Ross Alan Keister, Age 52 of Kenedy, TX passed away on February 6, 2023 in Karnes City, TX.  Ross was born on June 13, 1970 in Kenedy, TX to Dale Keister and the late Beryl Ann Chace Keister.  Ross was a proud graduate of Kenedy High School Class of 1988, was a member of the First Baptist in Kenedy, Tx, was also a  member of the Hayward Wesleyan Church in Hayward WI, volunteered as a Host Team leader and Vacation Bible school teacher at Hayward Wesleyan Church, served proudly as equipment manager for  K.I.S.D football, basketball, and baseball programs,  was a member of Sawyer Historical Society and volunteered as a docent, also a 19 year member of Hayward Wisconsin freshwater fishing hall of fame hold serving world records and loved to fish and hike in Texas and Wisconsin.

Ross is preceded in death by his mother Beryl Ann Chace Keister.

Ross is survived by his father Dale Alan Keister of Kenedy and many dear family and friends in Kenedy, TX and Hayward, WI.

A Celebration of Life Services will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Matt Singleton officiating. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Hayward County Historical Society P.O. Box 384, Hayward, Wisconsin 5484 or the Hayward Wesleyan Church P.O. Box 507, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843.

“Grams” Juanita Ruiz Arreazola, Age 87 of Kenedy, TX passed away on February 3, 2023 in San Antonio, TX. Juanita was born on March 7, 1935 in Goliad, TX to the late Pedro and Concepcion Rios Ruiz. She was a retired private health care provider, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, of the Christian faith and a friend to many who will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents Pedro and Concepcion Rios Ruiz; brothers Carlos, Guadalupe and Ignacio Sr., Juan Ruiz; sister Julia Garza.

 She is survived by her daughter, Diana Hernandez of El Paso, TX; son, Raoul Baldaramos of Kenedy, TX; grandchildren, Alberto “Bert” Hernandez Baldarramos, Matthew (Elisa) Hernandez, Joseph (Soña) Hernandez, Daniel (Alisha Salinas) Hernandez, Adam (Jessica) Hernandez all of Kenedy, Anthony Baldaramos of San Antonio, Amy Baldaramos; sister, Manuela Perales of Kenedy; brother, Andres Ruiz of San Antonio, 4 great-grandsons, 3 step great-grandsons, 2 great-granddaughters and 2 step great-granddaughters and her dog Tank. Numerous nephews and nieces. Close family friends, Richard and Bonnie Urbanek.

Family/Friend Visitation will be held Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service to start at 12:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Rebeca Garza (Samaria Church, Santa Rosa, TX) officiating. Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Peter Ruiz, Adam Ruiz, Ignacio Ruiz, Jr., Jesse Ruiz, Joseph Ruiz, Patsy Mendez-Ruiz.

Honorary Pallbearers: Alberto “Bert” Baldarramos, Matthew Hernandez, Joseph Hernandez, Daniel Hernandez, Adam Hernandez.

Juanita “Grams” gave her life to the Lord, Jesus Christ in the late 1970s. She began serving the Lord from then on. She started her ministry at the Primera Iglesia Bautista (Rev. Jose Rodriguez) in Abernathy, TX where she held many leadership positions; Sunday School Secretary, UFM Women’s President, Church Missions Director, Union Femenil Misionera President (Emmanuel), Children’s Sunday School Teacher, Choir and Church Trustee. There she served for 10 years.

In 1988 along side her late brother Ignacio Sr. founded the Alpha and Omega Church, Lubbock, TX. There she served as associate pastor, Women’s President.

In 1989 she moved to Kenedy, TX. After visiting Elim Pentecostal Church, Karnes City (Dr./Rev. Honorio Velasquez) after a year she became a member. At Elim she served in various leadership capacities, Women’s President/Vice President, Sunday School Director, Children’s Sunday School Teacher, Deaconess, Missions Director and Church Trustee. Which she served for 17 ½ years in that church.

In 2008 she began to visit Heavenly Gates Family Worship Center in Runge, TX. There she reinstall the Women’s Ministry. She served as Women’s President.

In the summer of 2010 she began to visit Samaria Church (Rev. Rebeca Garza) in Santa Rosa, TX. A bond like on other began with her late pastor Rev. Marilanda V. Torres and Rev. Rebeca Garza. Every time Grams would go to the Rio Grande Valley it was like home away from home. At Samaria she was one of the prayer warriors. She was very well respected by each church member. She was a member of over 11 years.

Grams left an impact on so many people. God blessed her with a tremendous ministry. At every church she served, it was always the same leadership role. She was a God fearing woman, a prayer warrior, a woman of her word. A woman who practiced what she preached.

