Aubrey Dean Williams Jr., born on September 20, 1942, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 11, 2024, in Ralls, Texas, at the age of 82. Surely goodness and mercy have followed him all the days of his life.

Dean was born in San Angelo, Texas, to Aleene Smith Williams and Aubrey Dean Williams, Sr. Three years later, his younger brother, Ronnie, joined the family. The two brothers became known for their mischievous adventures as young boys, even sharing a bedroom until they left their childhood home. Dean attended Eldorado Junior High, and High School, where he proudly graduated with the Class of 1961. He was known in high school as a gifted athlete playing football, basketball, and track, even receiving a scholarship to play football until he sustained a knee injury his senior year.

After graduating high school, Dean traveled all over West Texas and the South Plains while working for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He later moved to San Angelo, where he began a career with the phone company, GTE. In 1971, Dean married Jacki Benedict, and the family relocated to Deming, New Mexico, where Dean owned and operated Williams Oil Company for a decade. During this time, they were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Dena, in 1973.

In the 1980s, Dean returned to Texas and settled in Big Lake, resuming his work with GTE as the beloved "phone man." In 1990, a position with GTE brought him back to his hometown of Eldorado, where fate led him to meet the love of his life, Vickie Jones, on the dance floor at the Eldorado Rodeo. Their connection was instant and enduring, and after getting married in April of 1990, they joyfully welcomed their daughter, Corie, in 1991.

After a 38-year career with the telephone company, Dean retired from Verizon in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and hard work. In retirement, he remained active and engaged, driving countless miles for Schleicher County ISD and the Southwest Texas Electric Cooperative, where he took every opportunity to meet new friends and stay connected to his community.

Dean was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge for over 55 years, serving as Past Master in Deming, New Mexico, Big Lake, Texas, and Eldorado, Texas. Earlier in his life, he was a member of the Shriners and, in later years, an active member of the Lions Club, dedicating his time to serving his community. His deep commitment to his faith was reflected in his role as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado, where he faithfully attended Sunday School and church every week for many decades.

Beyond his career and community involvement, Dean was a passionate team roper, a love that brought him immense joy and defined much of his life. He was certainly greeted in heaven by his cherished horses - Trey, Tuffy, Dollar, and Tooter - and his loyal dogs, Cowboy and Prissy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Vickie; his daughters, Dena (Dennis) Board of Deming, New Mexico, and Corie Williams of Lubbock, Texas; his brother, Ronnie (Jan) Williams of Fredericksburg, Texas; his granddaughter, Shayla (Abram) Rempel, and grandson, Stetson Holmes, both of Deming, New Mexico; his great-grandchildren, Cierra Williams and Logan Rempel; his nephew, Shannon Williams of Katy, Texas; his great-niece, Amber (Adam) Corona, and great-nephew, Clayton; and his beloved four-legged best friend, Belle.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his nephew, Shane Williams, his nephew, Levi Jones, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated caregivers at Ralls Rehab Ranch, Beyond Faith Hospice, Schleicher County Nursing Home, St. Gabriel’s Hospice, Shannon Hospital facilities, and Encompass Health. Their compassion, care, and unwavering attention provided comfort and peace during this journey.

A celebration of Dean’s life will take place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 1:30 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Eldorado, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dean’s memory may be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado. Arrangements can also be made through Occasions Boutique & Blooms.

Albesa Minjarez, 81, of San Angelo, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024 in San Antonio.

Celebration of Life will be at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Albesa was born July 13, 1943 in San Angelo to Melquides and Rumalda Fitchett Minjarez.

She was raised and attended school in San Angelo, and later in life she worked for a cleaning company and eventually retired. Her greatest accomplishment was becoming a mother to five children whom she raised in San Angelo. Albesa enjoyed playing bingo, doing crossword puzzles and most importantly being around family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Greg Garza; two sisters, Sylvia Grimaldo and Helen Torrez; and one brother, Jose Trevino.

