Joyce Elaine Fransen, age 80 of Kenedy, Texas, passed away in her home on Thursday May 27, 2021. Joyce was born on September 28, 1940 to Edwin and Agnes Haner in Lenz, Texas.  She attended school in Karnes City and graduated from Karnes City High School in 1958 and was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  Joyce married her sweetheart, John H. Fransen on June 20, 1959 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Kenedy and would have celebrated their 62^nd wedding anniversary later this month. They lived in California and Washington while John was in the Army. After returning to Texas, Joyce joined her husband in his farming and  ranching operation and raising their children. They also owned and operated U-Phill Drive In in Kenedy. Joyce enjoyed all the people she met while in business and continued to work as a merchandiser for area grocery stores. Joyce loved music, especially country and polka music. Wurstfest in New Braunfels was a yearly trip as long as health permitted Also watching football, especially the Dallas Cowboys no matter if they won or lost.  She loved playing dominos, and board games. She only wanted the best for you.  She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed.  Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-laws, Ruth J. Jones, Freda Grisham, Ann Fransen, brother-in-law Eric Fransen. She is survived by her husband John Fransen, daughter Sharon (Gary) Wegner of Kenedy, sons Kevin Fransen of Kenedy and Keith (LeeAnn) Fransen of Karnes City, Grandson Jonathan (Becky) Fransen of Kenedy, sister-in-law Linda Fransen of Sweden.  Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  The family would like to thank Texas Home Health Hospice Nurses/Staff for their care and support given to our mother and family. Also, to Dr. Dan Dugi, Dr. Joel Saldana, Dr. Nancy Burt and the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital/Staff for the years of care they provided. Our family is eternally grateful to our mother’s caregivers, Grace Martinez, Hope Longoria, Mary Lou Martinez and Sandy Salinas for their support and love.  Visitation will be on Tuesday June 1^st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy. The Funeral service will be Wednesday June 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at New Breman Cemetery in Lenz, Texas.

Serving as Pallbearers are Kevin Fransen, Keith Fransen, Jonathan Fransen, Eric Fransen, Jr., Kirby Fransen, Dustin Lambden, Henry Janssen, and Gary Wegner.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kenedy or to the organization of their choice.

Joseph V. “Bob” Ford, Jr. ,91, passed away with his family by his side on Sunday, May 23, 2021. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 2:00p.m. at Kenedy Cemetery.

Bernice (Tuttie) Schroeder was born July 26, 1929 to Willie H. Esse and Mary Retzloff Esse in Lenz, Texas.  She passed from her earthly home near Peggy on May 12, 2021 at the age of 91 years.

She was one of six children that grew up in the Esseville community.  Tuttie attended Tom’s school near her home for grades 1-8.  She graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1946 and continued her education at Southwest Texas Teachers College, now known as Texas State University.  Tuttie completed a Bachelor of Music Education in 1950.  Following graduation she taught school in Campbellton for 3 years. She married Albert Schroeder July 15, 1950 and they were married for 63 years until Albert’s passing in 2013.  The family had three daughters, Shirley, Sharon and Sandra, the 3 S’s.

Growing up, she worked with the family’s Esse Mercantile store and cotton gin. She learned bookkeeping skills from her mother. Tuttie helped Albert with the family’s farming business and would drive the grain truck during harvest.  Albert encouraged her to learn the operation so she could carry on after his death.  She continued to manage the cattle until her death.

Tuttie always loved music and her music career began early by singing at Tom School Community Church.  She sang at many weddings, was in the accapella choir while in college, the band, orchestra, and church choir.  She continued to sing accapella in church until Covid hit in 2020.  It was very important to her that her daughters learn music as they were growing up.

Church was very important to Tuttie and she was active in every aspect of church life.  She was a member of the Fashing United Methodist Church since 1942.  She taught Sunday School for the high school class and was an active member and President of United Methodist Women. Tuttie was involved with church dinners, cleanups and her most recent project, the renovation of her beloved church.  She was a powerful prayer warrior and mother figure to many.  Everyone knew her prayers reached the Almighty. Her love of the Lord and people was evident.  She radiated that love and was interested in ongoing projects and improvements, no matter whose project it was.

Tuttie was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Albert, brothers, Willie Esse Jr., James Esse and Roy Lee Esse;  sisters Mildred Giese and Mary Jane Froehner, and nephew, Steven Froehner.

