Norma G. Zamzow of Kenedy, TX was born on September 29, 1921 to Oscar Gross and Melitta Regner of Arneckeville, Texas. She moved to Fashing, TX when she was 12. She went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the age of 99 years, 4 months, and 1 day. Mrs. Zamzow  is preceded in death by her husband: Emil H. Zamzow.

Norma was also preceded in death by her siblings (Robert, Rosie, Erwin, Alton, Elliot and Herbert), and lived the longest of all of them. Counting the time in the womb, she actually did make it to  100 this year.

Though she and Emil did not have any children, they had numerous nieces and nephews and friends that held a special place in their lives. She and “Boots” (Emil) were baptismal sponsors for twelve family members and friends. Raising children to know the LORD was very important to them.

Norma grew up picking cotton on a farm, and lived as  a farmer’s wife after marriage. She was an expert seamstress, and did beautiful embroidery and crochet in the evenings to relax after a full day of tending the farm. She made many jars of peach jelly to go on homemade bread over the years. In a phone conversation in May of 2020, she said “I did what I loved to do.”  Yes, she did. At Bluebonnet Nursing home, she remained active, even in her wheelchair. She daily roamed the halls, a sweet memory for the employees there.  She will be dearly missed, but is now with her Savior Jesus Christ, and with others who have also trusted in Him.

She leaves behind her hard work ethic, her frugality and example of not wasting anything, her generosity around her dinner table, and a strong, but simple faith. She was dearly loved by many.

Norma will have a Graveside service at New Bremen Cemetery  on Saturday, February 6, at 2p.m, with viewing beginning at 1 pm at the gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she and Boots served the Lord for many years.

Sara Mae Shoemake Jenkins McNeil Smith of Pettus,TX was born November 20, 1935  to Hartford Shoemake and Evelyn Mann Shoemake in Pearsall,TX. She passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the age of 85.  She married John L. Jenkins Sr. on Feb. 5, 1949. After his passing in 1992, she was married to Nathaniel McNeil (Mack) till his passing in 2010. Sara resided in Pettus, Texas with her present husband Arnold B. Smith Sr.  They were married on Jan. 20, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister: Linda Taylor, Step brothers:Ronnie and Lloyd Jenkins. She is survived by her husband:  Arnold Smith of Pettus, TX; her children: Judy Nolen (Freddy)of  Pettus, TX, Evelyn Jacoby of Somerset, TX, John Jenkins Jr. of  Tuleta, TX, Donald (Tressa) Jenkins of Beeville, TX, Rita Smith (Bruce) of Tuleta, TX; stepchildren: John Smith (Rita) of  Bennington, OK, David (Shannon) Smith of Lake City, TX, Bobbie (Lisa) Smith of Corpus Christi, TX, Bruce (Rita) Smith of Tuleta, TX. She was blessed to have a large loving family, 17 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; and 11 great great grandchildren. She has one sister, Barbara Frye (Darrell) from Lusk, WY, a sister, Denia Geiger (Debo) of Spring Branch,TX one brother, Hartford (Sonny) Shoemake (Frances) of Pettus TX. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pettus, TX. Sara was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and was a loving and very giving friend. She was marvelous cook and she enjoyed cooking for family and friends anytime. She also enjoyed playing cards, and she had a real love of music and dancing. The one thing I believe anyone that knew her, would say that her main focus was always her family in her life; she cherished each and everyone of them. She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021 from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February  5, 2021 at 11:00a.m. Eckols Chapel with interment in Mineral Cemetery, Mineral, TX. Pallbearers: Thomas Ables, DeLane Ables, Bubba (Charles ) Williams, Skipper Pierce, Debo Geiger, Robbie Rodgers and Steven Morgan.

Henry “Buddy” Malcolm Smith of Kenedy, Texas was born on October 21, 1944 in Beaumont Texas to Henry Mathis Smith and Florence Noel  Huckman Smith passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at his residence. Buddy is preceded in death by his former spouse Connie Merle in 2019. He is survived by his daughter Kim (Chad) Grigg of Robstown, TX; his son Lorne Keith Smith of Houston, TX; 3 grandchildren: Kevin Ray Smith, Kaitlyn Rose Grigg, Kelsi Loren Smith; sister: Jo Lynn Swint of Kenedy, TX; nephews: Mitch Odom and Mark Odom; his companion: Linda K. Yanta of Kenedy, TX and his dog Bullet. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 10:00a.m. (one hour prior) to Graveside services beginning at 11:00a.m. at Kenedy Cemetery. Interment in the Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

Saturday, January 23, 2021, Jocie Marie McClane of La Vernia, Texas, entered Heaven peacefully.  Marie was the fourth child of Sykes and Eugenia McClane.  Her life in Karnes City began on August 2, 1941 with an older brother, James, and two older sisters, Margaret (Dyreson) and Dorothy (Pogue).  Marie started taking piano lessons from the local teacher, Miss Cope, and soon learned this was her passion.  Marie graduated Karnes City High School in 1959 and entered Trinity University in San Antonio.  Upon college graduation, she moved to California for further training influenced by the Juilliard School of Music.  Her passion for performing bloomed into the desire to teach others and her journey carried her to Arizona then later back to Texas where she taught in several communities.  She then settled in San Antonio where she taught piano to children and adults that were visually impaired.  Towards the end of her career, she moved back to Karnes County and continued with private lessons.  To those that had the privilege of watching her play, it was always a moving experience.Marie also loved animals, especially cats and they were with her through her journey.  Marie is survived by her sister, Dorothy McClane Pogue, sister-in-law, Mrs. James (Peggy) McClane, and numerous Dyreson, Ellis, McClane, Pogue, Vaughn, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, students and friends.  Memorials may be sent to Karnes County Humane Society, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 29, 2021 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Pogue officiating.

Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Harris Johnson, born on Sept. 5, 1958, in the Waller County Hospital in Hempstead, Texas passed away January 26, 2021. She is survived by the love of her life, husband, Larry Gaylord Johnson, daughter, Sharon Caye Doring (Nathan) – (Emma, Braden, Brooklyn and Katie), sons, Richard Paul Meier and Roger John Meier, Bobby Johnson (Jennifer) – (Vivian and Olivia) Troy Johnson, – (Carson), sister, Juli Hinze (Gary) – (Joshua), brothers, David Harris and Royger Harris (Megan) –(Ransom, Kolton, Weston, and Rayelynn).  She is proceeded in death by her parents, Ray and Nancy Harris, and her nieces, Jennifer Lynn Hinze and Maddison Lewellen Harris. Cindy loved life and was very outgoing, energetic, and loving. Her family and friends were most important to her without a doubt. Seeing her grandchildren was the highlight of her life. Anytime you would see Cindy she would always greet you with a smile and huge hug. This is what made her happy! Her goal was to see everyone in her life happy. What a meeting in Heaven must be going on with all the hugs she is receiving from her Lord Jesus Christ and all her loved ones, this is far beyond measure.  We will see you again!  WE LOVE YOU. WE “MEAN IT”! Graveside services will be held On Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 at Elim Lutheran Church Cemetery located off County Road 181 west of Kenedy, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 32 Kenedy, TX 78119.

Isabel Estrada, Age 98 of Kenedy, TX passed away on January 26, 2021 in Karnes City, TX.  Isabel was born on December 2, 1922 in Goliad, TX to the late Santiago and Maria Segura Estrada.  Isabel was a retired house keeper, loving sister, aunt who loved to spoil her nieces and nephews, friend to many and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.   She is preceded in death by her parents Santiago and Maria Estrada, sisters, Louisa Granado, Dominga Ruiz, Simona Estrada; brothers, Elberto Estrada, Juan S. Estrada, Sr. and a niece Gloria May.  She is survived by her sister, Dora Estrada of Kenedy, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.  A Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 7P.M. in the Eckols Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 29, 2021 at 1PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Amelia “Emily” D. Contreras, of Kenedy, Texas was born on August 2, 1930 in Kenedy, Texas to Zacharias Diaz and Celestina Vela Diaz passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the age of 90. Emily was a Food Service Supervisor for Otto Kaiser Hospital.  She is survived by her children: Elva R. Gonzales of Runge, TX, Hector (Lisa) Ramirez Jr. of Chino, CA, Frank (Irene) Contreras of Runge, TX, Cynthia (Andres) Rodriquez of Pettus, TX, David Contreras of Pettus, TX; sisters-in-law: Olivia Diaz and Anita Diaz; 12 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and her pet Chloe. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services to be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Interment in Loma Alta Cemetery. Pallbearers: Hector Ramirez III, Robert Micah Ramirez, Tyler Kelly, David Ray Espinoza, Ryan Mottu, Isiah Mottu, and Chris Pereza.

