Dona L. Blomstedt (85) was called home to our Lord on Sunday, June 5, 2023.

Born in 1937 in Kenedy, Texas, to Thomas R. Linder and Louise “Boots” Gray Linder, Dona graduated from Kenedy High School in 1956. After that, she attended Texas State University and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. She married Robert (Bob) Kent Blomstedt in 1959, and then completed her degree in Education at Texas A&I University Kingsville after staying home for a short time to raise their three children.

Dona taught school for many years, and after she retired, she served as an Adjunct Instructor for Texas A&I University. She was active in the Texas A&I (later Texas A&M) University Kingsville Faculty Women’s Association, the Women’s Club, the American Association of University Women, and the Republican Women’s Association. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Kingsville.

Dona loved reading, playing games, and her friends, but she especially treasured the time she got to spend with her family. Those times brought an extra bounce in her steps and a light into her eyes.

A special thanks goes out to her friends at the Brooks of Cibolo, who truly made her time there special. Also, thank you Amistad Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility of Uvalde for your care for her when she needed it most.

Dona was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Bob Blomstedt, her parents, Tom and “Boots” Linder, and her brother, Dr. Thomas (Ginger) Linder.

Survivors include her children: Russell Blomstedt and Tarin (Thomas) Moffitt; a stepson, Johnathan (Rali) Blomstedt; seven grandchildren: Matthew (Gretchen) Blomstedt, Karissa Blomstedt, Jake (Michelle) Moffitt, Jordan (Whitney) Moffitt, Nick (Michelle) Blomstedt, Dallas (Kendall) Taylor, Tara (Elliott) Erstein; and eleven great grandchildren: Brady Blomstedt, Reese and Kaelyn Kuhn, Scarlett Moffitt, Colin and Elin Blomstedt, Kasen and Rory Taylor, Emmett, Beau, and Otto Erstein. Dona is also survived by her beloved sister, Jan (Ransom) Jones, and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, at the Elim Lutheran Church Cemetery in Pawnee, Texas, located at 427 County Road 181, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Richard Alan Lerch, Jr., Age 76 of Beeville, TX formerly of Kenedy, TX passed away June 20, 2023 in Beeville.  Richard was born to the late Richard, Sr. and Lola Mae Moses Lerch on March 25, 1947 in Three Rivers, TX.  Richard was a retired Oilfield Construction supervisor and a avid gardener in his later years and of the Baptist Faith

He is preceded in death by his parents Richard, Sr. and Lola Mae Moses Lerch; sister, Neletta Moses and a brother, David Lerch.

He is survived by his children, Richard Alan Lerch, III of Beeville, Gladys Marie Lerch and husband Dace Atkinson of El Oso, Melissa Irene McNesse of Coy City, James Matthew Cooksey of Kenedy, Stacey Wayne Adams of Round Rock; brother, Jack Franklin Moses of Fort Worth and 17 grandchildren.

Family Visitation will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023 from 10AM to 3PM with services beginning at 3PM all in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  A Private Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Three Rivers Cemetery in Three Rivers, TX.

Theodore “Theo” Alvarez, Jr., Age 73 of Kenedy, TX passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023 in Seguin, TX surrounded by his family.  Theodore was born on June 29, 1949 in Kenedy to the late Theodore, Sr. and Lillie Janssen Alvarez.  He was a retired Diesel Mechanic a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and a friend to many who will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore, Sr. and Lillie Jansen Alvarez and a son Patrick Alvarez. 

He is survived by his children, Theodore Alvarez, III of New York, Richard Alvarez and Wife Selena of Buda, Melissa Alvarez of Kenedy, Priscilla Alvarez of Kenedy, Erik Alvarez and wife Joannie of San Antonio; life companion Maria Soto Alvarez of Kenedy, and many grandchildren; sisters, Frances Alvear and husband Soilo of League City, Oralia Moreno of Missouri City; brothers, Alfredo “Freddy” Alvarez and wife Adelfa of Pawnee, Ernesto Alvarez of San Antonio and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Visitation will be held Friday, June 30, 2023 from 2PM to 5PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  A Private Inurnment will take place at a later date. 