She is survived by daughters, Shirley (Tim) Jambers, Sharon (David) Purser, Sandra (Kip) Gibbs.  Grandsons, John (Sarah) Jambers, Justin Gibbs, and Jeremy (Callie) Purser.  Granddaughters, Sharla (Travis) Myers, Kendall (Rob) Molina and Katrina Gibbs.  Great Grandchildren, Jack Jambers, Carter Jambers, Everly Myers, and Archer Myers, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is thankful for the loving care of Belia Garza and Viola Cortez during the last weeks so Tuttie could have her wish of staying in her home.

Visitation and Sharing of Memories will the held at the Fashing United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 16 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

Funeral Service will be held at Eckol’s Funeral Home in Kenedy on Monday, May 17 at 10 am, followed by her burial at the Fashing Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the following or a charity of your choice:

Fashing United Methodist Church, PO Box 3, Karnes City, TX 78118

Fashing Cemetery, Inc., 501 Jambers Ranch Road, Whitsett, TX 78075

Providence Place, 6487 Whitby Road, San Antonio, TX 78240-9989

Methodist Children’s Home, PO Box 5010, Waco, TX 76708

Enrique “Rick” Casares of Hondo, Texas was born on March 18, 1950 in Raymondville, Texas to Alfredo Casares and Obelia Longoria passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021 at the age of 71. Mr. Casares was a graduate of Harlandale High School in San Antonio and enjoyed horseback riding, football and doing mechanic work. He also  did volunteer work at the Hondo Jail in its prison ministry and was a certified minister. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Alfred Casares  and David Casares. He is survived by his daughters: Irma Casarez of San Antonio, Texas, Cynthia Casares of San Antonio, Brenda Block and husband Michael of FL, and Rebecca Morales and husband Joe of Hondo, TX;14 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; three sisters: Pauline Garcia, Alice DeLeon, Yolanda Navaira all of San Antonio, TX; former spouse: Delores Levrie; many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 9:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Pastor Jimmy Lee on behalf of the Cowboy Church officiating. Mr. Casares will be taken by horse drawn carriage to Sacred Heart Cemetery in  Kenedy, Texas for Graveside/ Committal services. Pallbearers: Daniel Rodriguez, Michael Block, Guadalupe Rodriguez, Gregory Herrera, Jimmy Gonzales, Art Rodriguez.

Linda Kay Rose Yeager, of Hobson, Texas, born on December 18, 1956 in Beeville, Texas to Arlene Waltersdorf and Douglas Rose Yeager passed away on May 9, 2021 at the age of 64 in Kenedy, Texas. Mrs. Yeager was preceded in death by her parents and daughter: Tanya Sue Donnell; two grandchildren: R.J. and Hope and three brothers: Larry Rose, Bobby Roach and James Roach. She is survived by her husband of 27 years: James A. Yeager of Hobson, TX; daughter: Candice (Stephen) Cantu Kotara of Hobson, TX; six grandchildren: Gilbert , Jaylin, Nova, Devon, Dylan, Mariah; sister: Mary Sue Rose and brothers: Douglas Rose, Kenny Rose; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Mrs. Yeager’s urn (inurnment) will privately be placed at the Kenedy, Cemetery with her mother, Arlene at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made toward her final expenses c/o Ms. Trevino at Eckols Funeral Home, Inc. 420 W. Live Oak St. Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Rafaela V .Hernandez, of Beeville, Texas was born on July 30, 1969 to Aurora Flores Villanueva and Jesus Villanueva in Runge, Texas passed away on May 5, 2021 at the age of 51. Mrs. Hernandez is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Jerry Hernandez of Beeville, TX; her daughter Robin Lynn Hernandez of Beeville, TX; sons: Matthew Frank Hernandez of Kenedy, TX, John David Hernandez of Beeville, TX, Daniel James Hernandez of Beeville, TX; sister: Laura Villanueva Cano of Runge, TX and brothers: Noel and Joel Villanueva of Runge,TX; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Celebration of Life services will be held at the Jerusalem Baptist Church on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 10:00a.m.  in Runge, TX  with Private Inurnment to take place in the Runge Latin Cemetery  near her mother.

James “Jimmy” Garza of Kenedy, born on December 16, 1955 in Runge, Texas to Aurora Caballero Garza and Diego L. Garza passed away in San Antonio on Friday, May 7, 2021 at the age of 65.He is preceded in death by his parents: Diego L. and Aurora Garza; brothers: Manuel Garza, Raul Garza, Fidencio Garza; sister: Lydia Downey and Jimmy’s wife daughter: Monica Rupard. He survived by his beloved wife: Diana Carreon Garza  of Kenedy, TX; a loving father to his children: Kristina Torres and husband Cruz of Karnes City,TX, Tammie Garza and husband Eloy Rodriguez Jr. of Karnes City, TX, Ryan Garza and wife Megan of Karnes City, TX, his wife’s children:  Shanell Rupard of San Antonio, TX and Sara Rupard Vega of San Antonio, TX; 7 Grandchildren that fondly called him “Popo”: Destynee Hernandez and husband Jerry, Bianca Gonzales, Zaryeen Garza, Eloy Rodriguez III, Katrina Rodriguez, Marina Rodriquez, Rylan Garza; his wife’s grandchildren that also called him “Popo”: Ty Rupard, Tiffany Rupard, Joel Rupard, Frankie Vega, and Monica Martin; one great grandchild: Sophiana Hernandez; sisters: Cynthia Seals of Kenedy,TX, Alice Sanchez, of Beeville,TX,  Elvira Garza of Kenedy, TX, Patricia Salais and husband Dan of Kenedy, Texas; brothers: Diego Garza Jr. and wife Elizabeth of Kenedy, TX, Leroy Garza and wife Anna of San Antonio, TX  and Eliberto Garza of Sweeney, TX  ; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 14, 2021 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. A Prayer service will be held at 6:00p.m. that evening at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Trey Hill officiating  along with a Rosary at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. (Services to conclude at church). Reception following at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church Parish Hall.  Inurnment in the Runge Cemetery  will be held at a later date.  His urn will be placed at the foot of his parents. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Pallbearers: Manuel Garza Jr., Tony Cruz, Eloy Rodriguez III, Michael Hinojosa, James Byrd and Steve Garza. Honorary Pallbearers: Rylan Garza and Virgil Gonzales. He was  big hearted and a loving family man, a teacher of life skills and will be dearly missed.

Marshall Arnold “PeeWee” Bowling passed away Sunday May 2, 2021 at the age of 93. PeeWee was born Feb 15, 1928 in Ponta, TX  to Colonel Ross and Alma Matteson Bowling.  PeeWee worked in the Oil and Gas industry for over 50 years which culminated in him being the President of a nine Rig Drilling Company. After retiring he moved to his ranch in Pawnee Tx and raised Cattle, goats and dogs.  PeeWee was preceded in Death by his parents, his wife Genevieve Watts Bowling who passed away in Sept. 1978 and wife Barbara Moseley who passed away in Sept. 2012. His brothers Haskell Bowling, Oswald Bowling and Clyde Bowling and his sisters Oweta Murphy, Marguerite McLeod and Rossie Tipton.  He is survived by his son Marshall Bowling and wife Gwen of Scroggins Tx, daughter Becky Bluntzer and husband Rick of Spring Branch TX, son Steve Bowling of Breckinridge TX, his best friend and companion Liz Gibbens, Grandchildren Brandi Bullard (Chester), Stephen Bowling (Scarlett), Britni Ryan (Chad), Marshall Bowling, Shay Bluntzer (Megan), and Patrick Bowling. Great-grandchildren Koby Bullard, Kaylee Ryan, Lainey Bullard, Garick Ryan, Carys Bowling, Wyatt Bowling, Owen Bluntzer, Mary Claire Bluntzer and Drake Bowling, sister Maxie Ray Brown, numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen Gutierrez Moreno, of Kenedy, Texas born on March 26, 1923 in Hondo, Texas passed away on May 1, 2021 at her residence surrounded by family. Mrs. Moreno was preceded in death by her first husband, Fermin Amador and sons, Armando and Albert Amador. Survivors include her husband: Ignacio J. Moreno; her daughter: Aurora (Kenneth) Gerhardt; sons: Alfred G.(Angelita) Amador, Arthur Amador and Alvin Amador; sister: Olivia Cruz; grandchildren; and other relatives. Private Graveside services will be held.