Betty June Lieke Polasek of Karnes City, Texas was born on June 28, 1936 in Fashing, Texas to Otto Lieke and Bertha Fenner Lieke passed away on February 11, 2021 at the age of 84. She was baptized on November 26, 1936 by Pastor Arthur G. Elley, Sponsors were: Mr. and Mrs. Willie Lieke and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Fenner. She was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Karnes City on May 13, 1951 by Rev. E.A. Sagebiel, D.D.  She  graduated Karnes City High School on May 25, 1954. She went to Draughon Practical Business College and completed her Executive Secretarial course on February 25, 1955. She went to work at Karnes Electric Cooperative, Inc. in 1955 and worked until her stroke on December 5, 1985. She worked almost 31 years at Karnes Electric. She married Rudolph John Polasek on July 21, 1962 in Karnes City. She is preceded in death by her husband: Rudolph John Polasek; her parents: Otto and Bertha Lieke;her brother in law: Thomas Novak, her sister in law: Dawn Polasek, brother in law and sister in law: James and Mary Polasek; brother in law: Nick Kroll, and brother in law: Charlie Zidek. She is survived by her sister: Lucille Novak: brother in law: Thomas Polasek; sister in law:  Frances Zidek, brother in law and sister in law: Mike and Ruby Polasek; sister in law: Joann Kroll, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. June was very fond of her two Kathy’s, Denise Pooser, and Bucky Aguilar who worked for Rudolph and June. After Rudolph’s death Bucky was like a son to June. Both June and Rudolph were good friends with Noe who lived in the valley. Although June and Rudolph had no children of their own, they were very close to many children especially their nieces and nephews. She loved to play canasta, tend to her yard and volunteer at the local nursing home.  Viewing will be held for the Public on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services for the (Immediate Family Only- and Masks are Mandatory) on  Friday, February 26, 2021 at 1:00p.m. at the St.Paul’s Lutheran Church with  Rev. Thomas Mutz and Father Jeff Polasek officiating. Interment to follow in the Laubach Family and Friends Cemetery, Karnes City, TX.  No Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Karnes City Volunteer Fire Dept.

Tanya Sue Donnell, of Kenedy, Texas was born on September 30, 1973 to Dwayne “Rusty” Monroe Donnell and Linda Rose Donnell in Kenedy, Texas passed away suddenly on February 13, 2021 at the age of 47. Tanya is preceded in death by her son: R.J. Donnell. She is survived by her  sons: Devin Vigil-Donnell of Karnes City, Texas and Dylan Dedear of Kenedy,TX; daughter: Mariah Shaw of Utah; mother: Linda (James) Yeager of Hobson, TX; sister: Candice (Stephen) Kotara, of Hobson, TX; close cousin: Kristy Rose (Juan) Alvarado of Kenedy, TX; nieces, nephews, and cousins and other relatives.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Tanya on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 at 3:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel.   Inurnment will be near her son, R.J. at a later date.Memorial contributions may be made toward her final expenses c/o Mel Garcia at Eckols Funeral Home, Inc. 420 W. Live Oak St. Kenedy, Texas 78119.

James “Jim” Floyd Williams, Age 79 of Runge, TX passed away Monday, February 1,
2021, in Runge, TX. He was happy to be home from a stay in the hospital in San
Antonio. His daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Scott, were with him.
James was born on July 10, 1941 in Rowena, TX to the late Beacher and Elenora
Catherine Gully Williams. He retired from AMACO as an Operator; was a loving father,
grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, served his country proudly in the
National Guard. He is preceded in death by his parents, Beacher and Elenora
Catherine Gully Williams, Runge, Texas.
He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Elaine Norton and husband Scott of Houston,
TX; son, Barry Neil Williams and his daughter Lillian “Lily” Elizabeth Williams of Stuarts
Draft, VA; Six sisters, Nettie Cornelius of Alice, TX; Betty Skidmore of Corpus Christi,
TX; Vivian Johnson of Mathis, TX; Dolley Zavesky of College Station, TX; Wanda
Herber and husband Claude Frank of Comfort, TX; Lynne Arvin and husband Brad of
Von Army, TX; and three brothers, Albert Williams and wife Janet of Corpus Christi, TX;
Fred Williams and wife Linda of New Braunfels, TX; Charles “Chuck” Williams and wife
Elaine of New Braunfels, TX.
He will also be missed by many, many (three generations) of nephews & nieces.
Jim worked as operator in chemical plants most of his life and was so happy when he
retired and moved to his farm in Runge. He enjoyed 22 years of tending to his cattle,
spending time with his neighbors, Charlene & Darryl Blashcke and John Novak, and
going on trips with his friends. He loved drop-in visits from family and just being at
home in Runge.
Family Visitation will be Sunday, February 7, 2021 from 3P.M. to 5P.M. in the Eckols
Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside Services with Interment will be held Monday,
February 8, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. in the Runge Cemetery with the Rev. James Schendel
officiating. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Family Life Center, First
Baptist Church, 505 N. Reiffert Street, Runge, TX
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Darryl Blaschke, John Novak, Danny Koerth, Lloyd
Koerth, Craig Doreck, Bobby Ray Johnson & Travis Johnson
In Lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Runge First Baptist Church — Youth
Group, P. O. Box 488, Runge, TX 78151

Mario Ramirez was born on January 22, 1957 in Karnes City, Texas to the late Jerome and Isidora Ramirez. He passed away on February 1, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas after a sudden illness at the age of 64. Mario worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years until he recently retired in 2018. He enjoyed barbecuing and listening to Tejano music in the company of his family and friends. He was most proud of his grandsons, Isaac and Gage, and cherished the time he spent with them. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his father, Jimmy Rodriguez, Jr.; children, Mark (Jennifer) Ramirez of Austin, Texas, Melinda “Mindy” (Oscar) Soliz of Alice, Texas; grandchildren, Isaac Oscar Soliz and Gage Mario Ramirez; siblings, Clara Ramirez of  San Antonio, Texas, Jerry Ramirez of San Antonio, Texas, Monica Rodriguez of Seguin, Texas, Blanca Rodriguez of McQueeny, Texas, George Rodriguez of McQueeny, Texas, Ronnie Rodriquez of McQueeny, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; Jerome and Isidora Ramirez, Evangelina “Eva” Rodriguez; brothers, Carlos Rodriguez, Mike Ramirez and Jimmie Rodriguez, III.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, February 5, 2021 at  7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel for immediate family.

Norma G. Zamzow of Kenedy, TX was born on September 29, 1921 to Oscar Gross and Melitta Regner of Arneckeville, Texas. She moved to Fashing, TX when she was 12. She went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the age of 99 years, 4 months, and 1 day. Mrs. Zamzow  is preceded in death by her husband: Emil H. Zamzow.

Norma was also preceded in death by her siblings (Robert, Rosie, Erwin, Alton, Elliot and Herbert), and lived the longest of all of them. Counting the time in the womb, she actually did make it to  100 this year.

Though she and Emil did not have any children, they had numerous nieces and nephews and friends that held a special place in their lives. She and “Boots” (Emil) were baptismal sponsors for twelve family members and friends. Raising children to know the LORD was very important to them.

Norma grew up picking cotton on a farm, and lived as  a farmer’s wife after marriage. She was an expert seamstress, and did beautiful embroidery and crochet in the evenings to relax after a full day of tending the farm. She made many jars of peach jelly to go on homemade bread over the years. In a phone conversation in May of 2020, she said “I did what I loved to do.”  Yes, she did. At Bluebonnet Nursing home, she remained active, even in her wheelchair. She daily roamed the halls, a sweet memory for the employees there.  She will be dearly missed, but is now with her Savior Jesus Christ, and with others who have also trusted in Him.

She leaves behind her hard work ethic, her frugality and example of not wasting anything, her generosity around her dinner table, and a strong, but simple faith. She was dearly loved by many.

Norma will have a Graveside service at New Bremen Cemetery  on Saturday, February 6, at 2p.m, with viewing beginning at 1 pm at the gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she and Boots served the Lord for many years.

Sara Mae Shoemake Jenkins McNeil Smith of Pettus,TX was born November 20, 1935  to Hartford Shoemake and Evelyn Mann Shoemake in Pearsall,TX. She passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the age of 85.  She married John L. Jenkins Sr. on Feb. 5, 1949. After his passing in 1992, she was married to Nathaniel McNeil (Mack) till his passing in 2010. Sara resided in Pettus, Texas with her present husband Arnold B. Smith Sr.  They were married on Jan. 20, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister: Linda Taylor, Step brothers:Ronnie and Lloyd Jenkins. She is survived by her husband:  Arnold Smith of Pettus, TX; her children: Judy Nolen (Freddy)of  Pettus, TX, Evelyn Jacoby of Somerset, TX, John Jenkins Jr. of  Tuleta, TX, Donald (Tressa) Jenkins of Beeville, TX, Rita Smith (Bruce) of Tuleta, TX; stepchildren: John Smith (Rita) of  Bennington, OK, David (Shannon) Smith of Lake City, TX, Bobbie (Lisa) Smith of Corpus Christi, TX, Bruce (Rita) Smith of Tuleta, TX. She was blessed to have a large loving family, 17 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; and 11 great great grandchildren. She has one sister, Barbara Frye (Darrell) from Lusk, WY, a sister, Denia Geiger (Debo) of Spring Branch,TX one brother, Hartford (Sonny) Shoemake (Frances) of Pettus TX. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pettus, TX. Sara was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and was a loving and very giving friend. She was marvelous cook and she enjoyed cooking for family and friends anytime. She also enjoyed playing cards, and she had a real love of music and dancing. The one thing I believe anyone that knew her, would say that her main focus was always her family in her life; she cherished each and everyone of them. She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021 from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February  5, 2021 at 11:00a.m. Eckols Chapel with interment in Mineral Cemetery, Mineral, TX. Pallbearers: Thomas Ables, DeLane Ables, Bubba (Charles ) Williams, Skipper Pierce, Debo Geiger, Robbie Rodgers and Steven Morgan.

