Norma Louise Sparks Radle, 87 of Eldorado, went home to be with Jesus and her beloved husband William “Blackie” Radle Jr. on November 17, 2019.

Louise was born in Coleman County on January 30, 1932 to Emmett and Estelle Garrison Sparks. She married the love of her life the day after she graduated Centennial School on May 21, 1949. Together they followed the work of the Texas Highway Department across west Texas and raised a family that included two daughters, Norma Jane & Shirley Jo. Their family lived in Sonora from 1961 to 1973. They then settled in Eldorado and watched their love and their family grow.

While Bill was working and volunteering with the local fire departments, Louise was right beside him. She was active in the Church of Christ and in every community where they lived. She loved to cook and serve her family. You could always find her in the kitchen. Whether it was chicken fried steaks or Christmas candy, she never met someone she didn’t want to feed. She filled our plates and our hearts with her stories. She always had a story to tell about growing up in Valera and raising her family. One of her favorite times to share stories was over a game of Yahtzee or dominoes.

Louise was not only a collector of stories, but a collector of jewelry and an avid quilter and crafter. She was a teacher of life-skills, always willing to pass on her talents in the kitchen or behind the sewing machine to any of her grandchildren or great grandchildren that would sit still long enough to finish a project. Even after she lost most of her sight to macular degeneration, she would make paper bead necklaces to keep her hands busy. She was happiest singing hymns and fishing with family along the river in Junction on camping trips and raising her great-grandkids over the weekends and throughout the summer. Grandma to all, she is best known for her unending hugs and loving words of affirmation and affection. She led her family through five generations in faith, hope, and love leaving a lasting legacy of joy to all she encountered. Despite the fact that she left this earth before all could share one last goodbye, there is peace knowing she is at home with Jesus and her husband once again.

She met Jesus on the other side of heaven alongside family that preceded her in death: parents Emmett and Estelle Sparks, brother Dick Sparks, sisters Judy Johnson and Mildred Singleton, husband William “Bill” Radle Jr., daughter Shirley Jo Odom, and granddaughter Kelly Jo Blakeway.
Mrs. William Radle Jr. is survived by her beloved family: daughter and son-in-law, Norma & Gary Brawner of San Angelo; granddaughters Amy and Andrea Robledo of San Angelo; grandson and family Tim, Barbara, Ally, Johnny, Sara & Emily Brawner of Sumter, South Carolina; great-granddaughter and family Victoria Brown Watson, Dustin Watson and great-great-grandson Quade Allen Watson of Dove Creek; great-grandsons Zachary William Allen Brown of San Angelo and Jimmie Don Fleming of Eldorado.

She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law Garland “Buddy”& Betty Sparks of Bryan; sister Georgie Makara of Pennsylvania as well as other nieces and nephews and their families.

She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband of 59 years in the Eldorado cemetery. Services will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Eldorado Cemetery Chapel,, with George Arispe officiating.

Arrangements are with Love Funeral Home.

