Alejandro “Alex” B. Martinez, Age 63 of Floresville, TX entered eternal rest on Friday, July 28, 2023. Alex was born June 1, 1960 in Sinton, TX to the late Clemente and Lydia Botello Martinez. Alex married Mary Christi Villanueva on May 4, 1981 in Kenedy. He was a loving Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, a Process Operator for Ashland Manufacturing for 44 years in Kenedy and of the Catholic Faith.
Alex is preceded in death by his parents, Clemente and Lydia Botello Martinez.
Alex is survived by his loving wife, Mary Christi Villanueva Martinez of Floresville; daughter, Jessica Kate Martinez of Portland, Oregon; son, Alejandro Martinez, Jr. of Floresville; sisters, Sylvia Albiar of Victoria, Ida Gonzales of Kenedy, Grace Martinez of Kenedy, Elsa Martinez of Kenedy; numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved pets, Ranger and Cash.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 2, 2023 from 10AM to 12PM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 12PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.
Serving as Pallbearers will be: Michael Salinas, Edward Villanueva, David Lerma, Jr., Indy Hinojosa, Brandon Vasquez, and David Ferron.
Jose R. Hernandez, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 71, on July 25, 2023 with his loving family at his bedside as he entered his eternal home.
Jose was born on February 19, 1952 in Kenedy, TX to Jose and Josephina Hernandez, Sr. A native of Kenedy Texas, Jose dedicated over twenty years working for Everest Minerals Corporation and over nineteen years at the City of Kenedy where he retired in 2016. Jose was a lifelong member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, TX.
Jose enjoyed spending time with family and sharing stories of the good old days while enjoying a few cold ones. Jose enjoyed watching and cheering on his Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Braves. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his beautiful grandkids, and watching them play sports. Popo Joe was their biggest fan and couldn’t wait to give them a big hug while telling them how proud he was.
Jose was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Josephina Hernandez, Sr. Wife Juanita Lopez Hernandez, sister Rafela Salinas, sister Maggie Morales, sister Ida Hernandez, brother-in-law Charles (Yolanda) Lopez, and sister-in-law Rosalinda Lopez.
Jose is survived by his son Jose (Bridgit) L. Hernandez, III of Kenedy, son Martin P. Hernandez (Nicole) of Norfolk, VA, life partner Sharon Chesser of Kenedy, sister Adelfa “Chita” (Domingo) Medina of Kenedy, brother Juan Hernandez of Hondo, TX, sister-in-law Rose Marie (Rudy) Elizondo of Kenedy, sister-in-law Virginia Fanning of Kenedy, sister-in-law Martha (Robby) Richardson of Kenedy, sister-in-law Saralyn (Larry) Ferguson of Kenedy, brother-in-law Johnnie Lopez of Kenedy, grandsons Jose “Cuatro” Hernandez, IV and Cristian Hernandez of Kenedy, grandson Kaleb Hernandez of Norfolk, VA, granddaughter Alejandra Hernandez of Kenedy, granddaughter Ashleigh Campu of Norfolk, VA, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 4PM to 7PM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7PM in the Eckols Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, July 31, 2023 at 9AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.
Pallbearers: Marcelino Farias Jr., Steven Martinez, Agapito Alvarado, Johnnie Lopez, Darrell Hernandez, and Jerome Barrientez
Honorary Pallbearers: Fernando Salinas, Pete Zamora, and Cristian Hernandez.
Elaine Elizabeth Friedmann Ricks went to be with the Lord on July 13, 2023, at age 95. Elaine was born August 14, 1927, in San Antonio Texas to Selma Klein and William Friedmann. She attended business school in Chicago, Illinois and returned home to work. On July 16, 1948, she married Lawrence Lee Ricks. She was a wife, homemaker, a mother to Nancy Ruth Ricks Harris, grandmother to Kristina Lynn Neuman, Jeffrey Brian Harris, and Melanie Nicole D’Andrea and great-grandmother to Wyatt Christopher Neuman, Morgan Lee Neuman, and Aiden Lee D’Andrea.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence Lee Ricks, father William Friedmann, mother Selma Klein Friedmann, and her sisters Helen Mueller (Alfred Anthony “Buddy” Mueller), Evelyn Psencik (Leo Psencik), Ruth Burgess (Raymond Burgess).
Services will be held at 9:30 am at Eckols Funeral Home, 420 W Live Oak St, Kennedy, TX 78119, 830-583-2533 on Friday, July 21, 2023. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 210-651-6011.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jeffrey Brian Harris, Wyatt Christopher Neuman, Morgan Lee Neuman, Aiden Lee D’Andrea, Roy Wayne Cox, William Anthony Ricks, Mark Ricks, Steven Ricks, Wayne Psencik, Brian Neuman, and Tim D’Andrea.
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.
