Matthew Benedict Johnson, beloved brother, mentor, and friend, passed away on November 21, 2024, in San Angelo, Texas, at the age of 77. Born on July 16, 1947, in Houston, Matthew lived a life dedicated to personal growth, compassion, and service to others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Leslie Johnson, and his nephew, MarcShavell. He is survived by his sister, Leslie "Ann" Shavell, who he adored; his brother-in-law,Morton Shavell; his cousin, Linda Raymon; and his godfather, John Choate and his family, who were like family to him.

Matthew proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy, demonstrating his commitment to duty and honor. Following his military service, he pursued his education with determination, achieving two master’s degrees—one in Sociology from the University ofHouston and another in Theology from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. He funded some of his education through his incredible skill at poker, a game he mastered and enjoyed throughout his life.

A dedicated Orthodox Christian, Matthew was a devoted parishioner of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in San Angelo. He lived a life of prayer, service, and giving. He organized food drives for the needy and delivered meals for Meals for the Elderly, embodying his faith through acts of kindness and generosity.

His calling to ministry led him to become a chaplain, where he worked tirelessly in prisons, bringing hope and transformation to countless lives. As a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Matthew celebrated 34 years of sobriety, a testament to his strength and determination. He proudly earned his 34-year medallion and spent decades sponsoring and guiding others on their journeys to recovery.

An exceptional card player, Matthew was a master bridge player and earned master points during his time in the game. He found joy and camaraderie when he played bridge with a wonderful group of friends. His dry and quirky sense of humor endeared him to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Matthew's life was defined by his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to helping others. In honor of his legacy, his sister requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice, continuing Matthew’s spirit of giving.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, with Fr. Nektarios Morrow presiding. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Holy Archangels Greek Orthodox Monastery in Spring Branch, Texas.

Jose M. Perez Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and proud veteran, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the age of 91 in San Angelo, Texas. Born on August 23, 1933, in Hebbronville, Texas, Jose was the son of Jose Maria Perez Sr. and Angelita Munoz Perez. He spent his early years in Hebbronville, where he graduated from Hebbronville High School in 1952.

Jose's strong sense of duty led him to serve his country in the United States Air Force, where he dedicated over eight years of service. His time in the Air Force shaped his character, instilling discipline, honor, and a deep respect for his country. After his military service, Jose pursued higher education at Sul Ross University, where he earned a degree in Sociology.

For 27 years, Jose worked as an Inspector for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, a role through which he served his community and country with unwavering commitment. 

In 1991, Jose married Mary Lou Charles, and they spent nearly 33 years together, building a life rich in love and shared memories. Jose was an active member of VFW Chapter 1815, where he found camaraderie and connection with fellow veterans. He enjoyed spending his free time watching the History Channel, indulging his passion for history and learning.

Jose was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Lucrecia Fitchett Perez; his sister, Judith Lopez; and his brothers, Javier and George Perez. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Maria Louisa Perez; his children, Patsy Hernandez and husband Mando, Judith Chappa, and Norman Perez; his cherished grandchildren, Christina (Andy) Chappa, Benjamin (Christian) Chappa, Dylan Perez, Hayley Perez, Victoria Perez, Sarah Marie Hernandez and Armando Keith Hernandez; and his great-grandchild, Benito Ernesto Andres Chappa. He is also survived by his step-children, Melba Ramirez, Rebecca Reede, and Ben Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers will be Norman Perez, Luis Charles, Ben Martinez, Dylan Perez, and Christina Chappa.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Alma Ingham Smart was born on September 3, 1940, in McCamey, Texas, and passed away peacefully 
November 22, 2024.  Alma was a steadfast pillar of her community where she was involved in the formation of the Edwards Co. EMS and served as an EMT in that organization for many years.  In 1979, she and her husband, Neville, were named the Man and Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.  Alma also served on the Soil and Water Conservation Service board and served as a district director as well. She was a member of the Rocksprings Woman’s Club for over 60 years and served as president of that organization. Alma was also honored by being named the Rocksprings Old Settler’s Queen for 2011.  She was a busy lady in her community, embodying the spirit of a true ranch woman. Her nurturing nature and culinary skills brought joy to many, especially during the holiday season when she would deliver her famous Christmas Tree cookies and homemade chocolate fudge to her friends and business establishments, and there was never a birthday without her tasty Red Velvet Cake! Alma had a life-long commitment to her church which was paralleled by her devotion to the Methodist Church in Rocksprings where she was a member for over 60 years.  
 
Alma graduated from high school in Ozona, Texas, and pursued higher education at Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College before transferring to San Angelo College where she met the love of her life, Neville Smart, Jr.  These two lovebirds were married 7 months later and not long after, began their family. Alma and Neville celebrated over 50 years of marriage living 35 miles southwest of Rocksprings on the banks of the West Prong of the Nueces River.  At the age of 83, Alma had still been an integral part of the business and decision-making process of the family ranch and cherished the fact that her son and daughter would continue the legacy of caring for a ranch that is now going on its sixth generation since establishment of over100 years ago.   
 
Known affectionately as “Mita” by her grandchildren, Alma hosted the much-loved “Mita’s Boot Camp” during the summers, a testament to the incredible love she held for her grandchildren. Her grandsons can probably still envision her stomping on their hats if they dared to walk into the house with them on.  And no one could leave the premises until their teeth were brushed and their beds made.  Mita would wake her grandchildren and children up each morning with, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” She cherished her life on the ranch, always looking for ways to improve the land and caring for her goats and cows, which were an integral part of her daily life.  Born and raised on the family ranch near the Pecos River prepared and molded her into the resilient, hard-working ranch woman she was.  
 
In over 5o years of marriage, Alma and Neville withstood extreme drought, floods and tragedy and yet, stood firm in their faith and belief that every day was a gift.  Today, during a time of historic drought, game ranches boasting “great exotic hunts”, predators, and the subdividing of family ranches, it’s a difficult time for the old settlers of Edwards County to maintain their old way of life, yet progressive in their way of thinking.  Alma, along with her husband, as well as many settlers who have called Edwards County their home for many years have endured it all and yet continued to love the land that their ancestors claimed over 100 years ago.  Trey and Jo Beth Smart, Diane and Herb Heflin and her grandchildren give thanks to this incredible woman for hanging on, for enduring through tough times, and giving them the opportunity to proudly be a part of a 6th generation ranching family. 
 
Alma is preceded in death by her husband, Neville Smart, Jr. ; daughter, DeeAnne Smart Hunn; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. B.B. Ingham Jr.; brother, Buddy Ingham; sister, Judy Ingham; and her mother and father-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Neville Smart, Sr. 
 
Alma is survived by her son, Trey Smart and daughter-in-law Jo Beth; daughter Diane Heflin and son-in-law Herb; grandchildren Les Heflin and wife, Madalynn; Ashley Hickman and husband, Marcus; Dalton Smart, Shelby Williams and husband, Koby; Cliff Hunn and wife Yuliana, Lonn Hunn and wife Keri. And she is a proud great grandmother of almost 10 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her nephew, Ben Ingham and wife, Sherry, niece Louise Ingham Moore, and very precious great-nieces, nephews and cousins also survive her, and finally Alma’s beloved and loyal ranch hand of over 30 years, Natalio Adame. 
 
Paul Bearers include grandsons Cliff Hunn, Lon Hunn, Les Heflin, Dalton Smart, Marcus Hickman and Koby Williams. 
 
Honorary Paul Bearers are Judge Souli Shanklin, Jake Shanklin, Ben Ingham, Jay McNealy, Lane Coston and Hunter Moffett. 
 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Methodist Church of Rocksprings, Texas or Edwards County EMS, organizations that were close to Alma’s heart. 
 
Alma’s life was a testament to the enduring spirit of love for her family, grandchildren and community. Her generous legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and benefited from her generous heart.  

•  Tuesday, November 26, 2024
•   10:00 AM

• First United Methodist Church - Rocksprings, TX

     208 W Austin St.
  Rocksprings, TX 78880

Roy "Cooter" Dale Russell, 69, of San Angelo, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at his residence in Del Rio.

Public Viewing will be Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm with the rosary being prayed at 6:00 pm at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel, with Deacon Claudio Sanchez officiating. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mr. Russell was born on May 19, 1955 in San Angelo to Adelbert and Dorothy Newman Russell. Roy grew up in San Angelo and in 1995 he met the love of his life, Maria Antonieta Ruiz Rocha and they were married in 1997.

Roy was always very responsible with his family and very loving. He liked that during the holidays we would all celebrate with him as a family. His hobbies were cooking, drinking his beer, watching TV, and talking with the family. He was always with his dog Butch, his favorite pet who passed away in March of this year. Roy worked for Reece Albert from 1993 until 2021. 

He will be fondly remembered by his devoted wife, Maria A. Russell of Del Rio; his children, Nancy Belem Chavez Ruiz and her husband Martin Rojas, Mario Ruiz Rocha, Angel G. Ruiz Rocha and his wife Tania de Ruiz, and Jose A. Ruiz Rocha and his wife Silvia A. de Ruiz. He was a loving grandfather to Cooter D. Chavez Ruiz, Valeria C. Chavez Ruiz, Helen A. Vidal, Belen M. Rojas, Mario Ruiz Ruiz, Arcangel I. Ruiz Duran, Dylan Antonio Ruiz, Guadalupe A. Ruiz, and Fatima D. Ruiz.

Pallbearers will be Mario Ruiz Rocha, Angel G. Ruiz Rocha, Jose A. Ruiz Rocha, Cooter D. Chavez Ruiz, and Martin Rojas.

Roy "Cooter" Dale Russell, de 69 anos, de San Angelo, fallecio el jueves 21 de novembre de 2024 en su residencia en Del Rio.

La visitacion de llevara a cabo el martes 26 de novembre de 2024, de 10:00 am a 8:00 pm con el rosario comenzando a las 6:00 pm en la Capilla Robert Massie Riverside. El miercoles 27 de novembre de 2024, a las 10:00 am, se llevara a cabo un servicio de celebracion de la vida en la Iglesia de Sacrado Corazon. Los arreglos estan bajo la direccion de la Funeraria Robert Massie.

El Sr. Russell nacio el 19 de mayo de 1955 en San Angelo a Adelbert y Dorothy Newman Russell. Roy crecio en San Angelo y en 1995 conocio el amor de su vida, Maria Antonieta Ruiz Rocha y se casaron en 1997.

Roy siempre fue my responsable con su familia y muy amoroso. Le gustaba que en los tiempos festivas festejaramos todos en familia con el. En su pasatiempo le encantaba cocinar, tomar su cerveza, mirar el tele, y platicar con la familia. El Siempre estaba con su mascota Butch, su favorito mascota que fallacio en marzo de este ano. Roy trabajó para Reece Albert desde 1993 hasta 2021.

Será recordado con cariño por su devota esposa, Maria A. Russell de Del Rio; sus hijos, Nancy Belem Chavez Ruiz y su esposo Martin Rojas, Mario Ruiz Rocha, Angel G. Ruiz Rocha y su esposa Tania de Ruiz, y Jose A. Ruiz Rocha y su esposa Silvia A. de Ruiz. Fue un abuelo amoroso para Cooter D. Chavez Ruiz, Valeria C. Chavez Ruiz, Helen A. Vidal, Belen M. Rojas, Mario Ruiz Ruiz, Arcangel I. Ruiz Duran, Dylan Antonio Ruiz, Guadalupe A. Ruiz, y Fatima D. Ruiz.

Los portadores del feretro seran Mario Ruiz Rocha, Angel G. Ruiz Rocha, Jose A. Ruiz Rocha, Cooter D. Chavez Ruiz, y Martin Rojas.