Velma Lena Jacob Wilde, 95, died peacefully in her sleep at home, on November 18, 2019. Rosary will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 7pm. Funeral services will also be at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 10am with Fr. Joseph Choutapalli and many other priests friends officiating. Burial will be at the St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery. Velma was born premature on September 10, 1924 in Winters, TX to Herman Jacob and Ida Bredemeyer Jacob. They were not sure she would make it but in true “Velma” fashion, she proved everyone wrong. She enjoyed her childhood on the farm fishing, picking cotton, swimming in the creek and enjoying her family. She loved her brothers and sisters and enjoyed picking on them. She could pick cotton better and faster than any of her siblings. Some of her favorite childhood stories include giving chocolate laxative to her neighbor friend and knocking her brother Herbert in the head with a paint brush. Velma had a special bond with her sister, Matilda (Tillie). They were born 23 months apart but seemed more like twins. Even death could not keep them apart for very long, as Tillie passed away two weeks prior to Velma. She fell in love and married Fenton A. Wilde on May 4, 1942. They made their home in Wall, Texas farming and raising 6 children. She was an avid member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Wall. Unfortunately, her husband passed away young but she soldiered on to raise her children with an unwavering faith in God. Even though she struggled with her health much of her life and faced many tragedies, she remained steadfast in her love of God and the world. Now, I know everyone says their mom/grandmother is the best cook in the world…But Velma WAS the best. Anyone who ever ate one of her massive meals would agree. The woman could cook. And if you came to her house, you were guaranteed to leave full and happy. She also had a huge garden and enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables of all kinds. She had a green thumb. But she would tell you, “I don’t have a green thumb, it comes from elbow grease.” Velma and Fenton had a special relationship with the Catholic priests that cycled through the parishes. They always befriended them and included them in family functions. She became affectionally known as the “Mother of Priests”. Even as she aged she enjoyed special friendships with priests and particularly international priests. She opened her home and her heart to many priests that were far from their home and family. Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Ida Jacob; brothers, Jake Jacob (Margie), Herbert Jacob (Evelyn), Edgar Jacob and George Jacob; sisters, Betty Gray (Marvin) and Matilda Englert (Andrew); sons, Walter and Jimmy; daughter-in-law, Debbie Wilde (Sturm); brothers-in-law, Elo Wilde (Cordelia), Edwin Wilde (Cordula) and Bennie Wilde (Alice); and sisters-in-law, Stella Schwartz (Bill), Cora Dierschke (Norman), and Mary Wilde. Velma is survived by her daughters, Karen Eggemeyer (Bobby) of Wall and Susan Jost (Lee Allen) of Olfen; daughter-in-law, Joyce Wilde of Wall; sons, Alan Wilde of Wall and Danny Wilde (Tonya) of Wall; and special adopted son, Fr. Joseph Choutapalli of Wall. Grandchildren Missey Dacy, Jenny Millican, Katy Green, Brad Eggemeyer, Tammy Eggemeyer, Eric Eggemeyer, Shay Wilde, Tyler Wilde, Dara Anderson, Chandra Wilde, Cayla Bowie, Danica Wilde, Matthew Jost, Mandy Jost and special adopted grandson, Sam Matthiesen. She also had 14 great grandchildren whom she enjoyed seeing grow up. Special thanks to dear friends Josie Castillo, AJ (Dutch) Gottschalk, Msgr. James Bridges, Eddie Mae Huebner, Arnie Aguero, Leida and Dyanna Ramirez and Sylvia Martinez who so kindly offered their friendship over many years. We are grateful to you. We are also grateful to her team of doctors in San Angelo and San Antonio, especially Dr. Pendleton Wickersham, Dr. Carolina Ojeda and the kind staff of Angels Home Health Services for their excellent care. We are grateful to our sweet Mom/Momma/Granny/Nana/Grandma Wilde for so many years of love and guidance. Velma frequently said, "The best is yet to be!" With that in mind, let us remember that our sadness and loss is another’s reunion in heaven. We will miss you.

FAMILY

• Herman Jacob, Father (deceased)
• Ida Bredemeyer Jacob, Mother (deceased)
• Jake Jacob (Margie), Brother (deceased)
• Herbert Jacob (Evelyn), Brother (deceased)
• Edgar Jacob, Brother (deceased)
• George Jacob, Sister (deceased)
• Betty Gray (Marvin), Sister (deceased)
• Matilda Englert (Andrew), Sister (deceased)
• Walter Jacob, Son (deceased)
• Jimmy Jacob, Son (deceased)
• Debbie Wilde (Sturm), Daughter-in-law (deceased)
• Elo Wilde (Cordelia), Brother-in-law (deceased)
• Edwin Wilde (Cordula), Brother-in-law (deceased)
• Bennie Wilde (Alice), Brother-in-law (deceased)
• Stella Schwartz (Bill), Sister-in-law (deceased)
• Cora Dierschke (Norman), Sister-in-law (deceased)
• Mary Wilde, Sister-in-law (deceased)
• Karen Eggemeyer (Bobby), Daughter
• Susan Jost (Lee Allen), Daughter
• Joyce Wilde, Daughter-in-law
• Alan Wilde, Son
• Danny Wilde (Tonya), Son
• Fr. Joseph Choutapalli, Special Adopted Son
• Missey Dacy, Grandchild
• Jenny Millican, Grandchild
• Katy Green, Grandchild
• Brad Eggemeyer, Grandchild
• Tammy Eggemeyer, Grandchild
• Eric Eggemeyer, Grandchild
• Shay Wilde, Grandchild
• Tyler Wilde, Grandchild
• Dara Anderson, Grandchild
• Chandra Wilde, Grandchild
• Cayla Bowie, Grandchild
• Danica Wilde, Grandchild
• Matthew Jost, Grandchild
• Mandy Jost, Grandchild
• Sam Matthiesen, Special Adopted Grandchild
• Josie Castillo, Dear Friend
• AJ Gottschalk (Dutch), Dear Friend
• Msgr. James Bridges, Dear Friend
• Eddie Mae Huebner, Dear Friend
• Arnie Aguero, Dear Friend
• Leida Ramirez, Dear Friend
• Dyanna Ramirez, Dear Friend
• Sylvia Martinez, Dear Friend

Beverly McCollum Ratliff was born to R.J. and Gladys McCollum on December 13, 1940. She died on November 18, 2019 at Shannon Hospital.

She attended public school in Ozona and San Angelo, graduating from Central High School where she was a twirler with the Bobcat Band. She received a B.S. degree from Angelo State University. She was married to Gerald Ratliff in 1960. They had two children Merritt Andrea and Jeff Ratliff. Beverly was a loving “NaNa” to her grandchildren; Morgan Mann, Jefferson Ratliff, Fletcher Ratliff, Lyndon Polhemus, and Evelyn Ratliff.

She is also survived by her husband, Gerald; her children Merritt Andrea Ratliff, Jeff Ratliff and his wife Angie; many nieces and nephews to whom she offered love and support; brother Steve McCollum and his sweet wife, Priscilla, who loved and helped her so much.
We will miss her wit and compassion.

The family thanks her doctors and staff at Shannon and St. Gabriel Hospice.

Beverly was a member of Grace Presbyterian Chapel. She was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church which she loved with her whole heart.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the House of Faith and the Salvation Army.

Memorial will be held at First Christian Church at 10am, Friday, November 22, 2019 with Pastor Kary Fry officiating.

Mary Sue Gill Gaines died on Sunday, November 17, 2019, in San Angelo, Texas. She was born to J.E and Lucile Bohannon on August 24, 1931, in Brownwood.

Think what history this woman saw: The Great Depression, WW II, The Korean Conflict, The Vietnam Conflict, the age of flight and problems in the middle east.

Even as a small child she sang. She lived and was schooled all over Texas as her father was employed by Humble Oil Company. She graduated from Edison High School in San Antonio. She was awarded the Outstanding Student Award in Band and choir. Howard Payne College offered her a music scholarship.

She rode a milk truck to school and was proud of it and met her future husband Howard Gill whom she married in 1949. He stayed in college, and they lived off of love, the GI bill, beans and cornbread. She did sing!

Whether hanging clothes, washing dishes or rocking a baby, she did sing! She sang in First Christian Church Choir, Civic projects and solos.

She was employed as the school secretary at Alta Loma School and later as an aide. When San Angelo Community College went to four years she went back to school full time to earn a teaching degree. At this time, she had a junior in high school and a junior in college. The college student avoided her classes. She was one of the “lil ole Grandmas” in tennis shoes sitting on the front rows in classes and spoiling the curve grading systems for everybody else. She did sing (and sit there)

She taught 23 years in the sixth grade at Alta Loma Elementary School. She loved history and made it come alive for her students.

After the children were off to college, she and Howard pursued a hobby of showing chihuahuas. They traveled all over the Southwest in their big motorhome. They finished thirty-five conformation AKC Champions, all but one home bred. And even three in AKC obedience trials, not easy with a Chihuahua! She Sang!

Howard Gill died in 2002 from lung cancer, The singing stopped!

At a hospice meeting in 2003 she met George Gaines who had also lost his spouse to lung cancer. They thought alike, realizing that life was short, they married. She sang again!

Mary Sue Gaines was preceded in death by her parents and Howard Gill.

She is survived by husband George; two children, Lucy Hill and husband Ken (in the process of moving to San Angelo) and Ernest Gill of Hamburg, Germany. George’s family includes his mother, Mimi, Tish and Toby Taylor, Kayla and Danny Jones, Chad Parker and Mark Gaines. Great Grandchildren, Brendan and Cayden Jones and the Taylor bunch Paige, Cole, Brandt and Izzy.

Viewing will be 10:00am to 8:00pm on Wednesday November 20, 2019 with the family be present from 5:00pm to 7:00pm to receive friends.

Funeral services will be 1:00pm Thursday November 21, 2019 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Bryan Elliott of Johnson Street Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Arrangements are made by Robert Massie Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers it was Mary's wish that donations be made to local animal shelters and animal rescue centers.

Opal Edna Chapman Hudson, 97, went to be with Our Lord and Saviour on Thursday, November 14, 2019, at Trisun Regency House Nursing Home in San Angelo.

Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, November 17, 2019, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Brother Neil Conner, associate pastor of Belmore Baptist Church and close family friend, officiating. Graveside services will be 11:30 AM Monday, November 18, 2019, at Morton Memorial Cemetery in Morton with Rev. Jerry Newton, retired Baptist minister and nephew, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home in San Angelo.

Opal was born January 1, 1922, in Lamesa, Dawson County, to Howard and Edna Mae (Turnbow) Chapman. She was the oldest of her eleven siblings working alongside her father on the family’s farm and relying on her trusted friend and favorite horse, “Ole Nell” to assist her in performing her farming duties. Opal also took the “big sister” role seriously assisting her Mother in raising her younger siblings.

Opal married Clay Hudson on December 13, 1941 in Seminole. Places they lived include Morton, Borger, Seagraves and San Antonio; Lawton, Oklahoma, and Yakima, Washington, during WWII and finally moving to San Angelo in 1958 to settle with their two baby daughters. He preceded her in death on March 10, 2002.

Opal was a member of Harris Avenue Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and was involved with the WMU over the years. Opal was an avid homemaker, loved working in the yard, knitting, crocheting and especially cooking. Something was always available to feed her family or anyone else that stopped by her home. Her family was her life and there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them to see a smile on their face. Her grandchildren knew her as “Mammaw Opal” and her great grandchildren called her “Mammaw Bopal”. Opal was the housekeeping supervisor for Holiday Inn many years then moved to Ethicon as a hand winder where she retired after 10 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her three brothers, Howard “Junior” Chapman, Jr., Leroy “Sonny” Chapman and Johnny Chapman; her three sisters, Joanne Chapman, Laverne Houpt and Wanda Derby.

Survivors include her two daughters, Rhonda Shrum and husband Gary of San Angelo, Cheryl Wilde of Plano; four grandchildren, Chris Shrum and wife Lauren of Canyon Lake; Ashley Cardoza and husband James of Stuttgart, Germany, Lisa Thomas and husband Ben of San Angelo and Jana McGuire and husband Josh of Euless; 10 great-grandchildren, Henry Shrum of Redmond, Washington, Emerson Shrum, Bailey Shrum and Leighton Shrum all of Canyon Lake; Aspen Cardoza, Liam Cardoza and Brentley Cardoza all of Stuttgart, Germany; Haley Palmore and Logan Thomas both of San Angelo; and Adelaide McGuire of Euless; two brothers, Billy Chapman, Jerry Chapman and wife June all of Lamesa; three sisters, Helen Nance of Lamesa, Sharon Eubanks and husband Lloyd of Cleburne; Beverly Cortese and husband Frank of San Angelo; three sisters-in-law, Wanda Chapman of Lubbock; Arlene Smith and husband Bob of Smyer; Betty Hudson of Lubbock; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; also Shirley Culp, a great friend who visited often and kept her supplied with Dr. Pepper.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to their favorite charity.

Gertrude Kathryn (Babe) Rutledge, 86, died peacefully in her sleep and passed from the hands of her daughters into the hands of God on November 16, 2019 at Shannon Medical Hospital in San Angelo, Texas. Born August 8, 1933, in Ottawa, Ohio, to Thomas Omar Cavanaugh and Helen Regina Baumier Cavanaugh, she is predeceased by her parents, 2 sisters, a brother, her beloved son, James Thomas (Jimmy) Rutledge and her late husband and loving Dad of her 4 Children, Robert Ray (Bob) Rutledge.

On September 22, 1952, at the young age of 19, Babe married Bob Rutledge, her soul mate and love of her life. Together for 25+ years, they raised their 4 children with steadfast love and devotion. Throughout travels abroad to Holland, back to the USA, to Norway and back to the USA, wherever Bob's career took him, Babe was always up to the task as she would gather up her children and manage to herd them through airports and finally on to the planes. Traveling alone with 4 children was anything but easy since what one child didn't think of to pull, another one did, yet she always managed it like only a Mother could. Living abroad, Babe managed the language barriers and mastered driving on ice, stuffing a family of 6 with ski gear and a family lunch into a compact car, cross country snow-skiing, ice skating, getting everyone off very early to school (which entailed a bus-train-bus ride), and even learned how to herd ducks out of the house and get duck droppings off the rugs, furniture and floors after her beloved Jimmy shut the door to the house and scared the "droppings" out of them. (To be fair, all 4 children led the ducks inside; Jimmy just wanted to keep them.) Stateside, Babe, while employed as a telephone operator for GTE, was the "homeroom" mom that baked goods for sales, sat in the stands come rain or shine for sports, livestock shows, motorcycle racing, cowboy polo, cheerleading, Tex-Ann's, parades, riding club play days; if her children were involved, she was there. The memories and experiences Babe (with and without Bob) afforded her children are infinite. She was a mother with a heart of gold that did the best she could do to take care of her children which she proved to the very last of her days. Babe's last stay in the hospital literally saved her oldest daughter's life. Had her daughters not been at the hospital with her, Kathy would not have survived as she suffered a ruptured abdominal aneurysm while standing next to Babe's hospital bed. God and Babe were working together. She was a “Mother” to the end and held on till Kathy was out of danger.