Wilma “Sis” G. Regmund, of Kenedy, Texas born on January 19, 1932 in Kenedy, Texas to John Robert Green and Christine Gully Green passed away on January 28, 2021 at the age of 89. Being the oldest of 5 she soon earned her nickname of Sis which until she died was what most people knew her by. She learned how to work hard early having to milk cows with her sisters before school everyday. When she graduated from Kenedy High School in 1949, she went straight to work at the local International dealership. She did bookkeeping and worked in the parts department. She soon became the parts department manager and all the local farmers soon depended on her to get the parts they needed. She married Raymond Regmund on Dec. 9,1966. They spent time between farming in Corpus and ranching in Kenedy until they settled on the ranch in Kenedy. They had two daughters, Rayanne and Raellen. In the 80’s, she went to work for the Karnes -Goliad Soil and Water Conservation District as a secretary bookkeeper plus 3 watershed districts. She worked there until the age of 79 when she decided it was time to retire. Sis loved gardening, birds, antiquing, and genealogy. She traced her family back to the American Revolution. She had been a member of the Karnes City Garden Club, and was still a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She drug the girls to many nurseries, antique stores, fabric stores, and cemeteries but they now appreciate all she taught them. She was an expert seamstress, and could do any type of needle work from crochet to embroidery to knitting. She was definitely a well rounded Texas woman. She taught her granddaughter Elizabeth to knit, and helped her grandson Chance trap and kill all types of varmints in her yard. The library was a frequent stop for her because she read and learned constantly. She loved mysteries and westerns but also read non-fiction such as gardening and anything else she wanted to learn about. She was definitely a people person and would strike up a conversation with anyone she met whether it be in the grocery store or waiting for her oil to be changed. She was greatly loved and will definitely be missed. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Raymond in October of 2004, her sisters Hattie Mae “Dutch” Ables and Bessie Lee “Bebe” Kriegel, and brother  John Robert “Bud” Green Jr.. She is survived by her daughters: Rayanne Chesser and fiancé Jason Nerada of Kenedy,TX, Raellen (Edmond) Mattingly of Dilley,TX; favorite granddaughter: Elizabeth Mattingly of Dilley,TX, favorite grandson: Chance Chesser; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2021 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel. Interment to follow in Karnes County Memorial Park. Pallbearers to be her nephews.  Memorials may be made to any Veterans Organization or the Salvation Army.

Charles went to be with the Lord January 13, 2021 at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, TX after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Pineville, LA to Tima and Emeric Norman he was the youngest child in his family. Both parents died when he was still relatively young and he was placed in an orphanage. Charles’ older brother, who was in the military at the time of his parents death, moved back to Pineville as soon as his service was ended and took Charles into his home and cared for him. When of age, Charles joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country for 30 years. Stationed in Beeville, Charles met the love off his life and married Doreen Copeland on August 24, 1968. They were married for 40 years. During Charles tour of duty they made stops in Germany and Japan before retiring in Kenedy, TX.

An active member of he local V.F. W. and Masonic Lodge 744 A.F.&A.M. Charles enjoyed volunteering and made many friendships along the way.

Charles will be remembered as a kind, strong, man of character that loved his neighbor and his Lord. he is survived by granddaughters Aleine (John) Theis and their three children Casey Griffin, Kelly Griffin, Joe Theis and seven grandchildren, Kathy Mullinax and her two daughters Jennifer Fuini, Stephanie Mullinax and four grandchildren. Niece Donna Baum, and nephew Rich Dupree and family who reside in Pineville, LA.

Charles loved being a Catholic and never missed a chance to attend church. We were always humbled by his donations in our names for prayer concerns. We know that Charles is happy and believe him to be in  heaven surrounded by those who went before him.

He will be greatly missed by his great friend Maynette Anderson, his family and his many Kenedy friends.

Graveside services were held at the Kenedy Cemetery on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 1:oop.m. with Rev. Norbert Hermann of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church where he was laid to rest beside his beloved Doreen.

Special thanks to Gary Deskin of the Kenedy V.F.W., Joe Avalos of the Kenedy Mason Lodge and the Karnes County Honor Guard.

Sandra Ann Braun of San Marcos, Texas  was born on November 25, 1943 in Houma, Louisiana to George Ward and Josephine Harmon Ward. Sandra  passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at the age of 77.

Sandra grew up in Beeville, TX and attended Southwest Texas University. She met her husband Jim, they married and had two sons. Jim and Sandra owned the Dobie Funeral Home in Mathis, Texas and in later years worked as a secretary at Southwest University (Texas State University).

Sandra was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She welcomed everyone and always took care of others. She enjoyed church, family, friends and football very much. She was a great cook, always making us something for all of the kids to eat, her fried chicken was amazing! She loved playing card games, shopping, manicures and pedicures. She always dressed to perfection. She was loved by family and friends and will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James “Jim” Allen Braun, her sister, Carolyn Viola and her niece: Amy Viola Enters.

She is survived by her sons: Richard Braun and wife Mary of San Marcos,TX and Jason Braun also of San Marcos, TX; her three grandchildren: Hunter Braun and wife Brook ,Casey Aguilar and husband husband Bryan, and Kennedy Braun; six great grandchildren: Lainey, Hudson, Olivia, Amber, Abel, and Norah; brother-in-law: J.R. Viola; nieces: Polly Viola Wilkins and Kari Viola Stadler; nephew: Michael Viola  and many  other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 10:00a.m. to 12:30p.m. at Eckols Chapel  with Graveside services beginning at 1:00p.m. at Kenedy Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Cibo Braun, Hunter Braun, Cib Braun, Bucky Braun, Brady Braun and Blake Braun.

The Braun family would like to thank the Sundance Inn Health Center staff of New Braunfels, TX, Resolute Health Hospital Staff of New Braunfels, TX and Hope Hospice for all they did for Sandra.