Kathryn Pearl “Kaye” Copeland Osburn, age 89, of Kenedy, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Kaye was born on November 30, 1936, in Yorktown, Texas, to Seth Burleson Copeland and Hattie Belle Barth Copeland. She spent most of her childhood in Kenedy, where she and her three siblings were raised by her mother. After graduating from Kenedy High School in 1954, she attended Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos, where she earned her degree in Education. After college, she returned to Karnes County, where she met and later married her husband of nearly 30 years, Claude Osburn, Jr., of Runge, on August 23, 1958. She later completed her master’s degree in Education in 1967, after teaching for several years.

For decades, Kaye and Jr. were prominent fixtures in the Runge community and were well known for their support of youth and involvement in multiple organizations. Having five daughters was a true blessing to Kaye, and she embraced it fully. She was a constant presence at their many activities and events, always showing unwavering support. Kaye was a member of Runge United Methodist Church.

Utilizing her degree, Kaye dedicated 29 years to educating children in Cuero, Runge, Pettus, and Nordheim, teaching in Nordheim ISD for most of her career. Upon her retirement in 1989, she enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends, and being “Granny Kaye”—not just to her many grandchildren, but to everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Seth Burleson Copeland and Hattie Belle Barth Nelson; her husband, Claude Osburn, Jr.; her siblings, Shirley Janecek, James “Buddy” Copeland, and Robert “Bob” Copeland; and her great-granddaughter, Olivia Jaymes Wilkerson.

She is survived by her children: Sherry (David) Hackney; Laurie (Darren) Seifert; Christy Canales; Kathy Goodman; and Jamie (Mike) Sotelo.

Granny Kaye was blessed with 13 grandchildren: Lindsey Hackney Wilkerson (Kyle), Emily Hackney Licarione (Michael), Austin Seifert, Caitlin Seifert Reeves (Garrett), Chelsea Canales Lyssy (Chris), Anthony Canales, Alyssa Canales, Faith Canales, Hailey Hellums Bullock, Tarin Hellums Gregg (Evan), Lauren Sotelo, Aaron Sotelo, and Madison Sotelo; as well as 10 great-grandchildren: Mason and Olivia Wilkerson; Parker and Logan Licarione; Carter Reeves; Aden and Kenna Lyssy; Briar Bullock; Kallahan Gregg; and Brooks Sotelo. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The family is forever grateful for the wonderful caregivers who blessed Kaye’s life over the years: Irma Guzman, Rose Ann Garza, Aimee Hinojosa, Norma Salas, Sylvia Aguero, Patty Angell, Christine Padron, and Sandy Salinas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, Texas. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, with Reverend Bequi Flores officiating. Burial will follow at Runge Cemetery in Runge, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Wilkerson, Michael Licarione, Austin Seifert, Garrett Reeves, Anthony Canales, Chris Lyssy, Evan Gregg, and Aaron Sotelo.

Kaye will be greatly missed by all who knew her and will be remembered always.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kaye’s name may be made to:

Little Ladybugs, a foundation that honors her great-granddaughter, Olivia Jaymes Wilkerson. Checks may be sent to 5302 Briarcliff Lane, Fulshear, TX 77441, or donations can be made online at Little Ladybugs.

First United Methodist Church – note Memorial/Kaye Osburn. The address is PO Box 205, Runge, TX 78151.

Nordheim Education Foundation, C/O Nordheim ISD– note Memorial/Kaye Osburn. The address is 500 N Broadway, Nordheim, TX 78141

Ruben P. Tijerina, Sr., Age 84 of San Antonio, TX formerly of Kenedy, TX passed away April 23, 2026 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.Ruben was born on June 30, 1941 in Kenedy to the late Florencio Tijerina and Josefina Perez.  He married Beatrice Zepeda on August 31, 1959 in Kenedy who preceded him in death on January 30, 2020. Ruben was a devoted, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and of the Catholic Faith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Florencio Tijerina and Josefina Perez, wife, Beatrice Zepeda Tijerina, son, Ruben Anthony Tijerina, Jr. and a grandson, Cody Ferguson.

He is survived by his children, Robert A. Tijerina, and wife Suzette of San Antonio, Missy Messmer and husband Tom of Fort Mohave, Randy A. Tijerina of San Antonio, sister, Irma Longoria and husband Richard of San Antonio, brother, Rene “Joe” Tijerina of Corpus Christi, grandchildren, Olivia I. Malone and husband Austin, Robert “Andres” Tijerina, II, J.M. Pollard, Randi Cunniff and husband Brandon, great-grandchildren, Avrie Pollard, Adonis Pollard, Isabella Cunniff and many extended family members and dear friends who will greatly miss Ruben.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 9, 2026 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with family viewing at 7:30 AM and public viewing from 8AM to 9AM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM with the Celebration of Funeral Mass at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating. Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Robert A. Tijerina, Robert “Andres” Tijerina, II, Randy A. Tijerina, Ralph Zepeda, Ray Zepeda, Michael Zepeda, Stephen Zepeda, and William Zepeda.

Henry Leon Aoueille’ Sr.

8/27/1931 – 4/18/2026

On April 18, 2026, Henry Leon Aoueille’ Sr. “H.L.” of Victoria, TX passed away peacefully with his wife of 70 years, his daughter and two sons all by his side.  He was 94.  H.L. was born to Ida (Caulfield) and Bernard Aoueille’ in Covington, LA in 1931.  When he was 9, the family, including his brother Benny and sister Gay, moved to Kenedy, TX where his father, “Coca” owned and operated the Kenedy Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

Upon graduating at 16 from Kenedy High School in 1948, H.L. began his illustrious college career at Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos, TX where he spent most of his time “studying” at Sewell Park. During the Korean Conflict and just before the draft board called his number, Dad joined the Air Force in February 1951.  The first week he spent in the Air Force was in a tent at Lackland AFB during one of the worst snowstorms in Texas history.  Some of his fondest memories were during his 4 years in the Air Force, especially when he was stationed at Mitchell AFB on Long Island, NY.  While there, he took courses through the University of Connecticut.  His next set of orders took him to Mineral Wells, TX where he took courses through TCU.

In December of 1954, his best friend, Billy Ray Tarver set him up on a blind date which led to Dad meeting the Love of his life, Gloria Hope Hughes.  They were married on September 2, 1955 and resided in Kenedy, TX. They had their first child, Andrea Hope Aoueille’, nine months and three weeks later.  Then five years later, Henry Leon Aoueille’ Jr. “Lee” was born.  Then, six years later and out of nowhere, a third child, John Hughes Aoueille’ was born.

After being Honorably discharged on Valentine’s Day 1955, Dad worked alongside his father, “Coca”, at Kenedy Coca – Cola Bottling Company.  They worked together building up the business for 20 years.  Dad spent a total of 31 years with Coca – Cola which was a big part of all our lives.  He retired at 55, one year after the family sold in 1986.  After a few years of buying/selling real estate with his close cousin, Fabian “Buddy” Summers, which really meant meeting for tea and coffee with friends, Dad began his second career with Beltone Hearing, now New Sound as an Audiologist.  He retired from New Sound in 2014 and turned 83 in the same week!  He loved what he did because he was able to meet a lot of new people his age and see so many old friends.  Dad was one that could always find a connection with new people, which is why he loved what he was doing so much!  In 2008, at 76, Dad was the New Sound top salesman and was awarded a trip to Alaska to fish for salmon and halibut.  He loved it but said it was taxing for an old man.

In Kenedy, Dad was a Jaycee, Rotarian, VFW member and Volunteer Fire Fighter.  Dad continued with Rotary in Victoria and was a Rotarian for 62 years where he met so many of his friends.  Mom and Dad were Paul Harris Fellows.  His proudest moments of being an audiologist came through Rotary when he and other Rotarians went to Brownsville where he would test, fit and give hearing aids to children in need.  He loved that part of his life because it matched perfectly with his kind and giving spirit.

