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Jim Allen Stephenson
RAYMONDVILLE, TX — Jim Allen Stephenson, lifetime farmer of the Rio Grande Valley, 86, passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2004 at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas.
Graveside Service will be held Friday, 1 p.m., December 3, 2004 at the Raymondville Memorial Park Cemetery.
He is survived by his son, Allen Stephenson of San Antonio; best friend, Josie Valdez; three grandchildren, Matthew Stephenson of Corpus Christi, Joleigh Ares of California and Tom Depree of San Antonio. He is also survived by 4 great grandchildren.
Viewing will be available from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, December 3, 2004.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Duddlesten Funeral Home.
Sylvia M. Alaniz
RIO HONDO, TX — Sylvia M. Alaniz, 49, of Rio Hondo, Texas entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas. She was born on March 16, 1955 to Manuel and Paula Alaniz.
She was a graduate of Rio Hondo High School and graduated from San Houston State University in 1977, and a passed member of XI Omicron Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, and was employed with the Rio Hondo Elementary School for 26 years. Education was the essence of her life, she was a devoted Educator, who touched the life‘s of many children. She was the most giving and understanding person in this world, and she never expected anyting in return. Her nieces and nephews were he life, she loved them as a mother loves her own.
She is survived by: sister, Gloria (Albert) Macias of Rio Hondo, TX; brother, Lupe (Minnie) Alaniz of Rio Hondo, TX; sister, Sulema (Gilbert) Macias of Harlingen, TX and Sally (Manuel) Mendez of Rio Hondo, TX; brother, Rolando (Elvira) Alaniz of Rio Hondo, TX, Rudy Alaniz and Emilio Gomez of Harlingen; her best friend, Frank Galvan of San Benito, Texas; 17 nieces and nephews; and 10 great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Manuel and Paula Alaniz; brother, Juan Alaniz and nephew, Jacob Mendez.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2004 with a 3 p.m. funeral service at St. Helen‘s Catholic Church in Rio Hondo, Texas. Interment will follow to Mont-Meta Memorial Park in San Benito, Texas.
Her Pallbearers will be Rollen Alaniz, Albert Macias, Eddie Macias, Jason Mendez, Eric Macias, and John Alaniz.
Adrian Macias and Ryan Garcia.
The family of Sylvia, have entrusted to the care of their loved one to our family at Thomae Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston Blvd., 956-399-1331
Chester "Chet" Turman
Oct. 8, 1936 - Nov. 12, 2004
HARLINGEN, TX — Memorial Services for Chet Turman will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 1 p.m. at Howard Johnson 6779 W. Exp. 83, Harlingen, Texas 78552. Take the Stuart Place exit off Hwy 83.
Martin Rosales, Jr.
AUSTIN, TX — International Radio and TV Personality Martin Rosales, Jr., 74, died November 29, 2004 in Austin. He was born December 27, 1929 in Gonzales, TX.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin Sr. and Maria P. Orduna de Rosales; sister, Blanca Diaz; and brother, Ramon Escobedo-Rosales.
International radio owes its beginnings to a voice, "La Voz de Oro," that was immediately and unmistakably recongnized. Entering radio in 1948, his programs are in the memories of many people who live in Texas and Mexico. He was a dedicated mass media personality entertaining through radio and television in several Southwestern states for over 50 years.
He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1948 where he played quarterback for the Apaches. He started his radio career with KCTI while in high school. After graduation he went to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to study at Instituto Technologico de Estudios Superiores. He served in the Texas National Guard for 10 years. His influence on Spanish radio carries a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 52 years Mary Delphine Carlin; sisters, Mary Flores and husband, Felix of Harlingen, Hilda Longoria and husband, Reynaldo of Harlingen; brothers, Manuel Escobedo-Rosales and Rafael Rosales; four children, Yolanda Anthony of Kemah, TX, Glenn Rosales, George Rosales and wife, Sylvia of Austin, Patricia Marquez and husband, Jeff of Hawaii; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Funeral Home, 1002 E. Harrison in Harlingen,
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Martin Rosales can be made to the Catholic War Veterans Aux., 1805 (earmark) Scholarship Fund, 2325 Aldford Dr. Austin, TX 78745, c/o Mary Rosales.
Mattie M. Jones
WESLACO, TX — Mattie M. Jones, 90, passed away November 29, 2004 at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen.
Visitation will be held today, Friday, December 3, 2004 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel in Weslaco.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 11 a.m. at McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel in Weslaco. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.
