Francisco G. Benavides, Jr., Age 77 of Kenedy, TX passed away on May 5, 2025 in Karnes City, TX surrounded by his loving family.  Francisco was born on February 11, 1948 in Floresville, TX to the late Francisco, Sr. and Herminia Serna Benavides. He was a retired mechanic, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and of the Catholic Faith.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Francisco, Sr. and Herminia “Minnie” G. Serna Benavides; brother, Ferman G. Benavides; sisters, Alicia “Lechia” Benavides, Jesusa “Susan” B. Raymond, Joaquina “Jackie” Benavides, Erminia “Minnie Moe” Benavides; nephews, Nathaniel Rene Benavides, Angel Perez; grandchildren Jose Juan Chapa, III and Adriana Jaramillo.  He is survived by his wife, Dominga F. Benavides; daughters, Sista Ann Connally (Dennis Connally), Brenda L. Carrasco, Erica L. Casarez; son, Enrique “Gordo” Carrasco, Jr.; brothers, Jaun Manuel “Camel” Benavides, Rueben “Ben” Benavides, Sr., Ramiro “Ram” Benavides, Jacinto G. Serna, Jr.; sisters, Julia B. Chavez, Soleda “Shirley” Benavides, San Juana “Janie” B. Gonzales, Oralia Benavides, Dorothea “Dorothy” B. Perez, 8 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.  From a previous marriage he leaves behind Iris Garcia, Alvino Jaramillo, Alma J. Sanchez, Noel, Lolita “Bebe”, Maribel “Fatso” Benavides, Roy Sotelo, 27 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 from 1P.M. to 7P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Celebration of Life Services to begin at 7PM.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Felix Alaniz Gonzales, Age 76 of Three Rivers passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on April 19, 2025.  Felix was born on December 12, 1948 to the late Jesus and Guadalupe Alaniz Gonzales in Nell, TX.  He worked for Bee County and Karnes County as a construction worker before retirement and was a loving, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle and of the Catholic Faith.  Felix is preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Guadalupe Alaniz Gonzales; sister, Martha Hernandez; brothers, Matias Gonzales, Antonio Gonzales and Benito Gonzales.  Felix is survived by his children, June Rodriguez of Three Rivers, Falicia Gonzales of Three Rivers, Jessica Gonzales of Three Rivers, April Gonzales of Three Rivers, Stephanie Gonzales of Three Rivers; sister, Agarita Cortez of Pawnee; brothers, Juan Gonzales of Coy City, Mike Gonzales of Coy City and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family members.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, April 25, 2025 at 10AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Pawnee, TX with the Rev. Romeo Salinas officiating.  Interment will follow in the Nell Cemetery in Nell, TX.

Joe Ed Ponish, was born on July 8, 1938 to Howard Ponish and Cleo Rogers Ponish, in Kenedy, Texas.  He passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, after an illness that began in early March.  Joe Ed lived in Kenedy all but a few years of his life.  Having served in the US Air Force after graduating from Kenedy High School, then worked the family farm for many years and later served the City of Kenedy in various capacities for over 20 years.  He ended his working years with the City of Beeville before retiring.  At that time, he and his wife Doris Jane Ponish returned to Kenedy.  He continued to serve the community of Kenedy in a variety of volunteer boards and other positions, until his passing.  He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Kenedy.  Joe Ed leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris Jane Ponish, daughter Dawn Ponish, brother Gale Ponish, sister Lynn Ponish and his parents.  He is survived by his daughter, Terry Jo Foreman of Boerne, and her husband Kevin, and his grandsons Brandon, Tyler and Keeton Foreman.  Also survived by his brother Dr Howard Ponish of Uvalde, and his wife Lorraine, his sister-in-law Betty Ponish of San Marcos, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He most valued the simple things life has to offer, like time with family and friends, coffee with his “coffee buddies” in the mornings at local restaurants, chasing the cows in the country, playing his guitar, and church activities and Sunday services. He treated everyone the same and never met a stranger.  The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Methodist TexSan Hospital in San Antonio and Anton’s Assisted Living in Boerne, for their compassionate care during his last few weeks.  Services for Joe Ed will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Kenedy.  Starting with Visitation at 10am, followed by a Celebration of His Life at 11am.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy,TX.

