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Brandon Ayala Leal
HARLINGEN, TX — Brandon Eric Ayala Leal, 5, was born on September 8, 1997 and went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 26, 2003 due to a tragic accident.
He was a Pre-Kinder student at Rio Hondo Elementary. Brandon leaves behind many heartfelt memories of his candid smile and joyful self to numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Brandon will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Margarito Leal.
He is survived by his mother, Melissa Ayala; two sisters, Brandi Arredondo and Bryanna Rodriguez; and father, Alfredo Leal. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Joe and Paula Ayala; Paternal grandmother, Juanita Leal; two aunts, Norma Gomez, godfather Danny Gomez, Jr., and JoAnn Ayala (Chris); cousins, Danny and Samantha Gomez, Christopher Gonzalez, II; great-grandparents, Jose and Dominga Martinez, Jose and Isaac Ayala all of Harlingen. Visitation will be held today, Thursday, May 29, 2003 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at the Rudy Garza Funeral Home.
The funeral procession will depart the Rudy Garza Funeral Home on Friday, May 30, 2003 at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Helen’s Catholic Church with Father Mario Castro as celebrant. Interment will follow at Ashland Memorial Park in Harlingen.
Pallbearers will be David Martinez, Salvador Carmona, Jr., Joe Martinez, Jr., Luis Martinez, George Ayala, and Joe Ramirez. Honorary pallbearers will be his cousins; Samantha Gomez, Danny Gomez, Christopher Gonzalez, II, Joshua Martinez, and Joe Martinez III.
Remembering Brandon:
When your little face flashes in the light It is your beautiful smile that we long to be in sight. When your precious name comes to mind It is your hopeful big brown eyes we try to find. When your small voice lingers in our ears It is your joyful laugh we try to hear. And when we want to hold you close In our hearts is where we’ll search most, ‘Cause God has called you from above Leaving us with nothing but your eternal love. A.C.C.‘03
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas.
Jose C. Gonzalez
HARLINGEN, TX — Jose C. Gonzalez, 76, was born on July 28, 1926, and passed into the hands of our Lord on Thursday May 29, 2003 at Valley Baptist Medical Center.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Maria Teresa Gonzalez; and his children, Mr. and Mrs. Juan Valdez (Juanita), Mr. and Mrs. Arturo Guerra (Gloria), Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Campos (Carmela), Mr. and Mrs. Juan Manuel Gonzalez (Herlinda), Mr. and Mrs. Don L. Powers (Hilda), Mr. and Mrs. David Gonzales (Rosa), Mr. and Mrs. Edgardo Garcia (Elva), Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Gonzalez (Cruzita), Mr. and Mrs. Victor Gonalez (Adela), Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Gonzalez (Lucia), Mr. and Mrs. Max Gonzalez (Patricia); he is also survived by his sisters, Jesus Gonzalez, Teresa Rodriguez, Ramona Zamperio and Cenorina Sandoval; he is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held today, Friday, May 30, 2003, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace with the Holy Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m.
The funeral procession will depart the Rudy Garza Funeral Home on Saturday, May 31, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Fr. Mathias Shanley as the Celebrant. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in La Feria, TX.
Pallbearers will be Juan Manuel Gonzalez, Antonio Gonzalez, Alfredo Gonzalez, Victor Gonzalez, Max Gonzalez and Johnny J. Gonzales.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home.
Olga R. Sanchez
LIMA, OH — Olga Ramirez Mata Sanchez, 47, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 4:55 p.m. at Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, OH. She was born October 31, 1955 in Weslaco, Texas to Victoria Mata Sr. and Martha Ramirez.
Her father survives in Hollister, CA and her mother survives in Weslaco, Texas; and Fiance’ James M. Burks of Lima, OH.
She worked as a Psychiatric Attendant at Oakwood Correctional Facility and she also was a headstart teacher for LACCA for over 16 years. Ms Sanchez was also a member of the Community Baptist Church.
Survivors include her 3 sons, Ricardo E. Sanchez (Shonda) of Lima, OH, Michael A. Sanchez of Lima, OH, and Ruben Sanchez of Lima, OH; 1 daughter, Jessica Sanchez of Lima, OH; 3 grandchildren; 1 brother, Raul R. Luna of Weslaco, Texas; 1 sister, Olby R. Hughes of Hammond, Louisiana
She was preceded in death by a brother, Rene R. Luna
Funeral Services will be held 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at the Community Baptist Church with Dr. Melvin J. Woodard officiating.
Friends may call 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., Monday, June 2, 2003 at Jones-Clark Funeral Home, Inc.-Chapel. Family will be present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Condolences can be e-mailed to JonesClarkFH@aol.com
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Clark Funeral Home, Inc.
Gordon Adair Rogers
WESLACO, TX — Gordon A. Rogers, 83, passed away on May 29, 2003 at his residence in Weslaco. He was born in Pierre, South Dakota on October 5, 1919 to Joseph J. and Grace Baker Rogers.
He lived most of his life in Muscatine, Iowa. He had been a resident of Weslaco since 1994 after eight years as a winter texan.
Gordon was a 50 year member and a Past Master of Iowa Lodge #2 and a 50 year member of Electa Chapter #32 of the Eastern Star, both in Muscatine, Iowa. He was also a member of Wesley Methodist Church in Muscatine for 67 years, Chairman of the District Council of Ministries for 9 years and Lay Leader for many years. He had been a member of First United Methodist Church in Weslaco since 1994. He served his country in the European Theater during World War II. He was in the Army Medical Corps and was discharged as a Tech Third Grade. He was employed as Chief Medical Lab Technologist at Muscatine Hopitals for 30 years. He retired from Grain Processing Corporation from Sales Administration in 1982.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lawrence L. Rogers.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Betty Rogers of Weslaco, Texas; two daughters, Barbara Masterson of Uhland, Texas and Elizabeth (James) Newberry of Lexington, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Catherine Masterson of Uhland, Texas, Theresa (Devon) Rice of Nicholasville, Kentucky, Christopher (Carlye) Masterson, USN of San Biego, CA and Douglas (Vaghi) Newberry, USN of Chicago, Illinois; and one great granddaughter, Erin Adair Rice of Nicholasville, Kentucky. Also surviving him is one sister, Jean Weiersheuser of Muscatine, Iowa; a very dear friend, Harry Masterson of Weslaco, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Monday, June 2, 2003 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Weslaco with Rev. Myron Ricketts, Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Weslaco officiating the service. Inurnment will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2003 a 2 p.m. at Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery in Muscatine, Iowa.
Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to KMC Hospice Care Services, P.O. Box 1110 Weslaco, Texas 785956 or First United Methodist Church, 520 S. Illinois St. Weslaco, Texas 78596.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco.
Jose C. Gonzalez
HARLINGEN, TX — Jose C. Gonzalez, 76, was born on July 28, 1926, and passed into the hands of our Lord on Thursday May 29, 2003 at Valley Baptist Medical Center.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Maria Teresa Gonzalez; his children, Mr. and Mrs. Juan Valdez (Juanita), Mr. and Mrs. Arturo Guerra (Gloria), Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Campos (Carmela), Mr. and Mrs. Juan Manuel Gonzalez (Herlinda), Mr. and Mrs. Don L. Powers (Hilda), Mr. and Mrs. David Gonzales (Rosa), Mr. and Mrs. Edgardo Garcia (Elva), Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Gonzalez (Cruzita), Mr. and Mrs. Victor Gonalez( Adela), Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Gonzalez (Lucia), Mr. and Mrs. Max Gonzalez (Patricia). He is also survived by his sisters, Jesus Gonzalez, Teresa Rodriguez, Ramona Zamperio and Cenorina Sandoval; He is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held on Friday, May 30, 2003, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace with the Holy Rosary prayed at 7 pm.
The funeral procession will depart the Rudy Garza Funeral Home, today, Saturday, May 31, 2003, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Fr. Mathias Shanley as the Celebrant. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in La Feria, TX.
Pallbearers will be Juan Manuel Gonzalez, Antonio Gonzalez, Alfredo Gonzalez, Victor Gonzalez, Max Gonzalez and Johnny J. Gonzales.
Funeral arrangements are under thedirection of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen.
Anne Caver Shirley
(Mrs. Melvin Shirley)
ATHENS, GA — Anne Caver Shirley was born in Wheeler, Mississippi on March 16, 1909. She attended pubic schools in Wheeler, Mississippi, and earned a BA degree at Union University in Jackson, Mississippi, majoring in education and domestic science. At Union, she pledged Chi Omega Sorority.
Anne came to Texas with her sister Edith and they taught for a while in Corpus Christi and McAllen. Melvin and Anne Shirley married in Harlingen, in 1937. Anne started teaching 3rd grade in 1938 at Travis Elementary in Harlingen.
When World War II stared, Melvin Shirley volunteered along with several of his friends. The Shirleys soon moved to Victoria, Texas. Melvin served the remainder of the war in Victoria. After the war, the Shirleys moved back to Harlingen.
Anne was an excellent teacher and one who dearly loved all of her pupils and was loved by them.
She retired from teaching in 1974. Anne’s husband, Melvin, died in 1977. In 1995, Anne moved to Athens, Georgia, to live with her daughter, Carol Anne Roberts. Anne died on Monday, May 26, 2003, at the age of 94.
Anne was an active member in PTA at Travis Elementary School; a faithful and long-term member of the First Presbyterian Church, Contemporary Study Club, and was a charter member of Chapter BY, P.E.O. One of Anne’s favorite pastimes was gardening.
Anne is survived by her daughter, Carol Anne Roberts; her grandsons, Scott and Brice; and her sister, Edith Mason. She is also survived by Mrs. Annie Grisham and son Ken, in Mississippi.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 2, 2003, at 10 a.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Memorials to American Lung Association.
Willard Wayne Potter
HARLINGEN, TX — A memorial service will be held for Willard Wayne Potter on Monday, June 2, 2003 at 2 p.m. at the Lodge at Camelot Garden Homes. Wayne died Friday, May 30 at the age of 89 years after a long and productive life.
Wayne was born October 17, 1913, on a small farm in Girard, Kansas. He and Jane Prather met during World War II and were married for 52 years, until Jane died in May 1997. They moved to Harlingen in 1960 where he contributed much to the quality of life of those he touched as a high school science teacher at Harlingen High School for 11 years and at Lyford High School for 3 years.
After retirement in 1974, he continued touching lives as a counselor for a family crisis hotline. Later he volunteered over 16,000 hours at the Rio Grande State Center on Rangerville Road, helping clients afflicted with drug and alcohol addictions, and serving as treasurer of the Volunteer Services Council. He served in the armed forces for 33 years, in the Air Force Reserve and Civil Air Patrol. In 1976, he was elected as city commissioner and served as Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Harlingen. Other activities included treasurer for the Board of Directors of the Rio Grande Valley Museum and treasurer for the Harlingen Retired Teachers Association. Other activities he enjoyed were sailing (he built his own boat), computers, photography, poetry, classical music, and ham radio.
Wayne is lovingly remembered by many friends and family, including daughter Lynn and her husband Charles Caruso of Bedford, Texas; daughter Janet Kiley of Laingsburg, Michigan; son David Wray Potter of Orange Grove, Texas; and six grandchildren.
Memorial gifts may be sent to the Volunteer Services Council of the Rio Grande State Center, 1401 Rangerville Road, Harlingen, Texas 78550 or any other benevolent organization.
Jewel Dean Riely Woods
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Jewel Dean Riely Woods, 83, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2003 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Jewel loved her family, friends, and her church. She enjoyed her many years of traveling and playing bridge with friends and will always be remembered for her great sense of humor.
Jewel is survived by her brother, A. J. (Evelyn) Riely; her children, Carl (Gay) Woods and Anda (Charles) Zurovec; her grandchildren, Bill Woods, Chris (Ronie) Cunningham, and Chaz Zurovec; her great grandchild, Zac Cunningham; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, C. C. Woods and great granddaughter, Tyler Cunningham.
Graveside services only will be held Monday, June 2, 2003 at 10 a.m. at Mont Meta Memorial Park with Reverend David Mann officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
Orlando (Duke) Garza
SAN BENITO — Orlando "Duke" Garza, 21, entered into the Lord’s Kingdom on May 31, 2003 in Brownsville.
He was born on March 26, 1982 to Maria Enriqueta and Gonzalo J. Garza in Anchorage, Alaska. He was a San Benito High School graduate, class of 2000, raised in San Benito and was a U.S. Navy veteran.
Survivors include his common-law-wife, Ashley Pearson Washington and expectant baby; mother, Maria Enriqueta Garza of San Benito; father, Gonzalo J. Garza of San Benito; brother, Norrand Garza of San Benito; sister, Vanessa Garza of San Benito; paternal grandparents, Jesus and Maria Garza of Los Indios; maternal grandparents, Enrique and Porfiria Gutierrez of San Benito; stepsister, Norma Ester Garza of Freemont, Ohio; and numerous nieces,nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles that live in San Benito and Anchorage, Alaska.
Pallbearers will be Michael Suarez, Roy Guajardo, Orlando Gutierrez, John Mancino, Hector Suarez and Norrand Garza.
A funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. today in St. Benedict Catholic Church and interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors.
Medardo de la Garza, Jr.
SANTA ROSA — Medardo de la Garza, Jr., age 52 went to be with the Lord Saturday night at his residence in Santa Rosa.
He was a lifetime resident of Santa Rosa and attended Santa Rosa public schools and was a member of a pioneer Santa Rosa family. Prior to his illness he was employed by Wright-Way Construction.
Survivors include his wife: Julia de la Garza of Santa Rosa, two daughters, Bernice Carrasco and Veronica (Rene) Reyes both of Santa Rosa, one son Medardo (Rebecca) de la Garza III of Santa Rosa, one sister, Elida (Robert) Pardue of Santa Rosa, one brother, Eleazar (Anita) de la Garza of McAllen and 10 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Medardo Sr. and Juanita de la Garza and his beloved sister Lucy de la Garza.
A prayer service tonight at 7 p.m. by Pastor George de la Garza.
Visitation today from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Santa Rosa Chapel of our Heavenly Father in Santa Rosa, Texas.
Holy mass will be held on Tuesday at St. Mary Catholic Church tentatively set for 10 a.m. Burial will follow to Santo Nombre Cemetery under the direction of Santa Rosa Funeral Chapel 201 S. Main 636-9237.
Pallbearers will be: Robert Pardue, Johnny Sanchez, Ramon Martinez Jr., Leobardo Martinez, Rene Reyes and Gustavo Aguilar Jr.
