Aletha Joye Rix

Aletha Joye Rix, Age 99, went home to meet her Lord and Savior on January 2, 2025. Joye was born September 15,1925 in Midlothian, Texas to the late D.L. and Ruth Clements Baxter. She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Rix, Sr.; son, Gil Rix; sister, Dorotha Olney and husband John; Marc Baxter and wife Martha; and brother-in-law Earl Stimson.  Joye leaves behind her beloved daughter, Ruth Mills (Mike); daughter-in-law Sissy Rix; and sister, Bernice Stimson.  Forever cherished and remembered by her grandchildren; Randy Rix (Kaye), Rebecca Dumas (Jeston), Myra Graves (Barry), Erin Patton (Micah), Leah Bewley, and bonus grandchildren Becca Breland (Tommy) and Jerrod Mills (Kendall).  Her memory will continue to live on through her great-grandchildren; Wes Rix (Anissa), Sara Bridges (Clayton), Whitley Stipp (Hunter), Claire Dumas, Collin Dumas, Wyatt Graves, Eden Graves, Milly Frances Graves, Rix Patton, Hayes Patton and Bryar Hale. Great-great-grandchildren; Steelie Rix, Preston Hollas, Tripp Rix, Sloan Bridges, Zoey Bridges, Ellie Bridges, Sutton Stipp, Ky Breland, Brooks Breland and Brett Breland.  Joye is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.  Joye was well known around Kenedy, Texas and surrounding communities as a top notch interior decorator through her years at Stimson’s Furniture.  Her interior design skills continue her lineage through many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a faithful and long standing member of the First Baptist Church-Kenedy, until she retired in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was known as a “mighty prayer warrior” to so, so many.  She kept the flowers beautiful on Sunday mornings at the church and ensured the Christmas tree and decorations were beautifully trimmed during the holidays.  Although she will be missed in our hearts, family and friends know, she is singing the Lord’s praises in Heaven as she taught, and more importantly, showed us all here on earth.

Her Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11am at First Baptist Church, Kenedy, Texas.

Oren D. Hoff, Jr.

Oren D. Hoff, Jr., Age 77 of Pettus, TX passed way on January 1,2025 in San Antonio, TX.  Oren was born on June 1, 1949 in Cumberland, Maryland to the late Oren D., Sr. and Laura Z. Frazee Hoff.  He was a loving husband, father, served his country proudly in the US ARMY and was a devout man of Christian Faith.

Oren is preceded in death by his parents, Oren D. Sr., and Laura Z. Frazee Hoff; wife Lawana K. Hoff; daughter, Cheryl Hoff and a sister, Diane Hoff.

Oren is survived by his son, Oren D. Hoff, III and wife Debra of Beeville; brothers, Gregy Hoff off Pennsylvania, Danny Hoff of Maryland and 3 grandchildren.

Family Visitation will be Sunday, January 5, 2025 from 3PM to 5PM in the Eckols Chapel with Services starting at 5PM with Pastor Tim Brown officiating.

Roy Wayne Cox

Roy Wayne Cox , age 75, affectionately known as Rooster and a beloved member of the Pettus Community, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024 at Methodist Main Hospital in San Antonio, TX.

Roy was born on July 5, 1949 in Beeville, TX as the first son to Chester B. and Naomi “Trixie” (Ricks) Cox. Roy lived a full life and loved to share his gift of music (the Piano Man) with his family, friends, community and anyone who would listen. 

He was a 1967 graduate of Pettus High School. He then went on to Tarleton State University where he acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Science-Agronomy in 1972. He was proudly the first of his family to obtain a college degree. 

He moved to Houston in 1974 to begin his career with Pennzoil Co. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Roxann Mercer, and they were married on November 12, 1977. After their marriage, he transferred with Pennzoil to their Pettus location as a production operator. After a 20year career, he retired and was self-employed as a landscaper for 6 years. He then joined Eckols Funeral Home where he spent 22 years as an assistant mortician. He was President & Vice President of the Rotary Club, trustee of PISD Board (9 years), deacon and pianist at Pettus First Baptist Church for over 40 years, and the pianist for the Mineral First Baptist Church, Pettus and Pawnee United Methodist Churches for the remaining four years of his life.   He was always known for his loving kindness, patience, willingness to help others in need and his ability to bring others together in the name of the Lord. 

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Roxann, and his brother, A.W. Cox. 

He is survived by his children, Aaron (Leslie) Cox of Midland, TX, Elise Alvarado of Pettus, TX, and Rachael (Myles) Taylor of Tuleta, TX; grandchildren, Preston Alvarado, Peyton Alvarado, Madelyn Taylor, Wes Cox and Hudson Taylor; as well as his sister, Molly Cox Murray and her sons, Tony Mattingly and Rodney (Maria) Mattingly. 

A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, TX. Visitation will be the same day from 10AM until time of service.  A private family graveside service will follow the service.

 

Pallbearers will be Preston Alvarado, Peyton Alvarado, Tony Mattingly, Rodney Mattingly, Myles Taylor and Rusty Camden. Honorary pallbearers will be fellow deacons from the First Baptist Church of Pettus: Lynn Broadway, Mike Knight, and Robert Fields.

Olga Salinas DeLaGarza

Olga Salinas DeLaGarza, Age 75 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Olga was born on January 11, 1949 in Kenedy to the late Pantaleon and Rosario Romero Salinas. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister friend to many and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  Olga is preceded in death by her husband Pedro DeLaGarza, Jr.; parents, Pantaleon and Rosario Romero Salinas; son Pedro DeLaGarza, III and 8 siblings.  Olga is survived by her life partner, Raul Leal of Kenedy; daughters, Juana Howard and husband Lewis of Kingsville, Maria Rosie DeLaGarza and husband Ben Rodriguez of Kenedy, Florinda Salazar and husband Jeff of San Antonio; sons, Juan DeLaGarza and wife Sylvia of Beeville, Manuel DeLaGarza of Kenedy, David DeLaGarza and wife Lucinda of Mineral Wells, Jose DeLaGarza and wife Tina of San Antonio; sisters, Catarina Garcia, Rosario “Dondi” Guevara, Angela Barrios, Alicia Olveda, Yolanda Salinas Rodriguez, Sara DeLaGarza Vela; brothers, David Salinas, Pantaleon Salinas, Jr and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, December 27, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. 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: Juan DeLaGarza, Manuel DeLaGarza, David DeLaGarza, Jose DeLaGarza, Klayden Alvarado and Ben Rodriguez.

Anita Garcia Krause

Anita Garcia Krause, Age 84 of Kenedy, TX passed away on December 15, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.  Anita was born on August 1, 1940 in Monteola, TX to the late Jesus and Luze Cortez Garcia.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, married Otto Krause on November 24, 1993 in Karnes County and was a devout member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Pawnee, TX.

Anita is preceded in death by her husband, Otto Krause and her parents, Jesus and Luze Cortez Garcia.

Anita is survived by her daughter Juanita Munos and husband Juan of Kenedy; sons, Jimmy Krause of Pawnee, Buster Krause of Karnes City; sisters, Janie Morin of George West, Lucia Garcia of Stamford; brothers, Tony Garcia of Port Lavaca, Paul Garcia of Kenedy, G.C. Garcia of Midland; 9 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1PM to 7:30 PM on Friday December 20, 2024 with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:30 PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with the Rev. Richard Zielinsky officiating.  Interment will follow in the Red Ranch Cemetery in Monteola, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Devon Ochoa, Tres Munos, Jayden Bermudez, Arnold Casanova, Jeremy Krause and Kenworth Krause.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Matthew Reyna and Dylan Munos.

Guadalupe Medina Serna

Guadalupe Medina Serna, age 74, of Karnes City, TX passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024 in San Antonio, TX.  Guadalupe was born on January 4, 1950 in Charco, TX to the late Eliberto and Gregoria Ramirez Medina.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and of the Catholic Faith.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Eliberto and Gregoria Ramirez Medina; sister, Mary Ann Serna; and brothers, Juan Medina and Barnie Medina.  She is survived by her daughter, Melba Serna De La Garza of Runge; sons, Tony Serna and wife Ramona of Karnes City, Dylan Medina of Karnes City; brother, Lucio Medina of El Paso, 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  A Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 10:30 AM with Services following immediately at 11:00 AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Guadalupe Cantu officiating.  Interment will follow in the Charco Cemetery in Charco, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Jose Pineda, Terry Palacios, Jasper DeLuna, Tony Serna and Dylan Medina.

Joshua E. Whittington

Joshua E. Whittington, known to everyone as Josh, of Kenedy, Texas, passed away on Sunday November 24,2024  in San Antonio.  He was born on March 4, 1987 in Grand Prairie, Texas to Fawne Cervantes.  Josh was a devoted loving father, husband and son, brother and friend.  Josh finally settled down in 2021 and married his love and best friend, Kellie Bookman Whittington.  He was proceeded in death by his  grandparents, Goerge McBee and Bernice Collins, AJ and Virgie Gregory Milam, Dee Cantwell Pattyn and his great grandmother Dorothy Faye Daniel Qualls.  He is survived by his children Adalynn Niemietz, Sean Kelley, Dimitri Belew and Cassanda Belew.  He is also survived by his wife Kellie Whittington, his mother Fawne Cervantes, and his siblings Wade and Savannah McBee; and his grandparents Gene and Janie McBee.

Pallbearers are Wade McBee, Addison McMinn, Jonathan Hughes, Dimitri Belew, Harley Davis and Jordan Kessler.  Stand in pallbearers is his uncle David McBee.  Honorary pallbearers are Sean Kelley and his father in law Robert Bookman.  Graveside service will be held Wednesday  December 11, 2024 at 2:00 PM at his home 873 County Road 148 in Kenedy.

Cecil A. Radicke

Cecil A. Radicke, affectionately known as Bubba, of Kenedy, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024, at the age of 87, surrounded by his devoted family. He was born on March 14, 1937, in Gillett, Texas, to the late Arthur and Winnie Ridel Radicke. Cecil was a devoted son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and a cherished friend to many. Those who had the privilege of knowing him were truly blessed, and he held a strong Christian faith. Cecil was recognized for his compassionate and gentle nature. During his high school years, he was employed at Hubbard Grocery Store, earning $1.50 per hour after school and on weekends, where his father, Arthur, was also employed as the butcher. He completed his education at Kenedy High School in 1956, and shortly thereafter, he began working for General Mills. He subsequently enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1959 to 1963. Following his military service, he returned to General Mills, where he held the position of Shift Supervisor for 36 years demonstrating his strong work ethic before retiring in 1990.  Cecil possessed an unparalleled passion for gardening, dedicating himself to the study of various plants as they transitioned through the seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. He also exhibited remarkable skill in woodworking, producing an array of stunning pieces from his workshop. Among his creations was a baby cradle for his first granddaughter, alongside countless unique items that showcased his artistry. He took great pleasure in crafting gifts for his family and friends during Christmas, each one distinct and infused with care. Additionally, he demonstrated proficiency in grafting different types of trees. His enthusiasm for bowling was exceptional; he would feel a sense of disappointment if he missed a week due to a doctor’s appointment or illness. Although he never achieved the elusive perfect score of 300, he was adept at converting spares. At the bowling alley, he found a second family who would check in on him regularly. In his earlier years, he enjoyed fishing in the river, setting lines, and traveling to Rockport for floundering, where he successfully gigged many fish. He also took pleasure in watching the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs.  Cecil is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Otto Radicke and Winne Irene Riedel Radicke. Sisters, Gladys Irene Tenberg and Sybil Inez Atkins. Son, David T. Parker, Jr. Nephews, Daniel Tenberg, Mark Tenberg, Tim Tenberg, Jimmy Atkinson, and Bailey Ray Atkinson. Nieces, Amy Tenberg, Irene Cooksey, and Jerry Radicke.  Those who remain to honor Cecil’s memory include his daughter, GayeLynne Yanta, lovingly referred to as Sissie, along with her husband Paul from Runge. Additionally, his longtime friend Linda Parker from Kenedy.  Grandchildren, Tricia Taylor and husband Aaron of Port Lavaca, Krystan Koehler and husband Cory of Devine, Corey Parker and wife Shanda of Banquete, and Kelli Miller and fiancé Justin Stuart of San Antonio.  Step Grandchildren, Crystal Lemke and husband Brandon of Yorktown, Anthony Yanta and wife Stacie of Beeville, Matthew Yanta and fiancé Crislyn Frausto of Runge, Nathan Sturn and partner Nathan Poplin of San Antonio, and Marvin Yanta and wife Alixx of Yorktown.  Great Grandchildren, Paige McDearman, Maise Ondreas, RJ Taylor, Rylee Green, Hunter Taylor, Scott Yanta, McKenzie Medina, Kenzie Yanta, Easton Lemke, Emma Koehler, Caleb Miller, Corbyn Parker, Lainey Lemke, Caylynn Parker, Brixton Miller, Taylor Yanta, Korie Parker, Tanner Yanta, Mia Lemke, Austin Yanta, Kimber Yanta, and Casey Yanta. Great-great Grandchildren, Oaklynn and Dawson McDearman.  Cecil was truly unique; his birth marked the end of a mold that could never be replicated. He will be profoundly missed by numerous family members and friends, yet his memory will endure.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024, at Eckols Funeral Home, located at 420 W Live Oak Street, Kenedy, Texas 78119. The visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by the service at 1:00 PM. Pastor Kenny Shelton will officiate the service.

Interment will take place in Gillett, Texas, at the Gillett/Riedelville Cemetery, situated at 486 County Road 283, Gillett, Texas 78116.

A gathering of family and friends will take place at the Panna Maria Dining Hall in Panna Maria, Texas. The venue is situated at 13912 North FM 81 Road, Karnes City, Texas 78118.

Serving as pallbearers will be Skip Spahn, Bruce Kitchen, Paul Tenberg, Justin Stuart, Matthew Yanta, and Scott Atkinson.

Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of your preference in his honor.

Jerry Rodriguez

Jerry Rodriguez, 75, of Orange, Texas, passed away on November 9, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.  Born in Beeville, Texas, on July 17, 1949, he was the son of Andres Rodriguez and Lina Villarreal. He was married to Odelia Rodriguez Hernandez, to this union there were two children, Lilly Ann Dove Rodriguez and Sue Ann Rodriguez. In the 1970’s, Jerry moved his family to Minnesota. He started his career for the Metro Transit Bus Company as a mechanic, where he retired after 35 years. Jerry proudly served in the United States Air Force. He loved his grandchildren as if they were his own. Jerry enjoyed watching Yellowstone and the Dallas Cowboys. You could find him watching pro wrestling, Stone Cold Steve Austin, or western movies, John Wayne, or the Wheel of Fortune. Jerry often loved doing home improvement projects and working on cars especially a 57” Chevy. Jerry loved visting family, traveling, and retirement. He was a loving brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.  Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Andres Rodriguez and Lina Villarreal; and brothers-in-law, Larry Hunter and Leon Villarreal.  Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Odelia Rodriguez; daughters, Lilly Ann Dove Rodriguez and Sue Ann Rodriguez; grandchildren, Enriqué Robinson (Ricky), Myrcedez Dove, and Daunte Dove; siblings, Andres Rodriquez, Jr. and wife Lulu, Diana Rodriquez, Mary Alice Hall and husband Archie, John Rodriguez, Stella Villarreal.

Memorial Services will be held from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Eckols Funeral Home at 420 W. Live Oak St. Kenedy, Texas, 78119. Officiating will be Deacon Guadalupe Cantu.

Reda Jean Gonzalez Smothers

Reda Jean Gonzalez Smothers, 79, was born April 27, 1945, to Albert and Evelyn Gonzalez.  She passed away on October 31, 2024. Reda is preceded in death by both of her parents, her brother, Joseph Gonzalez and her stepmother, Frances (Gussi) Gonzalez. Reda was survived by her children, Ryan Strohl (Joy Ramos) of Sugar Land, Texas, Shannon Clinard (Nathan Moy) of Karnes City, Texas and Shane Lipham (Courtney) of Pinehurst, Texas, as well as her grandchildren, Penelope Strohl, Artemisa Lipham, Caelum James (CJ) Lipham and Maverick Lipham.  She is also survived by special family Trenton, Luke and Leah Moy, as well as her many beloved, longtime friends. Reda was born in Lubbock, Texas, living in Graham, Texas but found her love for water and sunshine when the family moved to Florida when she was young.  After receiving her degree from Florida State University, Reda taught school and began her family.  She always loved Florida and her treasured friends there but found her way back to Texas around 1980 when she moved to Houston. When arriving in Houston, Reda continued teaching and embarked on a nearly 40-year career in the Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District, where she retired then returned to the classroom, as she missed her students and teaching associates. Reda loved her children and her grandchildren very much.  Her friendships were an extraordinary testament to her love for people, as they lasted her lifetime.  She will be remembered by many as a remarkable mother, grammy, friend and teacher who instilled wonderful life values.  She will forever be cherished and missed.  Her love was a blessing to many. Special thanks from our family goes to the dear people at Bedford Residence in Stafford, Texas, who cared for her as if she were their family.  Words cannot express how thankful we are for their dedication and service.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024, from 9-11am at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas.  A Burial Service will follow at the Karnes City Cemetery.

A Memorial Service to honor and remember Reda will be held on an upcoming date in Houston, Texas.