Nancy Jane Wernli

Nancy Jane Wernli, 99, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026.  Nancy was born in Choate, Texas, on October 6, 1926, to Wilton and Edilene Hargreaves. On March 19, 1945, she married the love of her life, Leslie Wernli. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, and love.  Nancy was a devoted wife and mother to her three sons, Walter L. Wernli, James Erwin Wernli, and Gerald Wayne Wernli. Throughout the years, she worked alongside Leslie on their farm while caring for her home and children. She also sold Avon for many years and was known around Three Rivers for delivering fresh farm eggs to local residents.  Nancy had many things she loved and collected over the years. She especially enjoyed collecting purses and jewelry, believing that even the simplest piece could be priceless to her. Turquoise jewelry held a special place in her heart. She loved to crochet blankets, many of which she lovingly gave to family and friends. She also enjoyed collecting knickknacks, especially anything involving chickens and cows.  Nancy had a giving heart and a strong desire to help others. She volunteered at The Outreach for 22 years and enjoyed shopping at the Goodie Box in Three Rivers.  Above all, Nancy cherished her family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and the memories she created with them will be treasured for generations to come.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Wilton and Edilene Hargreaves; her loving husband, Leslie Wernli; her sisters, Zelda and Francis; her brothers, W.L. and Tommy Ed; her daughter-in-law, Georganna Wernli; and her grandson, Matthew Wernli.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her three sons, Walter Leslie Wernli, James Erwin Wernli, and Gerald Wayne Wernli; her daughters-in-law, Mary “Bess” Wernli, wife of Walter, and Susan Wernli, wife of James; her grandchildren, Andrea and John Bello, Melissa and John Reyna, and Nikki and Carlos Montoya; her great-grandchildren, Amber and Jeff Reffner, Autumn Music, Quentin Harris, Colton Brown, Trinity Embers, and Llewyn Embers; her great-great-grandchildren, Winter, Willow, Westin, Wylan, Olivia, Mason, Jaxon, Emma, great-great grand child Braden Harris, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Nancy’s 99 years were filled with love, family, hard work, generosity, and countless memories. Her gentle spirit, loving heart, and the many ways she cared for those around her will never be forgotten.  She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The Family will receive friends Monday, August 24, 2026 from 5PMto 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 11 AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in the Pawnee Cemetery in Pawnee, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Dwight Ritchie, Colton Brown, Quentin Harris, John Bello, John Reyna and Jeff Reffner.

Matias Gonzales Jr.

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Matias Gonzales Jr., of Kenedy, Texas passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones. Matias was born on July 15, 1972 in Karnes City, Texas to Aurora Davila & Matias Gonzales Sr.  Matias married the love of his life Martha on August 25, 1995. They decided to stay in Kenedy to raise their children Matias III and Gabriel.  Matias, was a truck driver most of his life from driving cross-country with his father Matias Sr., construction, Oilfield truck driver, Oilfield poll truck operator, and spent the last 5 years as a crude oil truck driver. During his career he received various awards for his driving performance.  Matias was proceeded in death by his parents Aurora Davila and Matias Gonzales, Sr.  Matias is survived by the love of his life Martha Sandoval Gonzales, their children Matias Gonzales III(Kenedy), Gabriel Gonzales (Odessa), in-laws Jesse & Gloria Sandoval (Kenedy), Alicia Sandoval & Jeff Freeman (Kenedy), Jesse Sandoval (Kenedy), Edward Sandoval (Kenedy), nephew Blaze Sandoval, nieces Caitlin, Marlette, and Julissa Sandoval. Aunts, Uncles, Goddaughters, Godsons, and Cousins.  He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. A member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and at a young age he was a Member of the Spanish Choir.  In his spare time he enjoyed playing his guitar and singing with his wife. He enjoyed playing volleyball with family and watching movies.

A Holy Rosary will recited Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, August 21, 2026 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Gabriel Gonzales, Matias Gonzales, Edward Sandoval, Jesse Sandoval, Joey Hinojosa, Frank Davila, Ryan Leza, and Bryan Leal.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Jeff Freeman and Tiffany Hinojosa.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Compassus Hospice for their kindness and care especially Director Laura Brown, Aubrey, Valarie, Kerrie, Natasha, Cayla, Shinese, Jeff, Chaplin Sedric, and Rob.

To our church family and friends thank you for all the expressions of love.

Diana Lynn Newell

**In Loving Memory of Diana Newell**

Diana Lynn Newell, born on November 11, 1946, in Kenedy, Texas, left this world on August 3, 2026, at the age of 79. A remarkable woman, Diana was the cherished daughter of Glenn and Marie Newell, both of whom preceded her in death, as did her siblings, Barbara Scrimpsher and David Newell, and her beloved son, Michael Knight.  Diana is survived by her brother Bobby Newell and children: Kevin Knight (Mendy), Darrell Knight (Rodney), and Tammy Knight. She was a proud grandmother to Haley Eaves (Andrew), Colby Geistman, Ashley Nemes (Hayden), Taylor Knight (Valor), and Brayden Radford, and a devoted great-grandmother to Claire Eaves, Wyatt Eaves, Kate Eaves, Rhya Geistman, Maddox Nemes, and Scarlett Nemes.  Known for her love for fashion, Diana never met a sparkle, bright color, or bold accessory she didn’t love. Her hands were never idle, finding joy in knitting and crafting, where she saw the beauty in repurposing everyday items into something meaningful. Diana’s vibrant spirit was a beacon, turning strangers into friends with her warmth and kindness.  Whether she was carefully picking out her outfit or lining up her daubers on the bingo table, she brought immense joy and energy to everything she did.  Diana also had a special place in her heart for her beloved toy poodle, Little Boy. He was more than a pet; he was a cherished companion and a source of comfort, joy, and unconditional love. Their bond was a beautiful reflection of Diana’s tender and loving heart.  Diana’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to her friends who provided unwavering love and support. Though an era of love, grace, and wisdom has passed, Diana’s light continues to guide and inspire. No memorial service is planned at this time.

