Carolyn Ann Cain Huckaby passed away on August 25th, 2024, at the age of seventy-seven. She was born on September 30th, 1946, in Plainview, Texas, to parents Telford Ples Cain and Jenny Lucille Ball. Her mother died of ovarian cancer in her early years, leaving her father to raise her and her siblings, Tommy and Kay. Following their dad’s passing to multiple sclerosis, Carolyn and her sister Kay moved to San Antonio to live with their aunt and uncle, Elva & Ernest West.

Carolyn married Louis Sandford Huckaby on May 30th, 1970, in San Antonio. The service was officiated by Louis’s father, Asa Sanford Huckaby. She was a 1965 graduate of San Antonio’s Robert E. Lee High School, and she earned her teaching degree in 1969 from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. She began her teaching career at Roosevelt High School in San Antonio. After one year she moved to San Angelo where she taught seven years for Wall ISD and twenty-eight years for SAISD at Lee Jr. High School. She spent her career as a science teacher and was named campus Teacher of the Year during her time at Lee Jr. High.

Her hobbies included sewing, stamping, crafting, traveling, and collecting river rocks. Her prized rock collection came from various states including Colorado, Wyoming, Washington, and the occasional business parking lot. She loved hiking, caring for stray cats, and spoiling her grand kids. She was a faithful member of Providence Baptist Church, and she took immense pleasure in helping others, especially needy people. Her favorite charities included St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Tunnels to Towers. She particularly enjoyed celebrating family birthdays by baking a special cake, peach cobbler, or cookies. Her famous birthday greeting was “And whose birthday is it? It’s your birthday!”

She is survived by her husband Louis Huckaby; daughter Julie Pucci and husband Tim; daughter Hollie Sawyer and husband Joey; grandchildren Ryan, Anna, Aron, Celeste, Bryce, Seth, and Chloe; sister Kay Holt and husband Larry; sister-in-law Virlie Cain; in-laws Pam & Charles Guess; first cousins Harold & Carol Cain, Susan Ball & Lynn Bush, Starla & Steve Russell, Janie & Larry Weaver, and Gloria & Ted Kulaga; second cousins David Ross, Natalie Gigante, Tom Cain, Jr., Julie Cain, Melissa Laskey, Brian Cain, Matt Cain, Sarah Mertz, and Wendy Stubbs; nephews & nieces Dusty, Kylee, Gina, David, Scott, Lea, Nathan, and Nolan; dear friend Evelyn Ng Gauny; and beloved pets Smokey, Bandit, Gato, and Peaches.

She is preceded in death by her parents Telford Ples Cain and Jenny Lucille Ball; brother James Thomas Cain; aunts and uncles Elva & Ernest West, Lola Daly, Harold & Ruth Ball, Myrtle & George Carter, W.T. & Edna Cain, and Lilly Cain; cousins Linda Getty, Ronny Ball and Thomas & Therese Cain; and in-laws Asa & Madelle Huckaby and Tracy Huckaby Lloyd.

Visitation will be Thursday August 29th, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home. The funeral will be Saturday August 31st, at 2:00 PM at Providence Baptist Church located at 810 Austin Street, San Angelo Texas. The graveside service will follow immediately at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Pastors Jay Clatworthy and Leck Heflin will officiate. Pallbearers are Tim Pucci, Ryan Pucci, Joey Sawyer, Larry Holt, Dusty Holt, Jace Clatworthy, David Bradshaw, and Scott Bradshaw.

Arrangements have been made through Harper Funeral Home. Memorial donations should be directed to St. Gabriel’s Hospice (San Angelo), St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or Tunnels to Towers.

Carolyn’s family would like to thank: Dr. Peter Chang, St. Gabriel’s Hospice, San Angelo Nursing and Rehab, the family of Providence Baptist Church, and all our friends and family who have prayed and supported Carolyn through her battle with ALS. Your love and support have been a great comfort to us.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

“Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

Tony Owens, 88, of San Angelo passed away early Sunday morning August 25, 2024, surrounded by family, culminating a short illness.

Tony was born on February 19, 1936, to Ms. Earo Miller King in San Angelo. Tony was a longtime member of St. Paul Baptist Church & over the last 20 to 30 years his membership has been held by Galilee Baptist Church.

He was a dedicated employee of Central National Bank and later Wells Fargo for well over thirty-five years until his well-earned retirement.

Tony was preceded in death his mother Earo Miller King. His siblings, Leon Owens Jr., Billie King, Dennis King, Mary Katherine Lowden, Callie Daniels & Annie Laura Nash. He was preceded in death by former wives Annie Lois Owens of Fort Worth. To this union, Tony Edward, Terri Ann & Clifford were born. To the union with Helen Owens of San Antonio, Tx. B.B. Owens was born. He was married to Mary Frances Pennington Butler Owens for 43 years, up until her passing on February 17, 2019. In addition, a son Clifford Wayne Owens, a nephew Edward Daniels & a stepson Gerald D. Butler predeceased him in death.

Mary Frances and Tony's home on 9th Street was a welcoming and gathering place for any and all of the family, extended family and the many friends. Most notably on holidays, you could always just show up to get a plate and even take a plate or bowl with you. I've never seen any two people love spreading joy like those two.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a son Tony Edward Owens (Jacqueline) of Dallas, Terri Ann Owens & BB Owens, both of San Angelo and Edith Owens Smith of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Also left to cherish his memory are Kenneth Sullivan and Stanley Sullivan, both of San Antonio, Tx. Also, Neil D. (Rusty) Butler, Jr. (Velma) of Irving, Tx & Dr. Kymberly Butler Devrouax (Coye) of Pearland, Texas and a multitude of grandchildren, great grandchildren & great, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In addition; Tony leaves one beloved brother, Ronald (Ronnie) King and wife Diane of Amarillo, Tx. & a host of extended family and friends.

2 Timothy 4; I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. Indeed, Dad, indeed!

Matthew George Hansen Jr. went to be with the Lord on August 24, 2024 at the young age of 20. He was born to Matthew and Eva Hansen on December 3, 2003 in Somers Point, New Jersey. Matt Matt radiated kindness and joy throughout his short but impactful life.

Matthew graduated from Texas Leadership Charter Academy in May of 2022. During his time at TLCA, he obtained his welding certification and enjoyed playing sports, including baseball, tennis, basketball, and, most of all, football. Matthew spent his free time and summers at the McCrea family ranch with his best friend, Trace. Together, they worked, hunted, and encouraged each other in their faith. Matthew remained close to the same group of friends he made in 4th grade throughout high school. Among them was Mercedes, the love of his life, with whom he began dating in their senior year. Their relationship was a beautiful testament to his capacity for love and commitment. After graduating high school, Matthew spent a year and a half working at McCoy’s Building Supply before leaving this June to work with his father and uncle James at Solid Rock Crushing.

Matthew cherished his time working at the family business alongside his father and uncle.

The laughter and stories shared created an atmosphere that made the hard work rewarding. As they collaborated and worked on various tasks, Matthew felt a deep sense of pride in contributing to a legacy being built, forging a bond with his father and uncle that would last a lifetime.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoyed working on his cars and motorcycles and playing video games. He created a close-knit community of friends through his love of the racetrack. He had an incredible ability to make people feel valued and loved, forging deep connections with those fortunate enough to call him a friend and brother. Matthew was a gentle soul who embraced life with fullness, joy, and a strength that inspired those around him. His happiness shone brightly through his smile and his caring actions.

Matthew is survived by his loving family: his parents, Matthew and Eva Hansen; his siblings, Casidy, Drew, Davis, and Corey; his grandparents, Robert McKenzie Jr., Mary Jean McKenzie, Elaine Ball, Andrew Ball, and Lois Hansen. He is also survived by his soulmate, Mercedes Lynn, as well as his many cousins and dear friends. In addition to his family and friends, Matthew held a special bond with his pets, Millie, Puppa, Mama Pig, and Nova. Each will hold his memory in their hearts forever. Though deeply missed, Matthew will always be remembered for the love and light he brought into the world.

A visitation will be held on August 30, from 12 to 2pm at Celebration Church in San Angelo, Texas. A memorial service will follow at 2pm where we will honor the life of Matthew George Hansen Jr. A burial will be held at Fairmount Cemetery following the service.

Dalia M. L. Villafranco, 84 of San Angelo passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024 with her family by her side.

Memorial Services will be at 2:00 PM Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with father Freddy Perez, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mrs. Villafranco was born on July 23, 1940 in Taft to Modesto and Maria Gloria Morales. Dalia grew up in the Corpus Christi area. She married Ellis Viafranco in 1956 in Littlefield. He passed away in 1988. Dalia moved to San Angelo in 1971. She loved to cook, dance and tend to her plants. Dalia also loved spending time with her family especially her 90 precious grandchildren. she was a jokerster, always laughing and always in a good mood.

Dalia was preceded in death by a son, Tony Villafranco; her brother, Jesse; and her sister, Sylvia.

She is survived by her nine children, Rose Ann Garcia of Midkiff, Cecelia Enriquez and husband Tony of San Angelo, Liz Gonzales of Kyle, Ellis Viafranco, Jr. and wife Elva of San Angelo, Ralph Viafranco and wife Olivia of San Antonio, Mary Villafranco of Amarillo, Jesse Viafranco of San Angelo, Michael Villafranco and wfie Maria of San Angelo, and Anthony Villafranco of Amarillo; three siblings, Robert Lopez and wife Marylou of San

Antonio, Joe Gloria of San Antonio, and Magdalena of San Antonio; 27 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren and 9 great-grea grandchildren.

Our beloved mother, Mimi, and Mamacita crossed over into the arms of Jesus on, Tuesday, August 27th, 2024.

Pat D. Garren was born on January 21, 1936, in Snyder, Texas. She is survived by children, Cindy Lester and husband Holland, Katy Garren Hoskins, and Cody Garren and wife Shanna.

Grandchildren, Juri Lee and husband Cameron, Chase Mitchell & wife Christine, Garren Lester and wife Erin, Kirby Mitchell and wife Danae, Steph Daniel, and Gage Garren. Great grandchildren, Eli Arp, Hazel Mitchell, Madeleine Mitchell, Nora Mitchell, Sawyer Lee, Creed Lee, Thomas Mitchell, and Rio Lester.

Mamacita is also survived by loving caregiver, Carmen Molina.

The family will have a memorial at a later date. Please know that you many acts of kindness and especially your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Peggy Griffith Finley, 88, died peacefully on August 24, 2024. We will miss her for the rest of our lives but she is forever in our hearts, just where she always told us she would be.

Peggy was born on December 2, 1935, in Kilgore, Texas, to Ruth and P.R. Griffith. She was the middle child, and she spent her entire life admiring her older sister Marian and adoring her baby brother Reid. Peggy married her first husband, Ben Snead, during her senior year but kept it a secret until she graduated—as any respectable high school cheerleader would do. Lovington High School was none the wiser, and Ben and Peggy moved to Lubbock after she graduated. Peggy and Ben had four children together: Gin, Julie, Ben, and John. Eventually as a single mom, she worked long hours, commuting to San Angelo from Bronte, making dinner every single night, attending her boys’ games when she could, and always, always making sure the girls had new outfits for their dates.

She was highly intelligent and well-equipped for any argument. The Peggy Finley of today probably would’ve been a lawyer herself, but the Peggy Finley of that day was just happy to support one. And ultimately to marry one—George Finley. With Peggy’s four and George’s two, they had one last baby together – Amanda. Peggy had Amanda the same year Gin and Julie had their own daughters. Raising daughters and granddaughters further sealed the unbreakable bond she had with her oldest girls. Having Amanda late in life probably kept her young, but raising children for 41 consecutive years would have worn anyone out. Anyone except Peggy, of course.

Despite having entirely too many children between them, Peggy and George lived an extraordinary life! She was his secretary, and he was her pilot. George didn’t complain (much) about her shopping (even at Christmas), and she didn’t complain (much) about his thrice weekly bridge game. Together, they traveled as often as they could, gambled whenever they felt like it, ate well (and then dieted too much), read a lot, and laughed a whole lot more. Everyone credited George for his sense of humor, but the truth was, mom was just as funny (and she remained so until the very end).

Mother was beautiful, no nonsense, and just a whole lot of fun. She had style, and when she walked into a room, people noticed. She loved anything and everything sweet, Willie Nelson, the San Antonio Spurs, dogs and eventually cats, Red River, antiques, The Carriage, and sun tanning. In fact, we are pretty sure Mom held the record for the oldest woman with a tanning membership.

Mother was an incredible cook, but her recipes were another thing she kept secret, especially for her famous Christmas candy. Christmas was probably Peggy’s favorite thing—she loved the hustle and bustle and buying gifts for every single person in her enormous family. All of us hold wonderful memories of Peggy’s Christmases, and it is hard to imagine having Christmas without our favorite thing—her.

George died on New Year’s Eve in 2016, and Mom joined the First Presbyterian Church the next year. Although we were hopeful about her future as a new widow, dementia would steal most of those years from her (and from us). But mother never forgot her children, and she never stopped loving her family. In the end, her ask was simple. She wanted her children and grands to stick together. We are a work in progress, but we will do our best to adhere to the promises we made until we meet her again.

Peggy is survived by many who loved her dearly, including daughters Gin Lindsey, Amanda Thompson (husband Joe Don), and Becky Leger, and sons Ben Snead and John Snead. Peggy is also survived by Rick Hyatt, Julie’s husband. Peggy had so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that we lost count, so we will simply name them: Micah Lindsey (children Andrew and Julia and granddaughter Jackie); Amber Garza (husband Roland and daughters Brooklyn and Emerson); Jessica Tidquist (partner John Reese and children Bella, Parker, and Cooper); Erica Wilde (husband Blake and children Conlie and Cash Carter and Hannah and Rylee Wilde); Ryan, Lauren, Sean, Shelby, and Carly Snead (fiancé Sam Jones); Georgia and Finley Thompson; Samantha Parsons (husband Amos and son Julian); Shannon Finley (children Lindsey, Shelby, Emma, and Buddy); Hayden Finley; Aaron Detweiler; and Shalom Leger. Peggy is also survived by sister Marian Black, brother Reid Griffith and wife Marla, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband George and his son Sam; grandsons Jaron Detweiler and Joshua Parsons; and her first husband, Ben. Peggy’s daughter Julie also went before her earlier this year, presumably to prepare and decorate mom’s place above—just as she always did below. We were fortunate that mom didn’t really know Julie left us, and we take great peace from knowing they are together now.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brayden Park and Gentiva Hospice, and the numerous friends who loved and checked on Peggy until the end. Amber Garza, thank you for going above what was required, time and time again. And to Lana Thompson, for us, you remain the closest evidence that angels walk among us.

Pallbearers are Joe Don Thompson, Rick Hyatt, Roland Garza, John Reese, Blake Wilde, Sam Jones, and Parker Tidquist. A visitation will be held at Harper Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00pm on Friday, August 30. Service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, August 31 at First Presbyterian Church, followed by a lunch celebration. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Peggy’s memory to the Native American Disability Law Center.

Esther Marie Douthit. Age 92 passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024 at her home in San Angelo, Texas under the loving care of her family and Hospice of San Angelo.

Esther was born on May 15, 1932 in Parma, Michigan to parents Oren William and Marie Rose (McGill) Bilaski. She was the oldest of six children. She went on to marry Dennis Douthit (55 years) and have 5 children, which they raised on their own family farm near Concord, Michigan. It was important to Esther to raise her children in the Catholic faith, and she eventually became the church organist. Esther was always a learner, a teacher and a planner. She modeled community service, creativity, independence, ingenuity, entrepreneurship and most of all, generosity, perseverance and love. In Lakeland Florida, Esther volunteered at the local college as a tutor for a special needs student. She worked with him for years until she saw him graduate with a degree. In San Angelo, she supported and/or volunteered at several local non-profits including Friends of the Library, The West Texas Boys Ranch, The San Angelo State Park, The San Angelo Symphony and Fort Concho National Historic Landmark. Esther loved to read! During regular visits to the library and annual book sales, she brought home books by the dozen, only to return a few weeks later for more. Esther had a gift for bringing joy to others even as she battled cancer for many years, always choosing to look at the bright side and lifting people up through her strong faith and infectious smile. Those who knew her will know their lives were touched by an angel!

She is survived by her 5 children; sons Dale Dennis and Timothy Oren (Robynn) Douthit of Florida; daughters Julia Ann, Mary Ellen and Dorothy Jean Douthit of San Angelo, Texas; grandchildren Stacy Marie (Sean) McKellip of Michigan, Taylor Gene, Devon Daniel and Hayley Marie Douthit of Florida; great grandson Dillon Marcus McKellip of Michigan; sisters Phyllis Hodges and Margaret Rogers; brother Michael Bilaski all of Jackson, Michigan and family friend Lisa Truesdell of San Angelo, Texas.

Esther is predeceased by her husband Dennis Daniel Douthit (October 1, 2009); grandchildren Jesse Dean Sanders and Daniel Michael Cherry of Michigan; sisters Joanie Ozanich (Carl) and Janet Noon (George) of Michigan.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Dr. Raj Cheruku and his staff at the Shannon Cancer Center and to Dr. Erica Rabe and her staff at Shannon Clinic for their wonderful, compassionate care.

Those wishing to honor Esther may consider making a donation to one of her favorite charities: The West Texas Boys Ranch Foundation, P.O. Box 4077 San Angelo, Tx. 76904-4077. www.wtbr.org

Family and friends can share online condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.

The passing of a loved one is never easy. I am sad to announce the passing of my brother, Quintin Rodriguez.

Private family services will be at 9:00 AM Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Friends and family ceremony is at 10:00 AM Saturday September 14,2024 at College Hills Baptist Church, 102 Johnson Ave, San Angelo, Texas 76904.

Quintin Anthony Rodriguez, went to the Lord on Saturday, August 3, 2024, in San Angelo. Quintin was born March 11, 1971, in San Angelo.

He is survived by his sister, Cora (Kenneth) Casillas Neuberger and brother, Matthew John Casillas. His surviving adult children are Danielle Furman (Brandon), Bryan Rodriguez, Michael Rodriguez, and Aylssa Rodriguez, and one grandson.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Dolores Casillas Rodriguez and father, Miguel Rodriguez Jr. maternal grandparents, Frutoso and Antonia Casillas and paternal grandparents, Miguel and Estefana Rodriguez.

Quintin's enthusiastic sports team favorites were the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys. He loved to dance with his passion for Country and Tejano music. Quintin had a contagious laugh and smile that will be remembered by his family forever.

"Grief, I've learned, is just love. It's all the love you want to give but cannot. All that unspent love gathers in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in the hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go." quote.

Jacob Dell "J.D." Riley, 36, of Stamford, laid his burdens down on Thursday, August 22, 2024, in San Angelo. 

J.D. was born on May 22, 1988, in Del Rio where he was placed directly into the loving arms of his parents Randall "Randy" Dell and Cecilia "CeCe" Owens Riley. Shortly after his birth, the family made their home in Menard County, where he was spoiled rotten by his many aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. 

Later the Riley three settled in the Anson and Stamford areas which they would call home for the remainder of J.D.'s childhood and early adult life. From an early age it was obvious J.D. would go on to excel at and enjoy sports. If it had a ball, J.D. was there. Football, basketball, or baseball, his passion for competition and gift of building comradery led to many long-lasting friendships as he emerged as a standout player.

Jacob Dell started his school career in Anson and remained there through eighth grade. After a family move, J.D. found himself as a Stamford High School Bulldog (Class of 2006)- longtime local rival of his former Tigers. Despite the contention, J.D. cultivated an invaluable circle of close friends from his at both schools. That brotherhood lasted the rest of his life. His support system was particularly helpful when his mother CeCe succumbed to cancer in 2006-his senior year.

BBQ cookoffs with his buddies, Texas country music on the radio, and fishing with his beloved Papa (Dell Riley) and dad were always favorite things to do. But J.D.'s primary pastime has never been a secret: it's all things sports. Friday Night Lights were rarely missed and Saturday College Game Days he watched and rooted for his Texas Longhorns. Sundays were for cheering on the Browns and the Broncos while analyzing the rest of the league. The Los Angeles Lakers were another favorite team to cheer and discuss, and the Spurs were a great topic to text back and forth with his Aunt Hedy. J.D.'s love of sports and stats may very well have financed the college tuition of his bookie's two children.

In September of 2009 J.D.'s dad Randy married Vicki Littlejohn. The union provided J.D. with the siblings he never had-4 sisters! Amber, Ashley, Allison, and April loved Randy and J.D. as their own. Vicki, J.D., the girls and their own families said their earthly goodbyes to Randy in February of 2024. 

Jacob's burden of addiction and the time it robbed him of will never again be relevant in his new Heavenly home. The spectacular show of lightning near San Angelo as he passed from this earth assures us, he was gloriously (and raucously!) received by so many loved ones at the Pearly Gates.

Death is not the opposite of life; it is a part of life. We mourners he left behind will face sadness; however, we can take solace in the comfort that J.D. has now earned his peace. 

Jacob Dell was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Left to cherish his memory are his first cousins and lifelong friends Tyler Wright of Menard (wife Paige; children O'Dan and Linah); Lori Rogers of Menard (husband Larry; children Logan and Layne); stepmother Vicki Riley of Stamford; step-sisters Amber Riggen and Justin of Brownwood; Ashley Martinez and Matt of Abilene; Allison Bigbie of Brownwood; April Locke of Brownwood; and the crew of his adored nieces and nephews: Colter Reed, Kenley Reed, Addie Olds, Cooper Bigbie and Aspen Bigbee.

Family and friends will celebrate J.D.'s life with a memorial service at St. John's Methodist Church in Stamford at 2:00 PM Sunday, August 25, 2024. A casual gathering in his honor will be held at Stamford Country Club, 7228 Golf Course Road in Stamford, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering your time or donating to your favorite charitable cause. 

Jacob- today, and ONLY today; and only for you... we can all agree: Go Broncos!

María (Mary) Oralia Flores, beloved sister and aunt who devoted her life to her family and to her beloved animals on her ranch, passed away on Sunday, August 18. She was 91. 

A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Sunday, August 25 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, August 26, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Mary was born on November 25, 1932, the day after Thanksgiving Day, in Fort Stockton, the eighth of 11 children of Rumalda Montes Flores and Francisco Flores Sr. It was the early years of the Great Depression and her family lived and worked at the Hat A Ranch outside of Fort Stockton. Although they were not wealthy and even though economic times were tough, living on the ranch afforded the family a slightly better life than others around them. 

Her father and her older siblings worked on horseback as ranch crews, trapping wild animals, clearing mesquite, cactus and other brush, repairing pipes around water tanks and tending to livestock, including branding cattle, among other tasks. As she grew, Mary mostly helped her mother around the small but tidy home, helping raise her three younger siblings, a vocation that she enjoyed and embraced her entire life. 

In the early 1950s, she moved with her parents and other siblings to San Angelo. Many of the family members not only worked jobs in town, but they also oftentimes traveled as itinerant farmers—picking cotton and other crops in the area, among other places, to provide for their sustenance. In 1965, Mary began working in the Housekeeping Department at Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital, which is now Shannon Medical Center. 

In the early 1970s, while still holding her job at Shannon, she and two of her brothers, Eliseo “Chayo” Flores and Richard Flores Sr., seeking to capture the ranch life of their youth that they had enjoyed, purchased a nearly 40-acre ranch about 10 miles east of Ballinger. They built fences and brought in sheep and goats, cattle, horses, chickens and guinea hens, among other animals. They built corrals and other structures for some of the animals, along with a small wood-frame home for overnight stays. They were able to dig a water well that served them for some time, but they mostly had to regularly haul water in 55-gallon drums for the livestock. 

Mary never married and never had children, but she was the matriarch of a score of nieces and nephews she helped raise with a smile, a strong voice and a firm, and gentle hand, especially Isabella “Bella” Longoria Flores, a niece she raised, loved and called her own. Mary instilled responsibility in “Bella” and numerous other nieces and nephews who joined her on the weekends at the ranch, ensuring that animals were fed and watered and that other chores were completed before games or free time could begin. 

She was kind and generous, loved to laugh, loved music, and was a great hostess at family gatherings, especially Easter Sunday celebrations when dozens of family members gathered at the three-table pavilion at the O.C. Fisher Reservoir where she was among the first on the bur-laden field hiding Easter eggs for the children or the first one at the plate for a family game of softball. 

True to her upbringing and dedicated work ethic, Mary never missed a day of work at Shannon Medical Center, retiring with a perfect attendance record from the Environmental Services Department in 2014. 

Aunt Mary was greatly loved and will be missed immensely.

She is survived by her brother, Richard Flores Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents; her niece, Isabella “Bella” Longoria Flores; her brothers, Daniel Flores, Isaac Flores, Eliseo “Chayo” Flores, Rosendo Flores, Isabel “Bill” Flores, and Francisco Flores Jr.; her sisters, Octavia Flores Sedeño, Ernestina Flores Sedeño, and Olivia Flores Batla; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Pallbearers will be Weston Batla, James Batla, Dwayne Batla, Daniel Batla, Richard Flores Jr. , and Phillip Flores.