Romney Alexandria Sample (Sczepanik) entered into eternal rest on April 4,2022 at the age of 54 (just one week shy of her birthday) in Hondo, Texas. She was born on April 11, 1967, in Floresville, Texas, to Lailey and Ignatz “Pete” Sczepanik of Panna Maria, Texas.

She married Christopher Sobieski in 1988 and they lived in Europe. He joined the Sherriff’s Department when he got out of the service. Sadly, he was killed by a drunk driver. When this happened, she became very active in the M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving Organization). God had a plan for her: however, as she met and married the love of her life, Derek Sample on May 25, 2009. He made her immensely happy.

Romney had many interests, one she enjoyed from a young age, was caring for and loving all animals, especially horses. She fostered neglected and abused horses. She also enjoyed gardening and had a fantastic green thumb. She could put anything in the ground and it would grow and thrive.

She was a born caregiver, and through the years, shared her home with numerous foreign exchange students from all over the world. Many of these girls stayed in touch with her throughout the years. Romney was a devoted wife and rancher.

She was preceded in death by her father: Ignatz “Pete” Scezpanik; her first husband: Christopher Sobieski and dear life-long friend: Cecil Dean.

She is survived by her devoted husband: Derek Sample; son: Rustyn (Kristina) Sample, daughter: Stephanie Mcelhatten; mother: Lailey Sczepanik; siblings: Eric Szczepanik, Duncan (Clare) Sczepanik, Kirk (Tina) Sczepanik, Seth Sczepanik, Tobin Sczepanik, Darcy (Jeff) Seaton, Katya Sczepanik, Emily (Joseph) Brysch, and Alexis (Cameron) Irvine: grandchildren: Tristyn Sample and Audry Sample; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. for Everyone at Eckols Chapel. (No Services will be held on Palm Sunday, April 10,2022).

Services as follows: Visitation will also be held Monday, April 11, 2022 at 9:30a.m.at the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 300 FM 3191, Cestohowa,TX.

A Rosary will be recited at 10:00a.m. on Monday, April 11th at Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 300 FM 3191, Cestohowa, TX.

A Eulogy will be read at 10:30a.m. by Aunt Merilyn on Monday, April 11th, at Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 300 FM 3191, Cestohowa,TX.

Song: Amazing Grace at 10:45a.m. Monday, April 11th, by family member, Merilyn, prior to Mass.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00a.m. Monday, April 11, 2022 at Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 300 FM 3191, Cestohowa, TX with Rev. Wieslaw Iwaniec officiating.

Recesssional Song: How Great Thou Art

Committal/Burial services beginning at 12:00p.m. at Cestohowa Cemetery with Rev. Sibley officiating.

Reception to follow in the Church Hall of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church.

Pallbearers: Kirk Sczepanik, Tobin Sczepanik, Seth Sczepanik, Eric Sczepanik, Robert Sczepanik and Rustyn Sample. Honorary Pallbearers: Wade Sczepanik and Ronald Sample.

Flowers welcome or Memorials may be made in Romneys’s name to the Remedy Ranch Rescue, 98 County Road 307, Floresville, TX 78114.

Casey Derrick Walker, of Kenedy, Texas was born on May 13, 1988 to Randall S. Walker and Stephanie Donnell Santiago passed away surrounded by family on Monday, March 28, 2022 at the age of 33 at his residence. Casey is preceded in death by his step father: Angel Luis Santiago and his Mom Mom:  Donna Donnell and his MiMi and Papa: Randall C. Walker and Mary B. Walker.  He is survived by his parents: Stephanie Donnell Santiago; his father Randall S. Walker and wife Mayette of Choate, TX; his papa: Gene Donnell and wife Linda of Choate, TX; grandparents: Willene and Allen Hornburger of Lexington, TX ; sister: Erica Walker (Danny) Broll of Yorktown, TX; step sister: Ariel Lehman; brother: Randall “Scotty” Walker of Choate, TX; aunts: Susan Donnell, Staci (Pat) Johnson, Kenedy, TX, Jana (Jason ) Maddox, of Tuleta, TX and Shelly Grayson of Beeville, TX; uncles: Keith (Lauren) Donnell of Benbrook, TX, Shane (Shannon) Grayson of Choate, TX ,Jeff (Mary) Walker of Choate, TX; niece: Brooklyn Broll; nephew: Jayden Walker; cousins, and many other relatives. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Aaron Corporon of Choate Baptist officiating. Interment in the Kenedy Cemetery. Pallbearers: Darrell Barrett, Michael Moravits, Christian Grayson, John Grayson, Nick Cooper, Dereck Walker. Honorary Pallbearers: James Borroum, Keith Donnell, Shane Grayson.

Margaret Ann Kotzur, Age 62 of Karnes City, TX passed away on March 25, 2022 in San Antonio, TX.  Margaret was born on June 30, 1959 in Karnes City, TX to the late Elias Kotzur, Sr. and Eugenia Szcepanik Kotzur.  Margaret was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and a member of St. Cornelius Catholic Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elias Kotzur, Sr. and Eugenia Szcepanik Kotzur; sisters, Betty Jean Dragon, Barbara Kotzur, Irene McGovern; brothers, Elias Kotzur, Jr. and Frankie Kotzur.

She is survived by her son David Kotzur and wife Elaina of Kenedy; sister, Helen Mick of Alvin; brothers, Archie Kotzur and wife Pat of Kenedy, Johnnie Kotzur and wife Janie of Kenedy, 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  A Holy Rosary will be recited Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. with Funeral Mass to be Celebrated at 1:30 P.M. at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Karnes City with the Rev. Stanislaw Marciniak officiating.  Interment will follow in the Cestohowa Cemetery in Cestohowa, Tx.

Georgia Havelka Strmiska of Kenedy, Texas left this world on March 28, 2022 at the age of 94. Georgia was born on September 24, 1927 in Three Rivers, Texas to George and Matilda Kobza Havelka. She was preceded in death by her parents and  husband: Klem Strmiska, her son: Dennis Strmiska; daughter: Cheryl Strmiska; her sister: Henrietta Sibley; and her brother Jerry Havelka. She is survived by her daughter and husband Shirley and Lee Wilson of Bertram, Texas; her four grandchildren to include Jeffrey Strmiska, Tiffany and Andy Pehl, Tracy and Judy Wilson, Julie and Steve Wahrmund; four great grandchildren; and one great great grandson; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She and her husband Klem owned and worked Shirley-Lynn Nursery for many years in Kenedy, Texas. She was known for her vast knowledge of plants and the care of them. She was a hardworking lady and a loving wife and mother. She will be greatly missed. Visitaton will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home. Funeral services (Rosary and Mass) will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022 at 10:30a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Interment to follow in Kenedy Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jeffrey Strmiska, Tracy Wilson, Lee Wilson, Steve Wahrmund,  Tommy Wilson, Matthew Bellanger. Honorary Pallbearers: Clayden and Caden Pehl.

Jenny Rios Garcia, age 59, of Kenedy, Texas passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 in Victoria, Texas.  Jenny was born on January 22, 1963 in Kenedy, Texas to  Eriberto V. and Maria Asevedo Rios.  She was married to the love of her life, Daniel Cantu Garcia, was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to many and she was of the Catholic faith.  She is survived by her parents Eriberto V. and Maria Asevedo Rios of Runge, husband Daniel Cantu Garcia of Kenedy, son Roman Daniel Garcia of Karnes City, sisters Patricia Rios Hackney of Kenedy, Cynthia Rios of Beeville, Roxanne Rios Ramos of Runge, Mary Alice Rios Herrera of Beeville, nieces and nephews Kendall Hackney, Davy “Bubba” Villanueva, Jr., Delaney Ramos, Jacob Herrera and Jared Herrera, and many extended family members and dear friends.  Visitation will be held Friday, March 25, 2022 from 5pm – 7pm with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7pm in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 10am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the Runge Latin Cemetery in Runge, Texas.  Serving as Pallbearers will be: Roman Daniel Garcia, Demetrio Garcia, Davy “Bubba” Villanueva, Jr., Jimmy Zapata, Richard Ramos and Joe Herrera.

