There was a celebration in Heaven on Thursday, January 2, 2024, when our beloved Mother, Grettalou Davis Hill, saw Jesus and was reunited with Daddy, George Lee Hill. She spent a remarkable 90 years on this Earth, including 62 beautiful years alongside Daddy. 

Grettalou was born on March 16, 1934, to Fay Bell Davis and Gaza Davis in Rotan, Texas. She graduated from Odessa High School and pursued her education at Texas Christian University (TCU), where she met the love of her life, George. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and married George in 1955, beginning a journey marked by devotion, love, and a shared faith. 

Her nursing career began in Lawton, Oklahoma, as a surgical nurse before she and George returned to Fort Worth, where she served as Assistant Director of Nursing at Harris Hospital. Later, upon moving to San Angelo, she worked in various leadership roles, including Supervisor of Shannon ICU, Director of Nursing at Baptist Memorial, and Central High School Nurse. Ultimately, Grettalou retired as Vice President of Patient Care Services at Angelo Community Hospital, where she was fondly remembered for "running a tight ship." 

Grettalou also had the honor of serving as President of the Texas Nurses Association and contributed her expertise to several boards, including the Baptist Memorial Board. 

Her passion and calling for nursing were matched by her love for the Lord. She and George were devoted members of First Baptist Church in San Angelo, where they taught Sunday School, led youth and adult departments, and participated in numerous church committees, all while raising their four children: Gayle, Gina, Gary, and Glenn. 

Beyond her professional and spiritual endeavors, Grettalou embraced her competitive spirit through her love of bridge. She delighted in hosting bridge and Sunday School parties, creating cherished memories for family and friends. 

A special family retreat, fondly known as "The Place" on the Llano River, held a special place in Grettalou and George's hearts. They dedicated years to making it a beloved venue for family gatherings and reunions, a tradition that continues to flourish. 

Grettalou was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepdad, sister, son-in-law Danny, and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by her loving children: Gayle (Chuck) Hodapp, Gina Hill Morse, Gary (Cheryl) Hill, and Glenn (Shelley) Hill. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Chas (Megan) Hodapp, Emily Morse (Ryan) Younker, Garrett Hill, Jenna Hill, Stephanie Hill Eldridge, Dr. Sarah Hill, Graham Hill, Daniel (Emily) Morse, Jeremie (JulieAnn) Morse, and Melody Morse (Heath) Taylor. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Charlie and Stella Hodapp, Paige and Allie Younker, Wyatt, Tucker, and Brock Eldridge, Pepper Grace Morse, Zachary Morse, Jesslyn, and Blakely Taylor. 

In Mother's own words, "It's been a Wonderful Life," all directed by God. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to First Baptist Church San Angelo or House of Faith. 

Pallbearers will be: Chas Hodapp, Garrett Hill, Graham Hill, Daniel Morse, and Randy Ellis. 

Our family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Veronica Martinez and Norma Gonzalez for their compassionate care, comfort, and humor. Warm thanks also to Stephanie Gesch, Kayla Ford, and Suzanne Waterman with Gentiva Hospice for their blessings, as well as the staff at Brayden Park for their care and kindness. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Johnson's Funeral Home.

A funeral service for Grettalou will be Friday, January 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church San Angelo, with the graveside service to follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Jim Soto Ornelas passed on January 2, 2025. He was only 65 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death due to an unimaginable short illness. He was born to Jim and Mercedes Ornelas on November 29th, 1959, narrowly beating the arrival of his first cousin Cory Ornelas by mere minutes at the same hospital (never letting her forget he was the Firstborn). Jim is survived by his loving wife Gay Donna (nee Ramirez) of 42 years; his children, Jim and Kara Ornelas; his grandsons, Tru and Logan Ornelas, Zaydrien Muro, Theron Pearson Jr., and Zyaire Norton; his beloved mother, Mercedes Ornelas, and sister Kathy Castanuela (Danny); and niece and nephew, Alex and Danny Castanuela. He also leaves behind numerous other family members. Jim is preceded in death by his father Jim C. Ornelas, Grandmother, Adela Ornelas, special aunt Dell Ornelas, and grandparents, Ascension and Theresa Soto. Funeral arrangements and services are being conducted and held by Johnson’s Funeral Home in San Angelo, TX. The Rosary will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 6:00 pm under the direction of Deacon Claudio Sanchez. The funeral will be celebrated at Johnson’s Funeral Home on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm: officiated by Pastor David Henry and Elder Gabriel Dye, with a reception to follow at San Angelo First Assembly of God, 1442 Edmund Blvd, San Angelo, TX. 

Growing up in San Angelo, during the early sixties, Jim had a lovely and idyllic childhood. He was quick to make friends and provoke laughter from those around him. Jim was curious about the world and would ride his bike far and wide. He enjoyed exploring nature, fishing, and hiking to Little Africa and the “Ravine”. Jim would organize neighborhood games, and once even led a procession of over twenty kids to bury a stray dog that everyone in the community loved and fed. Despite the struggles and challenges Jim endured, he managed to find his way out into the light with the help of his wife Gaydonna. They built a fine life with their two children and remained steadfast in their commitment to one another as they handled the highs and lows life threw their way. Jim was not only a father to his children, but also served as a father figure to his great nieces and nephew, Erica, Nathan and Stephanie, as well as to Lil Joe and Baby Joe. In later life, Jim loved to golf and barbecue, and his wife thought he loved to mow the yard (he didn’t!). He was always in control of the remote and loved watching shows about UFO sightings and alien encounters. Jim had a deep fascination with Bigfoot and was quite capable of mimicking the mythical creature’s call. Jim was granted an honorary doctorate for constantly assembling bikes and tricycles for his children and grandsons. Even though Jim was full of contradictions, he had a deep capacity for love and unyielding loyalty. 

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Cory Leyva for her continued support and presence during this difficult time. 

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident, I say, and

would prefer to be away from the 

body and at home with the Lord.

Harold Turney Friess of Sonora was born in San Angelo at the Clinic Hospital, the firstborn son of Harold and Pauline Friess, on March 4, 1937. He passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 6, 2025 in San Angelo.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother Joe Thomas Friess.

He is survived by a brother, John Paul Friess of Sonora, his children Paula Ann Friess of Dublin, Texas and Clay Friess and wife Joetta of Sonora, his grand children Owen Luke Friess and Molly Joe Friess of Sonora, and cousins Elizabeth Schenkel of Sonora and Paul Emery Turney of Hillsboro, Texas.

Turney grew up on the Friess Ranch 15 miles southeast of Sonora where he learned to ranch and to fix anything that was broken. He graduated from Sonora High School in 1955 and attended Texas Technological College in Lubbock, where he earned a degree in Range Management.

While at Tech he married Rex Ann Baker of Sonora on August 9, 1958. Rex Ann preceded him in death on March 16, 2024.

Turney worked for a short time at Ranger Wool & Mohair in Ranger, Texas before being called by his grandmother, Ethel Turney, to operate her ranch in Edwards County following the death of her husband, Paul, in 1959.

Turney spent most of his life on this ranch raising cattle, sheep and goats. In 1980 he formed a partnership with his brothers to drill for shallow oil. He rebuilt an old Ft. Worth Spudder “D” cable tool drilling rig to successfully drill and produce oil on his land.

In 1987 Turney married Irene Arredondo and moved to Sonora. Irene passed away on May 17, 2018.

Turney was a member of Dee Ora Masonic Lodge and The First United Methodist Church of Sonora. Graveside services will be conducted by Rev. Mark Brechin on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 1:00 pm. at the Sonora Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Love Funeral Home Thursday, January 9 from 9:00a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Eric Anderson at the age of 57.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Eric was born and raised in San Angelo. There, he discovered a love of music and a passion for bass guitar. He left San Angelo to attend the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. After completing his studies, he moved to Austin, joined a band, and played at local venues. Eric endured the frustrations and personal struggles of many musicians. After moving from Austin to Houston, he eventually returned to San Angelo to be with the parents who loved and supported him. Playing music was a great source of joy for Eric and he continued to play his guitar at home throughout his life.

Eric had a remarkable memory and could recount details of family trips from early childhood. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a dry wit that will continue to make us laugh as we remember his one-liners, songs, and stories. He loved animals and will be remembered as someone who rescued and cared for many animals in need.

While Eric may not have achieved the kind of external success that society often measures, he led a meaningful life that he expressed through his music and love for animals.

Eric is survived by his parents, Roger and Anna Margaret Anderson, sister Cara Jermstad and her husband Eric Jermstad, niece Autumn Jermstad, nephew August Jermstad and his wife Sarah Jermstad.

Marcelina Ovalle, 88, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025.

Public viewing will be from 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with rosary being said at 6:00 PM. Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Emilio Sosa, officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mrs. Ovalle was born on March 7, 1936 in Driscoll to Joaquin and Soledad Gomez. She married Leonardo Ovalle on July 14, 1956. He preceded her in death on February 15, 2015. Marcelina was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Marcelina worked as a housekeeper in Lazbuddie and was later a cook at McDonald's and at Baptist Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed baking, sewing, coloring and putting puzzles together. Marcelina was a caring, giving, loving, independent woman. She was a perfectionist with keeping her house clean. Marcelina enjoyed helping others, doing fiestas and attending them.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Paul Ovalle, one granddaughter, Natallie Ovalle; and one great granddaughter, Destiny Davis.

Survivors include three daughters, Enedina Cortez of Wolfforth, Mary Lou Moron and her husband Daniel of Beeville; Lisa Ovalle of San Angelo; six sons, Leonardo M. Ovalle Jr. of Muleshoe, Adan Ovalle and wife Julie of San Angelo, Samuel Ovalle of Eden, Luis Ovalle and his wife Maricela of San Angelo; Julian Ovalle of San Angelo; and Pete Ovalle of San Angelo; a sister, Petra Solis of Pensacola, Florida; a brother, Jose Q Gomez of Alice; 18 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kyle Mills and his wound care team as well as Hospice of San Angelo and their team.

Pallbearers will be Isaac Moron, Mario, Gomez, Greg Cortez, Carlos Contreras, Ruben Ovalle, and Mac Ovalle.

Karen Lee Tengwall, 83, of Brady, TX, passed away on January 2, 2025, in San Angelo, TX. She was born on August 29, 1941, to Vernon and Ruth Olson and married LeRoy “Speeder” Tengwall on March 11, 1966.

Karen is survived by her son, Kevin Tengwall; step-daughter, Jodi Gorman; grandsons, Nick and Brett Tengwall; six great-grandchildren; her brother, Curt Olson and wife Pam; and two nieces and two nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband LeRoy “Speeder” Tengwall, daughter Kari Tengwall, and their beloved dog, Hot Shot.

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

Leroy “Loy” Paul Garcia went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the age of 42. He was born on May 30, 1982, in San Angelo, Texas. Leroy loved to spend time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. He will be remembered as a charismatic and funny son, father, brother, fiancé, pawpaw and friend to so many people. He had a love for the Dallas Cowboys, his family, and his pets, Nate, Colby, Blue and especially his English Bulldog Champ Garcia.

He is survived by his fiancé, as he referred lovingly as his wife, Angie Vu Carrillo, his mother, Elsa Garcia and father, Freddy Cantu, fraternal grandmother Amparo Cantu, brothers Andrew, Eric and Fidencio “Junior” Garcia, half-brothers “Little” Freddy & Gino Cantu, sister in law Priscilla Garcia, children Dominick, Jordyn Makayla, Hailie “Bear” Gabrielle Garcia, grandchildren Gregorio, Juliana “Bugs”, and Maximiliano Tomas Ponce. Many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Juanita Garcia and maternal grandfather Ramiro Garcia, paternal grandfather Mike Terrazas, little brother Jake Lorenzo Garcia, and his beloved Stephanie Michelle Rodriguez.

Special thanks to Paster and uncle David Garcia & pallbearers Pete Torres, Roy Chavarria, Sergio Mejia, Steven Guerra, Alexander Garcia, Eric Garcia, Junior Garcia & Jake Garcia. Honorary pallbearers include Gregorio Ponce III and Maximiliano Tomas Ponce.

A viewing for family and friends will be on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 5-7 pm at Harper Funeral Home and funeral services at Harper on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 2:00 pm then immediately followed by a graveside service at Calvary Cemetery and a reception to follow at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church Parish Hall, 2619 Era St., all are welcome to attend.

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

What a joyous beginning for the new year, Jesus “Jesse” Garza received his Angel wings peacefully on New Year’s Eve surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy struggle with Thymic Carcinoma.

Funeral arrangements are being conducted by Johnson’s Funeral home with Services to be at Johnson's Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas under the direction of Deacon Jesse Martinez.

The Rosary will be held on Tuesday, January 7th, at Johnson’s Funeral at 6 pm. The funeral will be celebrated at Johnson's Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 8th at 1 pm.

Jesse was born November 2, 1951 in San Angelo, Texas to Jesus and Consuelo Garza who preceded him in death as did his brother Eugene Garza.

Jesse married the love of his life Elva Montelongo “His Lucy,” on July 11, 1970, in San Angelo, Texas and they shared 54 beautiful years of marriage.

Jesse was a longtime resident of San Angelo where alongside his brothers was the owner of Garza Construction Company. Jesse and Elva relocated to Denton, Texas in 2001, where he became the Superintendent of Skye Build Services at DFW airport.

In San Angelo he was a member of the Pan American Golf Association and because of his love of music he played with a mariachi group. He was instrumental in helping the students at Edison Junior High School receive funding for their first traditional mariachi uniforms with his friend Dorthy Douthit.

Jesse had the gift of hospitality and loved hosting friends and family in his home, which became “Hotel Garza, “ where no one ever needed a reservation.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Elva, daughter Ana Hudgins, and husband Shawn of Bedford, Texas, his brothers Ruben and wife Liz, Ramiro and wife Rita, and his sister Marisella Gutierrez and Steven Cardenas, and sister-in-law Ginny & Henry Lopez.

His aunt Mary Villarreal and his uncle Richard Garza. His extended family sister-in-law Elda and Roger Leyva, brother-in-law Arturo and Janice Rodriquez, and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly and his beloved and faithful companion Yorkie Poo “Duke.”

Special partners in crime all who will miss him dearly are Corina and Jerry Soto, Sylvia and Albert Fuentes, Amanda and Robert Villarreal, Lisa and Tom Crowley, Sara and Charles McCamant all life long friends. James Southerland and wife Dawn who not only became his boss but most importantly his dear friends.

Carrying Jesse to his final resting place will be Arturo Rodriquez, Jerry Soto, Marcus Leyva, Duane Garza, Ramiro Garza, Jr., and Eugene Garza, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers will be his employees at Skye Build Services.

In remembrance of Jesse’s life the family asks that charitable donations be made to Concho Valley Regional Food Bank.

Vivian Leota (Penny) Penwright Bland passed from this life on January 3, 2025, in Eldorado, Schleicher county, Texas. She was born July 25, 1926, at home near Calumet, Canadian county, Oklahoma to Oliver Lee and Lora Laura (Cubbage) Penwright. She attended Calumet schools and graduated from Calumet High School in 1943. She played basketball, performed in plays, sang solos, and sang in quartets. She also played the piano and took dance lessons. Penny attended the University of Oklahoma (OU) where she sang in the women's glee club and participated in a pep group. She graduated in 1949 with a BS degree in Library Science and then stayed another semester and received a BA in history, while waiting for Bob Bland to finish his engineering degree. They married in April of 1950 shortly after graduation and lived in Kansas before Bob was transferred to Texas, moving every two years until they moved to Eldorado in May of 1960. They loved Eldorado and chose to stay for the remainder of their lives. She and Bob enjoyed traveling the world after his retirement.

Penny engaged in her children's activities as a scout leader, room mother, in booster clubs, and whatever else was needed. She participated in the Dora Lee Circle and Martha's Angels at the Methodist Church, served the community on the library board, hospital board, and as interim hospital administrator, was a member of the Eldorado Woman's Club and Shrine Daughters of the Nile, and supported the Way off Broadway Players. She taught 2nd grade for one year in Eldorado.

Penny was a talented china painter and served as president of two porcelain art clubs (San Angelo and Kerrville) and served an appointed position for the Texas State Federation of Porcelain Art Clubs. She was a member of the International Porcelain Artists and Teachers organization. 

Penny was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her two sisters. She is survived by son Mark Bland of Eldorado, TX; daughters Marian (Donnie) Overstreet of Devine, TX, Carolyn (Sammy) Williams of Plano, TX, and Frances Furry of Lake Dallas, TX; sister Ramona Carpenter of Piedmont, KS; grandchildren David (Maria) Overstreet, Kati Holley (Mike Proulx), Lee Overstreet, Todd (Geneva) Overstreet, Zack Furry, and Madison Furry; great-grandchildren Nyx Overstreet, Nora Overstreet, Garrett (Majessa) Ortega, Dalton Pardue, Michaela Holley, Landry Holley, Willow Holley, and Ray Castro; and great-great granddaughter, Remi Ortega. Penny is also survived by special caregivers, Lizzy Fuentes and Alicia Martinez.

The family would like to thank the staff of Schleicher County Nursing Home and St. Gabriel’s Hospice for their care.   Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Eldorado Cemetery Chapel in Eldorado, Texas.  Interment will follow at the Eldorado cemetery.

Pall bearers: Robert Parker, David Overstreet, Todd Overstreet, Lee Overstreet, Zack Furry, and Ray Castro. Services are under the direction of Love Funeral Home in Eldorado, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association https://act.alz.org/site/Donation, American Macular Degeneration Foundation https://www.macular.org/want-to- help/donate, or charity of your choice.
  

Emma C. Montelongo, 83, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

Born on July 1, 1941, in San Angelo to Antonio and Eulojia Cedillo, Emma spent her life rooted in the community she loved. On June 23, 1961, she married Serapio "Tala" Montelongo in San Angelo, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned decades. He passed away on August 22, 2024.

Emma's life was marked by her remarkable versatility and dedication. Emma started her medical career as a lab technician. She then went on to become a pioneer in the dialysis field as one of the first Chronic dialysis technicians at St. Johns, paving the Foundation of hemodialysis for San Angelo, Tx. Her proficiency and dedication for patient care was her greatest strength. After retiring from her medical career, Emma pursued her artistic passions by opening a floral shop, where her creativity flourished. Her talents extended beyond floral design to painting and directing Christmas plays . Emma's vibrant personality brought joy to every gathering; her laughter and radiant smile were truly unforgettable. She especially cherished attending her granddaughter's volleyball games and celebrating family milestones.

A woman of deep faith, Emma was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in San Angelo. Her spiritual commitment was a cornerstone of her life and an inspiration to those around her.

Emma is lovingly remembered by her children: Jerry Montelongo and wife Holly; Larry Montelongo and fiancée Bridgett Ramon; and Theresa Welch and husband Edward. She also leaves behind her sister, Gloria Rios; nine grandchildren: John Montelongo, Jerry Montelongo, James Montelongo, Ryan Montelongo, Logan Montelongo, Hannah Welch, Adyson Welch, Brooklynn Welch, and Jacob Lopez; as well as her beloved puppy Maddie. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. Emma was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Cato Cedillo, Gilbert Cedillo, and Tony Cedillo.

A public viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Robert Massie Funeral Home with a rosary at 6:00 PM. A funeral mass will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Freddy Perez officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Logan Montelongo, Ryan Montelongo, John Montelongo, Jerry Montelongo, David Cedillo, James Montelongo, and Edward Welch.

Emma's legacy of love and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing.