Grace Marian Griffith Franklin passed away, Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 1:15 P.M., in Amarillo, Texas, at the age of 86 years, 10 months and 6 days.

Grace was affectionately called “Gracie” by all that knew her and “Gigi” by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she loved so much.

Gracie was born March 25, 1925 in Lubbock, Texas the daughter of, Harold Hinman Griffith and Grace Marian Andrews Griffith. Since her dad was Military – she bounced around a lot, but grew up mainly in Lubbock, Amarillo and Kenedy, Texas, living with relatives and friends of the family.  She attended high school in Lubbock and Kenedy, Texas.  After graduating high school, Gracie went off to attend Amarillo Junior College, TWU and in 1966 graduated from Southwest Texas State.

While in high School she met her husband to be, and on October 26, 1944, she married Ruhman C. Franklin. From this union, Ruhman and Gracie had 4 children; Richard, John “Don”, D’Anne and David.

Gracie and her family lived in Kenedy for most of their life.  Gracie was a school teacher and loved her classroom children very much. She retired from teaching after 24 years of service – building our community through educating our children.  During her career she also made time to be a mother to three, grandmother of four and be the Mayor’s wife.

She belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma and the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs for many years serving as the Alamo District Club President for one term and was chosen as Outstanding Club Woman.  She was an annual UIL Sponsor and International Hostess.

Gracie was a member of the First Methodist Church in Kenedy, where she was very active helping with the MYF and served as the Junior Choir Director for many years.  She later joined the First Baptist Church in Kenedy in 2003, where she belonged until she moved in 2004.  Gracie moved to Amarillo to an assisted living facility near her older son Richard.  While in Amarillo, Gracie was president of the Red Hat Society, taught Sunday School, was active in crafts and managed the gift shop. She also organized and operated the library.

Gracie is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Ruhman C. Franklin; her son David Michael Franklin and her foster brother, John V. Spikes, Jr.

Gracie leaves behind her children; Dr. Richard H. and Tonja Franklin of Amarillo, Don and Becky Franklin of Katy and D’Anne and John Conrad of League City. Gigi’s Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren; Carla Anne and husband Javier Pruneda and their daughter Melania Grace Pruneda, Michael Bates and his wife Carol Franklin and their children Mollie Elizabeth and Braden Bates Franklin, Bryan Carl Houck and his children Kaylee Nicole and Kameron Ruhman Houck and John D. Jr.  “John” and his wife Sarah Franklin.

Other surviving cousins and relatives include: Jeanne and Eddie Ruhmann, Russ, Yvonne, Zachary and Trent Ruhmann, Donna and Morris Atkins, Karen and Bill Daugherty, Frank and Cathy Griffith, Lynne, Don, Dixie and Bill Wallace,Tommy and Mollie Wyrick,Don and Wanda Bengochea, George Griffith, Sonny Griffith, and Harold and Vera Griffith.

Visitation was held, Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M., with Funeral Services following at 3:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas, with Richard Robinson officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers were, Michael Franklin, John Franklin, Bryan Houck, Javier Pruneda, Russ Ruhmann and Zachary Ruhmann. Serving as an Honorary Pallbearer was, Trent Ruhmann.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or to the charity of your choice.

Abbie Ruth Vickery Salge, 88, of Tomball, TX, formerly of Robstown, TX went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, January, 30, 2012. Abbie Ruth was born on April 8, 1923, in Green, TX, the youngest of 12 children born to Dee Vickery and Lillie Mae Hall Vickery.

Abbie Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 56 years, Bennie Herman Salge; sisters, Oda Overby, Margaret Burris, and Zora Grant; and brothers, Oliver, Elmer, Dick, Blanton, Quinton, and Blaine Vickery.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Randall Myles and Cindy Salge of Magnolia, TX; sisters, Bennie Lee Stewart of Portland, TX, and Sibyl McDonald of Corpus Christi, TX; and grandsons, Randy, Richard, and Ryan Salge of Tomball, TX, and Robert and wife Rachael Salge of Austin, TX.

Visitation and viewing was held, Saturday, February 4, 2012, at 10:00 A.M. at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, TX. The funeral service followed in the Chapel at 12 Noon with Rev. Warren Foxworthy, officiating. Immediately following, Abbie Ruth was laid to rest beside her husband in Kenedy Cemetery.

Mr. Robert E. Bingham of Boerne, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 24, 2012, at 3:45 P.M., at the Stone Oak Care Center in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 87.

Robert was born March 16, 1924 to Oscar L. Bingham and Martha Dollie Addison Bingham. He grew up and attended school in Kenedy, Texas. After graduating high school, Robert went on to serve his country in the United States Army. He was a proud World War II Veteran. Upon returning from the War, Robert returned to Kenedy and on, February 25, 1947, he married his beautiful wife of over 64 years, Ida Madsen Bingham.   Together, Robert and Ida started their family and had 3 daughters and 1 son.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Ida Madsen Bingham; his daughters, Lana Green of Fair Oak Ranch, Elaine Ahrens and husband Roger of Georgetown and Janet Switalski and husband Michael of San Antonio; is one son, Robert E. Jr., and wife Nola of Houston; his sisters, Aleene Goehlke and Faye Shock; and his 8 wonderful grandchildren and 4 beautiful great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; his 7 sisters; and his 4 brothers.

Visitation was held Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 11:00 A.M. – 12 Noon, with Funeral Services beginning at 1:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Walter Hill III officiating. Burial followed in the Choate Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, David Green, Daniel Bingham, Brannan Ahrens, Mark Petree, Nathan Petree, Paul Hefferman and Landon Smith. Honorary pallbearers were, Roger Ahrens, Michael Switalski and Craig Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to, Choate Baptist Church Cemetery Trust Memorial Fund, 6335 HWY 239, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Mazell Chesser Otto, passed away at her home is Choate, Texas, Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at the age of 63 years, 6 months and 3 days. Mazell was born on July 21, 1948, the daughter of Hubbard Smith Chesser and Rovilla Hooper Chesser.

Mazell is preceded in death by her parents and her one sister, Mary Elane Waltersdorff. She is survived by her beloved husband of 17 years, Arthur John Otto of Runge; her daughter, Jacqueline Rovilla Lewis Slayden and husband Randy Baker of Victoria; her sons, Hubbard Chesser Lewis and wife Emily Long of Victoria, Franklin Dwayne Lewis of  Victoria, Marcus Lane Lewis and wife Denise Lopez Lewis of Falls City and Christopher Keith Lewis and wife Linda Lewis of Karnes City; her three step-children, Deanna Hydner, Daren John Otto and Thaddeus Otto; her 2 sisters Linda Marie Hunger and Molly Skoruppa and husband Robert; 4 nieces and 2 nephews.

Mazell was “MeMaw” to her beautiful 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren as well as 6 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren.

Mazell was a supportive and loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was very proud of her family as they were of her…until they meet again.

Serving as pallbearers were her sons, Hubbard, Frank, Mark and Chris; her nephews Jay Dee Hunger and Marion Martin Skoruppa. Mazell always said her sisters were going to “carry” her; so along with her grandson, Laramie Lewis and daughter Jackie- they served as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation was held from 6:00-8:00 P.M., Thursday, January 2, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held on, Friday, January 27, 2012, beginning at 2:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Mazell’s childhood home at 582 CR 148, Kenedy, Texas.

The family celebrated her life with family and friends at the Community Hall on Highway 239 in Choate, Texas after the interment. Mazell loved a party!!

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to, Scott and White Hospital; 2401 S. 31st Street, Temple, Texas 76508.

Candelario Mendez, Jr., a lifelong resident of Karnes County, entered eternal rest at 1:34 A.M., on January 23, 2012 at the Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville, Texas at the age of 67.

Candelario was born to Candelario Mendez, Sr., and Francisca Reyes Mendez, on June 28, 1944 in Choate, Texas.

Candelario is survived by his son, Reynato Mendez of Kenedy; his daughters; Dalia Rodriguez and husband Antonio of Kenedy, Delia Beltran of Sweetwater and Adelita Solano of Sweetwater; his sisters Oralia Amaya, Martha DeLuna and Juanita Gonzales; his brother Raul Mendez; his companion, Guadalupe Escobedo; his 18 grandchildren and his 1 great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Charles Mendez; and his wife, Petra Flores Mendez.

Visitation began, Wednesday, January 25, 2012, and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Leon Rubaj officiating. Burial followed in the Choate Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, David Reyes, Tavares Hines, Antonio Rodriguez, Martin Perez, Elliott Beltran and Juan Solano.

Bessie Gee Tenberg, 95, of Waco, went home to be with her Lord Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Regent Care Center.