Elvia Albiar Trevino passed away surrounded by family at her home on February 4, 2023 at age 81.  She was born on September 9, 1941 to Ynez and Sofia Albiar in Kenedy.  She married Francisco Trevino, Sr. on June 20, 1964.  They were together for 53 years before his death in May of 2018. She was a devout Catholic and a member of the Guadalupanas of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, stepmother Elsie Albiar, sister Mary Perez, brother Joe Guzman and a grandson Jaxon Edwards.

She is survived by her children Gloria Trevino of Kenedy, Rose (Ronnie) Edwards of Nordheim and Francisco Trevino Jr of Kenedy; her grandchildren Tre Trevino and Sophia Trevino of Kenedy; bonus grandchildren Brandon Edwards of Cedar Park, Charles (Maria) Edwards of Goliad, Travis (Valerie) Edwards of Floresville, Brittany (Bryan) Willis of Port Neches and Megan Edwards of Kenedy and eight bonus great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister Angie (Louis) Trevino of Kenedy and brothers Alvaro (Sylvia) Albiar of Victoria, Ynez Albiar Jr, Domingo (Emily) Albiar and Eddie Albiar all of Kenedy along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Elvia enjoyed working for Bob (Bobby, as she called him) and Yvonne Alexander for many years. They, along with their family, held a special place in her heart. She considered them family and they considered her part of theirs. She loved baking, cooking, hosting parties and holidays and just having people over for coffee and snacks.

She is greatly adored and will be sorely missed. 

Family Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 5PM to 7PM  with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Brandon Edwards, Charles Edwards, Travis Edwards, Brittany Willis, Megan Edwards and Maria Edwards.

Clayton Wayne Lake, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 49.  Clayton was born on April 28, 1973 to Carrol Wayne Lake and Jan Ada Jimerson Lake.  Clay was a graduate of Kenedy High School-Class of 1991, went on to study at Baylor University and graduated from University of Houston-Victoria with a Degree in Secondary Education. At an early age, Clay enjoyed the performing arts: music, and drama club, he participated in concert and marching  band while attending high school, was a member of the 4-H Club and Kenedy FFA in which he participated in County & Major Livestock Shows, and was an active member of the choir and youth study at the First Baptist Church Kenedy.

Clay is preceded in death by his father Carrol Wayne Lake.

Clay is survived by his mother Jan; brother Chris Lake & his wife Angela of Falls City; niece Kalin Sittler Pawelek (Ryan), Nephews Tristan Sittler, Brady Lake, and Braxton Lake.  He is also survived by his aunt: Cindy (Kenny) Rose of New Braunfels, TX; uncles, Ed (Martha) Lake of San Antonio, TX and Gene (Becky) Lake of Seguin, TX; Tommy J (Linda) Jimerson of Choate TX, Jerry (Julie) Jimerson of Arlington Tx, JoEllen Jimerson Scheunemann of Kenedy TX, and numerous cousins and life-long friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 30, 2023 at beginning at 10:30 am in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with a Prayer Service at 11:00 officiated by Rev. Matt Singleton of the First Baptist Church of Kenedy.

Interment will follow at the Choate Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers will be his cousins Clay Lake, Rick Jimerson, Jay Jimerson, Craig Scheunemann, Austin Custer, and lifelong friend Tommy Vickery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Choate Baptist Church or Choate Cemetery Association, 181 PVT RD 8200, Kenedy, TX 78119.

Martha Padron Soto, at the age of 72 of Kenedy, Texas passed away on January 23, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Martha was born April 2, 1950 to the late Felix Padron, Jr. and Argelia Loya Padron. On November 23, 1972 she married Carlos Soto in Kenedy, TX.  Martha was a sales lady and a child care provider.  Upon retirement she was a homemaker, loving wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother and of the Christian Faith.    

She is preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Argelia Padron; brothers, Fred Padron, Fernando Padron and sisters, Mona Padron, Margie Cano, Mary Ann Garcia and a nephew Christopher Padron. 

