Madelon Dietze Hysaw passed away on August 15, 2019. She was 97 years old and had a long, fabulous life.

She was born February 20, 1922 in Karnes City to H. Leroy and Lora Dietze. In 1942, she met the love of her life, Howard C. Hysaw, and they married on May 26 of that year after a whirlwind 5 week romance. Their marriage and their romance was as lengthy as their courtship was short, lasting until his death in 1990.

After Howard’s service in the Air Force, they settled in Kenedy for 42 years. She was employed at the United Methodist Church as church secretary for 30 years, and was active in the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the American Revolution. They were blessed with a daughter, Kathy Hysaw Weafer, who survives them.

After the death of her husband, she moved to Hawkns and lived blissfully on Lake Hawkins from 1990-2000. Her next door neighbor was her sister Doris Williams, and they made many memories together with travels, church parties and cocktails on the deck.

From 2000-2010 she lived in Austin, and settled into life as a great-grandmother. She traveled often and welcomed 5 great-grandchildren. Until her death, her joy was participating in every step of their lives, and in the lives of her daughter and grand-daughter, Kathy and Melanie. She adored them and they adored her in turn.

In May 2010, she moved with Melanie and her family to Wenatchee, Washington. There, hr life was one os school plays, gymnastic meets, lacrosse, and football. She was always excited to hear the kids daily stories and attend their events, even in the cold. she and her best friend, Carol Eldred of Wenatchee made the trek to many sporting events with bling, signs and enthusiasm.

Last year, her youngest grand-daughter, Kelly Weafer, became engaged to Grant Heatley. It brought her great happiness to witness their special commitment ceremony in Wenatchee, since she knew she would be unable to travel to their wedding in 2020. By this time, her body’s abilities were no longer keeping up with her spirit and determination.

Medelon was a true lady in every sense. She could enter a room and people were automatically drawn to her. She was regal in appearance and loving in nature. She never met a stranger and her door was always open.She had an infectious laugh and sparkles in her eyes. She loved her evening glass of wine while sitting on the back porch watching the grand kids swim and play.

She made many friends and touched many people along her way, as she loved so effortlessly. God was her foundation. and “family first” was her mantra. Luckily for you, if you knew her, she considered you family.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Hysaw Weafer of Austin, her sister Doris Williams, niece Linda Crabtree and Lee Williams of Hawkins, and by her granddaughter Melanie Adcock Tucker and Dr. Thomas Tucker of Wenatchee along with their 5 children John(“Jax”), Blaise, Madelon, Elizabeth and Henry and by her granddaughter Kelly Weafer of Austin.

The family would like to thank the staff at Avamere for their excellent care, love and friendship. Madelon’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, August 24th, at 10:30a.m. at Jones and Jones-Betts Memorial Chapel. Another Celebration of Life Service will take place on Thursday, August 29th at 1:00p.m. Eckols Funeral Home, 420 W. Live Oak St. in Kenedy.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Salvation Army or Humane Society.

SSG Toby Longoria Jr., U.S. Army (Veteran) of Kenedy, TX born on January 3, 1985 to Toby Longoria and Norma Villarreal Longoria passed away on August 15, 2019 at the age of 34. Toby is preceded in death by his father. Toby is survived by: his wife: Rebecca White Longoria, of Kenedy, TX, his infant daughter: Finley Reign Longoria of Kenedy,TX, his mother: Norma Longoria, of Kenedy,TX; paternal grandmother: Frances Longoria of Kenedy,TX; In Laws: Herman and Janet White of Kenedy,TX; sister: Brittany (Seth) Hughes of Wichita Falls,TX; nephew: Everett Hughes; brother: Anthony (Megan) Longoria of Blanco,TX; nephew: Eli Longoria and niece: Haley Longoria; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 20, 2019 from 9:00a.m. t0 9:00p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Graveside services Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 9:45a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with US Army Honors. Pallbearers: Anthony Longoria, Johnny Ramirez, Raymond Fanning, Patrick Salas, Miguel Torres, Martin Gonzales.

*Procession to leave Eckols  Funeral Home at 8:15a.m. Wednesday to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for 9:45a.m. Graveside.*

Mildred Giese, was born on May 15, 1924 to the late Willie Esse Sr. and Mary Retzloff Esse passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at the age of 95. Mrs. Giese was preceded in death by her husband Max in 1996. Survivors include her sons: Maurice Giese, of Harwood, TX and Warren(Jackie) Giese, of Cypress,TX; grandchildren: Christina Giese, Tanya(Randy) Bailey, Dawn Giese; 7 Great Grandchildren: Sklar Giese, Max Giese, Jason Perkins, Kelsey Perkins, Jade Perkins, Taylor Bailey, Riley Bailey; sisters: Bernice Schoreoder of Fashing and Janie Froehner of San Antonio, Visitation will be held on Friday, August 16, 2019 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home.  Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at Fashing Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: The Cal Farley Boys Ranch, 600 SW 11th Ave., Amarillo, Texas 79101-3228 info@calfarley.org.

Odelia (Lilly) D. Garibay, 81, of Pawnee, died peacefully Saturday, August 3, 2019, surrounded by her family and friends. Lilly was born July 12, 1938, in Peggy, Texas to Soledad C. and Guadalupe Davila.

Lilly graduated from Pawnee High School in 1958 and started her career at Restful Acres Nursing Home, where she worked as a nurses’ aid for many years. She found her way to the school district. She started working at Pawnee I.S.D., as a Principal’s Secretary/Librarian. Within her 28 years of service, she eventually became the secretary for the entire school district. She retired on a Friday as a school secretary, and started on a Monday as a Nurses Aid for Bee Home Health. After 12 years of service, she decided to officially retire due to health reasons.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Soledad C. Davila; father, Guadalupe Davila; sisters: Estela Gutierrez and Delia Martinez; brothers-in-law: Rudy Gutierrez, Lee Martinez; and son-in-law: Juan Salinas.

Survivors include her daughters: Ciccy Gonzales of Pawnee, TX and Terry Salinas of Pawnee, TX; son, Louis (Aimee) Garibay of Beeville,TX; grandchildren: Mary Kay (Richard) Lopez of Kenedy,TX, Victoria (Gabriel) Gutierrez of Pawnee,TX , Andrea (Eric Lara) Salinas of Beeville,TX, John Louis (Katelyn) Salinas of Mineral, TX, Caitlin Garibay of Phoenix, AZ, Mattie (Isaul Ramos) Garibay of Corpus Christi, TX, Lindsay Garibay of Beeville,TX, Cody Garibay of Newport News, VA, Garrett Garibay of Beeville, TX ; 12 great grandchildren; and brother, Everardo Davila of Tomball, TX.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00p.m. led by family. Funeral services Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 10:00a.m.at Eckols Chapel with interment to follow in Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery. Pallbearers: John Louis Salinas, Cody Garibay, Garrett Garibay, Michael Salinas, Owen Espinoza, and Joseph Salinas.

Reception to follow at the First Baptist Church of  Pawnee.TX.

Irene Kolinek Pundt, daughter of Adolph and Neva Kolinek passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2019. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Otto Ray Pundt, her son, Ronnie Pundt, grandson, Joseph Ray Pundt and great granddaughter, Kaitlyn Dermit; also her daughter-in-law: Louann Pundt. She was born in Kenedy, Texas and lived in Port Lavaca before retiring back in Kenedy in 1995. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 6:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Parkinsons Research @Michael J. Fox.org/donate.

Born Dec. 24, 1959 to Consuelo and Norbert Thoma. One sister Carol Thoma Yeshe and one brother, Paul Thoma.  First laid eyes on her true love in 7^th Grade.  Friends all through school……eventually  discovering love in college.  Joel Saldana and Liz married June 25, 1983.  Blessed with a precious daughter; Bettina Maria a year later.  Sadly, Bettina passed away at age 6.  Liz worked alongside her beloved husband at his medical practice, first in San Antonio and then in Kenedy, TX.  Liz found great joy in working in any capacity needed at St. Cornelius Church in Karnes City. She truly felt that fellow parishioners were her family.  Several illnesses caused Liz to cut back on her activities at St. Cornelius and she deeply missed her “family”.  Ultimately, pancreatic cancer crept into Liz’s life and the final chapter was written.

Preceded in death by daughter, Bettina, parents Consuelo and Norbert Thoma. Survived by husband, Joel Saldana, sister Carol Yeshe, brother Paul Thoma.  Loving nieces and nephews; outstanding great nieces and nephews who touched and enriched her life beyond measure.  Honored to have been chosen as a Godparent for 7 children. “You are forever in my prayers.”

A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, July 26, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Karnes City, TX

Funeral Mass will be in the St. Cornelius Catholic Church at 10:00 AM Saturday July 27, 2019. Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery.

Linda R. Torres, of Kenedy, TX born on February 17, 1959 passed away on July 23, 2019 at the age of 60. Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Randolph G. Torres. Survivors include her daughters: Heather Torres of Kenedy,TX and Irma (Hector) Garcia, of Kenedy,TX and Son: Christopher R. Torres, of Kenedy,TX; 5 Grandchildren: Jaydin Chapa, Jayzlin Chapa, Makayla Segovia, Randy Rey Torres, and Hendrix Garcia and one on the way; Sister: Irma Rodriguez, of Kenedy, Texas; brother: Juan (Liz) Rodriguez, Deer Park,TX; numerous nieces, nephew and other relatives. Visitation Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 9:00.m. at 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00p.m. Funeral services Monday, July 29, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with interment following in Loma Alta Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jaydin Chapa, Martin Alaniz Jr., John Phillip Rodriguez, Elias Torres, Joe Trevino, and Eric Martinez.

 Rigoberto Carrion Saenz, was born on January 08, 1926 in Three Rivers, Texas to Dionicio and Romana Saenz, he was 93 years, 6 months and 11 days. He lived in Pawnee, Texas and went to meet his Lord and Savior on July 19, 2019 at 12:24, he was in his Pawnee home surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He lead a long, healthy and blessed life.

He married Eledia Duenez on September 29, 1958; they had a marriage of 60 years. He has 5 sons: Ephraim (Dottie)Saenz of San Antonio, Joel (Robyn) Saenz of Pawnee, Steve (Cristana) Saenz of El Campo, Eddie Saenz of Pawnee, and Oscar (Laura) Saenz of San Antonio and 4 daughters: Rebecca (Alfredo) Magana of San Antonio, Raquel (Epifanio, III) Villarreal of Pawnee, Lilly (Eli)Amaya of San Antonio, and Lorena Saenz of Karnes City. He has 23 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents: Dionicio and Roman Saenz; his sisters: Hortencia Acevedo, Maria Cavazos, Eulalia Asevedo, and Gregoria Ramirez and his brothers: Jose Maria Saenz, Margarito Saenz, Nicholas Saenz, Eligio Saenz and Marcelito Saenz and 3 great

grandchildren: Epifanio, IV, Eledia Maria and Elian Daniel Villarreal.

Rigoberto Saenz was a humble uneducated man, he had a third grade education; he was a farmer and a minister. The Reverend Rigoberto Saenz began his ministry in the Latin American Council of Christian Churches in 1964. He pastored Bethel Church in Beeville, Texas then was Pastor to Smirna Church in Pawnee, Texas for 55 years. He was a faithful servant of God and loved to share his testimony with everyone he met. He loved to preach about God’s love and forgiveness. His kindness, patience and his passion for spreading the love of God was admired and loved by his community and his church family.

Funeral Services will be held at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas. Visitation will begin at 5P.M.on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 with a Prayer service to be held at 7:00P.M. Chapel Service will begin at 10A.M. on Wednesday, July 24, at Eckols Funeral Home. Interment at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Pawnee, Texas. Services will under the direction of numerous Ministers of the Latin American Council of Christian Churches. Please note the following websites to leave condolences: www. olingermortuaryservice.com, www.SouthsideFH.com and www. HeritageOaksMortuary.com or  to sign guest book.

Joe U. Jett, of Kenedy,TX was born on February 7, 1941 in Jet, Oklahoma to Paul Jett and Ethel Ropp Jett passed away on Jul 18, 2019 at the age of 78. Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years: Carolyn Jett; sons, Jeff and Brent Jett of Kansas; sisters: Evanne Althouse, of Mississippi; sister-law-Jeanette Gonzales, of Brazios; brother–in-law: Robert Trobl-Shiner and Jimmy Trobl (Karen), Bay City,TX; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation Saturday, July 20, 2019 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Graveside  services  Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at Cenizo Hill Cemetery, Mathis, TX.

Tom was born to Newt and Janice Conder Porter in Beeville,TX. He is preceded in death by his parents and many beloved uncles and aunts. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Terri Anderson Porter, of Kenedy,TX. He is also survived by his children: Samantha Porter of Austin,TX, John Wesley Porter of Karnes City,TX, Rebecca (Fernando) Villalobos of Alpine, TX and JW (Julia) Hunter of Georgetown, TX.

Thoughout his life, Tom proved himself to be full of many talents. He owned and operated his own trucking company out of Kenedy, TX for many years. He kept his children and many others entertained with stories from life on the road including the time he hauled cattle to California for Little House on the Prairie as well as when he had to teach people on the East Coast how to shuck tamales he had brought as a gift. He knew a lot and shared a lot.

Tom also enjoyed any time he was able to do cowboy work. His faithful horse Bud was the center of many great tales. They covered many acres and pushed through miles of South Texas brush together. Bud wasn’t his only ranch help. Tom always knew Terry would be by his side to feed cows, bottle feed baby goats and to make the best cookies around after a long hot day. Sharing whatever he had with Buck, his much loved dog.

Tom never lost his love for the land and spent many hours working it, either by hand or dozer. He relished the opportunity to be in the true beauty of nature. He continues to make his family proud hoping that any donations made in his honor go to the Karnes County Humane Organization to help with their great works.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 21, 2019 from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral Services scheduled for Monday, July 22, 2019 at  10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Ed Griffin officiating. Interment to follow in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers: John Wesley Porter, Jesse Hunter, Fernando Villalobos, Paul Edwards, Eugene Pryor, Adam Avilles, and Shane Thomkins.