Walter Green Jr. of Kenedy, Texas was born on October 26, 1930 in Kenedy, Texas to Hugh Walter Green Sr. and Ila Sims Green passed away at his residence on March 23, 2022 at the age of 91. Mr. Green graduated from Kenedy High School. He married Mary Louise Angermiller on March 3, 1951 when they were seniors in high school.

He was raised and worked on his parent’s dairy farm. In 1954, he and his family moved to San Antonio and he worked in refrigeration and air conditioning. He was also a Dairy Inspector for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department. In 1967, he bought a dairy just outside of Kenedy and later sold in 1970. Thereafter in 1970, he went to work for the Kenedy Police Department as a Licensed Texas Peace Officer. In 1973, he served as a Chief Deputy for the Karnes County Sheriffs Office. He later started with the Diamond Shamrock Refinery  (1989-1999) in Three Rivers retiring as Head of Security.

He preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Louise Angermiller Green; his parents, Ila Sims Green and Hugh Walter Green Sr.; siblings: Virginia “Ginger” Green Copeland  and William Wade Green; sister-in-law: Blanche Green; Brother in law: Robert “Bobby” Allen Copeland Sr. Survivors include his daughter: Linda Green Fenner (Dennis); sons: Hugh Walter Green III and Steven Ray Green (Karissa); grandchildren: Kevin Fenner (Debbie), Colt Green, Jesse Ray Green (Amber), Amy Oliver (Matthew), Jesse Lee Green and Kailee Green; great grandchildren: Chase, Wesley, Carson, Landon, Madison, Ryan, Dustin, Daisy, Anna, Macy, Emery, Reagan; two step great granddaughters: Chelsie and Autumn.

Visitation Sunday, March 27, 2022 from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel.

Funeral services Monday, March 28, 2022 at 2:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Pat Traxler officiating. Interment in the Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas. Pallbearers: Kevin Fenner, Colt Green, Jesse Green, Matt Oliver, Pat Fenner, and Robert Copeland.

Mary Frances Hudman Keller died Monday night March 21, 2022, following a stroke. She was born in Frost, Texas, September 8, 1929 to Sarah Adaline and John Thomas Hudman. After her father died when she was 8, her mother remarried and she lived on the ranch owned by her mother and stepfather, John Otis Harris, in Mineral, Texas. Her lifelong frugality stared as a child when her mother moved Christmas celebrations to later so that she could shop the post-holiday sales.

Blessed with high intelligence, she graduated from high school in Pettus, Texas at age 14 and attended Southwest Texas Sate Teachers College in San Marcos, Texas to receive a degree in Biology. She met the love of her life, Thomas (Tom) Walter Keller during college when she went for a ride in his airplane. When they married in 1947 she was 18 and had almost finished her first Masters degree in biology. She finished that degree later. They lived the majority of their 72 years of marriage on the outskirts of Brownsville, Texas in a rural ara close to family.

Mary was a true educator and taught students from grade school through college. She spent 4 years teaching college biology and 33 years at Brownsville Independent School District where she completed her career as a counselor at Cummings Junior High School after receiving her second Masters in Counseling from Pan American University. She delighted her students at Cummings by riding her motorcycle to work.

Mary and Tom’s love of adventure and nature led them to build a cabin at Rancho El Cielo in the eastern folds of the Sierra madres in Tamaulipas,Mexico. She and Tom introuduced college students as well as their two children to the unique beauty of Rancho El Cielo which eventually led to the colldege developing a biological research station where countless students, scientist, birders and other enjoyed the beauty of the station. In 1985, the United Nations declared El Cielo a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Mary and Tom introduced busloads of teachers and students to history, culture and ecology in the interior of Mexico as well as may stateside trips.

Mary was a woman who lived a life full of faith and love. While in Brownsville, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Brownsville and later joined the Mineral Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher. She and her husband also helped sponsor daily coffee clubs and monthly free community breakfasts in Mineral and were generous in their time and funds devoted to people in need.