Janet Lynn Bryan, Age 42 of Runge, TX passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Janet was born on July 17, 1980 to Juan Manuel Bryan and Christina Palomo Bryan.  She was a TDCJ Clerk at the Connally Unit in Kenedy, a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, who loved singing and dancing but her greatest love was for her children and grandchildren.

Janet is preceded in death by her father, Juan Manuel Bryan and a brother, Rogelio Bryan.

Janet is survived by her children, Michael Jaime Rios of Runge, Darin (Donisha) Rios of Runge, Zoe Danae Rios of Runge, granddaughter, Gianna Mae Rios of Runge; siblings, Esmeralda (Mike) Castro of Runge, Beatrice (Adam) Gonzales of Runge, Juan (Florence) Bryan of Kenedy, Lupe (Robert) Pipes of Midland, Eddie (Irma) Bryan of Skidmore, Christy Cortez of Austin, Annette Bryan of Karnes City, Ermalinda (Ronnie) Polston of Runge, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.  

A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, June 23, 2023 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 10AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Runge Cemetery in Runge, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Michael Jaime Rios, Darin Zane Rios, Juan Bryan, Eddie Bryan, Derek Bryan and Roger Barraza. 

Joyce Ann DeDear, Age 69 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Joyce was born on December 4, 1953 in Kenedy, TX to the late Herbert and Carmen Botello DeDear.  She was a retired correctional officer for GEO, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, of the Christian Faith and a beloved friend to many in Kenedy who will be greatly missed.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Carmen Botello DeDear; son, Jason Eric Leal; sisters, Rosie R. Salinas, Tomasita Cantu Abila and a brother, Robert DeDear.

Joyce is survived by children, Christopher Leal and wife Gloria of Helotes; daughter, Jessica Leal Campos and husband Ricardo of Helotes; sister, Jo Ann Bennett of Kenedy; 13 grandchildren, 9 Great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family Visitation will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 6PM to 8PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Friday, June 24, 2023 at 10AM in the Eckols Chapel with the Rev. Matt Singleton officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Rosa B. Cantu, Age 90 of Runge, TX passed away June 14, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Rosa was born to the late Vidal and Simona Zepeda Barrientes in Fannin, TX.  Rosa married Cornelio Cantu on March 22, 1954 was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, a homemaker and of the Pentecostal Faith.

Rosa is preceded in death by her husband Cornelio Cantu; parents, Vidal and Simona Zepeda Barrientes.

She is survived by children, Madalena Garza of Runge, Herminia Cantu Hernandez and husband Joe of Yorktown, Janie Watson and husband Ron of Lufkin, Robert Cantu and wife Diana of Anaheim, CA, 16 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great grandchildren numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Family Visitation will begin Monday, June 19, 2023 from 5PM to 7PM with a Prayer Service to start at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 12PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Christy Mejia officiating.  Interment will follow in the Yorktown Community Cemetery in Yorktown, TX.

Edelmira Maria Soto De La Garza, Age 69 off Kenedy, TX passed away on May 20, 2023 in Beeville, TX.  Edelmira was born on November 29, 1953 in Yorktown, TX to the late Trino Soto, Sr. and Maria Ramirez Soto.  She worked for the Corpus Christi State School, was a loving mother, sister, aunt, friend to many and of the Catholic Faith. 

Edelmira is preceded in death by her parents, Trino Soto, Sr. and Maria Ramirez Soto.

Edelmira is survived by her son, Jovan De La Garza of Kenedy; sisters, Elsa Soto Benitez of Kenedy, Adelfa Alvarez of Pawnee, Anita Hernandez of Kenedy, Juanita Soto Ortiz of Beeville, Gloria Zepeda of Kenedy, Diana Chesser of George West; brothers, Trino Soto, Jr. of Karnes City, Martin Soto of Kenedy and also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date. 

Adam Nunez, Age 68 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in San Antonio, TX.  Adam was born on April 26, 1955 in Kenedy, TX to the late Jose Maria and Ignacia Meza Nunez. He married Josephine “Josie” Ortiz on January 24, 1976 in Yorktown who preceded him death on June 3, 2019.  He worked for Staples oilfield as a driller before retirement; was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Adam is preceded in death by his loving wife Josephine “Josie” Ortiz Nunez; parents, Jose Maria and Ignacia Meza Nunez; sister, Sandie Tenberg; brothers, Joe Nunez, Eloy Nunez and Victor Nunez.