Petra Moreno Bergara

Petra Moreno Bergara, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, caregiver, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026. She was born on February 23, 1945, in Runge, Texas, to Manuel Moreno and Emma Garza.  Petra was united in marriage to Ricardo Refugio Bergara, Sr., with whom she shared many years of love and family. She was a devoted mother to her three children, Jose Maria Bergara, Maria Anita Bergara-Martinez, and Ricardo Refugio Bergara, Jr. She was also a loving mother-in-law to Jorge Martinez and a proud grandmother to Bradli Bergara-Martinez and Robert Bergara-Martinez.  Although Petra had three children of her own, her loving heart made room for many more. She was truly blessed to be hired as a caregiver to Matt and Frances’ children, beginning the day their son Benjamin was born. When Benjamin’s little brother, Jack, came along, Petra lovingly cared for him as well. She remained a devoted part of their lives and helped care for both boys until they were grown. Frances, Matt, Benjamin and Jack always held a special place in Petra’s heart. The bond she shared with them was more than that of a caregiver-it was a relationship built on love, devotion and family. Petra’s nurturing spirit touched the lives of many, and she will always be remembered as a mother and caregiver to so many beyond her own family.  Petra was a woman of deep faith in the Lord. Her Pentecostal faith was an important part of her life, and she carried her faith with her through both joyful and difficult times. Her love for the Lord and her trust in Him were a source of strength throughout her life. Petra also found joy in the simple things in life. She loved gardening and took pleasure in watching things grow. She also cherished spending time with her best friend, Elsa. The two shared a special friendship and many precious memories together. Petra continued to hold Elsa close in her heart after Elsa’s passing.  Petra was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ricardo Refugio Bergara, Sr.; her parents, Manuel and Emma Moreno; her siblings, Manuel Moreno and Margarita Moreno, who passed in their youth; her mother-in-law, Juanita Bergara; and her brother-in-law, Gilberto Gamez.  Petra is survived by her three children, Jose Maria Bergara, Maria Anita Bergara-Martinez, and Ricardo Refugio Bergara, Jr.; her son-in-law, Jorge Martinez; her grandchildren, Bradli Bergara-Martinez and Robert Bergara-Martinez; her brother-in-law and his wife, Reymundo and Yvonne Bergara; her niece, Anita, and her husband, Freddy, and their daughter, Olivia; and her beloved brothers and sisters: Roque Moreno and wife Esperanza of Plains, TX, Carmen Vasquez and husband Jose of Mesquite, TX, Robert Moreno and wife Mary of Carlsbad, TX, Maria Cordero and husband David of Katy, TX, Manuela Martinez and husband Jose II of Plains, TX, Daniel Moreno and wife Frances of Lovington, NM, Alicia Dominguez and husband Samuel II of Plano, TX, Rosa Garcia and husband Johnny of Lovington, NM, Yolanda Gamez and husband Gilberto of Lubbock, TX, Christina Gonzales and husband Eduardo of Sealy, TX, and Anita Moreno of Lubbock, TX.

Petra’s family will receive visitors from 12 noon until 2 pm, Thursday, August 13, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 am, Friday, August 14, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, TX, with burial following at Runge Latin American Cemetery in Runge, TX.

Petra leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, compassion, and service. Her life was defined not only by the family she raised, but also by the many people she cared for and loved along the way. She gave herself generously and opened her heart to those who needed her.

Her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and the many lives she touched will forever carry her memory. The love she gave, the faith she shared, and the care she provided will continue to live through all those who were blessed to know her.

Petra will be deeply missed, but her memory will remain in the hearts of her family and loved ones.

May she rest in eternal peace and rejoice in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Faustino Jacques

Faustino Jacques, Age 72 of Kenedy, TX went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.  Faustino was born on August 22, 1953 in Karnes City, TX to the late Trinidad and Francisca Garcia Jacques. He married Juanita Amaya on November 27, 1976 who precedes him in death, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, retired from the First Baptist Church in Kenedy after 30 plus years of custodial service, enjoyed ranching, singing all his favorite Augustine Ramirez songs for his family and was of the Baptist Faith.  He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jaunita Ester Amaya Jacques, parents, Trinidad and Francisca Garcia, grandson, Nicholas Jacques, siblings, Mary Martinez, Trino Jacques and Lupe Jacques.  He is survived by his children, Pat Castillo and husband Jerry of Kenedy, Jackie Jacques and companion Eddie Hinojosa of Kenedy, John Jacques and wife Stacia of Kenedy, Terry Jacques and wife Martha of Kenedy, J.J. Jacques of Kenedy, grandchildren, Aaron Castillo and wife Miah, Brandon Castillo and wife Madison, Chris Castillo, Jestine Hinojosa, Autumn Hinojosa, Zeke Jacques and wife Victoria, Kaitlin Jacques, Timothy Jacques and wife Hannah, Julissa Jacques, Anthony Vasquez, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members and friends.

Family Visitation will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 2PM to 7PM with a Prayer Service at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.