Dad was a friend to so many, a mentor to some and a wonderful father to Andrea, Lee and John.  He was always concerned about others’ well-being.  He survived three bouts with cancer but was cancer free upon his death.

As she was holding his hand, Mom’s parting words to Dad on April 18^th were, “Thank you for 70 years; I don’t know who is going to tell me what to do now.  I love you…I love you.”

Dad was preceded in death by his mother “Grandmother” Ida, father, “Coca” Bernard and brother, Benny. Dad is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gloria Aoueille’, daughter Andrea Pullin (Russell), son Lee (Claudia) and son John (Chandra); seven grandchildren, Claire Aoueille’; Aaron and Cash Pullin; Keaton, Jackson, Connor and Mia Aoueille’; and five Great Grandchildren; Lena, Toby and Mary Emma Pullin and Henry and Scout Pullin.

Dad is also survived by his beautiful little sister, Gay Von Dohlen of Goliad, TX.

We want to thank all the staff at Sodalis, who loved Dad and were so kind to him.  We also want to thank Hospice of South Texas for being there and helping us through such a tough time.  We want to thank Dr. Nezhad for being so kind and thoughtful throughout the last 30 years of caring for our parents.

Visitation is on Friday May 15^th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at First Presbyterian Church in Victoria; 2408 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX 77901

Interment will be on Saturday May 16^th at The Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy; County Rd 329, Kenedy, TX 78119

Norma Pedraza Villarreal, Age 90 of Floresville, TX passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Norma was born on October 30, 1935 in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to the late Ruperto and Manuelita Aguirre Pedraza.  She married Dr. Roberto Escamilla Villarreal on June 12, 1965 in San Antonio, TX, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, dear aunt to many nieces and nephews and a devout Catholic.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Ruperto and Manuelita Aguirre Pedraza.  She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Roberto Escamilla Villarreal of Floresville, children, Marco Dante Villarreal of Floresville, Carlo Renato Villarreal of San Antonio, Ethel Minerva Villarreal-Monterrey and husband Marlon of Tomball, sister, Ethel Pedraza of San Antonio, grandchildren, Carolina Antonia Monterrey, Sofia Isabel Monterrey, Valentina Minerva Monterrey, first cousins, Berenice Aguirre Ferreiro, John Adams and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7PM by the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church Guadalupana Rosary Society.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating. Interment will follow in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Pawnee, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Armando Villarreal, Marlon Monterrey, Adelaido Leal, Carlos Chapa, Epifanio Villarreal, III, and Joel Trevino.

Irma Gonzales Arenas, Age 71 of Kenedy, TX went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 15, 2026.  Irma was born on October 12, 1954 in Nell, TX to the late Ramon and Odilia Gonzales.  She was retired, was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Ramon and Odilia Gonzales, sister, Mary Molina.  She is survived by her children, Nicholas Arenas of Kenedy, Victoria Arenas of Kenedy, sisters, Modesta Gonzales of Karnes City, Susie Martinez of Karnes City, Lupe Gonzales of Conroe, brothers, Raymond Gonzales, Jr. of Karnes City, Johnny Gonzales of Mathis, Armando Gonzales of Pawnee, grandchildren, Riann Aguirre, Rileigh Aguirre, Rosabella Aguirre and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Monday, April 27, 2026 at 9:30 AM with Memorial Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Inurnment will follow in the Nell Cemetery in Nell, TX.

Linda Cruz Escandon, beloved mother, grandmother, & great-grandmother, passed away on April 11, 2026.  Linda, 74 was born to Santornino and Olivia Cruz on August 22, 1951.  Linda’s greatest love was her family.  She took great pride in caring for her siblings and momma until their passing.  Her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids brought her endless joy.  Linda is proceeded in death by her parents, her sisters, Mary Helen Gonzales and Connie Alonzo, her brothers, Robert Cruz and George Cruz, and longtime companion, Joe Solis.  She is survived by her sons, Joe A. Escandon, Jr.(Nina) and Arturo Zavala, Jr.(Debbie) and daughter, Christie Zavala Valdez.  Visitation will be at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday April 19, 2026 from 10AM to 4PM with a Celebrartion of Life Service at 3PM.

