Francisco L. Chavez, 88 of Sonora passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 24, 2024 at 2:00p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Eldorado. Interment will follow in Eldorado Cemetery. Survivors include sons Oscar and Freddie Chavez, and daughter Christina Chavez.

Juan H. Garza, age 85 of Sonora passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10:00a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Interment will follow in  Sonora Cemetery.

Juan was born March 28, 1939 to parents Eusebio and Brigida Garza. He is survived by his wife Amanda Garza, son Alfred (Freddie) Garza, daughter Valerie Garza and husband Jorge A. Perez, sisters Remedios Acosta, Maria Castilleja and Catalina Ausces and husband Domingo, and brother Eusebio Garza, Jr. and wife Martha , and numerous nieces and nephews. Juan was preceded in death by his parents Eusebio and Brigida Garza, brothers Jacinto and wife Josefa Garza, Hipolito "Pole" Garza, Benancio and wife Elvia Garza, and Julio Garza, and sisters Carmen and husband Alcadio Escobar, and Benita Garza. Juan loved playing the accordion, telling jokes and crafting woodwork and cooking. He always played music along with favorite musicians and during family events. Juan worked with his family picking cotton, shearing and for the City of Sonora for 15 years. Online condolences may be made at lovefuneralhome.net.

Margaret Susan Ridgway Wilson, of Cypress, TX, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Susan is survived by her mother, Maggie Ridgway, brother and sister-in-law, Tom Ridgway, Jr. and Janet Ridgway; her children Lorrie Scholl, Mary Margaret Khan, and William Wilson; sons-in-law David Scholl and Riaz Khan, daughter-in-law Romy Adame-Wilson, grandchildren William Scholl, Benjamin Scholl, and Celina Wilson; and nieces Kate Ridgway, Victoria Ridgway, and Madeline Ridgway.

Born August 30, 1948, to Maggie and Tom Ridgway in West Springfield, MA, Susan and her family moved to San Angelo, TX in 1950 where she grew up and attended Trinity Lutheran Elementary School, Washington and Edison Junior High Schools, and San Angelo Central High School. She attended college at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA with degrees in Latin American Studies and History. She received her Masters from The University of Texas Permian Basin in History. Susan taught Spanish at Edison Junior High in San Angelo and later, US History at Midland High School until she retired at the age of 73.

Susan is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. During her time in Midland, she was also active in the Junior League of Midland, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, and St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. Susan loved people and made friends everywhere she went. She was an avid bridge player, and loved learning, cooking, traveling, antiques, shopping, gardening, and most of all, being with her grandchildren.

Her departure comes as a deep loss, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her dearly in her wide community of friends. A memorial will be held in the summer and family and friends will be notified.

Amando Ruiz Moreno went to dance with the love of his life, Margarita Moreno, on the golden streets of Heaven on May 16th, 2024, at the age of 84. He was born on February 16th, 1940. He was the 14th child out of 15 children born to Hilario Moreno and Cruz R. Moreno. 

Amando was very active throughout his entire life. From early childhood, he loved playing sports such as football, baseball and track. He had a passion for working on cars with his brothers. He enjoyed custom body work, street racing motor work, upholstery, or any car related projects. 

He enjoyed music and had a great ear when it would come to playing instruments without training or lessons. He loved to sing and dance. In high school, he started his own band named “Little Amando and the Crystals in Blues.” During that time, he met his 1st wife, Margarita and was blessed with 3 sons. 

After graduating from Sidney Lanier High School, Amando joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for 20 years and traveled the world. Some of the places he was stationed were Japan, Germany, Florida, California, Hawaii, Korea, Philippines, Guam, New York and back to Texas. He guarded the border in Vietnam and also had the privilege to color guard for President John F. Kennedy. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. 

Later, he met the love of his life, Margarita Moreno and combined a beautiful family of 15 children. 

After retiring from the Air Force, Amando worked for the San Angelo Independent School District for 13 years. He then went back to work as a civilian at Good Fellow Air Force Base for several years. Once fully retired, his hobbies included racing down the Walmart aisles with his wife in the electric scooters. He also enjoyed spending as much time with his brother, Albert and would make trips to San Antonio as often as he could to visit. He enjoyed a good western or war movie on his downtime while sitting on his recliner with the heater on full blast all year long. 

Amando was a strong willed and could be stubborn at times. One of his favorite sayings was “I’m not perfect, but I’m pretty darn close.” Big hearted, generous, loyal, strong, brave, hardworking would be some words to describe him. He was a man of god with everlasting faith. Family was everything to him and he made sure to tell them every chance he could. He always would greet you with the biggest smile and kindness in those beautiful colored eyes when anyone would come to visit. He always made it a point to send you off with a blessing and a kiss goodbye. 

Amando was preceded in death by his parents, Hilario Moreno and Cruz R. Moreno and his loving wife, Margarita Moreno. He was also preceded in death by one son, Joe Angel Perez, 4 grandchildren-Martin Ruiz Jr., Juanito Ibarra Jr., Gabino Garcia Jr., and Isabel Natalie Moreno. He was the last sibling living out of all his brothers and sisters. 

He is survived by sons Richard Moreno and wife Crystal Moreno, Robert Moreno and wife Rachel Moreno, Ruben Moreno, Margarito Herrera and wife Lisa Herrera, Epolo Herrera and wife Lupe Herrera, Cruz J. Moreno and wife Martha Moreno. He is also survived by his daughters Florence Garcia and husband Gabino Garcia, Josephine Ibarra and husband Tony Barrera, Caroline Arredondo and husband Felix Arredondo, Margie Garza, Bernardina Herrera and husband Raul Herrera, Andrea Arredondo and Paulina Herrera. He leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren to cherish his memory. 

A rosary will be held on May 22, 2024 at 6 PM at Johnson’s Funeral Home, 435 West Beauregard Avenue, San Angelo TX. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 301 West 17th St, San Angelo, TX. Burial will follow at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, TX. 

Pallbearers will be Hilario Moreno, Simon Garcia, Michael Angel Herrera, Epolo Herrera Jr., Gilbert Arredondo Jr., and Angel Cruz Moreno. Honorary Pallbearers are Raul Herrera and Israel Cruz Moreno. 

Psalms 23:4 –“ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me”

Marilyn Mayer Modgling went to be with her lord and savior on May 19, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on February 24, 1931, to Thelma and Edmund Mayer, in Houston, TX. She lived in San Antonio, TX until she was a junior in high school when she moved to San Angelo, TX, where she met the love of her life, Wayne Modgling, and they married on June 18, 1949 at First United Methodist Church. Their first child, Nancigail was born in 1952 and their second child, Susan was born in 1958.

Marilyn and Wayne were in property management at Chateau Beauregard Apartments and then at Southland Arms Apartments and Mini Warehouse until 1995. Marilyn was a fulltime mother while they worked in property management. He daughters were blessed to have such loving parents.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband Wayne.

She is survived by her sister, Marcella Staewen of San Angelo, TX; her brother-in-law, Don Modgling of Houston, TX; her daughters, Nancigail Economidis and Susan Wilson; her grandchildren, Hollianne Economidis and Jennifer Dunnam, a great granddaughter, Gracelyn Economidis and great-great granddaughter, Merit Ivy, and her nieces Yvonne, Valerie and Deborah.

A graveside service will be held at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 10:00am.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and Kayla and Clint for their loving care.

Howard Keith Coburn, longtime resident of Crane, Texas, passed from this life on the 9th of May 2024, in San Angelo into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Keith was born July 19, 1932, to Howard and Clara McDermett Coburn in Cross Plains, Texas. Working on the family ranch with his Uncle Carlos taught Keith the value of hard work. He also learned to love and respect the land. After graduating from Cross Plains High School, Keith attended San Angelo Junior College, where he played football. Keith started as an offensive tackle for San Angelo in the Oleander Bowl. He transferred to Howard Payne University on a football scholarship. There he met Wanda Ruth Jones from Bloomburg, Texas. They married during a blizzard in January 1956, 10 days before he deployed with the U.S. Army to Germany. After returning to Texas, he graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in agriculture and education.

Keith taught science and coached for 28 years at Crane ISD. He also volunteered with the Crane Fire Department and EMS. After retiring from Crane ISD, Keith established Basin Safety and taught safety classes throughout West Texas.

Keith was a member of the Crane Masonic Lodge #1262, the Presbyterian Church, the Scottish Rite, El Maida Shrine Temple, Suez Temple, and the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Keith was a proud veteran and patriotic American.

One of the things Keith enjoyed the most was serving as a liaison between the families of burned and crippled children and Shrine hospitals in Texas. As the official El Maida Shrine EMT, he flew with many nurses and doctors on emergency flights with burned or crippled children. He served as the President of the Odessa El Maida Shrine Club from 1989-1990.

Keith used to hand out cards which read “If you meet me and you forget me, you have lost nothing, but if you meet Jesus Christ and forget Him, you have lost everything.” Keith spent most of his 91 years serving and loving others, as Christ commanded.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Patti Dolgener, brother Charles Coburn, and nephews Clark and Mark Coburn. Keith is survived by his wife Wanda, for 68 years his constant, loving compan-ion; their son Stephen Keith and his wife Michelle of Greenville; granddaughter Claire Elise Coburn of Austin; grandson Cameron Keith Coburn of Austin; his sister-in-law Elise Cobb, of Edmond, Ok.; broth-er-in-law Jim Jones and wife Louise of San Angelo, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Hospice of San Angelo and Baptist Retirement Commu-nity, where Keith lived the final year of his life. Those who want to honor his life may do so by donating to Shriners Hospital for Children.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 1st from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Baptist Retirement Community, 902 Main Street, San Angelo, Texas.

“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.”

John 13:34

Vallerie Nicole Tarver-Terral, 23 years old, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away in a tragic car accident Friday, April 26th, 2024, outside of Eden, Texas.

Val was born in Georgetown, Texas October 13th, 2000, to Jacob and Sabrina Tarver. She attended Burnet High School where she met so many of her friends before attending Angelo State University where she met her husband, Benjum and started a love story filled with laughter, support, and unwavering love. She was finishing up a year teaching at Faith Academy in Marble Falls, Texas and was in the process of moving back to San Angelo where she would be starting a preschool teaching job. She loved working with children and made a huge impact on every young life she touched over the years.

Val was a rare gem who radiated warmth and compassion to all those around her. Her presence brought comfort and solace, as she possessed a love and understanding deep and beautiful beyond her years. She embraced life with open arms, seeking out new experiences and making new memories with loved ones. Whether it was getting lost in a book, taken away with music, or embarking on spontaneous adventures, she approached life with a sense of wonder and enthusiasm. She was a mirrorball always reflecting the optimism she had outwards, always speaking out for what was right and making so many laughs along the way. She would want everyone to look back on memories of her with joy remembering her beautiful smile and hearing her contagious laughter and to be able to carry on the care that she had for so many.

Vallerie was preceded in death by her Grandma Sandra, her Uncle Charlie, her Nana Annett, her Pops Chad and Mawmaw Betty. She is survived by her husband Benjum, her parents Jacob and Sabrina Tarver, her brothers Nathan and Jordan, along with his family, lifelong friends Jacob and MegAnn, and her sister-in-law Maddie and her family. Her extended family includes Ben’s family JacQue and Greg, her beloved cousins Alyssa and Charissa and her family. Her grandparents, Pawpaw Ted and Grammy Jamie, and Papa Mark and Mimi Deinna. Her family by choice includes Ryleigh and her parents Pete and Michelle, Rheannon, and Camille. She leaves behind countless other people who loved her dearly, from the family that has known her for her entire life to the friends who loved her from the moment they met her.

Val’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. There will not be a moment we don’t miss her or yearn for her bright eyes and loving smile. Her spirit will live on within us all and continue to inspire and uplift those who carry her legacy forward. May she rest in eternal peace.

The Celebrations of Vallerie’s life will be held on June 1st, 2024, in San Angelo at 1 pm at the Four56 church and June 2nd, 2024, in Burnet at 3pm at the Church at The Epicenter.

Robert Douglas (Doug) Ritchie, 78 years young, went to live in heaven with Jesus on Friday, May 17, 2024. He was born August 11, 1945 in Dickson, Tennessee, to Rev. Robert B. and Isabell Porch Ritchie. When he was 5 years old his father accepted a pastorate at First Baptist Church in Sterling City where Doug started school. When his father began teaching sixth grade at Santa Rita Elementary in San Angelo, they moved to the big city and Doug attended Santa Rita, Lee Junior High, and graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1963.

When he was a small child his parents bought him a toy drum and his life's work took root. He was passionate about music and was a proud member of the Lee Rebel Band and the Central Bobcat Band. Deciding on a career in band directing, he attended Baylor University, Tennessee Tech University, and ultimately finished his degree at Angelo State University in 1982.

In the meantime he met his soulmate, Linda Hahn Adkinson, in music theory class at ASU. It would be hard to find a couple more in sync with all facets of life. They became partners in 1980 and worked together for 44 years talking, planning, executing and sharing every aspect of life and career. Doug held positions at Edison Junior High (twice), Mason High School, Floresville ISD, Poteet ISD, Cornerstone Christian School, Culberson County ISD in Van Horn, Grandfalls-Royalty ISD, Belaire Elementary in San Angelo, Rotan ISD and Christoval ISD. A debilitating stroke ended his career in 2011.

Retirement brought a whole new life of travel, enjoying family, and researching fields of knowledge for which he had always been curious but never had time to explore. A terrible fall changed everything and he spent his final months at Regency House in San Angelo.

Preceding him to heaven were his parents and his sister, Jean Ritchie Martin. He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter Regina Washington and husband James; son Steven Ritchie and wife Krystal; six grandchildren, Kathryn Hofschuch and husband Michael, Harley Covert, James Washington III, Brandon Washington, Rydon Ritchie, and Rynleigh Ritchie; and one great granddaughter, Penelope Hofschuch.

And to the literally hundreds of former students who blessed his life over the years, the family thanks you for allowing him the opportunity to open your eyes to the world of music and beyond. He loved you all.

No services are planned. Memorials by be made to the charity or cause of your choosing. Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.

Laurie Leiann Bateman, age 66, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

On May 13, 2024, John Wayland Myers passed away at the age of 71. He was born on October 6, 1952, in San Angelo, TX to parents Floyd Wayland and Virginia Adaline Ede. He attended school in San Angelo and graduated from Central High School in 1972. During his time at Central, he exceeded at football playing fullback for the Bobcats and earned a full ride scholarship to TCU.

John and Wayland started the first Burger King in San Angelo in 1977. They went on to own Burger Kings in San Angelo, Brownwood, Copperas Cove, Waco, Killeen, Midland and Odessa over the next 34 years. He retired after selling the last two stores in 2011. He spent his remaining years enjoying time at the Myers Ranch with family and friends. His greatest joy was watching his grandchildren play sports.

In 1978, he married Staci Smith and raised their two sons, Matthew Wayland and John Brandon Myers in San Angelo, TX.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Wayland and Virginia Myers, and his brother Lee (Red) Myers. He is survived by his two sons Matthew Wayland and wife Hailey, John Brandon and wife Sandra along with his grandchildren Madison, Jenson, McKinley and Grayson. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, May 20th at 10:00 am.