Adam is survived by his children, A.J. Nunez of Kenedy, Ashley Nunez and Robert Garcia of Humble, Amy Nunez and Luis Gonzales of Kenedy; sisters, Eva (Nasario) Ochoa of Runge, Mary (Randy) Hall of Moxxville, NC; brothers, Paul (Lillie) Nunez of Runge, Gerardo (Diana) Nunez of Karnes City, Roland (Mary Jane) Nunez of Kenedy, David Nunez of Runge; grandchildren, Daryan Moreno, Joseph Lane, Joslyn Lane, Daniel Gonzales, Nina Garcia, Hope Nunez, Adam Joseph Nunez, Faith Nunez, Miranda Nunez, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the San Luis Cemetery in Yorktown, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Chris Morin, Brandon Nunez, D.J. Nunez, Alan Nunez, Orlando Nunez and James Nunez.

Honorary Pallbearers: Daryan Joseph Lane, Adam Nunez, Jr.

Hilda D. Medina, Age 76 of Kenedy, TX went to be with her Lord and Saviour on May 8, 2023.  Hilda was born on August 19, 1946 in Falls City, TX to the late Pedro, Sr. and Eloisa Trevino De La Garza.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, homemaker of the Pentecostal Faith who will be greatly missed.

Hilda is preceded in death by her husband, Bernabe R. Medina; parents, Pedro, Sr. and Eloisa Trevino De La Garza.

Hilda is survived by her daughters, Melinda Seaman and husband Randy from Stafford, AZ, JoAnn Medina Gonzales and husband Pete of Kenedy, Eva Rodriguez and husband Henry of Kenedy; sister, Dora Diaz of Kenedy; brothers, Gus De La Garza of Kenedy, Rudy De La Garza of Robstown, Adolfo De La Garza of Poth; grandchildren, Anastasia Seaman, Miranda Seaman, Kymberlee Gonzales, Chloe Rodriguez, Joshua Rodriguez, and a host of nieces, nephews extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Memorial Services to begin at 7PM with Pastor Natalia Mejia and Pastor Christy Mejia officiating.

James Garza, 61, of Kenedy, TX, passed away on April 27, 2023.

James was born on November 11, 1961 to Angelica Garza in Karnes City, TX.  James was proud to be raised at the Ken-Tex and he never forgot where he came from.  He was also a proud Kenedy Lion.  He was an All-District, All-State Defense, All- American linebacker for the Kenedy Lions as well as part of the mean machine era.  James was a tough player that helped lead the Lions through many successful football seasons.  He got to play football at the Astrodome with all the elite players, which was a great accomplishment for him.  He graduated from Kenedy High School with honors in 1980.  He received a scholarship to play football for Ranger Junior College in Ranger, TX.  He later transferred to Southwest Texas University in San Marcos, TX where he received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

He worked many years serving his community in human services.  He also had a successful career working for the phone company MCI.  He led his team with MCI which surpassed numerous goals that exceeded the minimum requirement.  He had a gift of conversating with the Spanish language.  He was very personable and could communicate with people from all walks of life.  He went on to work for the City of Houston until 2020.    

In 2021, James moved back to his hometown from Houston.  He wanted to be close to family.  He spent his time visiting with family and enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys.  He was an avid story teller.  He always entertained his nieces and nephews with various stories of his many life experiences.  He was never embarrassed to let people know the hardships that he endured through his childhood and adulthood.  He was a true human being that never met a stranger.  His laughter is something his family and friends will never forget. 

James is preceded in death by his mother Angelica Garza and granddaughter Dream Alexander. He is survived by daughter Aysia Garza (Donnell) , son Miguel Garza, son Emilio Clancy, grandson Dash Alexander, girlfriend Vira Salas, sister Patricia Alvarez, sister Clara Garcia, sister Irma Garza (Tino), brother Edward Garza, brother Connie Garza (Rosie), brother John Garza, brother Randy Garza (Donna), brother Eleazar Garza (Helen) and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Services will be held at Eckols Funeral Home on May 10, 2023 at 5:00pm.