Bess was born July 1, 1916, in Rogers, Texas, to Anderson Welcome Walker and Mattie Johnson Walker.  After graduating from Granger High School in 1933 she married the love of her life, Curtis Tenberg.  Together they had eight children and enjoyed life on their farm in Kenedy, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis, son Curtis “Buddy” Tenberg, two daughters, Bobby Gayle Tenberg and June Tenberg.  She is survived by her son David Tenberg and wife Gaylen; daughters Darla Tenberg Bunch and husband Larry; Carol Tenberg Hopkins and husband Paul; Jewel Tenberg Kelly; Betty Tenberg McCain and husband Larry; and daughter-in-law,  Ann Tenberg.  She was the proud “Maw Maw” of 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 24, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services began at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 25,2012, in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, David Tenberg, David Tenberg, Jr., Larry McCain, John McCain, Cary Kelly, Aaron Kelly and Travis Tenberg.

Manuel “Hito” Martinez, III, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital, at the age of 56 years, 3 months, 11 days.

“Hito” as he was affectionately called by those that knew him, was born on October 7, 1955, the son of Manuel Martinez, Jr., and Francisca Villarreal Martinez. Hito grew up in Kenedy and graduated from Kenedy High School.

Mr. Martinez is preceded in death by his mother, Francisca Martinez; and his sisters, Mariana Cano and Guadalupe Martinez.

Hito is survived by his wife, Eloisa Ochoa Martinez; his daughter, Amy Martinez of Gonzales, TX.; his sons, Chris Pena and Jeon Martinez, both of Kenedy; his sisters, Magdalena Martinez, Matrina Wright and husband Larry, Maria Rosales and husband Elias, Matilda Martinez, Margarita Garcia and Mary Jane Martinez; his brothers, Martin Martinez and wife Esperanza, Elias Martinez and wife Nina, Domingo Martinez and Mark Martinez and wife Debra. He also leaves behind his eight grandchildren.

A rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 20, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass began at 2:00 P.M., Saturday January 21, 2012 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with interment following at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Jose “Joe” M. Canales, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the age of 63. Joe was born on July 25, 1948 the son of Armando Canales, Sr. and Herminia “Minnie” Horton.

Mr. Canales proudly served his country in the United States Army during The Vietnam War and was a highly decorated Veteran.

He is survived by his mother; his sons, Joseph, Andrew and Brian Canales; his sister, Darleen DeDear Hartsfield; brothers, Armando Canales,  Jr., Dennis DeDear; and 4 grandchildren. Joe is proceeded in death by his father; and his son, James Canales.

Visitation began Monday, January 16, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home chapel and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. Mass was celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Burial followed at the Runge Cemetery.

Gladys Irene Tenberg, of Kenedy, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2012, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 83. She was born July 5, 1928, in Gillette to Arthur and Winnie Irene Riedel Radicke.

On January 13, 1956, Gladys married Willis “Bill” Artis Tenberg. She was a homemaker and was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by daughters, Jerry Radicke of Knippa, Texas, Jodi Angell of Edna, Texas and Jennifer Barkley of Knippa, Texas; her 2 sons, Tim Tenberg of Yoakum, Texas and Paul Tenberg of Hewitt, Texas; step-son, Bill Tenberg; her sister, Sybil Atkinson; and brother, Cecil Radicke. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; 2 daughters, Irene Cooksey and Amy Tenberg; stepdaughter, Patricia Brand and her sons, Mark and Daniel Tenberg.

A memorial service began at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Eckols Chapel, with Rev. John Wheat officiating.

Paul W. Wernli, 68, of San Antonio formerly of Kenedy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. He was born Jan. 14, 1943, in Kenedy to Oscar and Pauline Natho Wernli.
He is survived by his wife Joan Smith Wernli of San Antonio; his daughters, Kimberly Feltner and husband Bobby of San Antonio, and Jennifer Rosales and husband Javier of San Antonio; his son Paul Wernli Jr, and wife Laura of La Vernia; his grandchildren, Allyson, Robert and Lauren; and his sisters, Sharon Wernli and Karon Wernli both of San Antonio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Pauline Natho Wernli.
Visitation was held 6 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Chapel. Funeral service was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2012 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Burial followed in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy.
Memorials can be made to South Texas Christian Center; P.O. Box 740, Kenedy, Texas 78119.