Consuelo A. Ramirez
"Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4
SAN BENITO, TX — Consuelo A. Ramirez or "Chelo" as she was lovingly called by her friends and family, departed this life to join her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 after a long and courageous battle with diabetes; she was 69 years old. Chelo was born on November 7, 1935 to the late Antonio and Josefa Alvarado. She was born and raised on La Palma Blvd., and she moved only a few blocks away to Corral St., after marrying her late husband, Jose A. "Nono" Ramirez. Together they raised a loving family, and they left behind a lifetime of happy memories.
Chelo loved to dance, tell jokes, eat out, sing old songs, talk to friends, and reminisce about the many happy and sometimes difficult times in her life. She loved to cook for her family, and her tamales and tortillas were family favorites. Most of all, she loved children. In her life, she had a hand in helping to raise the children of numerous friends and relatives. Of these, Valerie Rivas, Abigail, Melba, melissa, Nita, and Yolanda were especially dear to her heart. She was a kind and loving mother to all who knew her. She cherished, protected and loved her grandchildren whom she cared for with all her gentle heart. A servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, she was a life long member of St. Theresa Catholic Church where she served as a member of the Vela Perpetua.
She is survived by her loving children: Jose Arnoldo, Jr. (Gracie), Vidal V. (Maria) of Santa Rosa, Gilberto, Roberto, Ruben (Monica), David E. (Ynette) of Santa Rosa; and one daughter, Angela. Also left behind were granddaughters: Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Laura; grandsons: Jose A. Ramirez IV, Ruben, and Vidal. She leaves behind two surviving brothers, Arturo and Antonio Alvarado, two surviving sisters: Olga Rios, and Amelia "Mela" Alvarado. Her extended family, whom she treasured and adored, included: step-granddaughters: Milinda, Cindy, Valerie, Lisa, Mayra, and Mariah; one step-grandson, Jay; and three step-grandchildren: Zeph, Jacinda, and Zoe along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers will be: Julian Roa, Jr., Perrin Ramirez, Leo Barrera, Rolando Ovalle, Ralph De La Garza, and Jerry Gutierrez. Honorary pallbearers are: Joel Gutierrez, Ino Mata, Bubba Uribe, Frank Maldonado, Joey Zamora, Jesse Rios, Serafin Padron, Jr. and Francisco Hernandez, Jr.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 3, 2004 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. in the South Chapel.
Her funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, December 4, 2004 beginning at 11 a.m. at St. Theresa‘s Catholic Church with Father Rudy officiating. Interment will follow to Mont-Meta Memorial Park.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the proffesional care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston Blvd., San Benito, Texas 78586. (956) 399-1331.
Pedro Cantu
PORT ISABEL, TX — Pedro Cantu, 74, of Port Isabel, passed away at his residence on December 1, 2004.
Pedro was born on August 13, 1930 to Maximo Cantu Sr. and Paula Cantu in Port Isabel. He was a life resident of Port Isabel and a Member of Our Lady Star of Sea Catholic Church. He was a lifetime carpenter and his hobbies were playing pool, dancing, and spending time with his wife of 51 years and family.
He is survived by his wife, Guadalupe R. Cantu of Port Isabel; Daughter, Linda Cantu of Laguna Vista; 5 Sons, Pedro (Cindy) Cantu Jr. of Denhan Spring, Louisiana, Reynaldo (Tomasita) Cantu of Laguna Vista, Noe (Eulalia) Cantu of Port Isabel, Frankie (Jeanette) Cantu of Laguna Vista and Martin Cantu of Port Isabel; 10 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces; 2 sisters, Crecencia (Roberto) Rivera of Port Isabel and Sofia (Santiago) Ochoa of Laguna Heights; 4 brothers, Guillermo Cantu of Port Isabel, Maximo (Irma) Cantu Jr., of Laguna Vista, Juan Cantu of Port Isabel, and Apolonio Cantu of Port Isabel, TX.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Maximo Sr. and Paula Cantu; Sister, Lucila C. Gonzalez; 2-Nephews Pedro Gonzalez and Leo Cantu.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., today, December 3, 2004 at Our Lady Star of Sea Catholic Church, 705 S. Longoria St. in Port Isabel. Cremation will follow to Sacred Park Crematorium.
Pallbearers will be Michael Gonzalez, Johnny Rivera, Frankie Gonzalez, Noe Cantu Jr., Justin Cantu and Cesar Ochoa.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Thomae Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, 956-399-1331.
Chester "Chet" Turman
Oct. 8, 1936 - Nov. 12, 2004
HARLINGEN, TX — Memorial Services for Chet Turman will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 1 p.m. at Howard Johnson 6779 W. Exp. 83, Harlingen, Texas 78552. Take the Stuart Place exit off Hwy 83.
Richard E. Ritenour
LOS FRESNOS, TX — Rit was born May 11, 1925, on a small farm in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. After graduating high school in 1943, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served on a B-17 bomber in the European Campaign of World War II, flying 35 missions as bombardier until the end of the war.
Returning home and after working for the railroad and driving freight trucks, he learned to fly and discovered the love of his life, flying.
Rit then started a crop dusting business that operated for over 30 years. Also during that period, he managed an airport, gave flight instruction, and owned and operated a grain elevator, all in northern Illinois.
In 1981, Rit and his wife, Betty, relocated to south Texas, where he "retired". During his retirement, he served on the police force and obtained his Captain‘s license to provide fishing tours. In keeping with his love for flying, he continued to give flight instruction until 1999 and worked at the Brownsville and Cameron County Airports. In 1995, at 70, Rit restored a Piper Super Cub and flew it solo from South Padre Island, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska. He had just comepleted writing a book about his flying career titled As the Prop Turns.
In his lifelong love for flying, Rit adopted the motto "God is My Co-Pilot" and has taken his final flight to Heaven and is now at peace with God. Rit was was a member of Rio Hondo Baptist Church.
Rit is joining his deceased brothers, Robert and Gerald; and sisters, Dorothy Williamson and Lucille Crouse.
He is survived by Betty, his beloved wife for 32 years; his brother, Ronald Ritenour of Lanark, IL; daughters, Pamela Beyer of Fallbrook, CA; Tanya Phillips of Mendota, IL; Nancy Robeson of LaSalle, IL; and sons, Gregory Ritenour of Ft. Worth, TX; David Wonders of Channelview, TX; Mark Wonders of Streator, IL; Rit has 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Victor W. Engelmann
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA — The Rev. Victor W. Engelmann, 82, of Council Bluffs, IA, died Friday, November 26, 2004 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
He worked as a volunteer building low income houses with Proyecto Azteca, enjoyed woodworking and table tennis while wintering in Harlingen, Texas.
His body has been cremated and a memorial service is being held Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John‘s U.C.C. in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Visitation is at the church Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Proyecto Azteca Housing Projects. Interment will be at a later date.
Margarito Wise
La Feria — Margarito Wise, 77, entered into rest on Saturday at his residence. Margarito had a mind of an engineer. He would see something broken and instinctively know how to fix it, which is why he was such a giving, caring, loving husband, father, brother and friend. Margarito was born on July 26, 1927 in San Benito.
He served his country as an officer in the U.S. Army from 1946-1948. After returning home, Margarito graduated from Texas Southmost College and married the girl next door, Viola Celina Montalvo.
He was a hard working man and always put others first. He selflessly helped the community and served on several boards and commissions in San Benito. He loved and cherished his wife and family.
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Viola Montalvo Wise; his brother, Hernan Wise (Raquel) and children, Linda Wise Marin (Ruben), Cynthia Wise Galvan (David), Dolores Wise Barrera (Mario) and Jesus Miguel Wise (Norma); grandchildren, Isaac and Alec Marin, Yvette Galvan Nava and Richard E. Galvan, Stephanie, Catherine, Francis and Andrea Barrera, Michael, Johnathon, and Timothy Wise and great-grandchildren Lamar, Reis and Aden Nava and Elliana Galvan.
Visitation will be held today, Sunday, December 5, 2004 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace with a Prayer Service to be held at 7 p.m. The funeral procession will depart the Rudy Garza Funeral Home on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. for a 2 p.m. Mass of Christian burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Pedro Briseneo as the celebrant. Interment will follow at Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery in Harlingen, TX with military graveside services under the auspices of the American Legion post 205 and V.F.W. Post 2410.
Pallbearers will be Richard Galvan, Yvette Nava, Isaac Marin, Alec Marin, Johnathon Wise and Stephanie Barrera.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home of Harlingen.
Lewis Sherman Harper
June 11, 1950 – December 3, 2004
BROWNSVILLE — L. Sherman Harper of Brownsville entered into eternal rest on Friday, December 3, 2004 at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville from a complete body shut down after suffering for almost three weeks in surgical ICU.