She is survived by her husband Carlos Soto; daughter, Sonya Soto (Tony Moron); son, Philip Soto(Erica Rangel); grandchildren, Kristine Cano (Kyle Hayter), Kiara Soto, Oscar Hinojosa (Lauryn Brynelson), Brayden Kirk, Evan Soto, John David Soto, Kaleb Soto, Valerie, Tiffany, Erica, Roy Moron and Emma Sistos; great-grandson Kyler Hayter; sisters Melinda Padron, Magdalena (Don) Cornelius, Minerva (Lloyd) Crawford, Marina Padron Silfuentes; brothers, Felix (Mary) Padron, Fabian (Sylvia) Padron, Frank (Becky) Padron; sister-in-law’s, Christina Padron, Georgia Leal, Susan Rangel, Rosie Garza, Sandy Bondch, Mary Alvarez, Grace Salias, Clara Cantu, Eva Diaz, Mary Rodriguez; brother-in-law’s, Juan and Benny Soto and numerous nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with a Prayer Service at 7PM with the Rev. Walter Hill, III officiating.  Services will be Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Walter Hill, III officiating. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Richard E. Jalufka, Joe Valdez, Brian Crawford, Lloyd Crawford, Kevin I. Cano, and Ruben Munoz, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers: Oscar Hinojosa, John David Soto, Braden Kirk, Evan Soto, Kaleb Soto and Kyler Hayter.

Margarito Diaz “Old School” Alcantar 70, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday January 14, 2023.  Margarito was born July 18, 1952 to the late Ferman and Leonarda Alcantar.  Margarito was in the Army and he received the National Defense medal, one overseas bar Vietnam Campaign medal, with/60 device combat infantry badge, marksman (M-16 rifle) expert (Hand grenade) and also sharpshooter (M-16 rifle).  He had a strong patriotic feeling and loved his military service.  Margarito has a large extended biker family that he cared for deeply and he participated in many benefits with them.

Margarito is survived by his children David Lee, Margarito Branagan, Elizabeth Juanita and their mother Candy all from Hawkins Texas.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, two grandsons and one granddaughter.  He is also survived by his sister Guadalupe A Rosas of Luling, brothers Robert Diaz Alcantar of Kenedy Johnnie Diaz Alcantar of Dallas, Texas.  He is also survived by a large extended family from the biker community that will feel his loss deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferman and Leonarda Diaz Alcantar, his brothers, Tim Alcantar, Jose Alcantar, Gilbert Alcantar, Marcus Alcantar and his nephew Johnny Alcantar.

A Rosary will be recited Monday January 23, 2023 at 12 Noon at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Mass following at 12:30 PM.  Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

I was born to Frank and Felda Nesloney in the farm house in Pawnee, Texas November 16. 1936.  I went to Pawnee school for two years, then we moved to Three Rivers school.  I was in the high school band. I graduated in 1956

I was a member of the Pawnee Methodist Church, where I met Ken Norton. We were married in the church on June 9, 1957.  We have been together for 66 years, during that time God blessed me with two girls, Roxann Wheatley and Debbie Riley.  They gave me 7 grandchildren. They in turn gave me 16 great-grandchildren.  I was a housewife for many years plus holding down various jobs.  In 1969 I started working for the Robstown Savings Loan, and finished my working history with DelMar college in 1999.  In 1993 we bought my old home place at Pawnee.  We have lived here ever since.  I am a member of the Pawnee Methodist Church.  Ken and I have tried raising goats and farming. I must say it was fun.  I love all the people I have met, and I want to thank you for being my friend.  God has blessed me with all these grandchildren, and I love each on of them in my own special way.  I love being a Granny trying to keep Ken out of trouble, now that is a job.

I have 3 sisters Gladys, Annie, Beannie, 4 brothers, Felix, Ed, Lee, Vestine.  Some of which has gone to God before me.  If I could wish God would let me either take care of his nursery or work in his garden.

Visitation will be Friday, January 20, 2023 from 6PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 3PM at the Pawnee Methodist Church in Pawnee, TX with the Rev. Amy Nappage officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pawnee Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Brandon Wheatley, Justin Wheatley, Cody Wheatley, Blaine Riley, Jake Riley, Don McAnear and Jason Barker.

Robert K. Blomstedt (1931- 2023)

Robert (Bob) was born at home on the family farm where he worked during his youth. He was the second son of Carl Gus and Laura Gustafson Blomstedt. He graduated from Pawnee High School in 1948. After that, he received a B.S. in Education at Texas Lutheran University. While a student there, he lettered in baseball, became vice-president of the student body, and served on many committees. A few years after graduating, he returned to TLU and served two years as Executive Director of Admissions. Not long after that, Bob was able to complete both his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Texas in Austin. His career in education extended over 60 years, including teaching math in the public school systems of Kenedy, Refugio, and Arlington ISDs. The last 43 years of his career were spent as a Professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. While serving there, Bob had numerous articles published in professional journals and in several newspaper forums. He was listed in several biographical volumes, including Outstanding Educator of America, Personalities of the South, Who’s Who in the South and Southwest, Who’s Who in America, and the International Who’s Who of Intellectuals. Bob cherished his life in education, and he dearly loved teaching and interacting with his students, of whom he became very close to.