Survivors include her three children, Kathy White and husband, Dana; JoAnn Wilkinson and husband, Mark; Raymond Rutledge and wife, Donna. 7 Grandchildren; Robert Kuhns, Kimberly Lopez and husband, Jeremy, Blaine Wilkinson, Chad Rutledge and wife, Kristen, Valerie Whitney and husband, Travis, J.T. Rutledge, Coy White and wife, Jennifer. 9 Great-Grandchildren; Bryleigh Lopez, Addison and Reagan Wilkinson, Mason and Morgan Rutledge, Lane and Lance Whitney, Chase and Corbyn White.

Graveside burial directed by Johnson’s Funeral Home will be Saturday, November 23, 2019, at 11:00a.m. in the Garden of Apostles at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, Texas 76905. Expressed by Babe, days before her passing; "Thank You Dana and Mark for all you have done for me through the years. Thank You for being the sons that I lost. Please look after my girls for me. I Love You!" The family wishes to thank the Shannon medical staff for going the extra mile with such compassionate care as well as those who have extended emotional support during mom’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association, West Texas Boys Ranch, SPCA or your charity of choice.

“In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still, In our hearts you hold a place, No one else will ever fill.”

Christian Omar Bernal Martinez, age 28, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on Saturday November 16, 2019. Christian was born October 2, 1991 in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico to Oscar and Guadalupe Bernal. He later moved to San Angelo and attended Lakeview Highschool. He worked as an electrician and met many friends along the way. He married the love of his life, Ana Karen, on December 2, 2017. Christian had a passion for music and football. His never missed a game from his favorite team, the Eagles. Christian was an extraordinary person who touched many lives. He will be deeply missed by all those who loved him.

Christian is survived by; wife Ana Karen Bernal; son Exseya Bernal; brother Oscar Bernal, brother Oscar Ivan Bernal, sister Brenda Bernal, brother Anthony Bernal, brother Ariel Bernal, sister Iris Parry, sister Tania Bernal, brother Javier Parry, sister Ana Luisa Bernal and brother Alfredo Bernal; parents Oscar and Guadalupe Bernal.

An open visitation for Christian will be held starting Tuesday, November 19, 2019 until Thursday, November 21, 2019 at Johnson's Funeral Home. A prayer service will occur Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Christian's memory may be made to City of San Angelo Animal Shelter, 3142 US-67, San Angelo, Texas, https://www.cosatx.us/departments-s….

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Bernal Martinez family.

FAMILY

• Oscar and Guadalupe Bernal, Parents
• Ana Karen Bernal, Wife
• Exseya Bernal, Son
• Oscar Bernal, Brother
• Oscar Ivan Bernal, Brother
• Brenda Bernal, Sister
• Anthony Bernal, Brother
• Ariel Bernal, Brother
• Iris Parry, Sister
• Tania Bernal, Sister
• Javier Parry, Brother
• Ana Luisa Bernal, Sister
• Alfredo Bernal, Brother

David Ralph Hodges 87 of San Angelo passed away November 16, 2019. David was born November 19, 1931 to Jewel and Pauline Hodges. He served in the United States Army as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and 505th Infantry Division. He married Barbara Jo Alexander after his enlistment in 1954. The couple had two children David Phillip and Diane Elizabeth. He graduated from Oklahoma University and was a die hard fan. He never missed a game and attended as many as he could, especially in his younger years. David started his YMCA career around 50 years ago. He came to San Angelo in 1988 as the Chief Executive Officer. Since then he has been serving the community through the YMCA, United Way and Bentwood Country Club. He retired in 2000 after the grand opening of the new YMCA which sits on Hodges Circle in his honor. David loved his work and loved his work family. On his days off and in his retirement you would always find him on the golf course at Bentwood with his friends. He is survived by his granddaughters who he raised since they were very young, Kristen Bratton and Kelly Marcano, and his great grandchildren who he adored, Haylee Zetzman and Amelie Clemens. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2019 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 23, 2019 in the chapel of Johnson’s Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com