Jose C. “CHON” Huerta, Age 65 of Kenedy, TX passed away on April 26, 2023 in San Antonio, TX.  Chon was born on December 8, 1957 in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato Mexico to the late Faustino and Augustina Moreno Huerta.  He married Ofelia Davila Huerta in 1984 in Kenedy, TX who preceded him in death on August 27, 2007.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ofelia Davila Huerta and an infant sibling.

He is survived by his children; Frances (Christian) Huerta DeLeon of Karnes City, Susana Huerta of Kenedy, Tara (Demetrio) Hernandez of Gillett, Christina Davila and Arturo of Streetman, TX, Jose (Bridgett) Huerta, Gil Davila of Kenedy, siblings, Josephina, Lucia, Juanita, Margarita, Rufina, Juana, Victor, Basillo, Antonio, Abel, 16 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

A Holy Rosary will recited Monday, May 1, 2023 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Holy Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX. 

Sybil Inez Radicke Atkinson, Age 96 of Kenedy, Texas passed away April 26, 2023.  She was born to Arthur and Winnie Radicke on December 26, 1926 in Gillett, Texas.  Sybil married Bailey Franklin Atkinson on July of 1944. They shared 52 years of marriage raising an active family of 6 children.  First and fore most she was an avid loving mother, wonderful cook and enjoyed being a skilled seamstress sharing her talents with the community.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bailey Franklin Atkinson; sister, Gladys Tenberg; sons, Jimmy & Bailey Ray Atkinson; daughter, Candice Novak and granddaughter, Erika Winegar.

She is survived by her brother, Cecil Radicke; children, Beverly Castle and husband Craig, Becky Spahn and husband Skip, Brenda Wymer; eight grandchildren, Scott Atkinson, Wesley Novak, Nicole Novak, Zachary Winegar, Lisa Devine, Vicki Noble, Courtney Ryan, Chris Castle, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 1, 2023 from 10AM to 12PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Private Graveside Services will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Alicia Montalvo Aguilar, 73, of Des Moines, Iowa was called home to our Lord and Savior on April 12, 2023.

Alicia was born on September 17, 1949 in Kenedy, Texas to Guadalupe Montalvo and Maria Montalvo Fuentes. After moving to Des Moines, Iowa with her family, she worked for many years at Broadlawns Hospital where she later retired from. After retiring, she spent much of her time with family creating cherished memories. You could find her watching Lifetime movies or with a crossword or scratch off tickets in her hands.

Alicia created a family that everyone wanted to be a part of and welcomed anyone into her home for tacos, laughs, conversation, or even, a nap. She was genuine, beautiful, and God-loving. She was so funny and often told jokes that would make your jaw drop and your belly hurt. Alicia was many things to many people, but one thing you could be certain of, was that she loved them, made them feel welcome and treated them like family. She loved unconditionally and with no limits. She taught us many valuable life lessons: work hard to get what you want, appreciate what you have, enjoy your life, and find happiness in everything you can. She will be greatly missed by so many people.

Alicia is preceded in death by her parents Guadalupe Montalvo and Maria Montalvo Fuentes, her brothers Robert Montalvo, Joe Fuentes, and Juan Garcia, her sisters Anita Villanueva, Estela Hinojosa, and Audelia Bowen.

She is survived by sisters Martina Mendoza, Diana Chabolla, Antonia Garza, and Lupita Montalvo and her brother Rolando Montalvo, her four children, daughters Mary Ann Aguilar, Reyna Montero, Debora Aguilar, and her son Agapito Aguilar Jr., as well as 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren (with 2 more on the way).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Service will be held later that same day at 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.

A second visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home, 420 Liveoak Street, Kenedy, Texas. Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in her hometown of Kenedy, Texas.

Robert Michael Fudge went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 in San Antonio, TX with his family by his side.  Robert was born on January 22, 1954 in Victoria, TX to Welton and Maxine Fudge. They had two children. Robert was a “PROUD” Kenedy LION and graduated with the Class of 1973.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Welton E. and Maxine Parker Fudge.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Crystal; daughter, Niki Leighton and husband Scott; son, Justin Fudge and wife Erin; three grandchildren Baleigh Fudge, Broden Fudge, Ace Leighton; sisters, Linda Ivey and husband David, Carol Davis and husband Andrew; brother, Ronnie Fudge and wife Shirley and numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Welton and Maxine Fudge and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Patsy and Gene Barrier.

Visitation will be held Monday April 10, 2023 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church Kenedy with Rev. Matt Singleton officiating. Interment will follow in the Karnes County Memorial Park in Kenedy, TX.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or the Donor’s Choice

Serving as Pallbearers: Ricky Card, Grady Kelley, Joe Garza, Mario Garza, Rene Martinez, Wes Owens, Pat Tam and Troy Wygrys.

Honorary Pallbeares: Levi Owens, Crystal Tam, Kevin Tam, Paige Tam and Patrick Tam, Jr.

Robert Michael Fudge’s Story

All of us have many fond memories of Robert.  Here is a glimpse into the rest of  his life.  Some parts you may know about Robert and others you may hear for the first time.       

Robert married Crystal Barrier on April 1,1972.  After 7 years of marriage, they were blessed with 2 children Niki and Justin which completed their family.  As of April 1, 2023, they had been married 51 years.  On this past Anniversary, Robert was so sick in the hospital.  Crystal walked into his room and told him, “ Happy Anniversary!”To which he replied,  “I don’t guess we’re going to eat a steak dinner.” He still had his sense of humor despite not feeling well. 

Many of you may not know that Robert and Crystal both loved horses. In the early years of their marriage, Robert and Crystal, almost every weekend, along with friends,  would find time for a trail ride.  They would ride horses for miles, laughing and having a great time.  Something else Robert did was break horses as a side job.  He always had a horse that he would be breaking for someone.  Robert had a favorite horse that he loved and she loved him.  The horse was a palomino named Julie.  Julie would not let anyone else but Robert ride her!

Most of you know that Robert was a hard worker and had several jobs during his lifetime.  He worked for the Texas Highway Dept in Corpus for a short time before he and Crystal decided they  wanted to move back home. When they were back in Kenedy,  he took a job with Continental Oil Company in the Uranium mines.  Robert also worked for Pawnee Lease Service, Karnes County, and Atascosa Mining where he drove big dump trucks, scrapers, bulldozers and backhoes. Lastly, Robert worked at the J.B. Connally Correctional facility.  After he retired, he enjoyed helping Pat Tam.  He was “always” going to Pat’s.  Through the years, Robert made many lifelong friends that he cherished.

Robert loved the outdoors and all kinds of hunting: coon, coyote, deer, bird, squirrel, and hog.  He loved it all.  If it could be hunted, Robert hunted it.  Even Robert and Crystal’s honeymoon night was spent hunting coons.  In more recent years, he and Grady Kelley put up a deer blind on family land.   It was nothing special but it was a palace to him. 

Robert had many other hobbies that he really enjoyed sharing with others as well.   He never turned down a game of dominoes or cards.  He very much surprised us once at the lake when he was playing with Niki and the grandkids. He was able to tell what was in each of our hands and would tell us what to play when it was our turn.  Robert loved to cook, can, and bake for anyone and everyone.  He especially loved making hot sauce, jams, and bread pudding.  He even had people from out of state wanting his extra hot hot sauce.  As a family, the meal we are going to miss most is Robert’s Chicken and Squash.  It was the best!

Robert was raised and baptized in the Church of Christ. Later, he became a member of FBC Kenedy where he shared his gift of cooking.  Robert absolutely loved being on the hospitality committee. Most people know Robert as a people person.  He loved people and never met a stranger.  He made his rounds to the different local coffee shops to talk with whomever he came across.  You needed at least 20 minutes to talk with him and he was sure to bring out his flip phone to show pictures of his pride and joys, Baleigh, Broden, and Ace.  

Robert loved watching anything and everything that his grandchildren,  Baleigh and Broden, were involved in from sporting events, dance recitals to showing steers.  He made all of their events when he was able to and wanted an update on how they did if wasn’t able to. Oh and we were sure not to forget to send pictures to his flip phone so he could show them off.  He also enjoyed teaching and playing patty cake with his newest grandson Ace.  

Over the last 9 months, Robert spent countless days in the hospital. He was always eager to return home so he could ride around town and enjoy catching up with others. Robert had a will to live like no other. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. We know that our time here on Earth is short but we find comfort in knowing we will one day be reunited in heaven.

Honorary Pallbeares: Levi Owens, Crystal Tam, Kevin Tam, Paige Tam and Patrick Tam, Jr.

Janeane Bingham Quarles

Wife. Mother. Mamaw. Friend.

Aug 25, 1947 – April 6, 2023

With deep sorrow and profound love, we mourn the loss of Janeane Bingham Quarles. She passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on April 6, 2023 at home surrounded by her beloved best friend and husband, Jackie Ray Quarles and daughters. She was bold, sassy, beautiful and loving.  Jackie and Janeane, originally of Kenedy, TX, moved their family to the New Braunfels in 1987 where they lived and worked and finally retired, moving to Seguin in 2016.

To tell the story of Janeane is to tell the story of two who will always be one. Janeane and Jackie met at Kenedy High School in 1964, married in 1966, had 3 children and continued their love story for nearly 58 years. They have a never-ending love that their family will talk about and attempt to duplicate for many years to come. Janeane was not only a popular hairdresser, she’s known for her perfectly coifed hair, incredible skin and beautiful makeup.  To her grandkids and their friends, she was “Mamaw”, the one they could confide in and find comfort if needed. She loved singing, dancing and watching old movies with her love, Jackie. Janeane lit up when her kids or grandkids performed in recitals, band concerts and marching contests. Her family was everything and she was everything to her family.

Janeane was preceded in death by her father, Morris Ray “M.R.” Bingham of Pettus and her mother, Pearl Bingham Alley of Victoria as well as her beloved granddaughter, Kaylee Rianne White of Colorado.

Janeane is survived by her husband, Jackie Ray Quarles, daughter Sheri Lynn White, daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Marc Heymann, daughter and son-in-law Andrea and Roland Valdez. She is survived by her grandchildren, Morgan White of Colorado, Lauren Heymann and granddaughter-in-law, Robyn Murdock, of Vermont, Harper Heymann of Vermont, Eric Carrillo of New Braunfels, Raegan Carrillo of San Antonio and Trevor Valdez of New Braunfels, Austin Sanchez of Colorado and 4 great grandchildren: Violet, Adam, Matthew, and Augustine. Beloved Sister and Brother-in-law Bobby Joe and Debbie Quarles of Wharton, sister Kathy Bingham of Houston and brother Brian Bingham of Boerne, plus so many nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and dear, dear friends.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Eckols Funeral Home and a loving memorial service on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 also at Eckols Funeral Home. Flowers are welcome and donations either of Janeane’s favorite organizations: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

Eckols Funeral Home

420 W Live Oak St, Kenedy, TX 78119

On Monday, April 3, 2023, God called home one of his faithful servants. On that day, Mary Louise Falks, surrounded by family and caregivers, joined her husband, Jim Falks, in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Mary Lou was born Mary Louise to Cecil and Beulah Houze in North Kansas City, Missouri on September 5, 1930. She was the first born of three girls. By all accounts she was a caring and responsible big sister to her siblings.

Her family moved to El Cajon, California when Mary Lou was nine years old. Mary Lou often described adventures from her childhood with her younger sisters. From spending hours together reading at the library across the street from their house, to camp-outs with Girl Scouts, to spotting planes in WWII for the U.S Air Defense. The sisters remain close and their families have stayed close as well.

Mary Lou met her husband, Jim Falks, when he was stationed in the Navy in San Diego. They had a whirlwind romance and she married him when she was seventeen years old. Jim was a Texan, and as a good Texas’ son he had to get back home. After the war, Jim got out of the Navy and they relocated to Alice Texas. The couple had four children, Jim, Joe, Carol, and John and lived on the South East Side of San Antonio for almost forty years.

In San Antonio, they were active members of Hot Wells Baptist Church. It was during this time that Mary Lou discovered her passion for volunteer work. She served as a leader and teacher for the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), Girls in Action (GA’s), school PTAs, and was an Alamo Area Council of Girl Scout Troop Leader & Council Administrator among many other programs.

In the early 1990s Jim and Mary Lou moved to Kenedy to take care of an aging family member. They moved from the big city to a farm just miles from the First Baptist Church of Kenedy which became their home church for the rest of their lives. She spent many years as a volunteer in the church library and for the WMU.

At eighty years old, a widow and alone out on the farm, Mary Lou decided to moved to town and be closer to her church community. During this time in her life she held prayer meetings, church training sessions, and monthly WMU meetings in her new home for members of the congregation. Mary Lou’s contributions to her church community were many.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Jim Ed and wife Deborah, Joe Mark and wife Ann, Carol Ann and husband Jim, and John Kevin and wife Linda. Her sisters, Helen and Marguerite ,

fifteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents Beulah and Cecil, her beloved Jim, and two grandchildren, Ashley Amber and Jarrett Blaine.

Visitation will be Friday, April 7, 2023 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 10AM with the Rev. Matt Singleton officiating. Interment will follow in the New Bremen Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Viveca Falks, Ethan Falks, Jonathan Falks, Joshua Falks, Jeff Falks, Justin Falks and Brian Lowther.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Kenedy, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Exclusive Home & Hospice, Inc. of Beeville, TX.

Abel M. Rivera was born on July 12, 1950 in Caro, Michigan, and passed away on March 31, 2023 in Kenedy, Texas, at the age of 72.

He is survived by his daughters Betty Jo Blietz (Gerad), Bobbie Jo Rivera (Robin Thienpont), Jennifer Rivera (Zeke Lopez)and Melanie Monroe (Jesse).

Grandkids, Kamiryn Blietz, Jackson Blietz, Phoenix Lopez, Daryn Thienpont, Maddoux Lopez, David Cardenas, Dylan Cardenas and Jordan Monroe. Sisters, Sandra Rivera and Leticia Lerma, brothers, Rudy Rivera, Timothy Rivera, Joe Rivera, Daniel Rivera and Gilbert Rivera and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy Maciel Rivera and Rudy Rivera, brother Ricardo Rivera and niece Gabriela Lerma.

Abel was the oldest of nine children. The son of migrant workers, he was born in Michigan, where his parents worked in the strawberry fields. He would work those same fields growing up, going back and forth between Michigan and Texas. Abel attended school in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from Edgewood High School, he was drafted and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War; earning the National Defense Medal and Sharp Shooter (Rifle) distinctions.

In 1970, he married Mary Lou Sanchez. Together they had 4 daughters.

Abel, like many veterans, battled his demons, but in good times, he enjoyed hanging out with his friends, playing tennis, rock-n-roll, cook outs and of course, dogs. Mostly self-employed, his work varied in the service industry from auto towing to carpentry.  Later in life, he only needed the daily newspaper and a taco. If he wasn’t cheering on the Dallas Cowboys or the San Antonio Spurs, he usually rooted for the underdog. The family would like to thank the staff at Kenedy Health and Rehabilitation for all their care and support these last four years.

Graveside Services will be held at Fort Sam Houston with Military Honors on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 1:30 P.M. in San Antonio, TX.

Maria DeLaRosa was born, April 13, 1947 in Choate, Texas and was 75 years old when she went to be with the Lord on, March 31, 2023. Maria was raised in Pawnee and Kenedy, Texas. She later married and moved to San Antonio, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her husband Juan DeLaRosa, her parents Crucita Chapa Reyna and Gabriel Chapa, Sr. and her brother Gabriel Chapa, Jr..

She is survived by her three beloved children; Santos A. DeLaRosa  (Caroline) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Diane Castellano (Scott) of San Antonio, TX, Rebecca DeLaRosa (Efren) of San Antonio; grandchildren, Santos A. DeLaRosa, Jr. (Stephanie) of Cuero, Texas, Eric S. Castellano, Isaac S. Castellano, Angelica N. Castellano of San Antonio, Texas; step-grandchildren, Efran Ledezma, Jr. of Elmendorf, Texas and Jimena Devora of San Antonio, Texas; two great-granddaughters, Abigail A. DeLaRosa ,Ava A. DeLaRosa of Cuero, Texas; brothers, Andres Chapa (Janie) of Edna, Texas; sister, Soila Vasquez (Gilbert) of Karnes City, Texas; sister-in-law Maria Guadalupe DeLaRosa of San Antonio, Texas and also survived numerous nieces and nephews.

A Holy will be recited Friday April 14, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.