Albesa is survived by 3 daughters, Cindy Garcia of San Angelo; Kathy Garza-Tarpley and Terri Narducci both of San Antonio; one son, Jerry Garza from San Angelo; three sisters, Tomasa Regino and husband Albert, Anna Hernandez, Alicia Bastardo and husband Armando; one brother, Melquides (Joe Tata) Minjarez and wife Yolanda all of San Angelo; eight grandchildren, Jerry Lee Nuncio, Jr., Paul G. Nuncio, Kristina Garza, Ryan A. Garza, Devin T. Tarpley, Casie L. Minjarez, Harley Lee, Mikayla Minjarez, Jonathan T. Garza, Juzel L. Garza; 16 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank La Diferencia Hospice and Crystal Calderon for the love and compassion given to their mom.

Gerry was born December 5, 1939 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Gerry was the oldest of three. Brother Frank (Pete) Summers, and little sister Judy June Summers-Edmondson. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in the mid 1940’s. Gerry met her husband Ellis Carter White in Phoenix, and they were married for almost 50 years.

Gerry and Ellis had five daughters. Shannon White-Clifford, Linda White, Barbara White, Kathleen White, and Beverly White-Rose. Blessedly Barbara went to be with our heavenly father when she was only one month old. The rest of Gerry’s girls grew up strong and independent ladies, making both Gerry and Ellis over the moon proud. Gerry’s sister-in-law Judy Summers held a special place in Gerry’s heart for the love and care that she gave Gerry’s mom Odessa. Judy was always there to care for “Dessie” when Gerry could not be there, and Gerry never ever forgot that. Thank you, Judy Summers, you made things easier for Gerry.

Gerry worked odd jobs all her life to help provide for her family. The one job she loved the most was working at Concho Resouce Center from the day they opened the doors. Helping the mentally challenged achieve all kinds of personal goals was her passion.

Gerry had a couple of amazing sons-in-laws, Rich Clifford and Ronnie Rose. Gerry always appreciated their patience with her strong-willed daughters. Gerry had 9 grandchildren: Scott, Ricky, Roy, Crystal, Ryan, Jarod, Sonja, Holly, Molly. Gerry had many great grandchildren. Gerry was always counting how many great grandchildren she had, and we always told her she had another one.

Gerry will be buried in the Mertzon Cemetery alongside her husband Ellis. Please remember Gerry by donating to any charity of your choice, Gerry appreciate any donations to a Dementia care program.

Charles Owen Mickelson passed away December 12, 2024. He was born in Clifton, Texas on February 21, 1936 to Otis and Margaret Mickelson. He attended public school in Clifton where in high school he participated in Baseball, Football, Basketball, Track and Volleyball. He graduated high school in 1954 and enrolled in college at Texas A&M. As a freshman, he "walked on" and made the freshman Baseball team. He graduated in 1958 with a B.S. degree in Range Management.

Upon graduation he was employed as a Range Conservationist with the Soil Conservation Service. He served in this position at San Saba and Big Spring. He later served as a Work Unit Conservationist in charge of the office at Big Spring from 1962 to 1964. He then served as a District Conservationist at Seminole from 1964 to 1972, then in Brownwood from 1972 to 1974 prior to being transferred to San Angelo as Area Conservationist where he retired in 1994.

He enjoyed coaching his sons Chris and Kerry in youth baseball for a total of six years. He also loved playing golf at San Angelo Country Club from 1975 to 2021. He also loved his Texas Aggies and his Texas Rangers. He rarely missed watching a game being played by either team.

Charles is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Annagene. He is also survived by his son Chris, and wife Elizabeth, along with granddaughter Sarah and grandson Levi, of Soldotna, Alaska; and son Kerry, and wife Mitzi, of Richardson, Texas. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, many great nieces and great nephews, along with many longtime friends.

He was a longtime member of the Sierra Vista Methodist Church in San Angelo.

Memorial service will be held at Harper Funeral Home at 4:00pm on Monday, December 16, 2024, with visitation to follow from 5:00-7:00pm. Graveside service will be held at the San Saba cemetery in San Saba, TX on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 2:00pm. Pallbearers will be nephews and great nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be Tipton Lee, Wayne Breen, John Kruepala, Gus Alexander, Mike Crudell, Mike Ingram, David Loyd, Jeff Webster, Marshall Huling, Robert Mankin, and Chuck McCamant.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our father and brother, John Lyle Guthals, on December 11, 2024. John was born on October 6th, 1960, to his parents, Dr. Laurance and Kathleen (Scott) Guthals, in San Angelo, Texas. John had two siblings, Larry Guthals and Kathy (Guthals) McAlpine.

Growing up, John was an extremely inquisitive child. He would often knock on the neighbor’s door and ask Mrs. Reynolds if Mr. Reynolds could come out and play. From there, he would follow Mr. Reynolds asking any question he could think of for hours on end. These early interactions ignited John’s love of all things mechanical and figuring out what made things work. This skill would serve him well throughout his life.

John graduated from San Angelo Central High School and was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church. Before long, his son, Chris Guthals, was born. With Chris’s birth, John’s second passion became obvious – loving Chris and teaching him everything that he knew.

John was employed by Wellington Apartments where he performed apartment maintenance for close to 20 years. After a short stint at Angelo State University, John began work with his current employer, Shannon Medical Center. He continued working at Shannon in the engineering department until his death.

Holidays brought John a tremendous amount of joy. For many years he helped bring the July 3rd Pops Concert fireworks and the Lake Nasworthy fireworks show to life. John loved everything about the Christmas season, especially the decorations and his mom’s icebox cookies. Decorating for the holidays was a hobby he likely learned from his grandparents J.L. and Bertha Guthals. His family always enjoyed the fact that John would crawl onto the roof to hang Christmas lights for just about anyone who asked.

John is survived by his son, Chris Guthals, and his sister, Kathy McAlpine and her husband Mike, all of San Angelo. He is also survived by a very special aunt, Janelle Schlaudt of San Angelo, and an uncle, Jerre Guthals and his wife Connie of Colorado. John is also survived by nieces, Missy Terrell and husband Doug of San Angelo, and Sara Guthals. Other survivors include his cousins Terrie, Ken, Donna, Val, Blaine, Karen and Kim. John is also survived by his very good friend, Ford Smith of San Angelo.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Larry, and nephews Benjamin Guthals and Greg Guthals.

Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 16th at Holy Angels Catholic Church in San Angelo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a favorite charity.

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." - Ecclesiastes 9:10

Pamela Charlene (Finlay) Sanford, of Robert Lee, passed away December 10, 2024 at the age of 69. She was born on May 19, 1955 in Coleman, TX to her parents Charles and Donna (Pyburn) Finlay. Pamela was married to her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Ricky Sanford on June 29, 1973.

Pam graduated from Eden High School where she played in the band and was a twirler. She played the piano and loved music. She met her husband at age 13 and fell in love. They married shortly after graduating and she went on to college at Angelo State University, where she earned her nursing degree. She volunteered for the Eden Fire Department with Ricky. She enjoyed crafting and sewing, and spending time with her three grandsons, family, and pets. Over the years she worked multiple nursing specialties from medical to prenatal to orthopedics. She worked with many doctors and nursing staff throughout the years. And there were many along her journey in life that credits her with being their mentor and friend. Her oldest daughter followed in her footsteps to be a registered nurse just like her. Besides being a mother, nursing was her life. She retired after over 45 years of nursing. She moved to Robert Lee with Ricky in 2020 where they helped take care of her other daughter’s ranch. She was the most loving, caring, compassionate, and understanding mother, mawmaw, wife, bonus mom, daughter, mentor and friend anyone could ask for. She was her girl’s best friend.

She is survived by her three daughters, Kristian Wanner (Randy), Amanda Cherry (Trey), and Courtney Tarango (Benny) all of Midland. She has three grandsons who were her pride and joy, Ryan Wanner, Robert Wanner, and Gunner Cherry. She is survived by many nieces and nephews and her beloved dogs Penny and Bruno.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ricky Sanford, her parents Charles and Donna Finlay, and her brother Harvey Scott Finlay. She is rejoicing with her husband and brother in heaven and having margaritas with her two best friends, Bennie and Jackie.

Visitation will be Friday afternoon, December 13, 2024 from 5 to 7 pm at Harper Funeral Home and Crematory in San Angelo, TX. Services will be Saturday December 14, 2024 at 11 am at Harper Funeral Home, followed by graveside services at the Leaday Cemetary in Voss, TX (previously Leaday, TX) at 2 pm.

Pallbearers will be Randy Wanner, Trey Cherry, Benny Tarango, Ryan Wanner, Gunner Cherry, and Doug Finlay. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Wanner, Todd Sanford, and Kirk Hamilton.

Services will be Christmas themed so we are asking everyone to wear their Christmas outfits, anywhere from Ugly Christmas sweaters to church attire (please no pajamas). She loved Christmas and that’s how we are going to show her we love her.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association in honor of Pam.

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

Johnnie Sue Hyatt Gist of San Angelo, Texas transitioned to her next journey at her home on the morning of December 10, 2024.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 5:00-7:00pm at Harper Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 1:00pm at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Johnnie Sue was born on November 4,1935 in San, Angelo Texas to her parents John L. Hyatt and Susie Bauerlein Smetana. After John L. Hyatt’s death overseas in the war, Susie remarried Amil Smetana.

In 1952 she married the love of her life, David Murell Gist. After graduating high school, Johnnie Sue obtained a business degree from Angelo State University, and eventually put her husband through pharmacy college while working and starting a family. Together, she and David would go on to form successful businesses like Gist Pharmacy and Gist Rentals.

However, Johnnie’s passion for learning and volunteering with children led her back to the university. She decided to pursue her Master’s Degree in Education and would go on to teach generations of elementary school students in San Angelo, educating them through field trips, project based learning, and instilling a curiosity for the world around them.

Johnnie Sue and her husband, David were active members in various dance clubs and adored ballroom dancing. And though she came from humble beginnings, Johnnie Sue traveled the world with her family and spared no opportunity to educate them on the history of their surroundings. She would speak fondly of her time in Paris, France and the healing journey of finally visiting her father’s grave in Europe after reconnecting with survivors of his unit and other war orphans.

We know that Johnnie Sue is finally reconnecting with the ones she’d loved and lost along the way, and taking her final dance across the star studded skies of the place she always called home: Texas.

Johnnie Sue was preceded in death by her husband David, youngest son, James Christian Gist, and younger brother J.L. Hyatt.

Johnnie Sue is survived by her daughter Mary Catherine Gist Ott of San Angelo, daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Gist of Coleman, and son, Michael Gist and wife, Shelia of San Angelo, Texas. She is also survived by her many grandchildren: Jeffrey Beck, Tasha Nicole Adcock, Lacy LaMontagne, Abra Gist, James Zachary Gist, Gavin Gist, Jennifer Gist, and Kimberly Gist. She is survived by great-grandchildren as well: Hayden Beck, Saya LaMontague, Caleb Hernandez-Gist, Kayden Gist, and Kendall Sanchez. She is also survived by her cousin, Richard Bauerlein, of San Angelo and her beloved nephew, John Hyatt of Fort Worth.

The family would like to thank the Visiting Angels and Angels Care Hospice of San Angelo. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Judes Childrens Hospital or Wounded Warriors.

Shirley Eileen Grosshans, 91, years young, died peacefully at home with her daughter and caregiver by her side. Shirley was born in Lincoln Nebraska, on May 7, 1933, to Esther and Marsh Stahnke. That’s where she met and married Max Henry Grosshans. After being a funeral director in Oklahoma, they purchased a funeral home in Snyder, Texas and lived there until they moved to San Angelo in 1981. Shirley held many positions in her work life from secretary to receptionist at Johnson’s Funeral Home where her love of talking and her ability to engage anyone in conversation was put to good use. The genuine sympathy for others made her a natural for her work at Johnson’s and later on as a leader of Compassionate Friends where she dealt with many people’s grief and sorrow, as well as her own. Shirley and Max became involved with Compassionate Friends when their daughter Susan died in 1984. She became the leader shortly afterwords and kept it going for the next 34 years until her health began to fail. She was passionate about the newsletter and worked so hard and spent so much time researching articles or hunting for any kind of resource that might be helpful for a grieving person. She was a friend to all and a lifeline for so many. This will be her legacy, and she loved doing it. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Max and her daughter Susan Palmer. She is survived by her daughter, Shelley Allen, of San Angelo and her son, Guy Grosshans, of Florida; her grandchildren, Foster Allen, Greg Grosshans and Kim Grosshans. She is also survived by five great grandchildren. Shirley will be available for viewing from 12:00PM – 7:00 P.M., Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home. The graveside service will be 3:00 P.M., Friday, December 13, 2024, at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.