This story begins in 1932 when James Edwin Russell, Jr. was born in Mauldin, Massachusetts on August 3^rd to parents James Edwin Russell and Mabel Veale Russell. He lived a long and happy life for almost 83 years and left to meet his Lord on February, 28^th, 2015. Highlights of his life are too numerous to completely list but include an Eagle Scout ranking,  flying solo while in the Air Force, a 42-year career in Education, a 29 year marriage, raising two kids and a lifelong love of beagles.

His family returned to their home in Floresville, TX where Jim was raised and graduated from high school in 1949. He received his B.A. from Baylor University in 1955 and then his Masters of Education degree in 1957. After that, he served as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Air Force in Merced, CA. He began his teaching career in Temple, TX in 1960 teaching science and math.  He married Bonnie Frances Miller in 1961 and moved to Austin in 1962 where he taught science at Fulmore Junior High.  He furthered his career into school administration as Assistant Principal of Brownfield High School in 1965 and then Principal of Brownfield Junior High School. In 1968, he moved to Austin and later to New Braunfels in 1970 as Assistant Superintendent of Comal Independent School District.  During this time, he further studied and received his PhD in School Administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1972. Jim continued as Assistant Superintendent at C.I.S.D. until 1983 when he accepted a new position as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel at Hays Consolidated Independent School District.  Moving with his family to Buda at that time, he continued there until his retirement in 1994. During “retirement” he worked seasonally for the I.R.S. for ten years.

Jim was an active person who enjoyed basketball, tennis, water skiing, snow skiing, scuba diving, bowling, and many other activities. Jim also enjoyed music and sang throughout his life with church choirs, barbershop groups, and his gospel quintet. He was an active member of the First Baptist Churches in New Braunfels, Manchaca, and later at Allandale Baptist.

Jim is survived by his son, James Lawrence Russell (Jimmy) and wife Tamara; by his daughter Laurie Frances Garrant and her husband Tony; by his sisters Jeanne Ruhmann and Karen Ewing and their families; and by numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Ed Ruhmann, nephew Paul Ruhmann, and brother-in-law Paul Miller.

Services will be held at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, TX  (420 W. Live Oak.) on Thursday, March 5^th at 2:00 p.m. with viewing starting at 1:00 p.m. Burial to follow at Kenedy Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the following charities:  Accolade Hospice,  Alzheimer’s Association, and University United Methodist Church in Austin, TX.  Accolade:  PO Box 525, Yoakum, TX 77995  University United Methodist Church: 2409 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705  Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org

Eunice Levora Rogers Schroller went home to be with her Lord at 9:00PM
on Sunday, February 22, 2015. She was greeted in heaven by Leo,
1913-2005 and Leo Jr, 1945-1969, granddaughter Cheryl, 1962-2011 and
daughter Charlotte Ann, 10-24-1939–12-09-2014.
She was born in Choate, TX on January 7, 1917 to Hubert William Rogers
and Ida Lee Vickery Rogers. Eunice attended Green School and married
Leo Joe Schroller September 4, 1937. They spent 68 years together.
They had four children and were active in the Pawnee Baptist Church and
Windsor Park Baptist Church in Corpus Christi. Eunice was a Teachers’
Aide in Pawnee and Corpus Christi for 17 years.
She is survived by daughter Irene and Ellis Brasher, Rusk TX and
daughter Elaine and Reginald Gregory, Dallas TX and son-in-law Charles
Dekle, Corpus Christi, TX and son, Kyle Alderink. She was known as Big
MaMa to surviving grandchildren, Carol and Stephen Smith, Branson MO,
Candice and Paul Mills, Corpus Christi, TX and Rocky and Shari Bassham,
Corpus Christi, TX. She was loved by 8 great grandchildren and 15 great
great grandchildren. To know Eunice was to love her. Eunice and Leo
taught us love and were perfect examples in their daily life. “Love is
all we have, the only way each can help the other”.  Funeral Services will be on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 1:00PM at Eckols Funeral Home
Chapel in Kenedy, TX with burial to follow at Pawnee Cemetery

Robert Allen Rodgers, Age 61 of Pettus passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2015 in Beeville, Texas.  He was born on October 26, 1953 to the late Eli and Thelma Rodgers.  He married Jewel Annette(Devall) on June 8, 1974 in Pettus, Texas.

Robert was a Volunteer Fireman for Pettus-Tuleta Fire Department for 43 years and served on the Board of Directors for the Pettus Community Center.  He had an Associates Degree in Auto Mechanics form Coastal Bend College.  He also served on the committee for Coastal Bend College to set up the Auto Mechanics Program.

He is survived by his wife Jewel (Devall) Rodgers of Pettus; daughter, Shannon (John) Hodge; sons, Robert “Robbie” (Oma) Rodgers, Michael (Misty) Rodgers all of Pettus; nephew, Ryan (Kristi) Rodgers of Beeville; Niece, Rashay (Cole) Nesloney of Bulverde, TX; Brothers, Edward Allen Pullin of Virginia, Royce Mitchell Pullin of Pettus; Grandchildren, Victoria (Chris) Lyssy of George West, John Robert Hodge, Marcella Lynn Hodge, Maddisyn Rodgers, Robert Alex Rodgers, Daryn Ray Rodgers, Richard Gomez, Dara Gomez, Stephen Perez and Brandy Perez of Pettus.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Thelma Rodgers; sisters, Audrey Ann Rodgers, Minnie Wardin; brother, Kenny Rodgers; sister-in-law Retha Rodgers and grandson Gavin Ray Rodgers.

Family Visitation will be Friday, February 20, 2015 from 7PM to 9PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, TX.  Funeral Services will be held at New Life Church Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 2PM located at 4622 181 Business N. Beeville, TX with the Rev. Jesse Berthold officiating.  Interment will follow in the San Domingo Cemetery, in Normana, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Mike Smith, Jack Steele, Lester Kissee, Daryl Freeze, Clifford Bagwell, Quinton Tawater and Joe Cox.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Pettus-Tuleta Fire Department, Normanna Fire Department and Beeville Fire Department, Beeville Police Department and State Troopers.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Pettus-Tuleta Fire Department.

Lillian Hilma Monson age 94 of Kenedy died Feb. 17, 2015 .  Lillian was born in Kenedy Mar. 27, 1920 to F.O. & Anna Swensk Monson.  She is survived by her foster brother Charlesw (Alice) Johnson, Nephew Edward (Janet) Monson, Niece Dianna Monson, Great nieces Patricia (Randy) Morgan, Kathrytn (Michael) DuClos, Marie (Liz) Hahler, Donna & Philip Monson.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Brother Hilmer & his wife Elsie Monson, Sister & her husband Johnnie & Luella Peterson, Nephews Lawrence Monson, Mauritz Monson, Niece Dorothy & her husband Tom Hahler, Great nephew Ted Hahler.

A visitation will be held Thur. February 19^th. At the Eckols Chapel from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  Funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 20^th. At 11:00 AM at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Interment w ill follow  at the Elim Cemetery.

James A. Stewart died peacefully in his sleep on February 5, 2015, one day short of his 95^th birthday.  The fifth child of Ollie Bull and Maude Stewart, James was born on February 6, 1920, in Kenedy, Texas.  Shortly after, they make their home in Karnes City, where he proudly called home for the rest of his life.  He is preceded in death by his sister Irene Sawyer, and brothers Brainard, Virgil and Edward.  After graduating from Karnes City High School, he received a music scholarship to attend college in Denton, TX. However, college was cut short with the outbreak of WWII when he joined the armed forces. He was assigned to the 36^th Texas Division of the U.S. Army and deployed to North Africa and Italy.  James was a decorated veteran as well as a member of the Army band.

After 5 years of service and the end of WWII, James returned to Karnes City and soon met the love of his life of 69 years, June Killingsworth.   He had a hardware store for a short while, before he and June opened Stewart Avenue Cleaners.  He and June worked side-by-side for many years offering this service to the community.

