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Anna Jewel "Ann" Tankersley
HARLINGEN — Anna Jewel "Ann" Tankersley, 89, of Harlingen, passed away on January 1, 2004 after a long and lovely life.
Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Alva Irwin Sparks; her father, Henry Earl Sparks; husbands, James Liffie Izard and Robert Benjamin Tankersley; daughter, Beverly I. Dusek; brothers, Resse and Earl Sparks; sisters, Irene Echols and Mary Alice Young; and son-in-law, George J. Alexander.
She is survived by her daughter, Joann Maxine Alexander of Austin; son-in-law, Frank G. Dusek of Harlingen; sister, Ruth Anderson of Kerrville; grandchildren, Georgia Maxine Alexander and husband, Allen de Felipe of Granite Shoals, April Ann Alexander and husband James V. Egbert of Elgin, James Robert Alexander and wife Genee of Saginaw, TX and Ann Massengale and husband, Alan of Haslet; great grandchildren, Robert James Schauer, Benjamin Joshua Schauer, James Robert Alexander, Jr., Christina Jennifer Jewel Shauer, Jessica Desslee Alexander, Greg Massengale, Katy Massengale, and Jeremiah Anthony Dale Di Filicia; great great grandson, Thomas Alex Schauer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2003 at Mont Meta Cemetery on N. Sam Houston Blvd. in San Benito, TX.
Arrangements entrusted to Mont Meta Restlawn Cox Funeral Home.
Amos Thompson De Witt, III
Alamo — Amos Thompson De Witt, III, age 60, passed away Friday morning, January 2, 2004 at McAllen Medical Center.
Amos, a veteran guide and outfitter from Alamo, Tx leased 35,000 acres of the King Ranch’s Norias division from 1988 until 2003. He organized hunts for prominent businessmen from around the world. He was cited in a number of notable hunting publications.
Amos has been an elder of the Church at Bethany for the past 24 years. He was greatly loved and respected by all the members of the church. He was an inspiring example to the young men of the congregation and will be greatly missed. He was instrumental in the construction and maintenance of the church both spiritually and financially. Amos was also committed to the support of efforts to spread the gospel through missions outreach. He was a man of conviction and a man of his word.
He was preceded in death by his father, A.T. DeWitt in 1960.
Amos is survived by his wife, Toney R. DeWitt; daughter, Claudia R. DeWitt; son, Travis R. DeWitt all of Alamo, mother, Martha Christine De Witt of Harlingen; brother, Michael Kent De Witt of San Antonio; aunts, Sallie Lee DeWitt of Harlingen, and Jewel Velton of San Antonio.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., today, Sunday, January 4, 2004 at the Church at Bethany, 2.7 South Alamo Road in Alamo with the Rev. Angelica Carpenter officiating. Interment will follow at Raymondville Memorial Cemetery in Raymondville, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family, in accordance with the final wishes of the deceased, request donations be made in his memory to the Building Fund, The Church at Bethany, Rt. 2, Box 162-A, Alamo, Texas 78516.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Skinner Silva Funeral Home of Pharr.
Martha Marie Anderson
LYFORD — Martha Marie Anderson devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother, died Thursday, January 1, 2004, in San Antonio at the age of 84.
Born March 7, 1919 in Granger, Texas, she moved to Willacy County in 1948 with her husband, Clarence, and children to begin farming, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary there at their family home in 1989.
She was a generous soul with a kind heart to those in need. She devoted countless hours to volunteering her services to St. Anthony’s and Prince of Peace Catholic Churches, and to the St. Anne’s Society of the KJZT fraternal organization of Czech women.
Second only to the love of her grandchildren was her love of gardening. Coaxing an oasis of lush greenery out of the dusty fields surrounding her home, she enjoyed the physical work of turning the dark, rich, soil and pointing out inchworms, first to her children, and then her grandchildren. She taught them how to gently tamp down the earth around tender new plants, how to water, fertilize, and then enjoy the bountiful roses that sprang from her rose garden, and how to create beauty where only bareness had been before.
Her children remember her as a magnificent cook, smiling as they recall her philosophy of "food is love." Not to eat at least a bite of the sumptuous fare she prepared when she had visitors was futile. Holidays were always special because of her and Clarence. Spending hours in her famous kitchen, remodeled and enlarged finally after raising their six children, they would prepare enough delicious treats to feed a family for days. Her specialty was kolaches; a family favorite learned from her mother and her mother’s mother and prepared with her many friends in KJZT.
When she wasn’t cooking, she is best remembered holding and playing with her grandbabies. A wonderful, patient, and kind grandmother, she would spend countless hours letting them explore and simply taking time to play with them and be with them. She was their best friend.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Anderson, in 1990, and her sister, Della Fletcher in 2003.
Surviving are her sister, Henrietta Ciarrocca of Maplewood, NJ; sons, Ronald Anderson of San Antonio, Mike (Juanita) Anderson of San Benito, and Allan (Marilyn) Anderson of Simonton; daughters, Anita Anderson of San Antonio, Marylin (Mike) Myers of Brownsville, and Sharon Anderson Wendt of Houston; nieces Karen Ciarrocca (Andy) Dietz of Chester, NJ, and Joan Ciarrocca (Tim) McChesney of Medham, NJ. She is also survived by her grandchildren Amanda, Edward, and Phillip Terry; Cullen and Shelly Anderson; Alexis, Nicole, Michael, and Elizabeth Wendt; Araceli Anderson Kane and Alfonso Anderson; and five great grandchildren.
A Rosary will be recited Sunday, January 4, 2004 at 6 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Lyford. A mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 2 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with Fr. Amador Garza officiating. Interment will follow in Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito.
Memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Catholic Church, PO Box 460, Lyford, Texas 78569.
Funeral arrangements are with Mont Meta Restlawn Cox Funeral Home in Harlingen.
Margaret Lynch
MARTINSVILLE, IL — Margaret Lynch, 81, of Martinsville, IL formerly of Harlingen, TX passed away on December 30, 2003 in Burnside Nursing Home, in Marshall, IL. She was born on November 11, 1922 in Gillespie, IL to David and Mary (Ross) Shaw. She married her husband, William Scottie Lynch on June 30, 1946. She was a retired high school teacher and during the time period of World War II, she served as an airline stewardess. She was a member of the Harlingen Wesley United Methodist Church in Harlingen, TX.
She is survived by her husband, Scottie Lynch of Martinsville, IL; three daughters, Rev. Mary Mallory of Birmingham, MI, Barbara Kannmacher (Gale) of Martinsville, IL and Susan Brewster (Paul) of Jacksonville, IL; and six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Hugh and David Shaw.
Funeral services were on Saturday, January 3, 2004 at 11 a.m. at Willow Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church in rural Martinsville, IL. Graveside services will be on Sunday, January 4, 2004 at 1 p.m. in the Ullin Community Cemetery in Ullin, IL.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Greenwell Funeral Home, Martinsville, IL.
Susan M. Raybourn
HARLINGEN, TX — Susan Matz Raybourn, 56, stepped on a rainbow Wednesday, December 31, 2003. Susan was born in Brownsville and lived in Harlingen for most of her life.
She left behind countless smiles, as she brought happiness to every life she touched. She loved her animals, her garden, road trips, decorating, music, and life in general. Most of all she loved her family. Susan unselfishly gave her all so that they could have the opportunity to follow their passions whatever they might be. She had a wonderful laugh. The silence left with her passing is deafening.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Headley; her boys, Hunter and Justin, Hunter’s wife, Teresa; grandson, Casey; her brothers, James and Brant; her sister, Joyce; and her puppy dogs, FM and Charlotte.
Graveside services only will be held at Mont Meta Memorial Park, 11 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2004 with the Rev. Steve Purdy officiating.
The family request that those desiring to do so may make memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Harlingen, 1106 Markowsky, Harlingen, Texas 78550. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Audrey C. Roberts
HARLINGEN, TX — Audrey C. Roberts, 93, entered eternal rest on Christmas Eve 2003 in Harlingen while her family attended a local church service. Audrey was born September 26, 1910 to James William Cassell and Annie Belle Lowry Cassell of Roanoke, Virginia.
She graduated from Virginia State Teacher’s College, now James Madison University, in Harrisburg, Virginia, with a major in biochemistry. She also had extensive experience singing and touring with the college choir.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Charles, Roberts, who passed away in New Orleans in 1982; and her brothers Leon, Frank, and Raymond Cassell.
On May 7, 1932, Audrey married New Orleans native Dr. David Charles Roberts, whom she had met at Jefferson Hospital in Roanoke during her mother’s illness five years earlier. She bore two children, Thomas H. and Ann Talbot, in 1934 and 1945, respectively. She waited faithfully for her husband while he served on the Navy hospital ship USS Hope in the Pacific during WWII.
She devoted her life to creating a lovely home and caring for her family, first settling in Summit, NJ after the war, then relocating to New Orleans after her husband’s retirement. In New Jersey she served as a substitute teacher and actively supported the Animal Welfare League, placing pets in loving homes. She learned to transcribe Braille for the blind and volunteered as a literacy tutor. An active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and supporter of numerous Veterans and other community organizations, Audrey worked at the polls in may elections. A parishioner for many years at St. Paul’s Espiscopal Church in New Orleans, she participated in St. Cecilia’s Guild and numerous Bible study groups and volunteered at Tulane University Medical Center.
Audrey resided in Harlingen, Texas for the last seven years. Her daughter Ann Roberts of Harlingen; her son, Thomas of Bridgewater, NJ; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren survive her.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to her loving and devoted caregiver, Mary Alaniz, who provided valued companionship as well as unquestioning assistance to Audrey over the past years and blessed her life with her presence.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, January 4, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Arthritis Foundation (1-800-283-7800) or the National Osteoporosis Foundation (websites available).
I live alone, dear Lord, stay by my side, In all my daily needs be thou my guide. Grant me good health, for that indeed, I pray. To carry on my work from day to day. Keep pure my mind, My thoughts, my every deed, Let me be kind, unselfish in my neighbor’s need spare me from fire, from flood, malicious tongues, from thieves, from fear, and evil ones. If sickness or an accident befall, then humbly, Lord, I pray, hear thou my call. And when I’m feeling low, or in despair, lift up my heart and help me in my prayer. I live alone, dear Lord, yet have no fear, because I feel your presence ever near. Amen.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen.
Maria A. "Cuca" Gonzalez
SAN BENITO, TX — Maria del Refugio "Cuca" Aguilera Gonzalez, 82, entered into rest on Thursday, January 1, 2004 at Valley Baptist Medical Center. She was born November 6, 1921 in San Benito, Texas to Patricio and Paula L. Aguilera.
She loved visiting and helping people. Although she never had children of her own, she was a surrogate mother to her younger siblings, nieces, nephews and stepchildren.
Survivors include her brother, Juan Aguilera of Houston, TX; sisters, Cristina (Matias) Quintanilla of Pasadena, TX, Ester Aguilera of San Benito, TX, and Paulita A. (Jose) Espinoza of La Paloma, TX; sisters-in-law, Aurora Aguilera of Phoenix, Arizona, and Cannie Aguilera of San Benito; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Juan Correa; her second husband, Angel Gonzalez; her parents, Patricio and Paula L. Aguilera; her brothers, Reynaldo Aguilera Sr., Jesus Aguilera Sr., and Benjamin Aguilera Sr.
Visitation will be held at the San Benito Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2004 and Sunday, January 4, 2004.
Funeral services will be held at the Primera Iglesia Bautista, 10 a.m., Monday, January 5, 2004 with Pastor Robert Cepeda officiating.
Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be family members. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of San Benito Funeral Home, San Benito, TX.
Anita M. Garza
LYFORD, TX — It’s hard to part with one so dear, we little thought the time was near, for Anita M. Garza who passed to be with the Lord at age of 87. She passed away Thursday, January 1, 2004 at her home. She was born July 2, 1916 in Zapata Ranch, Willacy County to Juan and Florencia (Munoz) Molina.
A rosary was held Friday, 7 p.m., at Duddlesten Chapel.
Funeral service will be held Saturday 1 p.m., January 3, 2004, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Sebastian. Burial will follow at the Family Cemetery, Zapata Ranch.
She is survived by three daughters, Mary Balderrama, Janie Garza and Mary Lou Garza; and one son, Bobby Garza (Margaret). Also surviving are her grandchildren, Randol Rene Lopez, Belinda Balderrama, Thelma Hinojosa, Suzanne D. Balderrama, Diana L. Garza, Gilberto Garza, Jr., R. Daniel Garza, Gilbert Longoria, Norma Ramirez, Christina Garza, Michael Rodriguez, Gilbert Garza, Bobby Rey Garza, Armando Garza, Jaime Garza, Raymond Garza, Belinda J. Cavazos, Paul Garcia and Cesar Garcia, Jr.; also 23 great grandchildren.
Honorary pallbearers will be Randol Rene Lopez and Raymond Garza. Pallbearers will be Gilbert Garza, Michael Rodriguez, Paul Garcia, Gilberto Garza, Jr., Joey Tovar and Raymond Garza, III.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Duddlesten Funeral Home.
Anna Benys
WESLACO, TX — Anna Benys, 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 2, 2004.
She had been a resident of Weslaco for 20 years, having moved from Corpus Christi, Texas after the death of her husband. She was an active member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco, as well as a dedicated gardener who loved working with her flowers.She is survived by her daughter, Bernardine (Fred) McCaleb of Weslaco; her grandsons, Mark (Carla) McCaleb, Harold (Elizabeth) McCaleb and George McCaleb. Also surviving are two sisters; three great grandsons and one great granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Rosary will be said on Sunday, January 4, 2004 at 7 p.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel in Weslaco.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 5, 2004 at 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco. Interment will follow at Seaside Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.
Gilberto V. Reyes
MERCEDES, TX — Gilberto V. Reyes, 52, passed away Thursday night at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco.
He is survived by two brothers, Rodolfo (Evangelina) Reyes of Toledo, Ohio, Armando Reyes, of Mercedes; six sisters, Soldedad Solis of Edinburg, Carolina Reyes, Dora Trevino, Adelia Martinez of Mercedes, Argentina Galvan, Margarita Gongora both of Houston.
Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m.
Chapel services will be held Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Ebony Grove Cemetery also in Mercedes.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Garcia & Trevino Funeral Home of Mercedes.
Sgt. Rey David Cuervo
LAGUNA VISTA — Sgt. Rey David Cuervo, 24 of Laguna Vista, Texas passed away on December 28, 2003 in Baghdad, Iraq.
Sgt. Rey D. Cuervo was born August 29, 1979 in Tampico, Tamp. Mexico. Sgt. Rey D. Cuervo attended school in Port Isabel from 2nd grade through the 11th grade, where he then transferred to San Benito High School. Sgt. Cuervo graduated from San Benito High School in 1999.
In June 1999, Sgt. Cuervo enlisted in the United States Army. He was killed in Iraq on December 28, 2003 while in active duty. His ranking in the United States Army at the time of his death was Sgt.
Sgt. Cuervo is survived by his mother, Rosalba Kuhn and father, Thomas Kuhn of Laguna Vista, Texas; 3 sisters, Juanita Cuervo of Morelia, Mexico, Valentina (Timoteo C.) Barrientez and Karla Diana Cuervo both of Port Isabel, TX; nephew, Julien David Barreintez and niece, Maya Niko Rousch both of Port Isabel, TX; maternal grandparents, Solino Martinez and Rosa Flores both of Mexico.
Public visitation will be held today, January 2, 2004 from 2-4 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home, 395 S. Sam Houston in San Benito with funeral procession departing the funeral home at 4:30 p.m. to Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 705 S. Longoria St., in Port Isabel.
Visitation will continue at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church from 6-9 p.m. with a Holy Rosary recited at 7 p.m.
Public visitation will be held Saturday, January 3, 2004 from 9-10 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church with funeral service mass beginning at 10 a.m. with Father Gerry Barrett officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2004 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, in San Antonio, Texas.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas 399-1331.