Bob was equally a man of great faith. While in Kingsville, he was a very active member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities throughout the years. Bob was also on the Executive Committee of Texas Baptist Men. It was a great joy to discuss scripture with him, and he made an immense impact on his family, friends, and those whom he encountered.

During his life, Bob was married to Dotsy Elliott from 1953 until her tragic death in 1956. Later, he married Dona Linder in 1959, and they were married for 63 years until his death.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Carl (Gus) and Laura Blomstedt; by his older brother, Curtis Blomstedt (Carolyn); by his first wife, Dotsy Elliott Blomstedt; by a sister, Gladys Lorraine Blomstedt; and by a step-father, Emil Cederblom.

He is survived by his wife, Dona, and his three children: Kirby Blomstedt (Rali), Russell Blomstedt, and Tarin Moffitt (Thomas); seven grandchildren: Nick Blomstedt (Michelle), Dallas Taylor (Kendall), Tara Erstein (Elliott), Matt Blomstedt (Gretchen), Karissa Blomstedt, Jake Moffitt (Michelle), Jordan Moffitt (Whitney); and eleven great grandchildren: Colin and Elin Blomstedt, Kasen and Rory Taylor, Emmett, Beau, and Otto Erstein, Brady Blomstedt, Reese and Kaelyn Kuhn, and Scarlett Moffitt. Bob is also survived by a brother, Ron Blomstedt (Karen).

Visitation will be held from 11AM to 1PM Saturday January 21, 2023 with Services starting at 1:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Ronnie Blomstedt officating. Intemerment will follow in the Elim Lutheran Cemetery in Elim, TX.

Pallbearers include Thomas Moffitt, Jake Moffitt, Jordan Moffitt, Ransom Jones, Steve Blomstedt, and Carl Gustafson.

Honorary Pallbearers are Ronnie Blomstedt, Cliff (Gus) and Marvin Gustafson, and Ransom Jones.

Fellowship and a reception will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 21, 2023, immediately following interment at the Elim Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: The First Baptist Church of Kingsville, 312 W. King Ave., Kingsville, TX 78363, or the Parkinson Research Foundation, 5969 Cattleridge Blvd., Ste. 100, Sarasota, FL 34232.

Anna Lorette Foley, Age 66 of Karnes City, TX went to be with Lord on Sunday January 1, 2023. She was born on April 27, 1956 in Karnes City, TX to the late Charlie, Jr. and Callie Mae (Mikes) Foley.  Anna graduated from Karnes City High School and Coastal Bend College with a degree in Cosmetology where she taught as a cosmetologist and later in life worked as a teacher’s aide at Karnes City ISD.  Anna was preceded in death by her son Jordon Tucker-Foley; parents Charlie Foley, Jr. and Callie Mae (Mikes) Foley; 4 sisters; 4 brothers and her 4 legged son Samson. Anna is survived by her son Jason Foley, Sr. (Maria)of Karnes City ; her grandchildren Rhianna Foley, Jason Foley, Jr. “Baby J”, JaRhian Foley, Sydney, Brittney and Gage Serenil of Karnes City,  Kobie Foley and Amorette Leal and Alivia Leal of Kenedy; brothers, Carl Foley (Delia) of Karnes City, Paul Foley (Rhonda) Karnes City, Charlie Foley,III (Sharon) of Karnes City; sister, Tanya Foley of Kenedy, TX; honorary son, Kyle Wiatrek (Celinda) of Karnes City; special niece Ashley Owens (Timothy) of Karnes City and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews and a host of extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 11AM to 2PM with Celebration of Life Services at 2PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Black officiating. 

Alfredo “Fred” Hernandez, Age 72 of Kenedy, TX passed away January 8, 2023 in Karnes City TX.  Fred was born on December 11, 1950 in Nordheim, TX to the late Benito and Adela Elizondo Hernandez.  Fred was a loving son, brother, uncle friend to many and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Fred is preceded in death by his Parents Benito and Adela Elizondo Hernandez and a brother Benito Hernandez, Jr.

Fred is survived by his loving sister, Gloria Puente of Kenedy; nephews, Rick Puente of Canyon Lake, Phillip Hernandez of Victoria, Ben Sylvestre Hernandez of Victoria, niece, Jansje Hernandez of Victoria and many dear family members and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00AM with a Holy Rosary beginning at 11:00 AM and Funeral Mass to be Celebrated at 11:30 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy.

Serving as Pallbearers: Johnny Puente, Danny Hernandez, Phillip Hernandez, Michael Elizondo, Roy Elizondo, and Rueben Elizondo.

Honorary Pallbearer will be Rick Puente.