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Dora Jimenez Ellis

HARLINGEN—Dora Jimenez Ellis, 65, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at Harlingen Medical Center.

Dora was born September 8, 1947 in San Benito, TX to Matias Paz Jimenez and Maria Guadalupe Jimenez. She was a former Computer Lab Assistant at La Feria High School for many years, current board member of the Harlingen Community Development Corporation and a member of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Harlingen.

Dora had many hobbies and activities that included gardening, cooking, traveling and especially playing with her grandkids.

She is survived by her husband, Lester James Ellis of Harlingen; children, Eddie Gonzalez of Potomac, MD and Richard Gonzalez of Edinburg, TX; grandchildren, Ruby Pierce Gonzalez of Potomac, MD, Shawn Murphree and Devin Murphree of Edinburg, TX; brothers, Francisco Jimenez of Katy, TX; Baldemar Jimenez of San Benito, TX; and Joe Jimenez of Spring, TX; sisters, Juanita Quezada of McAllen, TX; and Mary Perry of Deer Park, TX.

She was preceded in death by brother, Jose Matias Jimenez and her parents.

Visitation hours was held from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2013 with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2013 with burial to follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

You are invited to sign the guestbook or leave a memory at www.buckashcraft.com.

Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.

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Juanita C. Sifuentes

Juanita C. Sifuentes, 89, of San Benito, Texas, passed away on May 29, 2013 in San Benito surrounded by her loving family.

She was a strong woman and wonderful, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be missed dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Silvero Sifuentes; her parents: Felipe and Sostenes Cervantes; two sisters: Soleda Cortez and Guadalupe Machuca; and her granddaughter, Penny Jones.

Juanita is survived by her daughter, Minerva Villarreal; grandchildren: Janie Jones, Rejino Elizondo, and Priscilla Elizondo. She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a holy rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2013 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in San Benito. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Juanita C. Sifuentes at www.thomaegarza.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas; (956) 399-1331.

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Ruth McConkey

Ruth Proffer McConkey, 93, passed on to eternal life on Friday, May 3, 2013 in Chesterfield, Missouri. It was one day before what would have been her 72nd wedding anniversary. She married William George McConkey on May 4, 1941.

Ruth was born September 6, 1919 in East St. Louis, Illinois to Oliver George Proffer and Emma Grace Hayden. When Ruth was four, her mother died, leaving six children age 10 and under. The siblings were separated and did not reunite until they were adults.

Ruth spent some time in an orphanage. She became the foster daughter of August J. Ebersohl and Maria (Mary) Dyroff Ebersohl of Merrimac in Monroe County, Illinois. Her elementary education was spent at Walnut Grove, a one room school which was next door to the Ebersohl home. She excelled at school. On the basis of Ruth’s eighth grade graduation scores she was awarded a teacher’s college tuition scholarship. Ruth went to Valmeyer High School. It was difficult because transportation was not provided. Sometimes she walked to school or boarded in Valmeyer. Since she did not want to be a teacher finishing high school and attending college were considered foolish. After two years she left high school.

Her foster mother, Mary, was the Merrimac 4-H leader. Ruth learned to be an expert at cooking, canning and sewing. Ruth later became a 4-H leader and passed on her knowledge to the next generation. Ruth was a pitcher in the Monroe County Rural Youth softball team the year they won the state title. She was confirmed at St. Paul Evangelical & Reformed Church in Columbia. She apprenticed as a beautician with Florence and Alice McConkey, who were sisters of her fiancé Bill. After getting her beautician license Ruth operated her beauty shop in Waterloo.

Ruth met the love of her life, William George McConkey, at the old round dance hall in Merrimac. They were both 16, born just four days apart. Bill went right over to Ruth, who was sitting with a number of young men, and asked her to dance. That night Ruth knew Bill was the man she was going to marry. They danced all their lives, beginning at Columbia’s old Turner Hall and all the small country dance halls in rural Monroe County. They learned square dancing when they participated in the 1959 Columbia Centennial Pageant. Bill and Ruth joined various dance clubs and became expert Square and Round Dance partners. They retired at age 57 and began spending winters in South Texas, eventually relocating in San Benito permanently. There they danced seven days a week. Ruth and Bill also traveled extensively.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband William G. McConkey, son-in-law Arthur R. Woodcock and her siblings Juanita, Jeanette, George, Olive and Dora Mae.

Ruth is survived by three children and their families. Daughter Shirley Macias and husband Herbert of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; grandson Jason Patterson and wife Tara, great-grandchildren Caitlin, Alyssa, Ryan and Carolyn of Glendale Heights, Illinois. Daughter Susan Woodcock; granddaughter Angela Miller and husband Tim, great-grandchildren, Trenton and Hayden; granddaughter Patricia Brobeck and husband Bradley, great-grandchildren Christian, Grayson and Victoria. They are all of Niceville, Florida. Son Kenneth McConkey and wife Nancy of St. Louis, Missouri; granddaughter Kimberly Carrasco of Tulsa, Oklahoma; great-grandchildren Michael Hesselbach II of O’Fallon, Missouri; Angela, Kaley and Solina Carrasco of San Antonio, Texas; step-granddaughter Rachel Amratiel of St. Louis, Missouri. Also surviving are sister-in-law E. Lorraine McConkey of Columbia and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 15, 2013 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 127 St. Paul Street, Columbia, Illinois, 62236. We will gather in the church fellowship hall to receive friends and family at 10:00 a.m. The memorial service begins at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Continue reading »]]> SAN BENITO–Maria G. Saldivar, 93, passed away Friday morning at a local hospital surrounded by family and friends.

She is survived by her son Jose Saldivar; four daughers Oralia Gonzales (Jose), Maria S. Rodriguez, Ermelinda Llanes (Jose E.) and Tengie Leon; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was a faithful Jehova’s Witness for over 40 years.

She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed my those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 20, 2013 from 1-9 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Henry Thomae Funeral Home in San Benito.

Chapel services will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Henry Thomae Funeral Home with burial to follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Services have been entrusted to the care of Henry Thomae Funeral Home, 701 N. Bowie San Benito, TX; (956) 399-9992.

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Enriqueta Montalvo (Sifuentes) Laws

SAN BENITO—Enriqueta Montalvo (Sifuentes) Laws of San Benito passed away on May 4, 2013 surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

She was born on October 15, 1938 to Fausto and Hilaria Montalvo.

She worked many years for Dolly Vinsant Hospital as a cook and continued to do so for the San Benito School District, from whcih she later retired.

She is survived by her six children: Mary Frances Lopez (Estevan), Mary Lou Cavazos (Joe), AnaLisa Sifuentes, Juan Jr., Ralph and Maria Sifuentes. She also left behind one sister and five brothers, seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Fausto and Hilaria; sisters: Melba and Nelda; brothers: Fausto Jr. and Robin one son Jose Luis Sifuentes and former spouse Juan Sifuentes, Sr.

We would like to thank Dr. Posada, Dr. Vega, the Harlingen Medical Hospital and Bee Caring for all their dedication and support. Thank you to our family and friends for being there for us and especially for making Mom’s last days special.

At the request of the family, private burial will be held for her cremains.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Henry Thomae Funeral Home, Bowie St., San Benito, TX; (956) 399-9992.

Continue reading »]]> Helen Sophia Schneider Townsend, 93, of Weimar, Texas (formerly from San Benito, Texas) died on April 26, 2013.

The oldest of eight children, she was born to Jakob Schneider and Elsie Christesen Schneider on December 26, 1919 in San Benito, Texas.

Helen graduated from San Benito High School in 1938 and attended Marietta Business Institute in Marietta, Ohio. She moved to Weimar in 1941 where she kept house for her uncle, Rev. Christian Emizholz, pastor of the Weimar Evangelical Lutheran Church until 1954 when she married Leslie L. Townsend. While in Weimar, Helen worked for the First State Bank of Weimar for 42 years. She was a member of the United Church of Christ and served in various organizations of the church, a Girl Scout leader, and a member of Weimar Woman’s Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 49 years, Leslie; two brothers, Karl and Chris Schneider.

She is survived by four sisters, Frieda and husband, Luke John of San Antonio, TX; Ruth Malich of Ft. Wayne, IN; Karoline Forren of Boerne, TX; Sophie and husband, Lee Kowalsky of San Benito, TX; and one brother, Eddie and wife, Lenora Schneider of San Benito, TX. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was a loving, giving and devoted wife and friend who will be missed by those who knew her. She believed in the goodness of life and how God only gives what we can handle.

Services were held at UCC on April 30, 2013, Rev. Jerry Carpenter officiating. Interment followed in the Weimar Masonic Cemetery.

Continue reading »]]> SAN BENITO—Maria Margarita Torres Treviño went on to be with her Lord and savior Jesus Christ at the age of 70 on May 6, 2013.

She was preceded in death by her mother Camila Perez Torres and father Leopoldo Torres and her sister Andrea Torres Peña.

She is survived by her husband Carlos Treviño and her son Leopoldo Perez Torres and his wife Beyda Denise Torres; brother-in-law Arturo Pena; niece Josefina Peña Torres her husband Charles Isabel Torres and their children Sara Torres, Matthew Torres and Ryan Torres; her sister Heriberta Torres Reyes; brother-in-law Amado Reyes and their children Omar Reyes (Maria del Refugio) Roy Lee Reyes, Omero Reyes (Gloria), Thelma Reyes, Amado Reyes Jr. (Alana), Eloy Reyes (Linda) Joel Reyes and Rolando Reyes (Adrienne) and their children.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eloy, Leo, Joel, Omar, Rolando and Omero.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Henry Thomae Funeral Home 701 N. Bowie San Benito with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Chapel service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday May 9, 2013, at Henry Thomae Funeral Home with Burial to follow at San Benito City Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Henry Thomae Funeral Home 701 N. Bowie San Benito; (956) 399-9992.

Continue reading »]]> PLEASANTON, TX—Helen Louise Barker passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2013, in Pleasanton, Texas.

Louise was born on September 10, 1931 in Alvarado, Texas to Ethel Pauline and Orval Sharp.

She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years, Buford Barker; her son Wayne Barker and her daughter Betty Lou Zuniga.

She is survived by her daughters Nita Mack (Gary), Sue Barker, Gerri Richard (Gerald) and Judy Lynn Fox (Troy). She is also survived by her grandchildren Wendy Encinia (Roy Jr.), Christina Zahasky (Russell), Jessica Zuniga, Matthew Zuniga (Amanda), Chez Zuniga, Crystal Daley (Mark) and Kathryn Wright (Jason) and six great grandchildren; sister Frankie June Shelton; sister in-law Theresa Barker. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 from 1-7 p.m. with family present from 5-7 p.m. at Henry Thomae Funeral Home 701 N. Bowie San Benito.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013, at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito.

Services have been entrusted to the care of Henry Thomae Funeral Home 701 N. Bowie San Benito; (956) 399-9992.

Continue reading »]]> RIO HONDO, TX—John Brodecky, Jr. was born November 21, 1926 in Tavener, Texas to John and Johanna Brodecky. He was a longtime resident of the Rio Hondo area.

Most of John’s career was spent around a life of farming where he was known to raise the best watermelons. He was in a partnership with Robert Hommel where he helped to develop a method to lower the salt level on unproductive land whereby making it productive for farming.

John was a former mayor of Rio Hondo, member of the Rio Hondo Baptist Church and a staunch supporter of his wife in every detail.

He went to be with the Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

John is survived by daughter, Christine (Bagby) Heinrich of Rio Hondo; son-in-law, Doug Cox of Harlingen; grandchildren, Heather Cox of Harlingen, Richard Ferrell and family of Smithville, TX; Robert Ferrell and family of Houston, Patrick Heinrich and John David Heinrich.

He was preceded in death by his wife, JuaNita Brodecky, step-daughter, Claudia Bagby Cox; daughter, Barbara Zoe Alexander and brothers, Lee and Charlie Brodecky.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to the VBMC stroke unit, 3rd floor nursing staff, VBMC Family Practice and the many friends who called and showed their concern for John and family.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held at the Rio Hondo Baptist Church, 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013. Burial will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

A family visitation will be held at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home on Friday, April 19, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The family requests that in John’s memory should anyone care to make a donation, please remember the Epilepsy Foundation, 10615 Perrin Beitel Rd. #602, San Antonio, TX 78217 or to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.

You are invited to sign the guestbook or leave a memory at www.buckashcraft.com.

Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.

Continue reading »]]> Julian Garcia, Jr., 85, a holy man, went to heaven on March 12, 2013 in Harlingen.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gregoria Castillo Garcia; his saintly mother, Guadalupe Cantu Garcia; his father, Julian Garcia, Jr.; his sister Emma Garcia and nephew Joe Garcia, Jr.

He is survived by his brother, Francisco (Brady) Garcia from McAllen and wife Zoila. His sisters from Corpus Christi Maria Elena Perez and Eva Garza, Maria Evila Garcia from San Benito and Nephew Teodoro Donna, Jr. from San Antonio.

He was a loving, kind son and father.

He retired after 30 years from the postal service in San Benito and served two years with the U.S. Army during World War II.

He will be remembered as kind, peaceful and loved his family, friends and relatives and country.