Rosita Puentes

Rosita Puentes of Beeville, Texas was born on February 20, 1973 in Goliad, Texas to the late Valentine Puente and to  Juanita Cantu Puentes passed away on  Wednesday, April 13,2022  surrounded by family at the age of 49 years old at Hacienda Oaks Nursing Home in Beeville.

Rosita had worked for GEO for over 32 years.

She is preceded in death by her father: Valentine Puentes.

She is survived by her mother: Juanita Puentes; her common-law spouse: Ruben Rodriguez of Beeville, TX; sisters: Juanita Puentes, Leandra Puentes, and Mary Ann Puentes; brother Valentine (Josephine) Puentes of Kenedy, TX; sister-in-law: Jennifer Rodriguez and other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022 from 3:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel.

A Prayer Service will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with Priscilla De Los Santos officiating. Services to conclude in chapel.

It was Rosita wishes to be cremated and her cremated remains to be placed at the foot of her fathers grave. Private inurnment at a later date.

Flowers welcome.

John B. Greve

John B. Greve of Kenedy, Texas was born on August 22, 1946 in Salem, Illinois to Charlton Greve and Audine Bachman Greve passed away on April 10, 2022 at the age of 75. Mr. Greve was a member of the Kenedy Rotary Club, Kenedy Lions Club, Boy Scout Leader, Kenedy Library Board and member of M.E.N.S.A. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Robert Greve. Survivors include his wife of 51 years: Diane N. Greve of Kenedy, Texas; his son: Scott (Jessica) Greve and their children: Aiden Saar and Riley Greve of San Antonio, TX and daughter: Jodi Greve of Fayetteville, AR; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 11:00a.m. at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 309 S. Fifth St., Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Memorials may be made to his church: St. Matthews Episcopal Church Building Fund or the Karnes County Humane Society.

Ruby Nell Remmers

Ruby Nell Remmers of El Campo, Texas was born on June 17, 1933 in Arneckville, Texas to Fe Allen Schultz and Edna Landgrebe Schultz went into eternal rest on April 9, 2022 at the age of 88. Ruby is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter-in-law, Tara Remmers and her husband, Milton “Slim” Remmers who passed on Feb. 7, 2016. She was a member of the St. Paul’s  Lutheran Church in Runge, Texas. She is survived by her daughter: Janice (Jerry) Winter of El Campo, TX; her sons Milton (Vicky) Remmers Jr. of Port Lavaca, TX, Kerry (Pam) Remmers of Nordheim, TX and Allen Remmers of Pleasanton, TX; three half sisters: Dorothy Haufler of Corpus Christi, TX, Annie (Edwin) Obst of Alamo, TX and Bernice Sampson of Portland, TX; two half brothers: Robert (Jan) Schultz of Woodsboro, TX and Allen (Joyce) Schultz of Woodsboro, TX; 8 grandchildren; 13 Great Grandchildren; 4 Great Great Grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews  and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 10:00a.m. at St.  Paul’s Lutheran Church, 409 N. Wilbern St., Runge, Texas 78151 with Rev. Randy Bruno officiating. Interment to follow in Runge Cemetery, Runge, Texas. Pallbearers: Kenneth Foster, Otto Monecke, Jim Paul Natho, Wesley Wells, Cody Remmers and Victor Remmers.  Memorials  may be made in her honor to her church: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 409. N. Wilbern St. Runge, Texas, 78151. The family would like to thank Houston Hospice and SPJST #3 Rest Home for the excellent care they gave to their mother.

Romney Alexandria Sample

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

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

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

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

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.

Hugh Walter “Walter” Green Jr.

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 Keller

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.