Sherman was preceded in death by his father, Robert Sherman Harper of Brownsville (a former Bedford County, Virginia dairy farmer).
He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Howell Harper of Brownsville; a brother, Thomas LeRoy Harper of Bedford, VA; a sister, Helen Harper-Rebok of Brownsville; four nephews, Robert Arnold Harper of Atlanta, GA, Michael LeRoy Harper and James Sherman Harper both of Bedford, VA and Stephen Forbes Rebok of Brownsville; two nieces, Frances Jayne Harper Morris of Bedford, VA and Kristen Lynn Harper of Ft. Wayne, IN; one step-nephew, Michael Akahi Rebok of Steelton, PA; three grandnephews, one grandniece and his beloved six year old pet, Black Lab-Mastiff Mix, "Chowie".
Lewis Sherman Harper (nicknamed Shermie) was born in Bedford, VA on June 11, 1950. He attended Clarke School for the Deaf in North Hampton, MA from 1952 to 1959, then his parents placed him as a first grader at Virginia’s School for the Deaf and Blind in Staunton, where he earned the name "Big Bear" as an All American Football star four years straight. On September 25, 2004 "Big Bear" Harper was inducted into the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind Hall of Fame as they observed the 30th anniversary of their stellar No Loss football season. Upon his graduation in 1970, he received an Outstanding Achievement Award from VSDB, which was presented by his mother, Elizabeth Jane Howell (Harper), who had earned this same trophy thirty years earlier. In 1975, Sherman earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. and he also earned a Masters Degree from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas in the field of Deaf Studies in 1992. After graduating from Gallaudet, Sherman moved with his parents, who followed his sister to Brownsville, Texas. In January of 1976, he began teaching carpentry and building trades to deaf high school students and he worked as a transitional instructor for TRC. He then went to Craig, Colorado where he joined The Richard Hess Construction Company team, designing several ski lodges in the area and then moving to Southwest Colorado, aiding in the reconstruction and designing of the town of Breckenridge, Colorado and its ski lodge.
In 1987, Sherman began as a part time instructor of Building Trades at the Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf in Big Spring, TX. Upon his graduation from Lamar University in 1992, he earned full professorship and continued to teach until 1995, at which time he returned to Brownsville to assist his ailing father. He taught one year at Hanna High School at the Regional School for the Deaf Program. He served as a leader in the deaf community until November 14, 2004 when he entered Valley Baptist Medical Center at Brownsville. On Wednesday, November 17, Helen was called away from her duties at UTB/TSC to interpret for an emergency surgery for Sherm as his gall bladder ruptured and it had to be removed immediately. As a result of his already weakened liver condition, his liver died, which caused a myriad of complications and he could not regain his strength.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, December 5, 2004 in the Darling-Mouser Funeral Home chapel, 945 Palm Blvd., Brownsville, TX. Visitation will also be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, December 6 in the funeral home chapel. A Testimonial Service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at Darling-Mouser Funeral Home. Final services will be under the direction of Tharp Funeral Home of Bedford, Virginia. Interment will be in the Peaks Community Cemetery in Bedford County, Virginia that is adjacent to the Peaks of Otter National Park and just up the hill from the farm on which Sherman was raised.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donation to your favorite charity or the Gallaudet University Scholarship Fund or to the Chester Rebok Memorial Scholarship Fund through the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College Development Office.
Irma Cruz
BLYTHEVILLE, AR/HARLINGEN, TX — Irma Cruz, 49, entered into rest on Wednesday in Blytheville, AK. She was born on January 17, 1955, in Harlingen, TX to Crisanto and Evangelina Cruz.
She is survived by her loving husband, Francisco Cruz, daughter, Elizabeth Cruz, grandchildren, Amanda E. Cruz, Armando S. Cruz, father, Crisanto Aguliar, sisters, Hilda Aguilar, Olga Aguilar, Criselda Aguilar, Susanna Aguilar, brothers, Felipe Aguilar, Lupe Aguilar and Crisanto Aguilar, Jr.
Visitation will be held today, Sunday, December 5, 2004 from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Angels. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 10 a.m. at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Angels. Interment will follow at Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery in Harlingen, TX.
Pallbearers will Mrs. Cruz’s family members.
Mrs. Cruz was a loving daughter, sister, wife and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home.