A patient, kind and loving husband and dad, he is survived by his wife June; his three sons and their wives, Ronnie and Nancy, Buddy and Marnie, and Gerald and Karen.  He was also devoted to his four grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

With a strong Christian faith being central in his life, James was an active leader in his church and the community.  He was a member of the Karnes City United Methodist Church for 89 years and was involved in several civic organizations including Jaycees, Masons, Chamber of Commerce, volunteer fire department, 4H club and Boy Scouts.  In retirement he enjoyed fishing, golf, gardening and having coffee with his many local friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 on Saturday at United Methodist Church in Karnes City.  The family welcomes all to attend and celebrate the life of their beloved husband, father and grandfather.

John Anthony Estrada, age 17of Kenedy, TX passed away on Feb. 3, 2015.  He was born on July 26, 1997 in Beeville, TX to Santos Salinas and Rachel Estrada.  He as a cook at the Back Yard Bar and Grill in Kenedy.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Ramon Salinas and an aunt Alvina Arenal.

He is survived by his mother Rachel Estrada Salinas of Kenedy; father Santos Salinas of Karnes City; sisters, Alyssa Nicole Sauceda of Kenedy, Janie Raquel Salinas of Kenedy, Rosa Nelda DeLaPaz of Kingsville; brothers, Moreno Louise Salinas of Kenedy, Santiago Santos Salinas of Karnes City, TX, maternal grandmother Alvina Estrada of Kenedy, Maternal grandfather Bernave Estrada, Jr. of Garden, AK Paternal grandmother Beatrice  Salinas of Karnes City and uncles Bernave Estrada, III and Juan Estrada of Kenedy.

A Prayer Service will be held Fri. Feb. 6, 2015 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Sat. Feb. 7, 2015 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in the Choate Cemetery in Choate, TX.

Rodolfo “Rudy” Cruz, Sr., Age 68 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Thur. Jan.29, 2015 in Victoria, TX.  He was born on July 4, 1946 in Karnes City, TX to the late Gumecindo, Sr. and Yrenia Sauceda Cruz.  He was a retired heavy equipment operator and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Rudy is preceded in death by his parents Gumecindo, Sr. and Yrenia Sauceda Cruz; sister Petra Cruz Rodriguez; brothers, Crespin Perez, Cruz, Sr., and Felipe Cruz, Sr.

He is survived by his daughters, Pamela Hernandez and husband Jesus of Kenedy, Christi Rangel of Kenedy; sons, Rudy Cruz, Jr. and wife Alesha of Kenedy, Simon Cruz and wife Rose Marie of Kenedy; sisters, Connie Aguero  of Karnes City, Cynthia Cruz-Rosales o Karnes City; brothers, Eugenio Perez-Cruz of Bloomington, Joe Cruz, Sr. of Karnes City, Daniel Cruz of Karnes City, Pablo Cruz, Sr. of Karnes City, Rick Cruz of Karnes City, Gumecindo Cruz, Jr. of Kenedy; 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

A Rosary will be recited Fri. Jan 30, 2015 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Sat. Jan. 31, 2015 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the New Bremen Cemetery.

Diamentina “Tina” Perez Rivera, Age 83 of Kenedy, TX passed away on January 21, 2015 in Karnes City, TX.  She was born on November 21, 1931 in Runge, TX to the late Francisco and Porfiria Gonzales Perez.  She was a homemaker and a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents Francisco and Porfiria Perez.

She is survived by her daughters; Sylvia Aguerro and husband Albert of Kenedy, Angie Caballero of Runge, sons; Robert Castro and wife Elida of San Antonio, David Perez of San Antonio, Enrique Perez and wife Dianna of Runge, Joe Perez of Runge, Martin Perez of San Antonio, Michael Garcia of Brady, a brother Tom Perez of Kenedy and 28 Grandchildren, 20 Grt-Grandchildren, and 2 Grt-Grt Grandchildren.

A Rosary will be recited Monday, January 26, 2015 at 7 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be Tues. January 26, 2015 at 10 A.M. at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Runge, TX with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the Runge Cemetery, Runge, TX.

Esperanza DeLosSantos Carrillo Moreno, Age 75 of Runge, TX passed away on January 21, 2015 in San Antonio, TX.  She was born on February 28, 1939 in Runge, TX to the late Juan, Sr. and Felipa Cortez DeLosSantos. She was a retired custodian for the Pettus I.S.D. and a faithful member of the Heavenly Gates Family Worship Center in Runge.

She is preceded in death by her parents Juan, Sr. and Felipa Cortez DeLosSantos; a sister, Vicenta DeLosSantos Rios; brothers; Baldomero DeLosSantos, Ruben DeLosSantos, Arnulfo DeLosSantos, Emmitt DeLosSantos, Juan DeLosSantos,  and Samuel DeLosSantos.

She is survived by her husband Paul Moreno of Runge; daughters, Abigail Brown and husband Dave of Pawnee, Rachel Ann Vera and husband Lou of Pettus, Deborah Carrillo and husband W. Spivey of Boerne; sons, Joe Lee Carrillo and wife Betty Jo of Tuleta, J.D. Carrillo and wife Annie of Pettus; sisters, Lucy Charles of Runge, Aurora Renteria of Amarillo, Nena DeLosSantos Albert of Mission Valley; brothers, Gilberto DeLosSantos of Runge, Rudolfo DeLosSantos of Elmendorf, Juan DeLosSantos, Jr. of Kenedy; grandchildren, Jordan Hope Vera, Kelsey Varie Brown, Austin Carrillo, Sabrina Doe Vera, Clay Davis Brown, Destiny Jean Carrillo, Ruby Red Vera, John Jacob Carrillo, Jolie Christiania Carrillo, Matthew Carrillo, T., Jarran Diego Carrillo, Jaquelene O’maley Carrillo and great  granddaughter Allison Carrillo.

A Prayer Service will be held Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 7 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Monday, January 26, 2015 at 10 A.M. at Choate Pentecost Church in Choate, TX with the Rev. Robert Charles officiating. Interment will follow in the Runge Cemetery in Runge, TX.

Edwin Paul Ruhmann, III was born in Kenedy, Texas on February 9, 1929 and died on January 14, 2015 at the age of 85.  He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jeanne Russell Ruhmann, his son James Russell Ruhmann and his wife Yvonne of Cotulla, Texas, grandsons Zachary (Lauren) of Pleasanton, Texas and Trenton of Cotulla. He was preceded in death by his parents E. P. Ruhmann, Jr. and Grayce Reasoner Ruhmann and his son Edwin Paul Ruhmann, IV.  He lived in Kenedy his entire life with the exception of 2 years of military service in the U.S. Army  during the Korean War. Ed attended Texas A & M University and graduated in 1950.  He was an avid follower of anything Aggie.  He served as a Director of the 12th Man Foundation for over 15 years and as the Area Representative for the Association of Former Students.  Ed farmed for many years near Pawnee.  He and his wife Jeanne owned and operated the Southern Office Supply in Kenedy for over 40 years.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and taught Sunday School for many years.  He was a member of the Rotary Club where he served as President, a member of the Kenedy Lodge #774 serving as the Past Master for 50 years.  He served as Director of the First Nichols National Bank for a number of years. Ed served on the Kenedy ISD board for over 15 years and supported all school activities his entire life.  He served on the Hondo Creek Watershed Board for a number of years and as a county member of the Texas Veterans Land Board.  He was a member of the Alzafar Shriners in San Antonio for many years.   Ed and Jeanne were chosen as Citizens of the Year in 2011 by the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce. Ed loved the outdoors.  He spent many hours on his ranch near Cotulla hunting and raising cattle.  He raised both of his sons to respect nature, and as a grandfather, taught his grandsons much of his knowledge of the ranching life, how to hunt and care for everything on the ranch.  Ed’s life touched many people, and he will be missed by all. The family will receive friends Saturday, January 17, 2015 beginning at 12 Noon until 2 PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will begin Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 2 PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Matt Singleton officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, TX. Serving as pallbearers will be Zachary Ruhmann, Trenton Ruhmann, Gary Heirholtzer, Ed Ebrom, Mike Andrews, Gene Lake, Glen Kusak. Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Garrant, Bob Alexander, Dick Franklin, Frank Knocke, Amos Hardin, Malcolm Williams, Bob Smith, Earl Grant, George Rogers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church in Kenedy, Choate Baptist Church, Humane Society of Kenedy, Christian Life Center for Food in Kenedy or the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets.