Mary Louise Birkner Kiesling of Kenedy, Texas passed away on October 30, 2026.  She died peacefully at her home after a brief illness.  She was 93 years old.

Mary was born on a dairy farm August 17, 1933 in Bay City, Texas to Joseph Adolph Birkner and Mabel Green Birkner and grew up in a very large family.  After graduating from Bay city High School, she went on to attend Warton Junior College where she was a cheerleader and met the love of her life, a very handsome and gifted athlete, Larry Kiesling.

After completing Warton Junior College, Mary attended TCU for a year before joining Larry at Sam Houston State in Huntsville.  The two were married January 23, 1954 in Bay city and upon earning their degrees in education, took jobs and coaching in Charlotte, Texas.  They were blessed with 3 Children, Kathleen, Larry, Jr. and Lisa.

In 1962, when Lisa was just 6 weeks old, Larry accepted a coaching position in Kenedy and moved the family to the town they would spend the rest of their lives.

Mary held multiple degrees in education and loved teaching.  She served as a teacher, Reading Specialist, and Curriculum Coordinator for Kenedy ISD for many years.  After her retirement, she also served 2 terms on Kenedy’s school board.  She was very fond of every student she taught and was very familiar with almost every student in the district either through their school records or family.  Mary seemed to make a connection with everyone she met.

Mary was a devout Christian and attended the United Methodist Church most of her Life where she served the church in various capacities and especially enjoyed singing in the choir.

She lived her final year quietly attended by her caregivers who treated her like a queen.  After first she was hesitant about having extra care, but grew to love Cindy, Grace, Mary Ann, and Patty like they were family.  She was so appreciative of everything they did as they helped make her final days pleasant.

Mary also enjoyed her long time friends.  They call themselves the Golden Girls.  These ladies enjoyed lunches and tea parties together.  The group truly enjoyed spending time with each other often laughing until they cried.  Her friends supported Mary throughout her illness and she loved the all.

The joy of Mary’s life was her family.  She dearly loved all of her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.  She cherished phone call, cards, and letters from each and everyone of them.  She had a gift of listening and took interest in all their lives.

Mary was also blessed by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She felt so fortunate to have them and literally spoke of them every day.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Larry Kiesling, Sr. Also proceeding her in death are her brothers Joseph Birkner, Otha Birkner, and Jack Birkner; sister Mabel Wakefield; and cousin Alfred Birkner.

She is survived by her sisters Anna Ruth Klein and Kathleen Stevens, and cousin Kenneth Birkner.  Mary is also survived by her daughter Kathleen Nichols (Neil), son Larr Kiesling, Jr. (Sharla), and daughter Lisa Selph (Travis).  Also surviving her are 9 grandchildren: Justin (Brooke) Mayes, Lauren Robson, Keely (Devin) Engel, Trapper (Danielle) Selph, Karly (Dustin) Theuret, Paige Selph, Joseph (Emily) Kiesling, Carson Kiesling, and Jesse Kiesling; 13 great grandchildren: Kayce (Trace) Labus, Hunter Mayes, Mason Real, Trevor Engel, Kinsley Engel, Maeve Selph, Jaelynn Mayes, Beckett Engel, and Kora Lynn Theuret; many nieces, and nephews; and extended family member Maria Nunez.

Visitation for Mary will be Thursday evening from 6pm –  8pm at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy.  Funeral Services will be Friday at 11am also at Eckols Funeral Home, Burial will follow at the Kenedy Cemetery.  Those wishing to send memorials can do so by contributing to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

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Helen Bernice Buckley, Age 90, of Kenedy, Texas passed away on October 10, 2026. She was born to Arthur and Ida Wilson Karm on July 2, 1936, in Gonzales, Texas.  At a young age, her family moved to Refugio, TX where she spent her younger years and graduated from Refugio High School in 1954.

Helen loved to sing.  She would sing quirky songs, country songs and gospel songs.  She loved sharing memories of her childhood.  Growing up in a single parent household with little money and 5 siblings made for some pretty interesting and funny stories.  It taught us that you don’t need a lot of money to be happy.  Just a good imagination and some duct tape.  Her stories and songs will forever stay in our hearts and memories.

Her greatest passion was sewing and crocheting.  She made everything from prom dresses for her oldest granddaughter, afghans for her children and stuffed animals for her grandkids.  Some of her favorite pastimes were camping and fishing with family and working crossword puzzles.  She was always ready for a game of dominos or cards.

She is preceded in death by her parents, second husband, John Francis Buckley, first husband, James Leon Sturm, sisters, Evelyn Martin, Gladys Henson, Pauline Graumann and brother, Roland Karm.  She is survived by her children, Pauline Russell, Lynda Turner, Cindy Hellesvig, Marcus Sturm, and Wendy Brysch, 12 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and youngest sister, Wilma Parker.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to John Paul II Nursing Home for their care and compassion throughout her stay.  In accordance with Helens’ wishes, cremation services were provided by Eckols Funeral Home, Inc. in Kenedy, TX.  No Memorial Service is planned at this time.

Carolyn Riggs, age 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, October 30, 2026 in Karnes City, TX. She was born on January 18, 1944, to Raymond Jacobson and Hildur (Froling) Jacobson in Tampa, Florida. She married Chet Riggs on June 26, 1980. Carolyn was a loving mother, grandmother and friend whose family was the center of her life. She was affectionally known to them as “Nene.”

She made it a point to be at all school activities as well as making sure there was time every summer to go on a family vacation. She would help care for her grandson Derek Windmeyer when he was younger and he lovingly remembers how she spoiled him. She would pick him up after preschool and she always had a surprise for him. Most of the time it was something small like a Hot Wheels car and sometimes it was bigger, like a model train. She always made sure that he got a snack. Sometimes it was a snack bar or muffin and other times it was chocolate covered strawberries so they could at least tell his mom that he had a healthy snack; however, they would leave out the details about it being covered in chocolate. His dad traveled for work, so she would make it a point to take him with her to the airport where they would go to the top of the parking lot to watch the airplanes take off and land while they waited for his dad’s arrival.

Derek grew up and soon brought Carolyn (Nene) a granddaughter when he married Alana. Alana remembers the special times they shared when they went to breakfast. They would sit with a cup of coffee and chat. Those conversations will always hold a special place in Alana’s heart where they helped to get her through hard times and “Nene’s” advice taught her be patient and to wait on God’s timing. She was always there for anyone that needed a shoulder to cry on or just someone to talk to or confide in.

She was the “fun” person in the family always making time to take those that wanted to go to San Antonio to the movies and sometimes just for a ride with the windows down with everyone singing at the top of their lungs. She also loved to play jokes on family members by dressing up as a “Hobo” and standing on the street corner by the house waving to them as they drove by. Once they got home, they mentioned the strange person on the corner waving, and she would get a big laugh and say it was her. She will be deeply missed.

Carolyn worked with the Texas Department of Human Services in the Food Stamp Office, the Karnes County Sheriff’s Office and at Chase Naval Airfield in Beeville for many years. She was also a member of the Ladies Volunteer Fire Fighter Auxilliary.

She is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Hildur (Froling) Jacobson, daughter Cynthia (Cindy) Coursey, brother-in-law Edward Janek and sister-in-law Lorene Janek.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Chet Riggs, son Michael Windmeyer, grandchildren Derek (Alana) Windmeyer, her fur baby CeCe and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Witte officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Duane Elliott, Lloyd Koerth, Terry Woods, Chris Jendrusch, Dylan Kotara, Traye Moczygemba and Bryce Moczygemba.

Victoria Aguirre Arenas, a cherished matriarch, and beacon of love and faith, passed peacefully at the age of 87, on October 27, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.  Born on February 22, 1939, in Pettus, Texas, Victoria was the beloved daughter of Pedro Aguirre and Tomasa Caballero. She grew up in a large, loving family, with her roots deeply planted in the rich soil of Texas, surrounded by her family.

On March 28, 1957, Victoria married her soulmate, Vicente Arenas Sr. Together, they built a beautiful family and a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Victoria and Vicente raised their children, Debra, DiAnna, Basilia, Vicente Jr., and grandson Edward Villarreal III, with the same love and values that were instilled in them. Her family blossomed, and she took immense pride in her 7 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren, always cherishing her role as the heart of her family.