Honorary Pallbearers are her grandhildren Joe Escandon, III, Zachery Zavala, Amanda Lobner, Zoe Zavala, Jordan Valdez, Zipporah Zavala, and ZeAnnbra Zavala.

In Loving Memory of Lucille Matthews

March 5, 1937 – April 5, 2026

Lucille Matthews, the beloved mother, sister, friend, and “Granny”, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, at the age of 89. She left this world just as she lived within it, surrounded by the deep, abiding love of the family she spent a lifetime nurturing.

Born on March 5, 1937 to Hugh and Ila Green, Lucille grew up with the resilient spirit of the community she called home. In 1955, she graduated from Kenedy High School and married the love of her life, James Matthews. Their nearly 70-year union was a beautiful testament to lifetime devotion and a true partnership built on faith. Together, they cultivated more than just their community. They also grew a legacy of love that now spans four generations.

Throughout her life, Lucille held many roles, but she was most recently known for her dedicated service as a Justice of the Peace and Municipal Judge. Her commitment to fairness, integrity, and service left a lasting impact on all of those she served. Her civic pride was etched into the very earth of her hometown as a founder of the beautiful Kenedy Park, a place of peace that will serve as a lasting tribute to her vision for future generations.

Above all, Lucille was the cornerstone of her family. She was the keeper of stories, the dispenser of wisdom, and a source of unconditional warmth. Whether she was tending to her community or welcoming the newest of her 22 great-grandchildren, she did so with a grace that was uniquely hers.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, William and Walter Green; her sister, Virginia Copeland; her son, James Matthews; her daughter-in-law, DeeDee Matthews; her son-in-law, Fred Garcia; and her beloved husband, James “Bubba” Matthews.

Lucille’s spirit lives on through her daughters, Sandy Garcia, Virginia Holt, and Sharon (Shawn) Hendrix. She remains the cherished “Granny” to her grandchildren: Lauren (Chris) Shelton, Josh (Alicia) Matthews, Justin (Mary) Matthews, Cody Matthews, Cassidy Garcia, JJ (Elizabeth) Garcia, Nicholas (Kara) Garcia, Matthew Smith, Marc (Alyssa) Smith, Rebeca (Dustin) Beard, and Maverick (Katherine) Hendrix. Her legacy continues to bloom in her 22 great-grandchildren, with two more precious lives soon to join the family she loved so dearly.

Lucille Matthews was a woman of faith, a woman of her community, but most importantly, she was a woman of profound love. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten.

Visitation will be held  Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 6PM to 8PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Pat Traxler officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Josh Matthews, Justin Matthews, Cassidy Garcia, JJ Garcia, Nicholas Garcia, Matthew Smith, Marc Smith, Maverick Hendrix

Reception: The Matthews family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the prayers, love, and support shown during this time. Please join the family for a reception and a time of sharing memories at the First Baptist Church immediately following the burial.

First Baptist Church 209 E School Street, Kenedy, TX 78119

Pablo G. Olbeda, Age 65 of Choate, TX passed away on March 28, 2026 in San Antonio, TX.  Pablo was born on July 3, 1960 in Kenedy to the late Pedro and Francisca Granado Olveda.  He was a handyman/contractor, loving brother, loving uncle and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  He is preceded in death by his parents Pedro and Francisca Granado Olveda, sister, Solvida Olveda and a brother, Sylvester Olveda.  He is survived by sisters, Alvina Estrada of Bay City, Francisca E. Kotzur and husband David of Choate, brothers, Pedro Olveda, Jr. of Choate, Antonio Olveda of Choate, Juan Olveda of Choate and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday April 9, 2026 from 1PM to 7PM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Choate Cemetery in Choate, TX.