Henry “Buddy” Malcolm Smith of Kenedy, Texas was born on October 21, 1944 in Beaumont Texas to Henry Mathis Smith and Florence Noel  Huckman Smith passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at his residence. Buddy is preceded in death by his former spouse Connie Merle in 2019. He is survived by his daughter Kim (Chad) Grigg of Robstown, TX; his son Lorne Keith Smith of Houston, TX; 3 grandchildren: Kevin Ray Smith, Kaitlyn Rose Grigg, Kelsi Loren Smith; sister: Jo Lynn Swint of Kenedy, TX; nephews: Mitch Odom and Mark Odom; his companion: Linda K. Yanta of Kenedy, TX and his dog Bullet. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 10:00a.m. (one hour prior) to Graveside services beginning at 11:00a.m. at Kenedy Cemetery. Interment in the Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

Saturday, January 23, 2021, Jocie Marie McClane of La Vernia, Texas, entered Heaven peacefully.  Marie was the fourth child of Sykes and Eugenia McClane.  Her life in Karnes City began on August 2, 1941 with an older brother, James, and two older sisters, Margaret (Dyreson) and Dorothy (Pogue).  Marie started taking piano lessons from the local teacher, Miss Cope, and soon learned this was her passion.  Marie graduated Karnes City High School in 1959 and entered Trinity University in San Antonio.  Upon college graduation, she moved to California for further training influenced by the Juilliard School of Music.  Her passion for performing bloomed into the desire to teach others and her journey carried her to Arizona then later back to Texas where she taught in several communities.  She then settled in San Antonio where she taught piano to children and adults that were visually impaired.  Towards the end of her career, she moved back to Karnes County and continued with private lessons.  To those that had the privilege of watching her play, it was always a moving experience.Marie also loved animals, especially cats and they were with her through her journey.  Marie is survived by her sister, Dorothy McClane Pogue, sister-in-law, Mrs. James (Peggy) McClane, and numerous Dyreson, Ellis, McClane, Pogue, Vaughn, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, students and friends.  Memorials may be sent to Karnes County Humane Society, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 29, 2021 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Pogue officiating.

Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Harris Johnson, born on Sept. 5, 1958, in the Waller County Hospital in Hempstead, Texas passed away January 26, 2021. She is survived by the love of her life, husband, Larry Gaylord Johnson, daughter, Sharon Caye Doring (Nathan) – (Emma, Braden, Brooklyn and Katie), sons, Richard Paul Meier and Roger John Meier, Bobby Johnson (Jennifer) – (Vivian and Olivia) Troy Johnson, – (Carson), sister, Juli Hinze (Gary) – (Joshua), brothers, David Harris and Royger Harris (Megan) –(Ransom, Kolton, Weston, and Rayelynn).  She is proceeded in death by her parents, Ray and Nancy Harris, and her nieces, Jennifer Lynn Hinze and Maddison Lewellen Harris. Cindy loved life and was very outgoing, energetic, and loving. Her family and friends were most important to her without a doubt. Seeing her grandchildren was the highlight of her life. Anytime you would see Cindy she would always greet you with a smile and huge hug. This is what made her happy! Her goal was to see everyone in her life happy. What a meeting in Heaven must be going on with all the hugs she is receiving from her Lord Jesus Christ and all her loved ones, this is far beyond measure.  We will see you again!  WE LOVE YOU. WE “MEAN IT”! Graveside services will be held On Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 at Elim Lutheran Church Cemetery located off County Road 181 west of Kenedy, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 32 Kenedy, TX 78119.

Isabel Estrada, Age 98 of Kenedy, TX passed away on January 26, 2021 in Karnes City, TX.  Isabel was born on December 2, 1922 in Goliad, TX to the late Santiago and Maria Segura Estrada.  Isabel was a retired house keeper, loving sister, aunt who loved to spoil her nieces and nephews, friend to many and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.   She is preceded in death by her parents Santiago and Maria Estrada, sisters, Louisa Granado, Dominga Ruiz, Simona Estrada; brothers, Elberto Estrada, Juan S. Estrada, Sr. and a niece Gloria May.  She is survived by her sister, Dora Estrada of Kenedy, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.  A Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 7P.M. in the Eckols Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 29, 2021 at 1PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery.