decreased 29%. Total tax levy to be brought in on all properties went from $1.167million to $1.358 million a increase of 15.16% in total property tax levy.
City of LaCoste- Proposed Tax Rate is 58.81 cents, which is a 1.4% increase from the current rate of 58 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept16 at 7:00 pm. at city hall.
City of VonOrmy- Proposed Tax Rate is 14.37 cents, which is a 0% increase from the current rate of 14.37 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept11 at 12:00 pm at the Municipal Building.
Medina County- Proposed Tax Rate is 44.34 cents, which is a 1.71% decrease from the current rate of 45.11cents per $100. Public Hearing was Sept.8. The budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $2,311,087, which is a 8.73 % increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $1.724 million.
ACESD#1- Proposed Tax Rate is 10 cents, which is a 0% no change from the current rate of 10 cents per $100. (Due to annexations and growth of overall property value, the same 10 cents will now produce a lot more money since there are more properties. The total tax levy on all properties went from $3.3 million to $9.3 million which is an increase in funds of $6 million or 178.3% change. All while the average homestead will see a decrease of $16 or 8.4% since the average homestead taxable value decrease by 8.4%)
MCESD#2 Proposed Tax Rate is 10 cents, which is a 3.13 cent or 45.56% increase from the current rate of 6.87 cents per $100. Public Hearing is set for Sept. 16 at 7:00 pm at the fire house. Total tax levy on all properties increase by 41.09% to produce $827,194 in taxes an increase of $240,920.
MCESD#4 Proposed Tax Rate is 5.21 cents, which is a 5.04% increase from the current rate of 4.96 cents per $100.Total tax levy on all properties increased from $788, 548 to $821,261 which is an increase of $32,713 or 4.15%. Public Hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 6:00 pm at the ems station.
MCESD#5- Proposed Tax Rate is 10 cents, which is a 4.06% increase from the current rate of 9.61 cents per $100. Public Hearing was held on August 21, 2025.
Allison loves home-cooked meals,animals, cheerleading,and going to the beach
Allisson is a friendly and sweet 13-year-old. She has a cheerful demeanor and enjoys the company of friends and those she cares about the most around her, as such she enjoys being part of social settings allowing her to interact with others.
Allisson enjoys having home cooked meals, as she sees this as a sign of love and care due to her feeling the meal was prepared specifically for her. Allisson enjoys cheerleading and performing at school activities. She especially enjoys attending pep rallies at school as it allows for her to showcase her school pride and cheer with her fellow friends and classmates. Allisson loves all subjects in school and enjoys attending her classes, currently her favorite class is PE, as she enjoys being physically active.
Allisson loves being the center of attention as evident by her love for dancing, cheerleading, and wanting to socialize with others. At her current placement, there are several dogs, and she loves them very much, as evident by the way she plays and interacts with them, she also really enjoys going to the beach.
Allisson loves watching Disney movies and shows, as she loves seeing happy fairytale endings come true…. She believes there is a family who will adopt & love her, as her forever family…
If you think you could be a forever family for Gabriella 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.
BUST N BURN Sept. 12-13 in Devine
Clay shoot, Silent auction, BBQ Cook-off
Kids needed for BBQ and clay shoot to win buckles
The 12th Annual DJ Carlson Memorial BUST N BURN will be on September 12&13, the second weekend of September yearly, and will be hosted at the same location as last year, at The Farm, 2238 FM 2200 West, Devine just past the airport a little ways.
The two day weekend event will feature a barbeque cook-off (State Championship Cook-off), a 12 station sporting clay shoot, corn hole and washer tourneys, live music and entertainment!
They started doing a Kid’s Q last year for the first time. The ages will be kinder through high school seniors that can compete in the Kid’s Q cookoff. Meat will be provided by the sponsor DCDC- Devine Childcare Development Center/Candace Esparza.
Everyone is welcome to join in on the weekend events with the purchase of a $10 cover charge wrist band.
Champions Barbeque Alliance State Championship Cook-off will feature chicken, ribs, brisket, and pork butt; with a $5000 Pay Out.
The 12 station registered sporting clay shoot always draws a lot of sponsors and teams and many awards and buckles are given including scholarships.
In addition…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
DEVINE EX-STUDENTS/TEACHERS ASSOCIATION HOMECOMING FESTIVITIES ON SEPT. 26-27!
All Devine alumni and teachers welcome…
The Devine Ex-Students/Teachers Association (DExSTA) is looking forward, again this year, to welcoming Devine Exes to Homecoming!
It all starts Friday night, Sept 26th, at Warhorse Stadium where the Devine Warhorses will take on the visiting San Antonio Christian in a gridiron battle! Get there early for registration & name tags at the DExSTA table by the ramp, then gather in the south end of the home stands with other Devine Exes. The DHS Homecoming activities will begin about 6:30, followed by the DHS School Song played by the Warhorse Band, and kick-off at 7:30pm. Be ready to cheer with the DHS Cheerleaders and stand for “Two Bits”!
During the game, the announcer will call out for any former Cheerleaders, Mascots, and Pep Squad members to stand or wave from their seats to be recognized and honored for their contributions to the unwavering Devine Spirit! Other classes having special reunions may be announced also, so keep listening for your class to stand or wave! At halftime the DHS Honor Class of 1975 will be down on the track to be introduced for their 50th Class Reunion.
The annual DExSTA “Main Event” will be held again this year at the Devine VFW Post 3966 (old Green Alamo) at 211 W. College Ave., in Devine. The event begins at 1:00pm with Registration, Visiting, Refreshments and includes displays of many old school pictures & class posters, cheer squad memorabilia and a wonderful slide show. At 2:00pm the Homecoming Program opens with Two Bits, the National Anthem & Pledges, and School Song, followed by a brief DExSTA annual meeting, introductions of ex-students & teachers, special recognition of former Cheerleaders, Mascots, & Pep Squad members, & classes with reunions, and a feature of the Honor Class of 1975. Afterwards there will be more opportunities for visiting and taking pictures together!
It will be an afternoon of special memories for all! *Group pictures of the Cheerleaders, Mascots, Pep Squads, plus Classes of 1975, 1965, 1955, 2010, and any other classes with reunions, will be taken outside the hall on the front steps.
This gathering is a very special time to not only remember and celebrate our own school days, but to meet other Devine Exes, and hear about what made their days in Devine special to them. You will find that the Warhorse-Arabian Spirit ties us all together! Please make plans to join us for Homecoming 2025 on September 26th and 27th!
Devine Ex-Students/Teachers Association: “Preserving the Past, Celebrating the Present, Promoting the Future” DExSTA Contact Information: Facebook page – Devine Ex-Students Teachers Association
Nancy Ehlinger Saathoff ’75 @ 210-289-6205 or gnsaathoff@aol.com. Join and fill out the form on page 3.