He will be missed by many, but we are also truly happy for him, he has been welcomed home by Our Savior Jesus Christ and has been reunited with his loved ones that he has missed so dearly.

Frank M. Salas, Age 75 of Kenedy, TX went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 17, 2025.  Frank was born on July 18, 1949 in Kenedy to the late Emilio and Juaquina Estrada Salas.  Frank was a jack of all trades; a loving son, brother, never met a stranger and of the Catholic Faith.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Emilio and Juaquina Estrada; brothers, Emilio Salas, Jr., Joe Salas, and George Salas.  He is survived by his children, Niki Mendez of San Antonio, Frank Salas, Jr. of San Antonio; sisters, Bonnie Lopez of La Porte, Maria Salas of Port Lavaca, Olga Salas of Kenedy, Janie Mendez of Kenedy; brothers, Ruben Salas of Victoria, Gilbert Salas of Runge, David Salas of Kenedy numerous nieces, nephews and friends in the Kenedy Community.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, April 23, 2025 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 Loving Memory of Frances Garcia Saenz

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frances Garcia Saenz, who left us on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Frances was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.  Born on September 16, 1941, Frances grew up and graduated high school in Kenedy, Texas and later moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she spent most of her life and obtained an associate’s degree from San Antonio Community College. She was known for her commitment to her Husband, Esmeraldo, with whom she was married for over 58 years, raised a family and grew a business in the education field with him. Her dedication to her family and church was evident to all who knew her.  Frances is survived by her sons and their spouses, Robert & Debra and Leonard & Erin, and her grandchildren, Logan, Rudy, Macie, Lucia, Lauren, Roman, and Cody, her sister Elena Garcia De La Garza and nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her unending love that she expressed to her family and friends. She had a loving soul and was always willing to listen and help in any way she could. Her smile and laugh were contagious and brought much joy into this world.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by the Rosary Service, and will be held at Eckols Funeral Home, 420 West Live Oak Street, Kenedy, Texas. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Our Lady Queen of Peace church in Kenedy, Texas, 605 Karnes Street. Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) in honor of Frances Garcia Saenz.

Special thanks to the love and support Frances received from Inspiration Hospice and her friends at New Forest Haven.

Frances will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Isidro F. Alaniz, Age 85, of Kenedy, TX formerly of Tyler, TX passed away on March 29, 2025 in San Antonio, TX surrounded by his loving family.  Isidro was born on May 15, 1939 in Nell, TX to Cecilia Flores and was raised by grandparents Ricardo B. and Angelita Maria Flores who all precede him in death.  He worked for Century Geophysical as a driller and retired as a Log Seismic graph supervisor after 50 years of service, was a member of The Knights of Columbus and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tyler, TX and was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.  Isidro is preceded in death by his mother, Cecilia Flores; grandparents, Ricardo B. and Angelita Maria Flores, former spouse, Emma De La Garza Alaniz and a son Cecil Alaniz.  Isidro is survived by children, Michelle Alaniz of Kenedy, Sandra Villanueva and husband Domingo of Kenedy, Larry Diaz and wife Linda of Karnes City, Rudy Diaz and Sylvia Flores of Hebbronville. He is also survived by his grandchildren Larry L. Diaz of San Antonio, Derek Villanueva (Cheryl) of Corpus Christi, Jillian Quintanilla of San Antonio, Jeremy Villanueva (Shawna) of Floresville, Jenna Dziuk (Kory) of Falls City, Megan Rahmes (Lawrence) of Austin and 12 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday April 3, 2025 from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  A Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30 A.M with Funeral Mass Celebrated at 10:00 A.M at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, TX with Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.  Serving as Pallbearers will be Domingo Villanueva, Derek Villanueva, Jeremy Villanueva, Lawrence Rhames, Rudy Diaz and Dwayne Villanueva

Martin Frank Rossett, Age 78, entered into eternal rest on Monday, February 17, 2025.  He was born on October 8, 1946 in Runge, TX to the Late Ysidro and Sara DeLeon Rossett.   Martin was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle.  He was a culinary artist and pastry chef in various restaurants.  He worked several years offshore as a chef and loved to fish on his down time on the ship.  He would bring back the best fish that he caught to Kenedy and we all enjoyed the best meals.  Martin would make the best rolls, cinnamon rolls, and pies, to name a few, for the family when the family got together.  His artistry could not be compared or duplicated even though we tried.  Martin is preceded in death by his parents, his son Martin John Rossett, his sister Mary Rossett Rodriguez, and brother Larry Rossett.  Martin is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Rossett Mojica, Eula Rossett Ngiraingas; son, Martin David Rossett Guerra; his brothers, Isidro (Stormy) Rossett (Josie), Ray Rossett (Martha); brother-in-law Amador Rodriguez; sister-in-law Alicia Rossett; 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 8AM to 9AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.   A Holy Rosary will be recited Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 9:30 AM with 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 Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Virgina Lopez Fanning, Age 63 of Kenedy, TX passed away on March 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family in San Antonio, TX.  Virginia was born on October 22, 1961 in Kenedy to the late Ponciano and Angelita Rossett Lopez.  She was a loving Mother, Sister, Aunt, member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and a friend to many in the Kenedy community who will be deeply missed.  Virginia is preceded in death by her parents Ponciano and Angelita Rossett Lopez; sister, Janie Lopez Hernandez; brother, Charlie Lopez and grandson, Nolan Ray Fanning.  Virginia is survived by her son, Raymond Erwin Fanning and wife Ann Marie of Kingsville; sisters, Martha Lopez Richardson of Kenedy, Rose Lopez Elizondo of Kenedy; brother, Johnnie Lopez, Sr. of Kenedy and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members. Visitation will be held Friday, March 28, 2025 from 8AM to 9AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9:30AM with Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Johnnie Lopez, Sr., Joe Hernandez, Jr., Johnnie Lopez, Jr., James Lopez, Bradley Johnson and Johnnie Ramirez, III.

Paulette Shelton, born on April 30, 1957, in Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully, in the early morning hours of March 18, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and strength.  Paulette grew up in Texas and graduated from Deer Park High School in 1975 before beginning a lifelong career in public service. She worked in accounting for the Houston Fire Department until her family relocated to Galveston in 1984. In Galveston, she became an integral part of the Gulf Coast Center MHMR, serving as the head of transportation. Her passion for helping others led her to a distinguished career with the State of Texas working for Fort Bend County in Sugarland, where she ultimately rose to a leadership role in the transportation department. Paulette retired in 2019 after years of dedication, leaving an enduring impact on her colleagues and the community she served.  Beyond her professional achievements, Paulette was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Joseph Isaiah Maxted, as well as her sister, Jan Shelton, and brother, Paul Shelton and her parents Albert Joseph and Eunice Gertrude Grunenwald Shelton. She is survived by her children, Karey Elaine Maxted and Luke Wayne Shelton; her cherished grandchildren, Blake and Chase Pipkin, Matthew and Tyler Reed, and Adonai, Zion, and Kai’i Shelton, Marayah, Daelan, and Sabrena Thomson, and her precious great-grandchildren, Harley Sulser, Olivia Pipkin, Athena Faye Reed and McKinley Valdez. Paulette was the loving daughter of Albert Joseph Shelton and Eunice Gertrude Grunenwald Shelton. She also leaves behind her special friend, Norma, whose companionship brought her great joy.

Paulette found joy in the simple things—living by the water, embracing nature, and sharing her famous Indian fry bread with family and friends. She loved the country and she loved people. Her love for country music led her to her love of dance halls which she frequented any time she could even by horseback. If the doors were open at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo you would usually find her there. She loved road trips and traveling and was eager always to plan her next adventure. Her kindness, wisdom, and love will forever be remembered by those who knew her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for their compassionate care during Paulette’s final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Paulette’s honor on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Eckols Funeral Home, 420 West Live Oak Street, Kenedy, Texas 78119. Visitation and slideshow will begin at 1pm.  Interment will folow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy,TX.

She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.