Later in life, she was also full of grit and determination to live the second half of her life her way, at her family’s heritage ranch in Mineral outside of Beeville, She moved there alone after she retired from the school district two years before her husband could retire and join her in 1990. Together, they worked to put the ranch back in order with new buildings and fences and extensive gardens and orchards. First breeding and selling registered Angus cattle, they switched to raising meat goats and were slowly building up their herd. They were joined in Mineral by daughter Linda an husband Allan at the neighboring ranch, who were her main support in later years.

She is survived by daughter Mary Linda Keller (Allan) Cruickshanks, Mineral, son Thomas Walter (Merily) Keller, Jr., Austin, grandchildren Sed (Taya) Keller, Brian (Kate) Cruickshanks, Karen Cruickshanks, and great grandchildren Emilia and Ashlynn Keller, Caleb, Jacob and Lydia Cruickshanks and triplets Charlie, Lucy and James Fassetta. She remained very close to devoted nephews Jack (Becky) and Frank (Vickie) Benton and niece Janet Benton (Steve) Watkins and their children, who also spent time at the ranch as well as nieces Sue (Alan) King, Elizabeth Hudman, Peggy Sue (Patrick) Carter, and Brenda Hudman. She was predeceased by her  beloved husband Thomas Walter Keller in 2020; her grandson Chase Walter Keller in 2000; her brother John Thorman Hudman (J.T.) in 1969; brother Millard Mason Hudman in 2016, and nephew James (Jimmy) Hudman in 1982.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 11:00a.m. at Mineral Cemetery, Mineral, Texas with Rev. Jeff Brewer officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Thomas W. Keller Elementary,2540 W. Alton Gloor Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78520. Checks payable: Thomas W. Keller Scholarship Account.

Randy Blaine Price, Age 61 of Kenedy, Tx passed away on March 18, 2022 in San Antonio, TX.  Randy was born on July 29, 1960 in Refugio, Tx to the late Keith Price and Betty Johnston Price.  Randy married Valeria Munoz on June 21, 2008 in Kenedy, TX; served as a Correctional officer at the Connally unit for 8 years, was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  His passion was to go fishing, he loved to spend time with his family and attended every family reunion possible, bar-b-que and was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan.   He is preceded in death by his parents Keith and Betty Johnston Price; brothers, Kent price and Michael Price.  He is survived by his loving wife, Valeria Munoz Price of Kenedy, daughters, Betty Guerrero of Pleasanton, Jessica Price of Legarto, Vanessa Cortez of Dallas; sons, Armando Cortez, Jr. of Poth, Zacarias Cortez of Beeville, Robert Semlinger of Kenedy; sister, Brenda (Steve) Laws of Kansas; brother, Shane Price of Houston, 16 grandchildren, 1 Great-Grandson and a host of extended family members and dear friends.

Family Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2022 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. with Services starting at 1:00 P.M. 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 will be Shane Price, Armando Cortez, Jr., Joseph Henry Munoz, Lorenzo Gonzales, Yogi Etheridge and Rudy Cortez.

Honorary Pallbearers are Robert H. Semlinger and Isaiah Serna.

Heaven gained a beautiful soul on March 15, 2022 when Kerri Elizabeth Mauch Kirby, 53, peacefully passed away in Austin, TX.  Whether you knew her as a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, coach, teacher, or friend, one thing is for sure:  her smile was legendary, she was an inspiration to others, and she was loved by many.

Born November 13, 1968 in Karnes City, TX to Joe and Peggy Ferguson Mauch, Kerri was a fighter from day one.  While in school, she was well known for her good heart, athleticism, perfectionist nature, patience, leadership, and ability to play the trumpet.  She graduated as the Valedictorian from Kenedy High School in 1987.

After graduation, Kerri was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 18, but it did not stop her from attending and graduating from The University of Texas May 1991 where she obtained an English degree with a minor in Journalism.  While in college, she was the manager for the Lady Longhorn basketball team.  She was thrilled to be involved with the team and help contribute to their success since she was no longer able to play sports.

Kerri started her teaching career at Manor ISD in the fall of 1991 teaching English and coaching at the junior high school.  While at Manor, she soon moved up to the high school where she continued to coach volleyball, basketball, and track as well as teach English until she started the Credit Recovery Program at Manor High School.  Here she helped many students achieve their dream of graduation.  When she was coaching, her devoted husband was often seen and heard in the stands, and it was not uncommon for Kerri’s family to be there in support of her teams as well.  While at Manor, she enjoyed many successes as the Varsity Basketball coach and Assistant Track coach including Regional Finalists in Basketball and the girls team winning state in track one year.  Kerri was the jumpers’ coach, and for many years, one of her athletes, girls and boys, placed at state as well.

Kerri met the love of her life, Joey Kirby, in September 1991 when friends arranged for them to meet at their house on a Sunday evening.  Both Kerri and Joey almost didn’t go that night, but were they ever so glad they did!  Kerri and Joey planned to go on an official date by themselves the next night, but Kerri was coaching 7^th grade girls volleyball.  Since Joey was also a sports fan, he said he would go to the game before they went to eat at Kerri’s favorite restaurant, Olive Garden.  That night, Joey became a Manor Mustang fan, as Kerri asked him keep the score for the game.  They were engaged just a few months later and married on August 8, 1992 in Kenedy.  Kerri and Joey eventually settled in Bastrop to raise their family and attended Calvary Baptist Church.

During their nearly 30 years of marriage, it would be impossible to count how many sporting events they attended cheering on their favorite Manor or Cedar Creek team.  They also thoroughly enjoyed UT football and basketball games.  Their daughters were no stranger to the basketball gym or softball field, and Kerri and Joey were always there to support them and their teammates.  When not in a sporting season, the family enjoyed making memories while traveling on vacations.  Kerri’s nephews and nieces also held a very bright spot for her, and she and Joey loved to support them and attend their many sporting activities, dance recitals and dirt bike races.  If Kerri was able to find any downtime, you could find her reading a good book or spending time at the lake.

Even after retiring from Manor ISD in 2017 after 21 years of coaching and 27 years of teaching, Kerri continued her love for helping students by tutoring, teaching online, coaching Hoop Stars and being the official bookkeeper for her daughter’s softball team.  Her love for helping others succeed was evident by the many lives she touched, and she never let her illness define her or stop her short of what she wanted to achieve.

Kerri is survived by her husband, Joey Kirby of Bastrop, daughters Jordan Kirby and Meagan Kirby of Bastrop, mother Peggy Mauch of Kenedy, sister Kimmi (Craig) Cantwell of Kenedy, and sister Kristi (Jason) Shryock of College Station along with numerous nieces and nephews.  Kerri was preceded in death by her father, Joe Mauch, Jr, and a niece and a nephew.

Her family encourages everyone to have Kerri’s same positive attitude and follow her own words:  “Everyone has their own challenges they must face – I just choose not to let mine rule my life!”

There will be a visitation on Monday, March 21, 2022 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. with funeral services following on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 11:00am.  Both will be at at Eckols Chapel with Richard Robinson officiating the service.  Interment to follow in the Kenedy Cemetery.  Pallbearers:  James Foster, Aaron Kirby, Adam Kirby, Kyle Kirby, Gary Krause, and Fred Nichols.  Honorary Pallbearers:  Russell Chesser, Chance Kirby, and Ray Robbins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Arthritis Foundation, Pawnee United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice.

George Carrion, Age 57 of Kenedy, TX passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Beeville, TX.  George was born on October 5, 1964 in Karnes City, TX to the late Delfino Carrion, Sr. and Petra De La Paz Carrion.  George was a loving father, brother, uncle and dear friend to many and of the Christian Faith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Delfino Carrion, Sr. and Petra De La Paz Carrion, brothers, Delfino Carrion, Jr. and Cosme Carrion.

He is survived by his children, Amanda Carrion of Corpus Christi, Georgia Carrion of Beeville, Priscilla Mejia and husband Tony of Kenedy, Patricia Soliz of Kenedy, Pamela Alvear of Kenedy, Ramon Alvear of San Antonio, Robby Alvear of San Antonio; sisters, Erlinda Beaver of Karnes City, Elva Carrion of Runge, Lisa Baxter of Odessa, Betty Wishert of Karnes City, 14 grandchildren, 2 Great-Great-Grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Services will begin promptly at 1:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor JoJo Castillo officiating.  Private Inurnment will take place at a later date.