Heaven gained an amazing angel on May 27, 2022. Meriam Henderson Shelton, age 72, of Christoval, TX joined her parents, loved ones lost, and many precious animals while surrounded with love by those closest to her. She was born in Brownwood, TX on December 5th, 1949, to Homer and Kay Henderson. The third of four children, she had one sister and 2 brothers. She fell in love with Johnny 40 years ago and they enjoyed their life together at Running Man Ranch. 

Meriam was the very definition of kind, caring, sweet and loving. Those that knew her felt these attributes. She had lifelong friends, literally, from school days. She had friends from her career at GTE/Verizon. She had friends she met along the way from all walks of life. No matter the duration of the relationship, she was sure to let you know you were loved and cared about. 

Meriam and Johnny have spoiled loads of animals over the years. The lucky animals include horses, donkeys, goats, llamas, dogs, cats, fish, chickens, ducks, guineas, pigs, geese, turkeys, a rabbit, a deer, peacocks, and calves. Every one was special to them both. Neither her age nor the Texas heat stopped her from being outside tending to her pets, some weighing up to 1200 pounds. As soft and gentle as her heart was, she was also a typical tough west Texas Christian lady. She loved God, was saved by Him as a young girl, and prayed to Him nightly. 

Being Granny was likely what she was most proud of. She had incredibly close relationships with her grandsons Corey, Izaiah, and Luka. She was “over the moon” as she said, to be blessed with great-grandson Luka two-years ago. She completely adored him and he wanted to facetime with her every evening. She will be with him always and we will ensure he forever knows about his Granny. 

Some of those dearest to her who will miss her terribly are Johnny, Erica, Corey, Izaiah, Luka, Julia, Neil, and Dre; as well as Marlene, Annabeth, Joyce, Tracy, Ken, Margaret, Elaine, Linda, John, Sandy, and so many others. In a world where kindness is becoming scarce, may Meriam’s sweet spirit and kind heart motivate you to be the same. 

A celebration of her life will be memorialized on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 10:00am at the International Waterlily Collection located in the Civic League Park, 2 S. Park Street, in San Angelo. Her service will be officiated by their friend, Bill Dendle. Please dress comfortably and feel free to wear bright colors as we pay our respects to Meriam. In lieu of flowers, she would surely be pleased for you to donate to a charity benefitting animals. 

Memorial Service

Friday, June 03, 2022

10:00AM

International Waterlily Collection 
2 S. Park Street. 
San Angelo, TX 76901

Born just before the Roaring Twenties, Juanita (Nita) was a caring wife and tireless mother of 5 children. 
As a senior in high school, she met her future husband, Robert Lee Ivy, at a college dance at Sul Ross State College in Alpine, Texas, and became his wife on August 12, 1939 in a civil ceremony. They had 5 children: Bobbie Jo, Sarah Louise (deceased), Margaret Ann, Carla Jean, and Robert Lee Jr. 
Over the years, her family now encompasses 8 Grand-children, 19 Great Grandchildren, and 7 Great Great Grandchildren. 

A degreed elementary teacher, she taught at 2 elementary schools in Midland Texas during the 1950's and 1960's. She was a piano player and a painter as well, inspiring her children to explore the arts. Her artwork was featured in an exhibition by the Palette Club in Midland. 

Nita and Bob were members of the First Methodist Church in Midland and active in the Seniors Sunday school class until their move to San Antonio in 2007. In her early retirement years, she enjoyed travel to Europe and other destinations with her husband, both as an adjunct to his business and for vacation. They became very adept square-dancers, and Nita designed and made several square-dance outfits for them. They even located a square-dance group in Great Britain while they traveled there, keeping their accomplishments in the activity fresh, even outside of Texas. 

At home, she was an accomplished cook, and passed much of that knowledge to the kids, too. Her other pastimes were quilting, knitting, and pursuit of genealogy of the family. 

All who knew this wonderful soul will miss her greatly, may she rest in peace in her new life in our Savior's Kingdom. 

Funeral Service

Saturday, June 04, 2022

10:00AM

St. Luke's Methodist Church 
2781 W Ave N. 
San Angelo, TX 76904

Final Resting Place

Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens 
4989 FM Highway 1223 
San Angelo, TX 76905

Ojenio Eugene Gaitan, 63, of San Angelo passed away Friday, May 28, 2022 surrounded by family members.

Viewing will be Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Services are planned for a later date. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mr. Gaitan was born Mary 11, 1959 in Sterling City to Guillermo and Jesusa Estrada Gaitan. Eugene graduated from Sterling City High School in 1978. After high school, he was a tanner at Custom Skin Company for many years. Later Eugene was a custodian at Shannon Medical Center and at San Angelo State School. He loved The Dallas Cowboys, watching westerns, dancing to country music when he was able to and raising goats. Most of all he loved being a grandpa to all his grandchildren, calling to talk to them about school, sports, or just to talk. He was greatly loved and will always be missed.

Eugene was preceded in death by his mother, Jesusita Balderaz; his father, Guillermo Gaitan; his stepfather, Domingo Balderaz; his sister, Rita Gaitan Reyes; and his grandson Kylen Gaitan.


He is survived by his children, Logan Gaitan and wife Jesica, Amanda Garcia and husband Jacob, Edward Perez and Esmeralda Perez; his sisters, Janie Houck and husband Robert, Irma Torres Addison and husband Lee; his grandchildren, Jayden Gaitan, Jaime Ramirez, Jesiah Ramirez, Abel Ramirez, Maya Garcia and Luna Garcia; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Frank Cortese, 96, of San Angelo passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at his home.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel.

Frank was born on July 22, 1925 in Temple to Phillip George Cortese and Catherine Billello Cortese of Temple. His parents immigrated to the United States from Sicily, in the early 1900s, Catherine in 1898 and Phillip in 1911. They settled on a farm in Knickerbocker. Frank grew up in San Angelo and attended the Pulliam School. He always reminisced about life in the 1930s and 1940s and the beautiful pecan trees at the Lowrance Swimming Pool. Frank's family moved to the Temple area in 1941 and settled in Little River.

At the age of 18, Frank joined the US Navy. He was stationed on the Naval Base in Corpus Christi, where he worked on the line and in maintenance. He went to A.O.M. school and aerial gunnery school and then transferred to California and the amphibian force known as the "Lion 8." He served in Hawaii, Eniwetok, Guam, and Okinawa during World War II. He mustered out of the Navy in 1946 as a Seaman First Class.

After the war, Frank worked on the family farm for a while, but his roots were in San Angelo. His first job was a bell boy at the St. Angeles (Cactus) Hotel where a lifelong friend, Raymond Taylor, gave him a job. Later Frank went to work for Homco Kadane Drilling, Wichita Falls Standlind Oil Company, and Franklin & Cowan Drilling Company in Ozona. Frank married Beverly in 1969 and together raised 4 beautiful children. They met and fell in love in the Ethicon Bowling League where they were members of the Pin Twisters quartet.

Frank had a 32-year career at Goodyear Proving Grounds as a high speed tire tester. He was chosen to go to Utica, Michigan to do high speed testing on the Studabaker Packard test track. He was then assigned to the new high speed five-mile circle for 10 years amassing 1,550,000 miles at 85-130 mph. He originated the private car program (Over the Road) under the direction of Jim Salladay. When Goodyear was competing for a million-dollar contract to build the Americo 120 Super Tire, he drove for 3.5 days at a speed of 120 mph never varying over ½ mph. He also had the privilege of being the Goodyear liaison for AJ Foyt and AJ Bignotti to test and tune their race cars on the high-speed circle in preparation for the Indy 500. He also tuned the car for Ray Nichols Engineering for the Daytona 500. He was the contributing factor originating the Goodyear Federal Credit Union serving as Vice-President for 5 years and on the Board of Directors. Frank was one of the founding members of the Wingfoot Gun Club and was President for 12 years.

One of Frank's favorite sports was driving race cars in the 1950s at the Speedbowl and Raceway Park in San Angelo. He drove stock cars and roadsters and quickly became a top competitor. He had many nicknames such as the Italian Stallion, Trophy Dash King, Baby Face and Ladies Choice.

Frank was an avid deer hunter and absolutely loved spending time with his son Phill at the Goodyear Proving Grounds hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, and driving the grounds. His other talents included writing songs, poetry, gardening, studying his law books, and playing the banjo and guitar. His most famous songs were: 'How Does Grandma Look to Grandpa,' 'Mommy,' 'A New Star Tonight in Heaven,' 'Between the Church and the Honky Tonk,' 'Tell me Yes or No,' and 'Close the Door Forever.' He also loved to entertain friends and family with his amazing card tricks. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Beverly Chapman Cortese of the home; his children, Symona Robles and husband David of San Angelo, BJ Bryant of Austin, and Phill Cortese, of San Angelo; his brother, Salvador 'Sonny' Cortese of San Angelo; 7 grandchildren, Dustin, Jessica, Taylor, Bailey, Kylee, and Kassidee; and 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces, and nephews. Frank is preceded in death by his father, Phillip in 1977, his mother, Catherine in 2003; his son, James Michael Cortese in 1993; grandson, Anthony Ryan Cortese in 1995; and his siblings, Anne Fuentes, Vince Cortese, Marie Miller, Georgia Mapes, Jannie Cortese and Jean Dale Cortese.

Frank's family would like to thank the loving nurses and aides at Kindred Hospice for their compassion and care in his final days.
 

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Saturday
June 18, 2022
1:00 PM
Robert Massie Riverside Chapel
402 Rio Concho Dr.
San Angelo, TX 76903

Bode George Owens, Jr. (Buck), longtime Crockett County rancher, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 29th, with his family by his side. Visitation will be held at Harper Funeral Home (San Angelo) from 5:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 and graveside service will be at 10:00am, on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Ozona.  

Buck was a proud man. From the brim of his cowboy hat to the heels of his boots, he exemplified what a true West Texas rancher was all about. Buck was born September 3, 1932, to Bode and Edith Coffman Owens. Buck attended school at Barnhart. His years revolved around basketball where he eventually carried his love of the sport to Sul Ross. His time in Alpine were some of his best memories where he split his time between the gym and the roping arena. While there he met the love of his life, Janet Pauley, and the two were married October 10, 1953. After graduation, they made their home on the family ranch southwest of Barnhart, where they lived the rest of their married lives. On the ranch, they raised three children, Rusty, Mitzi and Mickey, where Buck taught them the love of the land, to be diligent workers, and to never hang your hat until the sun set.  

Buck was a tough man and raised his kids that way. Buck survived many accidents while working on the ranch. His ultimate strength was shown in 2003 when he was bitten four times by a rattle snake and lived to tell the tale. The story spread across West Texas, where even the toughest cowboys started turning on the lights when they stepped outside at night. In true Owens fashion, the story as well as the length of the snake grew over time.  

It was never just Buck, it was always “Buck and Jan”. Jan supported him in all his endeavors from refereeing basketball games across Texas, watching him in Sunday afternoon calf ropings, coaching Little League, working with 4-H kids, and being his ranch hand for 69 years. Buck and Jan were devoted members of Barnhart United Methodist Church, where you can still see the marks left on the back pew from Buck’s belt. Over the years Buck served as president of West Texas Boys Ranch, member of both the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Associations, president of San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, and he was proud to receive the outstanding Conservation Rancher in Crockett Co for 2005, as well as the TSSRM/TSGRA Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship Award in 2019.  

There were always happy times at the Owens’ ranch, especially Christmas when all the family would gather. The tradition of gathering at the ranch spanned across generations and no one ever wanted to miss an “Owens’ Gathering”. His grandkids will always remember his embellished stories, his colorful sayings (not always appropriate), and his mispronunciation of common words. Buck and Jan created a tightknit family that continues several generations.  

Buck is survived by Jan, his wife of 69 years; son, Rusty Owens, of Big Lake; daughter, Mitzi Drennan (Brent), of Mason; and Mickey Owens (Laure), of Monahans; brother, Tommy Owens (Edra Ann) of Rankin; grandchildren Corey Owens (Shauna), Darci Owens, Kaylee Nobles (Cade), Kristi Nipp (Jordan), Tanner Owens (Kristi), Trevor Owens (Emily), and Landry Theut (Jordie), and eleven great-grandchildren---Carson Bode, Avery, Brynlee Jan, Braxtyn, Bode, Owen, Duke, Harrison, Sloan, Carter and Andi Beth. He left behind many nieces and nephews who adored Uncle Buck and his West Texas stories.  

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, June Owens Scott, and daughter-in-law, Penni Owens.  

Pallbearers will be the seven grandchildren and niece and nephew, Cody Owens and Shanna Owens Spiller. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Thomas, John Hruska, Mike Cervi, Jimmy Matthews, Kermit Windland, Spencer McDonough, Louis Brooks, Ken Jordan, Mark Edwards, Tom Latham, Mike Elkins and Steve Elkins.  

We want to extend our thanks to his special caregivers (who had their work cut out for them, but he loved them dearly) Melissa Marmolejo, Brenda Lacy, and Desiree Galan.  

Memorials may be made to the Barnhart Cowboy Methodist Church, P.O. Box 12, Barnhart, TX 76930; West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch, San Angelo, TX 76904; or West Texas Rehab, 4601 Hartford Street, Abilene, TX 79605.  

Visitation

Wednesday, June 01, 2022

5:00PM - 7:00PM

Harper Funeral Home 
2606 Southland Boulevard 
San Angelo, TX 76904

Graveside

Thursday, June 02, 2022

10:00AM

Cedar Hill Cemetery 
200 S. Hwy 168 
Ozona, TX 76943

BOYD WAYNE SMITH, SR.  beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend died Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in San Angelo, Texas, following complications due to cancer.

Boyd Wayne was born in San Angelo, Texas, December 8, 1937, San Angelo, Texas to James Boyd and Meryl Smith. Preceding him in death were his three brothers, Jimmie Don Smith, San Angelo, TX, Richard Smith, Brownwood, TX, W. C. “Butch” Smith (Gerry), San Angelo, TX, and step-mother, Billie Smith.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-three years, Johnie Ethridge Smith, son, Boyd Wayne Smith, Jr. (Della and Kolden), Christoval, TX, granddaughters, Lauren Elizabeth Smith (Tyler Durant) San Angelo, TX, Laci Nicole Smith, San Angelo, TX, and sister, Connie Esposito (John) of Sugarland, TX. 

Surviving sisters-in-laws are Carla Smith (Jimmie Don) of San Angelo, TX, Joan Smith (Richard) of Early, TX, and Jonell Smith (Butch) of San Angelo, TX.

Special nieces during this time of sorrow were Lisa Lavender, Lubbock, TX, and Kimberly Peters, Boerne, TX and nephews including Kelly Green of Los Angeles, CA and Matt Green of Missouri City, TX.

Boyd Wayne served in the U. S. Marine Corps Reserves 1954-56 before joining the U. S. Army in 1958 and married the girl next door, Johnie Ethridge, in 1959. After four years of U. S. Army life, he and friend, Joe Adair, owed and operated a used car lot in San Angelo. In 1966 Boyd decided to earn a degree at Angelo State University. He was first employed in 1969 at Rio Vista Elementary as a special education teacher and then later at Central and Lake View High Schools as the Vocational Adjustment Coordinator at Carver and Southside Schools. While working full-time for the schools, he added a part-time job at MH-MR (worked late evenings and weekends) as their personal-social adjustment training coordinator for the Mental-Health Retardation Center for Greater West Texas. Boyd and Johnie retired from the San Angelo Independent School District after thirty years in 1995 and moved to Pagosa Springs, CO. Boyd enjoyed his favorite pastime-fishing!, entertaining family and friends, and hiking with his cairn terriers, Baby and Ruby. A viewing will be held on Monday, May 30, 2022 from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM at Harper Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Fairmount Cemetery with Bro. Tommy Tallas of Wall Brethren officiating. Honorary pallbearers and pallbearers will include Tyler Durant, Ronnie Walcott, George Snodgrass, Richard Enders, Richard Webb, Dennis Friedrich, Keith Fulp, Elias Menchaca, Jr., Jerry Vincent, John Sullivan, Don Chandler, Robert Keeling, Larry Glover, Glenn "Bud" Swafford, Bobby Langraf, and Bill Fiest. 

Viewing

Monday, May 30, 2022

8:00AM - 7:00PM

Harper Funeral Home 
2606 Southland Boulevard 
San Angelo, TX 76904

Graveside

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

2:00PM

Fairmount Cemetery 
1120 W. Ave. N 
San Angelo, TX 76901

Beatriz (Doña Ticha) Sanchez, 84, of Big Lake, gave herself to the will of God and gave her final breath Monday May 23, 2022.

Public viewing will be 2:00 PM Sunday, May 29, 2022 with a service of remembrance at 6:00 PM that evening. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Monday, May 30, 2022 with Pastor Gabriel Romero officiating. Viewing and services will be at Asamblea Apastolica de la fe en Cristo Jesus in Big Lake. Bural will follow in Glen Rest Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Beatriz was born March 3, 1938 to Agapito Martinez and Paula Hernandez in the city of Piedras Negra. She met and married the love of her life Juan Pablo Sanchez. He passed away in 2017. Beatriz got baptized in the name of Jesus Christ at "Texas Rock" in Iraan by Pastor Alejandro Galarza. She built her life with her husband and together they had 14 children who they educated, with much love and strength, to be men and women of good. Of those 14 children, they have produced pastors, pastors wife, military personal, police officers, teachers, presidents of associations, board members, buisnessmen, oilfield workers, cooks and much more. Beatriz was a homemaker who knew a little bit about everything. She loved to sew, cook, decorate, and always welcomed you with open arms and treated you like family.

She is proceeded in death by a daughter, Beatriz Sanchez; and four great grandchildren, Baby Narvaez, Baby Gomez, Edward Vargas, and Oziel Homero Arredondo.

Beatriz is survived by her 13 children, Paula Martinez of Dallas, Blanca Jaramillo and husband Ruben of Big Lake, Agapito Sanchez and wife Beatriz of Ballinger, Maria Griner of Austin, Juana Reyes and husband José of Abilene, Martha Ramos and husband Samuel of Denver City, Victoria Gomez and husband Pastor Carlos of Iraan, Juan Sanchez and wife Juanita of Big Lake, Rosalinda Sosa and husband Gerardo of Big Lake, Teresa Sanchez of San Angelo, Bonifacio Sanchez and wife Norma of Big Lake, Beatrice Alcantara and husband Eric of Big Lake, Dulce Chavez and husband Cisco of Big Lake; 54 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren.