Huge Marriages Search Engine!
Pauline Oehrlein
LYFORD, TX — Pauline "Polly" Oehrlein died on October 23, 2004 in the Harlingen Medical Center, Harlingen, Texas at the age of 86.
Pauline was born on February 14, 1918 to the parents of Mike and Fannie Rollins Brady near Acton, Texas in the area called Fall Creek. She was the fifth of nine children. The Brady family moved near Lubbock, Texas in 1922 where Pauline met her husband Mike Oehrlein. The couple married on January 5, 1936 in Clovis, NM. Mike and Pauline had three children and they were married 66 years.
Survivors include her three children: Tommy Oehrlein and wife, Patsy; Chlyon Ellington and her husband, Jimmy; and Rickey Oehrlein and wife, Mary Jo. Other survivors are eight grandchildren: Monty Oehrlein and wife, Shawn; Tim Oehrlein and wife, Leah; Randy Oehrlein; Mary Grace Barbee and husband, Shane; Debra Piper and husband, P.J.; Jody Ellington and wife, Colleen; Chris Oehrlein and wife, Jo; and Lance Oehrlein and wife, Miriam; and thirteen great grandchildren. Survivors also include two sisters, Ruth Shipley and Fleda Harden; and one brother, T.C. Brady.
Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; her parents, Mike and Fannie Brady; two sisters, Eula Bennett and Lucille Campbell; and three brothers, J.W., Homer, and Mike Jr.
The family expresses appreciation to the doctors and staff at Harlingen Medical Center and Golden Palms Health Center.
A special thanks to Cynthia Sanchez, Maria Carrasco, and Yolanda Canales who were not only Polly‘s caregivers, but became her devoted companions and friends.
Services will be 10 a.m., Friday, October 29, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church in Lyford, Texas. Burial will follow at the Lyford Evergreen Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Duddlesten Funeral Home.
James O. Ratliff, Jr.
ROUND ROCK, TX — Our beloved husband, Daddy and Poppy joined our loving Heavenly Father on October 25, 2004, with his family close by.
James was born in Huntsville, Texas on May 1, 1942 to Otis and Ann Ratliff. In October 1963, he graduated from the Texas Department of Public Safety as a State Trooper. His career took him from the Fort Worth area to South Texas. He came to Austin in 1989 where he retired in 1999 as a Major after 36 years of dedicated service. He is currently the Executive Director of the Texas Police Association.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Ratliff; and brother, Billy Ratliff.
James was loved by all that knew him. He met everyone with a smile and has left behind a legacy of memories.
Those fortunate to have known him have been truly blessed. We thank him for the lessons he taught us and his unconditional love that we will cherish forever.
James is survived by wife, Gail of Round Rock, Texas; daughter, Leslie Parrish and husband, Duncan of Arlington, Texas; son, James Mitchell Ratliff and wife, Mikala of Midland, Texas; daughter, Jennifer Hebdon and husband, Steve of Round Rock; grandchildren, Madison and Gage Parrish of Arlington, James Major Ratliff of Midland and Katie Gail and Caleb Hebdon of Round Rock; father, James O Ratliff, Sr. of Harlingen, Texas; mother-in-law, Ernestine Morrison of Round Rock; aunt, Teadie Lancaster of Cotulla, Texas; sister-in-law, Vickie Smith of Mexia, Texas; and nephew, Randy Ratliff of Mexia, Texas.
Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 28, 2004 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, October 29, 2004 in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
Francisca G. Balderas
MERCEDES, TX — Mrs. Francisca G. Balderas, 88, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2004 at her residence in Mercedes.
She was born on November 10, 1915 in Weslaco, Texas, daughter of Pedro Silva and Antonia Garcia Rios.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lucio Balderas; two sons, Juan Balderas, Agapito Balderas; brothers an sisters.
She is survived by her sons, Maximino Balderas, Manuel Balderas, Jose Balderas, Trinidad Balderas; daughters, Guadalupe Balderas, Maria Garcia, Elena Castaneda, Frances Balderas; brother, Juan Garcia; 22 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren.
Visitations were held on Tuesday and Wednesday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Weslaco with a rosary at 7 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m., today, October 28, 2004 at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Weslaco. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.
Pallbearers for Mrs. Balderas will be her grandsons, Mike Balderas, Rick Balderas, Edward Balderas, Ricardo Garcia, Joey Balderas and Philip Castaneda. Honorary pallbearers will also be her grandsons, Roberto Luis Garcia, Conrad Garcia, Eric Balderas, Agapito Balderas Jr., Robert Balderas and Anthony Balderas.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hawkins Funeral Home in Weslaco.
Helen Wheelock
ROSA/HARLINGEN, TX — Helen Wheelock, age 75, went to be with the Heavenly Father Thursday, November 18, 2004, at Valley Baptist Medical Center. A native of Edcouch, TX. She resided in Santa Rosa most of her life.
She is preceded in death by her husband, David Wheelock.
Survivors include 3 sons: Richard (Vicky) Wheelock of Dallas, Russell (Debra) Wheelock and Kenneth (Flora) Wheelock of Harlingen; 1 daughter: Mary (Scott) Johnson of Wisconsin; 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.
Graveside services will be held at Restlawn Memorial Park Saturday, November 20, 2004, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Darryl Smith of Williams Road Baptist Church of San Benito.
Arrangements are under the direction of Santa Rosa Funeral Home.
Aurelio Cadena
COMBES, TX — Aurelio Cadena, 51, a U.S. Army Veteran passed away Friday, November 19, 2004 at his residence. He was born June 16, 1953.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Islavina Cadena.
He is also survived by his first wife, Maria Antonia Gonzalez and their loving children, Aurelio Cadena Jr. (Mona), Anna L. Munoz (Mark), Angelica E. Cadena, Ricardo R. Cadena, Maria Alicia Cadena and Jonathan Factor; brothers, Reynaldo and Ricardo De la Garza from Victoria, TX, Robert De la Garza from Alabama; his sisters, Delfina De la Garza from Port Lavaca, TX, Rosa Monroe from Denver, CO, and Senaida Escobedo from Sugarland, TX.
He will also be greatly missed by Spc. Raul Salazar Jr. (Debbie), PFC Angel Salazar, Airman David A. Salazar, Kristiana Mendoza (Daniel), Michael A. Salazar (Gracie), and all his loving grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart: Aurelio Anthony, Ariel Dionicio, Gabby, Nicholas, Deaven Rae, and Angel Cadena, Also Xavier and Nathan Salazar, Daniel Jr., Ethan and Adrian Mendoza.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2004 from 4 PM to 9 PM at Garza-Eliznondo Funeral Home and will continue on Sunday from 9 AM to 9 PM with a Holy Rosary at 7 PM.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, November 22, 2004 at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Father Pedro Briseno as the Celebrant.
There will no internment but family and friends are invited back to the funeral home after mass for military rites under the auspice of the VFW and American Legion.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Garza-Elizondo Funeral Home.
Alvin G. Padilla, Jr.
HARLINGEN ,TX — Alvin Glere Padilla, Jr. was born on November 20, 1931 and delivered back to our Lord on November 17, 2004 in Harlingen, Texas.
Alvin was preceded in death by his wife, Maria (Lupe) G. Padilla; by his parents, Alvin G. and Mary F. Padilla; son-in-law, Jude J. Magaro.
Alvin is survived by his children: Rose Padilla, Carl Padilla, Betty Magaro, Dorothy (Eliel) Hinojosa and Alvin G. Padilla, III; grandchildren, Eliel (Cecilia) Hinojosa, Jr., Nicole Hinojosa, Jude J. Magaro, Jr. and Noah Thaddeus Alvin Salvatore Magaro; sister, Elvira Cole; and brother, Robert F. Padilla.
Alvin graduated from Tech High School in 1950 after starting for three seasons as a two-way tackle for the late Pat Shannon, crowning his senior season as Captain of the team along with All-State honors in 1949 which in that era for a Mexican-American was frankly unheard of.
"Alvin was the finest down field blocker I ever coached", said Coach Shannon. Shortly after graduation in 1950 he proudly served his country as a United States Marine in ‘A‘ company, 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment during the Korean War. Alvin was a member of the Chosin Few, an organization that derived it‘s name from the battle in Korea, the Chosin Reservoir in which United States personnel fought their way from the Reservoir to the Sea of Japan in an offensive defensive action facing overwhelming odds against the Chinese Army in late November and early December of 1950.
Alvin sustained frostbite to his fingers and toes in the course of this battle. Alvin attended numerous reunions to share in the fellowship of those who proudly and fiercely served to defend these United States.
Returning from Korea, Alvin got married to Lupe and enrolled in the machinist‘s program at Kelly AFB. This focused his attention as a machinist from which he eventually opened his own machine shop in 1964 called Quality Products Mfg. Co. In the years following, Alvin became involved in politics and was a leading advocate of Republicans in the state of Texas campaigning for future President George H. W. Bush in the sixties. In 1971, Alvin was appointed to the San Antonio city council and elected the following year, serving as Mayor Pro-Tem during Charles Becker‘s administration. During his period as a city councilman, Alvin was a pioneer passenger on the first flight of Southwest Airlines, acquainting him with Herb Kelleher, an association which would again collaborate in the mid-nineties. During the course of his council days, Alvin was most proud of ramrodding the Emergency Medical System (EMS) for San Antonio and Bexar County. He was also the keynote speaker for the first EMS graduating class. In 1974, he resigned his seat on the city council to run for Bexar county clerk. This race being unsuccessful proved to be his last for political office.
In 1977, Alvin became a McDonald‘s franchisee opening his first franchise in Harlingen, Texas on August 16, 1977.
His success in the food business was unmatched by an Hispanic in the United States, as he grew his Rio Grande Valley business (17 stores and 500 employees, 49 store awards) to become the largest and most decorated Hispanic franchisee in McDonald‘s before retiring in 1999.
Alvin was extremely proud of his business endeavors as they always included his loving wife, Lupe and for the most part of 35 years all his children and finally his two oldest grandkids.
Besides being a San Antonio city councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem, Alvin served on numerous boards in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley, of which a few were McDonald‘s NOAB serving from 1983-1988 representing the Houston Region, from 1993-2000 on the Ronald McDonald House board in the Rio Grande Valley, (Southwest Airlines played a major role) as a founding member Alvin and his family were the forefront of putting together, funding and opening the Ronald McDonald House in Harlingen, Texas.
Alivn‘s ultimate passion was the Marine military Academy, known as MMA, located in Harlingen, Texas, the only high school in the United States with an association to the Marine Corps. General‘s and CEO‘s of major corporations from across the United States sat on this board with retired Sergeant Alvin G. Padilla, Jr. (the lone NCO).
He served on the MMA board beginning in 1989 until 2004. His proudest moment of his association came in 1998 as he watched his oldest grandson, Eliel Hinojosa, Jr. graduate from MMA, salutatorian of his class.
The family will receive visitors and hold a Rosary at 6 p.m. from 4-9 p.m. on Sunday at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, 710 Ed Careu Drive, Harlingen, Texas.
The family will also receive visitors and hold a rosary from 7-9 p.m., on Monday in San Antonio at Porter Loring North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E.
The Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, at 11 a.m., Blessed Sacrament Church, 600 Oblate Dr. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Eliel Hinojosa, Jr., James Ash, Richard Ash, Hector Rodriguez, Hector Rodriguez, II, and Mark Rodriguez.
Memorials to the Ronald McDonald House, 1720 Treasure Hills Blvd., Harlingen, TX 78550 or Marine military Academy, 320 Iwo Jima Blvd., Harlingen, Texas 78550 are encouraged in lieu of flowers.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Lillie Mae St. Clair Bandy
SAN BENITO, TX — Services for Lillie Mae St. Clair Bandy were held Wednesday, November 17, 2004 at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, Harlingen, Texas. Lillie Bandy was born July 27, 1913 in Hillsboro, Texas to mother, Clema Lee Cagle and father, James St. Clair. Married to Lewis Milton Bandy.
She is survived by her three children, Lewis M. Bandy, Jr. of Pleasonton, Texas, Lois M. Daniel of Corpus Christi, Texas and Claudia L. Gilbert of Canyon Lake, Texas. Known lovingly as "Memaw" by her eight grandchildren, Steven Bandy, Suellen Weide and Beth Ann Bandy (deceased) all of Pleasonton, Patricia Daniel of Pflugerville, David Daniel and Alan Daniel of Dallas, Roger McKenzie of San Antonio and Ronnie McKenzie of Canyon Lake. Also much loved are six great grandsons and two great granddaughters.
Known for her creative pursuits and her love for family, friends and animals, she will be much missed, always loved and long remembered.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Gilmer L. Ledbetter, Jr.
HARLINGEN — Gilmer L. Ledbetter, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully at his residence Thursday evening. He was born in Bruceville-Eddy, Texas on August 12, 1923 to Gilmer Ledbetter Sr. and Minnie Henson. He graduated from Bruceville-Eddy High School and attended college at Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos, Texas until his senior year when he decided to join the Navy to support his country in World War II.
G.L. Ledbetter, Jr., farmed and worked in agricultural business in the Rio Grande Valley from 1947 until 1990 "Gil" worked as a school bus driver of the U.S. Soil Conservation Services, and became manager of Los Indios Gin Harlingen Grain & Elevator, Edinburg Co-op, and Tropical Grain Co. He was former President of the Texas Independent Cotton Ginners Association and the San Benito Greyhounds Booster Club.
During his service he met his wife of 59 years, Carmel Lion Ledbetter whom he met while stationed in the Navy in New Orleans, La. "Gil" and Carmel raised two sons, Gilmer Ledbetter III of Harlingen and Bobby Ledbetter of Edinburg.
"Gil" or "Led" is also survived by two sisters, Sylvia "Sweetie" of Grand Prairie, TX and Linda of Garland, TX; one brother, Melvin "Sonny" of Hendersonville, TN and step-mother, Ocie Ledbetter of Garland, TX; five grandchildren, Tammy Catlett, Jennifer Boeck, Alison Ledbetter, Jacob Ledbetter and Joshua Ledbetter; three great grandchildren, Blake and Bethany Boeck and Riley Catlett, also numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Don Uptegraph, Bruce Glasgow, Kevin Catlett, Walker Boeck, Claude McMillon and David Hogue. Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Walters, Jim Strickland, Gene Magouirk and Buck Buchanan.
There will be visitation held today (Sunday) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Henry Thomae Funeral Home Chapel in San Benito. Chapel services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at Henry Thomae Funeral Home, 701 N. Bowie, San Benito, with Rev. Gene Horton officiating. Burial will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.
Services have been entrusted to the care of Henry Thomae Funeral Home, 701 N. Bowie, San Benito, 399-9992.
Lucile Irene Streb
RAYMONDVILLE — Lucile Irene Streb, 83, passed away Friday, November 19, 2004. She was born September 27, 1921 to William Christian and Anna Louise (Warmke) Sander at Brenham, Texas and moved to Raymondville with her loving husband, Ernest Leonard Streb in 1943 and together they operated Frontier Industries for many years before his death in 1988. Lucile was a member of the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Ladies Society and also active as a Docent for the Willacy Co. Historical Museum.
She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth (Jim) Westphal of Melbourne, Australia and Carol Sue (Ray) Young of Austin; one brother, William (Midge) Sander of Kerville, Texas; seven grandchildren, Brian and Stephen Young, Jennifer and Jonathan Westphal, Tiffany Westphal Wedding, Alissa Hartley, Christina Evans and two great grandchildren, Aaron and Jessica Wedding.
Funeral services will be Monday, 9:30 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and graveside services will be held Wednesday, 2 p.m. at Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham, Texas.
The family request memorials be made to the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Duddlesten Funeral Home, Raymondville, 956-689-2151.
Manuel Villarreal Pardo
HARLINGEN — Manuel Villarreal Pardo, 72, went home to the Lord’s Heavenly Kingdom, November 20, 2004 at a local hospital due to a sudden illness. He was born to Florentino and Guadalupe Pardo on February 12, 1932 in Sinton, Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Maria Martinez Pardo of Harlingen and his seven children, Domingo Pardo of Mertzon, TX, Rito Pardo of Levelland, TX, Gustavo Pardo of Mertzon, TX, Javier Pardo of Harlingen, Doralicia Pardo, Alicia Pardo both of Hamlin, TX and Yolanda Davila of Harlingen, fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren; one brother, Benito Pardo of Levelland, TX and one sister, Natalia Pardo of Roby, TX.
Visitation will begin today, Sunday, November 21, 2004 at 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, November 22, 2004, 1 p.m. at New Life Christian Center located at 925 Zillock Rd., in San Benito with Pastor Eduardo Hinojosa officiating. Interment will follow at Las Rucias Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ramiro Davila, Domingo "Mingo" Pardo, Gus Pardo, Rito Pardo, Ramiro Davila Jr., and Mario Covarrubias.
Arrangements are under the direction of Trinity Funeral Chapel, 1217 South F Street, Harlingen, Texas 78550.