Victoria was predeceased by her beloved husband Vicente Arenas Sr., her parents, Pedro and Tomasa, her sisters Paula, Isabel, Rafaela, and Virginia, and brothers Santiago, Alberto, Antonio, Doming, Alfredo, Raul, and Andrew. She is survived by her brother, Jose Aguirre, her devoted children, and a vast lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each a testament to her enduring legacy.

Throughout her career as a Social Worker with the Texas Department of Human Services, Victoria touched countless lives with her compassion and dedication. Her commitment to community service extended beyond her professional life. As a devoted Catholic and a faithful member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church for over 50 years, she was a pillar of her church community. Victoria’s involvement with Las Guadalupanas and her tireless efforts in preparing costumes for the annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe showcased her selfless spirit and her dedication to nurturing the youth.

Known for her culinary skills, Victoria’s handmade tortillas were legendary. She devoted countless hours to preparing them for the Guadalupanas’ monthly fundraisers, each tortilla a symbol of her love and generosity. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and welcome, where family and friends gathered to share in her delicious creations and her endless wisdom.

With a needle and thread, Victoria created magic. Her sewing was not just a hobby but a labor of love, as she crafted everything from Halloween costumes to prom dresses for her grandchildren, leaving them with cherished memories and garments stitched with love.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 30, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  A celebration of Victoria’s life will be held on October 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, located at 605 Karnes St., Kenedy, Texas. Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor her remarkable life and the legacy she leaves behind. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Victoria’s honor to Our Lady Queen Of Peace Catholic Church, P.O Box 89, Kenedy Texas 78119.  Please include “Victoria Arenas – Church Group” on the memo line.  to continue the spirit of giving that Victoria embodied throughout her life.

Victoria’s journey was one of love, faith, and service. Her vibrant spirit and generous heart will forever be remembered, cherished, and celebrated by all who knew her.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Roberto Cantu, Elmorris Foley, Jr., Andrew R. Earlenbaugh, Eduardo, Villarreal, III, Alexander Palacios, and Juan De Los Santos.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Christopher Palacios and Drew Bryan.

Mary Ann Garcez, Age 76 of Kenedy, TX went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 25, 2026. Mary Ann was born on February 12, 1950 in Runge, TX to the late Felipe B. and Baldamera Garza. She married Domingo Alvarado Garcez on May 3, 1968 in Karnes City, TX; and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, homemaker and of the Baptist Faith.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Felipe and Baldamera Garza, son, Matthew Garcez, four brothers, Daniel Garza, Jesus Garza, Isaias Garza, Bernabe Garza, and two sisters, Rebecca Ocanas and Emma Villanueva.
She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years Domingo Alvarado Garcez of Kenedy, children, Michael and Patricia Garcez of Kenedy, Victoria and Mark Cuellar of Kenedy, Domingo and Cynthia Garcez of Kenedy, Mark Garcez of Karnes City, Michelle and Trey Merritt of Karnes City, brother, Elijio and Rosie Garza of Clovis New Mexico, 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. with Services at 11:00 A.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Elijio Garza officiating. Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.
Serving as Pallbearers: Patrick Garcez, Marc Garcez, Daron Garcez, Wyatt Merritt, Justice Cuellar and Gaige Garcez.

Evinia “Vinnie” Padron Rodriguez was received by her Lord and savior Oct. 25, 2026.  She was born in Kenedy, Texas on June 13, 1938, to Leonora and Felix Padron, Sr., the youngest of six  children.

Evinia attended  Kenedy High School and became a licensed beautician. She  worked at  Linder’s, Emily’s  and  Vicky’s beauty shops.

Evinia married Lidio Rodriguez on Dec. 21, 1980. They supported each other in many activities and loved serving and hosting family.

She was a devout Catholic and very active at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy.  She is fondly remembered by many as a CCFF teacher who prepared students for for the sacrament of Confirmation. She contributed to church fairs as she organized fundraisers and bake sales. As a member of the Guadalupanas, she served as president several years maintaining members’ participation and achieving the organization’s goals. She enjoyed serving her hair clients, particularly caring for the elderly. She loved music, dancing, baking, celebrating holidays and family gatherings. She was a loyal Spurs fan.

Evinia is preceded in death by her parents; sisters Edelmira Zamora (Genovevo), Eleanor Puente (Martin), Eloisa Treviño (Domingo), Elia Bailey (Roy); and brother Felix Padron, Jr. (Argelia).

 She is survived by her devoted husband and numerous nieces and nephews.

 She will be missed for her smile, sense of humor, generosity, patience and kindness.

The family thanks BlueBonnet Nursing and Rehabilitation Center personnel and Crown Hospice personnel for the attention she received while under their care.

 A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, followed  by the Rite of Committal at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Joe Zamora Jr., Kelley Puente, Felix Padron III, Orlando Gonzales, Esteban Graham, David Graham, Raquel Gonzales and Daniel Blancas.

George Luis Saenz Garza

January 10, 1956 – October 15, 2026

George Luis Saenz Garza, beloved son of Elvira and Felipe Garza, passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 8:24 p.m. Born on January 10, 1956, George was raised on a farm in Kenedy, Texas, and remained a longtime member of the Kenedy community before becoming a long-term citizen of Houston, Texas.

George was a dedicated hard worker and entrepreneur, well known for his skill as a butcher and meat processor. Alongside his beloved wife, Patricia Alice Garza, they worked hard together owning and operating Garza’s Meat Market in Kenedy. George was widely celebrated for his mastery at the barbecue pit and his special homemade barbecue sauce.

An avid outdoorsman, George truly loved nature—whether he was out hunting or simply enjoying the fresh Texas air. He was a passionate sports fan, faithfully cheering on the Houston Astros, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, and following golf. George was also deeply fascinated by space and astronomy; he loved the NASA channel and never missed a rocket launch, often gathering his loved ones to watch the countdowns together.

Above all, family was the core of George’s life. George was a loving father to his sons, Ernest Matthew Aguirre and Travis George Garza. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren, sharing a special bond with Aubrianna Marie Garza and serving as a steadfast supporter of Ty Gunner Garza’s baseball involvement. He was also a doting great-grandfather to Eliana Marie Garza, who was truly the light of his life.

George will be reunited in heaven with his parents, Elvira and Felipe Garza, and his late siblings, Alice Garza (John Corbin), Gilbert Garza, Lupita Garza, and Ignacio Garza. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Alice Garza; his sons, Ernest Matthew Aguirre and Travis George Garza; his loving brothers, Felipe Garza (Rosa Garza) and Henry Garza (Mary Garza); his sister-in-law, Ofelia Garza (Gilbert Garza); his grandchildren, Aubrianna Marie Garza and Ty Gunner Garza; his great-granddaughter, Eliana Marie Garza; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, October 23, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be Celebrated Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11:30 A.M.  at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

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Brenda Annette Moses Donnell, Age 68, of Pettus, Texas, passed away on October 10, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on October 1, 1958, in Beeville, Texas, Brenda was the daughter of Billy and Frances Moses. She was a beloved mother, sister, niece, aunt, and friend whose generous heart, quick wit, and unforgettable personality touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Brenda had a special way of making people feel welcome and cared for, often entertaining them with an unexpected comment or story.

Brenda grew up surrounded by her four brothers, who always kept her on her toes. Being the big sister to those Moses boys was never an easy job, but she loved every minute of it. Their bond was a special part of her life, and she had plenty of stories to tell about their adventures.

When she wasn’t stirring up a little trouble, Brenda could often be found in the kitchen. Cooking and baking were among her greatest joys, and sharing the food she prepared was one of the many ways she showed her love. Her kitchen was a place where her passion, personality, and devotion came together.

Brenda’s greatest legacy is the love she leaves in the hearts of her family and friends. She is survived by her two children, Heather (Zack) Gonzales of Tuleta, Texas, and James Colton Donnell of Corpus Christi, Texas; her three grandchildren, Dezhmen, Heirabella, and Payton Gomez; and her two great-grandchildren, Adalynn and Ashton Gomez.

She is also survived by her four brothers, Darryl (Cindy) Moses, Billy Andy Moses, Eric (Megan) Moses, and Craig Moses, along with numerous extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, James Donnell, and her parents, Billy and Frances Moses.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Roberto Ramirez for his loving care throughout the years and to the Trinity Hospice team, whose compassion and support helped make Brenda’s final journey to heaven peaceful.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Thomas Don Noah, of Big Wells, TX, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather went to be with the Lord on October 1, 2026.  He was born to Tommy and Wanda Noah in Big Wells, TX on November 13, 1934.  He grew up as a cowboy, working cattle on horseback with his father where he lived in Valley Wells, TX.  After graduating from Cotulla High School in 1953, he attended the University of Corpus Christi where he met the love of his life, Norma.  He then moved to Kingsville, TX to finish his degree at Texas A&I in 1957, with a BS in Agriculture.  He completed his Master’s Degree in 1960 in Education, also from Texas A&I.  He taught two years at Port Aransas, TX before teaching at London Independent School District (just south of Corpus Christi, TX) for the remainder of his 35 year teaching career.  He was a beloved coach for most of his teaching years and became Principal at London School the last 3 years of his career.  Mr. Noah is preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Norma Noah and sister and brother-in-law: Charlotte and Danny Wylie.  He is survived by his daughter: Shelly (David) Teichmann, Mobeetie, TX; son: Scott Noah, San Antonio, TX; grandchildren: Weston (Lisa) Teichmann, Houston, TX; Carlyn Tolleson, Dumas, TX; Grayson (Tessa) Noah, London, England and Kate (Brady) Cone, Milledgeville, GA; great grandchildren: Jaxon Teichmann, Houston, TX; Oaklee Tolleson, Dumas, TX; Emmerson Cone and Caleb Cone, Milledgeville, GA; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.  Visitation prior to the services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:00AM to 12:30PM at the Second Baptist Church of Corpus Christi, TX, 6701 S. Staples, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 with Funeral Services beginning promptly at 1:00PM with Rev. Dana Moore officiating.  Graveside services will be held at 4:00PM at Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, TX.  Pallbearers:  Weston Teichmann, Carlyn Tolleson, Grayson Noah, Kate Cone, Brady Cone, Eric Wylie, Brien Wylie, Quent Harris (honorary) and Gerard Harris.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Sam Craig Ministries, 900 County Road 469, Gonzales, TX 78629 or Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, 902 Nueces Bay Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78408.

Deciderio “David” Rodriguez, Sr., Age 65 of Kenedy, TX went to be in the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on September 28, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.  David was born on June 22, 1961 in Karnes City, TX to the late Guadalupe, Sr. and Dominga Garcia Rodriguez. He is married to Ofelia Garcia Rodriguez, former Operations Manager for Pioneer, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, dear friend to many in the Karnes County Community and a Member of Karnes City Methodist Church in Karnes City, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe, Sr. and Dominga Garcia Rodriguez, granddaughter, Ulivia “Liv” Lace Salinas and a sister Patricia Rodriguez.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ofelia Garcia Rodriguez of Kenedy, children, Janie Rosales Gutierrez and husband Richard, Jr. of Floresville, Jacob Lee Garcia, Sr and wife Patricia of Floresville, Deciderio “David” Rodriguez, Jr. and wife Kelsea of Kenedy, Veronica Ann Rodriguez and husband Isaac of Kenedy, siblings, Pauline Rodriguez of San Juan, Norma Rodriguez of Kenedy, Nancey Rodriguez of Victoria, Sylvia Martinez of Kenedy, Stella Rodriguez of Victoria, Sara Rodriguez of Kenedy, Elisa Rosales of Victoria, Sandra Rodriguez of Victoria, Guadalupe Rodriguez of Victoria, Gilbert Rodriguez of Victoria, Jesse Rodriguez of Victoria, Robert Rodriguez of San Diego, CA, 12 grandchildren, his nena’s Lisa Farias and Cynthia Molina of Kenedy and his best friend Leo Monsivais of Kenedy.

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with Prayer Services at 7:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Becky Flores officiating.  Services will be Monday, October 5, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Becky Flores officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Jacob Lee Garcia, Sr., Deciderio “David” Rodriguez, Jr., Isaac Rodriguez, Sr., Ryder Salinas, Isaac Rodriguez, Jr., Richard Gutierrez, Jr., and Jacob Lee Garcia, Jr.