Ruben Rodriguez Lopez, Jr., 70, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on April 25, 2024, in San Angelo. Ruben was born February 7, 1954 in San Angelo, Texas to Ruben Lopez, Sr. and Donicia Rodriguez Lopez. He grew up in San Angelo but left school and started working various jobs. He then enlisted and served 3 years in the United States Army and came back home and went to work for Levi Strauss until its closing. Ruben then went to work for Ridgway Florist for many years and retired from there. He was a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather who adored his family and enjoyed spending time with them. His favorite hobbies were watching football on Sundays, having a cold one and bonding with Mother nature. However, his favorite hobby was washing and waxing his white Impala. His love for family and zest for life will live on in our hearts forever and we will dearly miss him!

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Oscar Lopez and his sister Ida Lopez. He is survived by his children, Marc Lopez and his wife Christi, of Cleburne, TX and Jessica Lopez and her husband Kenneth Delzell, of Garland, TX; his life companion, Marry Barron, of San Angelo; his step-children, Gabby Barron, Amanda Barron, Dahlia Barron, and Robert Barron, Jr.; his grandchildren, Syrena Duarte, Elijah Duarte, Aaron Krivan, Marc Lopez, Jr., Kayla Lopez, Ethan Lopez, Sierra Lopez, Delayna Roberts, Byron Smith and Branson Allen; numerous great grandchildren; his brother, Danny Lopez, of San Angelo; his sister, Irma Payne and her husband William, of Albuquerque, N.M.; his brothers-in-law, Raymond Barron, Robert Barron, Ruben Barron and Jimmy Barron, all of San Angelo.

The memorial service will be 1:00 P.M., Friday, May 3, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.

Carolyn Ruth Utt left this world on Friday, April 26 for a better life with Christ. She was born on April 2, 1939 in the old Shannon hospital to Robert Earl Utt and Velma Stephenson Utt. She will be greatly missed by her sister, Suzanne who has been her best friend for 83 years. They grew up here and have shared many special moments together living in the same house they were born in. 

Carolyn attended school in the old San Angelo High School. She later went to Hardin Simmons University. She began her career working for the General Telephone Company in the personnel department. She worked there for 29 years. Carolyn was raised and grew up at the First Baptist Church. She volunteered for many years at the Adult Literacy Council. Carolyn loved books and her past time was reading. She loved to travel and to shop. She also enjoyed sending cards to family and friends. 

Carolyn is survived by her sister, Suzanne Utt, aunt, Nelda Utt of California, and five cousins. 

Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson’s Funeral Home. A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial with the graveside service on Tuesday, April 30 at 2:00 PM. 

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or Adult Literacy Council. Suzanne would like to thank two of their dear friends – Rosemary Kitchen and Marilynn Golightly who have been a great help during this time in need.

Cheryl Emfinger Lock went to be with her Savior on Sunday, April 28th, 2024. She was born on January 13th, 1947, to Bernice and Thurman Emfinger in New Braunfels, Texas. Thurman was stationed in Japan after World War 2. He was killed in a plane crash while serving in Japan when Cheryl was 3 years old. Cheryl spent most of her childhood in San Angelo after her mother remarried Louis Blanek. She graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1965 and attended Angelo State University for two semesters. She met and married Thomas Richard Lock in 1966 after a blind date, which also included her sister and Tom’s best friend, James Whitehead. Cheryl and Tom moved to Brownwood, Texas shortly after. Cheryl started cutting hair in San Angelo, and she continued cutting hair in Brownwood. She and Tom began attending Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Brownwood, and at the age of 21, Cheryl gave her life to Jesus. She served Him the remainder of her life. She and Tom had their first son, Brandon, in 1975 followed by their caboose, Brady, in 1981. They moved to Sonora, Texas in 1982 where Tom went to work for the Askew Ranch as Ranch Manager. They would remain there and build their lives in the amazing community of Sonora. They have been members of FBC Sonora for 42 years. 

                  Cheryl loved to serve in whatever capacity was needed. From Hanging of the Green to 1st-2ndGrade VBS teacher to youth mission trips, she served faithfully. She started working full time for Sonora ISD in 1994 as a Special Education Aid and remained there until she retired in 2016. She spent 19 years of that time at Sonora High School. She loved serving kids and said many times over the years that she knew her calling was Special Education from an early age. Her greatest joy in life was her two boys and later her grandkids. She was affectionately known as Grandma and Nannie. Josef, Addison, Grayson, Landry Kate, Briggs and Sutton loved her so much. Her life was filled with love and joy. 

                  Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Thurman Emfinger, her stepfather, Louis Blanek, her second stepfather, Jarvis Kilgore, and her brother, Mike Blanek. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Tom Lock, her sons Brandon and wife Heather of San Angelo, Brady and wife Logan of Burleson, her grandchildren, Josef, Addison, Landry Kate, Grayson, Briggs, and Sutton, her sister Beverly and husband James Whitehead, brother Louis (Junior) Blanek, step-sister Vicki and husband Don McColum of San Angelo, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Our mom was the example of Christ to us as she served us and lived out this verse her whole life. There wasn’t a time she didn’t sacrifice what she needed for what we wanted. Her life exemplified Christ to all those she was around. We can’t think of a better legacy for a mother to leave. Thanks Mom, for always pointing us to Jesus.

Visitation

Monday, April 29, 2024 
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Funeral Service

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 
10:00 AM

Sammye Ruppeck, 80, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on April 24, 2024.

She was born on October 13, 1943, to Johno and Thelia “Nook” Mayo in San Angelo, Texas.

When Sammye was 7 years old, her father and mother moved her and her brother Johnny Mayo Jr. to the Luedecke Family Farm that her mother grew up on outside of Eldorado. Sammye was the Salutatorian for the Eldorado High School graduating class of 1961. She missed becoming the Valedictorian by one point; a detail she never failed to mention when speaking about her high school years. She went on to study at Baylor University and received a Bachelors of Arts degree in 1965 with a major in journalism, a minor in history and her teaching certification.

After college she taught in various Texas school systems, and also spent two years teaching on the Lagis Field Airforce base in the Azores, Portugal.

When Sammye returned from the Azores she married Lee Ruppeck on September 15, 1973. They settled in Christoval and Sammye went to work for the child welfare department in San Angelo. They had one child, Jessica, and Sammye stayed home with her until 1986 when she returned to the workforce. She worked as the Executive Director for the Family Shelter and for the Concho Valley Home for Girls. She dedicated herself to helping children and teens in the Concho Valley through the toughest times in their lives. She retired from the Concho Valley Home for Girls in 2019 after over 30 years of service.

Sammye is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Jessica Ruppeck, and son-in-law Bogh Rathcke of Dripping Springs; brother Johnny Mayo Jr. and sister-in-law Carolyn Mayo; nephew Michael Mayo and wife Korrie Mayo; great nieces Raelynn and Madelyn Mayo, all of Jacksonville, Florida; many special cousins; and special friends Vickie and Dean Williams of Eldorado and Corie Williams of Lubbock.

The family would like to thank Amy Ortiz, Vanessa Ortiz, and Victoria George for their special care and friendship with Sammye. She loved them dearly.

The graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Eldorado Cemetery, 888 U.S. Highway 190, Eldorado, Texas 76936. This will be followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 2 N. Cottonwood, Eldorado, Texas with a lunch for family and friends afterwards at the church.

The livestream of Wednesday's service may be viewed on the First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fpceldorado 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Transition Center/CVHG at cvhfg.org or by mailing a check to Transition Center/CVHG P.O. Box 3772, San Angelo, Texas 76902.

Raymond "Lee" Bennett, age 94, of San Angelo, Texas passed away peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2024 surrounded by family. He was born on November 21, 1929 in Gorman, Texas to Thomas and Lela (Payne) Bennett. Lee married the love of his life, Nancy Gilliam in 1980 in Ballinger, Texas.

He owned his own Appliance Repair shop where he worked for 40 years. 18 of those years being in Ballinger.

Lee was involved in many groups throughout his lifetime, Lee served two terms as Lodge Master at the Carlsbad Masonic Lodge, a member of the Order of The Eastern Star, a proud Army Veteran, a member of the Angelo R.C. club, a member of the National and Texas Cushman Clubs, and above all a servant of God and dedicated member of Cross Road Assembly of God

He is preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Brenda Storey.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Bennett; his son, Lawrence Bennett; son, Tommy Bennett and wife Katie; his daughter, Beverly Ledoux and her husband Paul; his step sons, Glenn Atkins, Jim Atkins, Gary Atkins, Jeff Atkins, and Gregg Atkins and wife Michelle of North Pole, Alaska. He is also survived by a special granddaughter, Jenna Lee Jackson and husband, Brandon, numerous other grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends from all over and of course his favorite dog, Bonnie. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 5-7 pm at Johnson's Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Hamm. Interment will follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cross Road Assembly Church located at 211 North Marie St. San Angelo, Texas 76903.

Pedro N. Anzaldua, age 79, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Pedro was born in Mission, Texas. 

A rosary for Pedro will be held Monday, April 29, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home, 435 W Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, Texas 76903. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, Texas 76905.

Della Mae Knight Carter (70) went to be with her Lord & Savior on April 23, 2024 at home surrounded by her family.

Della was born March 11, 1954 in San Angelo to Fontella and Pat Knight. 

In 1972, Della graduated from Lakeview High School. She worked at Zales before beginning her career with the State of Texas. After 20 years of service, she retired from working for the State of Texas in 2013. She retired at just the right time to watch her youngest grandchild during work hours, which she absolutely loved. They spent lots of time at the library together reading, and exploring. She enjoyed making her children laugh by sending them silly memes and cartoon strips, and was an active member of the Sierra Vista Methodist Church for many years. 

Della was preceded in death by both her parents, Jerrel Pat and Fontella (Terry) Knight and her brother in law Chuck Phillips. She is survived by her siblings, Ronnie and David Ann Knight of San Angelo, Margaret Knight of San Angelo, and Pattie Phillips of Sherman; her children, Jeremy and April Carter; Kristi Carter, all of San Angelo; Christina and Kurt Rausch of Hamilton, MT and her bonus son Steve Wilhelm of San Angelo; Grandchildren, Talysen Carter, Bryanna Larson, Zachary Larson, Nikkole Larson, Serenity-Jane Wilhelm, Kane Rausch and her bonus grandson Kayden Davis; one Great Grandson, Keegan Aranda; and many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Concho Hearts Hospice for their help, especially Lindsey Laminack. Lindsey, you really were one of her favorites!

We love you so much, Mom, GranMa, and Debba! Go rest high on that Mountain!

Martha Ziemba Dosiek, age 95, of San Angelo, Texas passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2024 with family at her side praying and praising God for her very blessed life.

Martha was born in Utica, New York on January 14, 1929 to Stanley and Eugenia (Maciejewski) Ziemba. Mom was the first of nine children. She graduated from Proctor High School in 1946, the same day her youngest brother Gene was born. This was a story she told frequently, going to the hospital in her cap and gown to see her mother. Mom was a dedicated daughter and sister, helping to care for her siblings.

First working at the five and dime store and as a key punch operator at Utica Mutual for 10 years, she provided special gifts for her brothers and sisters. This joy of giving continued throughout her life. Never forgetting a birthday, anniversary, or graduation, Mom loved to shop for special gifts for her 5 children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and others who touched her heart with a need. Mom was blessed with a tremendous faith and dedication to her Lord, Mother Mary, and her church.

Martha met Anthony Joseph Dosiek at a dance in 1955 and they were married on July 28, 1956, in Utica, New York beginning her 28 years of faithful service as an Air Force spouse. They continued dancing and enjoying many forms of music for over 60 years. Together they raised 5 children. They retired in San Angelo in 1978 and this became her forever home. She wore many hats during her life of service and love. She taught her daughters how to crochet and sew at a young age. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters for 35 years serving in multiple offices. She was a dedicated member of Holy Angels Catholic Church since 1978 where she sang in the choir. Martha provided altar care at Holy Angels until she was 86 years old. She also truly enjoyed RVing with Dad in the Three Rivers Sam's Club and the Military Retirees RV Club. 

Mom lived her life to the fullest everyday just admitting in 2023 that she was "slowing down." She made the time to talk with her children and grandchildren when they called and that special time with her will be greatly missed. Martha's joy each day was saying her rosary and attending daily mass, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family. With her son being the only family member residing in San Angelo, she put forth the greatest effort to travel to Brownfield, Bridge City, Pearland, Fort Worth, Durango, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, California, and Massachusetts to share her love with her family. 

Martha is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Anthony J. Dosiek; her brothers, Stanley Ziemba and Edward Ziemba; her sisters, Alice Ziemba, Clara Wilson and Elizabeth Sobieraj.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Anthony Joseph Dosiek Jr, of San Angelo, TX; Daughters: Maryann Theresa (Donald) Dench of Riverside, NJ, Kathleen Martha (Jerry) Mambretti of Pearland, TX, Theresa Rose (Douglas) Fuss of Fort Worth, TX, and Jean Marie (John Paul) Bautista of Brownfield, TX; her grandchildren, Jeremy (Mary Lou) Dosiek, Harmony (Jimmy) Senior, Andrea (Robert) Talley, Tephani (Brett) McCleave, Andrew (Heather) Mambretti, Natalie (Zachary) Lewis, Albert (Jenna) Nevadunsky, Angela Fiorentino, Maryalice (Marc) DeLellis, Matthew (McKenzie) Fuss, Eric (Thea) Nevadunsky, Johnpaul (Amber) Bautista, Bernadette (Joseph) Renaud, Isaiah (Valeria) Bautista, Emily Fuss, Benjamin (Kali) Bautista and Katiana Bautista; her great-grandchildren: Jarrett Stinehart, Kailey Stinehart, Colin Winser, Summer Schwieters, Autumn Schwieters, Harlen Uxa; Finnley Uxa, Connelly Dosiek, Amaris Dosiek, Ella Rae Fiorentino, Declan McCleave, Sophia Senior, Adelyn Bautista, Hannah Talley, Jocelyn Bautista, Annabelle Nevadunsky, Keallen McCleave, Bradyn McCleave, Johnathan Talley, Ezlyn Bautista, Leonidas Bautista, and Layla Nevadunsky; 3 great great grandchildren, Harmony Trumper, Karter Stinehart, and Luka Stinehart; her brothers, Gene (Kathy) Ziemba of Beloit, WI and Joseph Ziemba of Utica, NY; her sister, Mary Lou Sobieraj of Churchville, NY; her sister in law, Joann Ziemba of Syracuse, NY; her God-Daughters, Valerie Ziemba McLean and Jackie Ziemba Dusosky. She is also survived by a very special cousin, Emily Ziemba, and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends.

A visitation for Martha will be held Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 5:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home, 435 West Beauregard Avenue, San Angelo, Texas with a rosary to follow at 6:00 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will occur Monday, April 29, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will include Jeremy Dosiek, Andrew Mambretti, Eric Nevadunsky, Johnpaul Bautista, Isaiah Bautista, Benjamin Bautista, Matthew Fuss and Zachary Lewis.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Meals for The Elderly - San Angelo or Our Mother of Perpetual Help Educational Program - a special education school in Fort Worth, Texas.

Bobby Joe Pilkington, 68 passed away on April 23, 2024, in San Angelo, Texas surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Bobby was born on February 1, 1956, in Loraine, Mitchell County, Texas to Billy Joe and Darlene Pilkington. 

Bobby worked in dirt construction and ran heavy equipment for multiple companies for 53 years. He was known as being one of the best blade men in the state. He had a hand in building many of the highways in Texas, writing state by-laws for landfill construction, and designing different parts of roadways for San Antonio and Austin Texas. He served in the Army for 2 years before receiving an Honorable Medical Discharge.

Bobby loved fishing, woodwork, and took up sewing after breaking his neck. He loved spending time with people and talking about his amazing life. 

Bobby was stubborn and a fighter, but he also had a heart of gold. He would help anyone who needed it. 

His greatest pride was his daughters and grandchildren. If you knew Bobby, you knew about his kids.

Bobby always said he had a life that others rarely get. He did and saw so much and it made for a full and content life.

He is survived by his daughters Alicia Reyes and husband Juan, Tanya Gue and fiancé Keven Kryseski; his sibling, Teresa Helton and husband Todd; five grandchildren, Nichalos Flores, Alison Flores, Alina Reyes, Tristen Gue, and Shawn Gue. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Darlene Pilkington; father, Billy Joe Pilkington; and two brothers, Rocky Lynn Pilkington and Monty Dee Pilkington.

Isidra Zarate, 90, of San Marcos, formerly of San Angelo passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM on Friday April 26, 2024 at Robert Massie Funeral Home with the rosary being said at 6:00 PM. Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Rev. Lazaro Hernandez, officiating. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Ms. Zarate was born on May 15, 1933 in Eden to Bonifacio and Maria Esquivel Maldonado and attended Eden schools. She became an Air Force wife when she married Santos Zarate in 1948. They enjoyed 20 years of assignments in various bases in the United States. one of her favorite locations was spending four years in the seaside village of Hunstaton, Norfolk, United Kingdom. Santos preceded her in death in 1997. She worked in food service at Ranger Junior College and later at Angelo State University.

She loved working in her garden, painting lawn ornaments and tending to her yard. Isidra was most proud of winning yard of the year, numerous times. This was probably due to the great work ethic she learned from working with her father. She enjoyed water aerobics, riding her trike, playing bingo, and shopping, especially for shoes. Isidra is known for being strong willed, outspoken, and having great faith through the loss of her sons. Isidra's favorite saying in tough situations was "Dios es Grande", God is Bigger.

She is preceded in death by four sons, Alfred, Jesse, Santos, Jr., and Milton Dean; and a sister, Maria Tomasa Sanchez.

Isidra is survived by two daughters, Rosemary Box and Janet A. Zarate both of San Marcos; a sister, Lucy Zarate of Ranger; three grandchildren, Andrea Savage of Conway, Arkansas, Paul Zarate of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Carl David Zarate of Shreveport, Louisiana; and one grandson, Kyler Zarate of Fort Cavazos.

Special thanks to Dr. Donna Dolan and her nurse Ashley, the staff at Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, especially her social worker Sara and chaplain Tom, and Dee's Personal Care Home of New Braunfels.