Bertha Mae Ham, 100, passed peacefully in her sleep into the presence of the Lord on November 4, 2024.

Bertha was born on January 31, 1924, in Arden, Texas to Albert and May Vinson. She was the seventh of eight children and served as the glue to hold her family together in spite of their wide range of differences. Family reunions and fish fries were always the most anticipated events each year. She is now enjoying the most glorious family reunion ever imagined.

Always a child of the country, she considered her children greatly impoverished due to their failure to experience scampering down to Spring Creek on a hot summer day to take a dip, riding your favorite horse to a country school, gathering eggs on a cool morning and picking cotton by hand with your big brother as boss man.

Mother grew up a child of the Greatest Generation. Shortly after graduating from Rankin High School, she followed her brothers to war by traveling to California and helping with the assembling of B-24’s at the Continental Aircraft Company plant.

Beautiful to the very end, Mother had style and grace, which distinguished her whenever she walked into a room. She loved to dance, winning a jitterbug competition in her earlier years.

Bertha’s first husband, Howard, also had one foot in the country and the other in the city. Together, they raised their two children, although with two very different child-rearing philosophies. That explains something. Mother became an accomplished and prolific painter, whose paintings grace the walls of many family members’ homes. At the same time, she rounded up cattle at their Reagan County ranch and cooked deer meat brought home from a hunt.

An avid shopper and renowned cook, Christmastime at Grandmother’s created rich, indelible memories. Mother’s recipes are still family favorites.

Following the loss of Howard to cancer in 1988, Bertha married RC Ham. RC was a wonderful person who helped to enlarge Mother’s capacity to enjoy life to the fullest. RC’s family became her own.

Following the loss of RC in 2005, Bertha moved from Odessa to San Angelo. In 2019, she married Howard Ellig, a friend from Odessa that she had known since 1958. Through Howard, Mother experienced the most beautiful and selfless love imaginable. Howard cared for Mother as long as his health permitted, and he never left her side.

It is said that the blessings in life are measured by the friends that you have. Mother was blessed beyond measure. Her long, rich life was diminished only by the loss of so many dear, dear friends.

Bertha was preceded in death by her seven siblings, James Vinson, Verna Speck, Dwain Vinson, Martha McDonald, Finus Vinson, Morty Vinson and Robert Vinson, her first husband, Howard Millican and her second husband, RC Ham.

Bertha is survived by her husband, Howard Ellig, her children, Beverly Hicks and Paul Millican (wife, Jo) and grandchildren, Jeremy Scott (Angela), Maleigh Canon (Steve), Jennifer White (Jason), Joy Miletic (Zvonimir), Jessica Coats (David), Jill Heintschell (Bryan). She is also survived by 17 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, with another one due any day now.

Pallbearers are Jeremy Scott, Jason White, Steve Cannon, Hudson White, Jonah White, and Andrew Miletic. A visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8th. A graveside service will be held at Paint Creek Cemetery, Coke County, Texas at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday November 9th, which will be followed by a lunch celebration at Pecan Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bertha’s memory to a church or charity of your choice.

Zelma Jean Wojtek, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away at Sagecrest Care Center on November 2, 2024, in San Angelo, Texas, at the age of 97.

Jean was born on September 21, 1927, in Bronte, Texas to Jess and Cordie Liles. Jean was raised in Bronte and graduated from Bronte High School. She met her husband, Frank Charles Wojtek, Jr., when he returned from service in the South Pacific during World War II. They were married on December 3, 1949, and established a home in Robert Lee. She was an active member of the Robert Lee Baptist Church, and she made sure that we were well dressed and attentive in the pew each Sunday. She and Frank ran the Texas Theater in Bronte from 1949 until the late 70s, when it closed. It was a family affair, as Frank ran the projectors, Jean sold tickets at the box office, and sons Larry and Jerry sold concessions. She also worked at West Texas Utilities in Bronte, Robert Lee, and San Angelo from 1947 through 1967. In 1969, Jean enrolled in Angelo State University, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in August 1972, and a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree in 1974. She began her teaching career at Day Elementary School in San Angelo in 1972 and retired in 1992. Jean loved teaching, and adored her kids, and they adored her. She would often receive letters of appreciation from her former students, including one who later became an astronaut. After retirement, Jean and Frank moved to San Angelo, and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, until Frank’s death in 1997. In later years, she traveled with friends throughout the world, and loved to tell us stories about her travels, including the time in which she became separated from her friends in London, yet was able to find their hotel with the help of a London cabbie. Jean also remained physically active during retirement. When she was 80 years old, she accompanied her son Larry, and his wife Kelly, on a hike on Smith Spring Trail in the Guadalupe Mountains, which was 2.3 miles long with an elevation of 600 feet, without any problems. She was a member of Sierra Vista United Methodist Church in San Angelo.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her sister, Evona Ritchie, and her brother, Horace Liles.

She is survived by two sons, Larry and wife Kelly Hollway Wojtek, and Jerry and wife Lisa Nichols. Jean has three grandchildren, Chad Hollway and wife Carol, Brooke Wilcox and husband Jon, and Brittney Caputo and husband Thomas. She also has 5 great grandchildren, Cole, Jonas, Noelle, Finnegan and Caitlyn.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Sagecrest Care Center for taking such good and loving care of our Mother.

A graveside service for Jean will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, November 11, at Bronte Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home. For those wishing to make a memorial donation honoring Jean’s life, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made at shafferpioneer.com.

Celia Ann Creek, age 78, woke up in the loving arms of Jesus on Monday morning, November 4th, 2024. Visitation will be held before the service from 9 am to 11 am on Thursday, November 7th, 2024, at Big Lake Methodist Church with the Funeral Service to begin at 1:00 pm; Pastor Mark Smith will officiate services. Burial immediately following at Glen Rest Cemetery.

Celia was born August 9,1946 to Floyd & Leoma Harwood, in Plainview, Texas. On November 9,1964 she married Bob Creek and they had two children, Lonny Creek (Stacy) of Big Lake, and Tammy Underwood (Brian) of Lubbock. Bob & C’Ann lived almost 20 years in Olton before moving to Big Lake where she spent the last 42 years. Celia loved being a member of the Big Lake Methodist Church and enjoyed her friends at the Reagan County Care Center. The bingo table in heaven is celebrating this week for sure. Our mom was preceded in death by her parents and husband, as well as brothers Ronnie, Derrell, and Don Gene Harwood. She is survived by her children and sisters Sue Davis, Edna Pyle, and Kay Turner. She also leaves behind grandchildren Morgan (John) Hogan, Allison Herrell, Kassidy, Kynzie, Kyndal Underwood, Jake, Taylor, and Hannah Lyon. The apples of her eye were great grandchildren Carter and Graham Hogan, and Owen Herrell. C’Ann was also survived by a loving set of in-laws, who she considered blood brothers and sisters. They include Ladell Harwood, Gayla Harwood, Mary Eppard, Rose Willoughby, Stella Creek, and Jeff Creek. 

Our mom had many nicknames in her lifetime, but they increased in number these past two years after moving to the Reagan County Care Center. Her favorites were mom and Grandma, but also included Aunt C’Ann, Aunt Gum, Auntie, Annie, Cel, CC, and CeCelia. Mom spent hundreds of hours behind a gigantic video recorder, capturing the life and times of granddaughters Morgan and Alli. Grandma was a constant fixture during the most formidable years of their lives, taking pretend Dairy Queen orders, tickling backs, giving baking lessons, and capturing renditions of “Chasing that Neon Rainbow” in front of the oven door, with Alf the hand puppet offering much needed support. I will always believe this was her highest calling in life, and the time we saw her shine the most. Later in life she inherited more grandchildren to love and enjoyed teaching them games and old tricks from her childhood. She had plenty of love to go around. Mom was really good at preserving family genealogy and taking lots of pictures. She traced our roots and created albums and family trees. Family was her passion, and we know that today the angels are singing as she reunites with all who went before her. What a beautiful reunion. 

Thank you will never be enough, but it’s what we have to offer the administration and staff at Reagan County Care Center and Reagan Memorial Hospital. You loved our mom and grandma so well and always treated her with kindness and dignity. Her life was much better with each of you in it. Special thanks also to Hospice of San Angelo, especially hospice companion Patty Taylor, who was a beautiful friend and advocate these past 4 months. Mom loved plants and flowers, but if you want to donate in her memory, please give to Big Lake Methodist Church.

Pallbearers are Leland and Johnie Creek, Keith and Michael Pyle, Gary, Gregg, Gerald and Glen Davis, and Johnny Lockeby.

Kathy Joan Troy (Holder), 70, of San Angelo, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. She was born on September 26, 1954, in Waco, Texas to Fred and Virginia Holder. She and her siblings, Beverly, Peggy, Gail, David, Cindy, and Paul would travel throughout their childhoods while Fred served in the Air Force. Kathy graduated from Washburn Rural High School in Topeka, Kansas in 1972. She moved to San Angelo after graduation to live with her cousins, Diane & Sandra, and started working. The rest of her family joined her in 1973 when Fred retired from the Air Force. Kathy worked for multiple San Angelo companies, RG Barry's and GTE before retiring from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a claims specialist.

Kathy married Steven Troy in June of 1980 and had two children, Connor and Briana Troy. She stayed incredibly active in the multiple sports and extracurricular activities her children were involved in – particularly when she became a board member for the 29th Street Complex, helping run the girls' fastpitch leagues, concessions, and fields. She was also involved in the Spring Festival at Holy Angels Catholic Church and contributed many humorous items to the arts and crafts. She also helped chair the arts and crafts room, and roped her children into helping tag, label, and price items. She volunteered with the festival until her health began to decline.

Kathy was a fiercely honest, funny, and wickedly sharp lady. She was known not only for her incredible laugh but her love of books. She was such a ferocious reader that she had to construct a library in the home she shared with her sister, Peggy, occupying the ENTIRE front room. While constantly trying to find ways to squeeze more books onto the shelves. She also loved her music and she had quite a collection of cassettes, CDs and vinyl albums that she did not want to give up no matter what anyone said.

She could also trounce nearly anyone she faced in Trivial Pursuit and defeated her own children constantly in Jeopardy. Even after battling illnesses, she still maintained her humor, her laugh, and her love for her family. And the Texas Rangers and Texas Longhorns. She was an everlasting, and often heartbroken fan of the Rangers and was blessed to live to see them win their first World Series in 2023. She proudly wore her championship hat, or had it within arms reach for the remainder of her life.

Funeral services for Kathy will be held on November 8th, 2024 at 11am at Johnson’s Funeral Home at 435 W. Beauregard Ave., San Angelo, TX.

In lieu of flowers, Kathy and her children ask that you make a donation in her name to her two favorite charities: St. Jude’s Hospital or Toys For Tots. The family would also like to thank Cedar Manor Nursing Home and Concho Hearts Hospice for providing her with such wonderful and loving care in her final years and months.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Fred Holder and her brother-in- law Michael Mckenzie. She is survived by Her children and their spouses, Connor Troy and Rebecka Brasso, Briana Troy and Mark Maston. Her grandchildren, Henry Troy and Lincoln Maston. Mother, Virginia, her siblings Beverly, Peggy, Gail, David and his wife Mary, Cindy her husband Gene, and Paul and his wife Ladonna. As well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

It is with great sadness that the family of Alta "Lee" Simmons Rose announces her passing on October 29, 2024 in San Angelo, Texas. She will be greatly missed by those that were blessed to have known her especially her nieces, Ouida Hawkins Hahn and Cindy Hawkins Loveday.

Lee was born on December 10, 1927 in Glen Cove, Texas to Ely "Doc" Simmons and Minnie Bullock Simmons. She married the love of her life, Arthur "Art" Rose on April 21, 1948 in Alameda, California. Their only daughter Cheryl was born in 1954. Together they flew every summer in their Cessna Aircraft to visit family in Texas. Her career as an assistant executive for Bell Telephone Company in San Francisco, California spanned 34 years. After their retirement she and Art traveled extensively in the United States in their motorhome. Lee especially loved taking care of the people in her life and her cats (that found her). 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Art Rose; her daughter, Cheryl Rose- Edwards; and her sister, Louise Hawkins. Lee is survived by Ouida and Elwin Hahn; Cindy Loveday; Ed and Zee Mills; and many nieces and nephews that she shared with Art. 

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation to Calvary Lutheran Church in San Angelo, Texas or an animal adoption agency of your choice.

Ruben Jaime Samaniego, age 70 of Sonora passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Sonora Cemetery. Survivors include his wife Connie Samaniego, son Mark Samaniego, daughters Angie Gaytan, Veronica Ramirez, Nicole Paredes and Amanda Salazar, brothers Juan and Lino Samaniego, and sister Mary Samaniego.

Estefana "Stephanie" Cortinas, 89, of San Angelo passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Services are pending with Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mrs. Cortinas was born on December 26, 1934 in Pecos to Bentura and Angelita Palafox. She graduated from Monahans High School. Stephanie married Jesus Cortinas on May 6, 1962 in Monahans. They were stationed in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She fell in love with the weather and the people. They returned to San Angelo in 1980. Stephanie worked as an optician for Dr. Clyde Roberts and later as a teacher's aide at San Angelo Independent School District. She was very involved at St. Joseph Catholic Church; where she taught Catechism, was a Eucharistic Minister, and involved with the prison ministry. She loved interacting people and never met a stranger. Stephanie was also very strong in her faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers; and her sisters.

Stephanie is survived by her husband, Jesus Cortinas of San Angelo; a daughter, Mary Cortinas of San Angelo; and her granddaughter, Jessica Pena of San Angelo.

In lieu of flower the family would like donations to Meals for the Elderly, VFW, or Toys for Tots.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brett Nile, Cedar Manor Nursing and Rehab, and St. Gabriel's Hospice for their wonderful care.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

John 11:25-26

She was born February 8, 1924, in Lowake, Texas on the family homestead to Adolf and Linnie Hartmann. She attended elementary school in Lowake and later graduated from high school in Paint Rock, Texas, in 1941. She attended two years at San Angelo Junior College. 

Helen started worshipping at Calvary Lutheran Church and became their first organist and has continued in many roles there including being a Board Member. There she met Duane A. Moss whom she married in 1950. They were blessed with three daughters, Lisa, Leslie, and Lana. They divorced in 1962. She married Dayton Brandenberger in 1970. 

She enjoyed fellowship at the church, playing dominoes, and singing. While singing with the San Angelo Symphony Chorale, they were invited to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York city. She worked at Galbraith Steel and Supply as a receptionist until retirement. In later years Helen enjoyed playing dominoes with family and friends at Rio Concho Terrace. 

She was predeceased by her husband Dayton Brandenberger. She is survived by her sister, Kay Halfmann and family of Lowake, daughters Lisa Marshall (Shawn) of Portland, Oregon, Leslie Biggs (on) of Post Falls, Idaho, and. Lana Tackett (Gerald) of Red Oak, Texas. Her grandchildren include. Andrew Biggs (Katie), Claire Stevenson (Adam), Lynae Cochran (Aaron), and Jerad Tackett (Katie). Also surviving are great-grandchildren Aidan, Dylan, Alexa, Jacob, Joshua, Madison, Lexi, Mason, Kessler, Landry, Ian, and Lucy. 

The funeral will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a memorial donation to Calvary Lutheran Church or Rio Concho Retirement Community.

Maria Elena Hernandez Zapata, 87, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024. She blessed this Earth as a daughter, sister, wife, tia, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend.

She was born on November 10, 1936, in Progreso, Coahuila, Mexico, to Vicente Hernandez and Fransisca Perez.

Maria married her beloved Andres R. Zapata on February 16, 1952, in Acuña, Mexico. They were married 61 years and had three children. She was fiercely loyal to her husband and a nurturing and caring mother.

She found success as a homemaker and housekeeper and worked on the base for more than a decade. She was able to supplement her family’s income by selling her famous tamales. Maria worked hard and studied to become an American citizen in 1985. With a husband who served in the U.S. Army and a son who served in the U.S. Marines, she was a proud supporter of our armed forces.

Maria was a devoted mother and a key supporter of her children’s success. She never shied away from giving them the advice to always do the right thing, even when they didn’t want to hear it. She helped raise her five grandchildren, who always knew their “wela” was there if they needed her. She would take her youngest granddaughter by the hand, walking down the street and across the South Bryant Street bridge to the nearby elementary school in the barrio. She knew very little English, and the teachers knew very little Spanish, but the language barrier didn’t stop her from communicating to ensure her granddaughter learned and received the education she never had the opportunity to pursue.

Maria was a proud member of River City Baptist Church and her unwavering faith was a guiding light in her life. She was a joyful believer in Jesus Christ and did not fear death, knowing Heaven was waiting for her. She showed the love that Christ would want us to share with one another.

Some people may have called it gossip, but she preferred to think of it as being well-informed. She was known to travel the neighborhood on foot, passing information from friend’s house to friend’s house. They would sip some cafecito and eat pan dulce until it started to get dark or until her husband called, whichever came first.

Maria loved finding beautiful dresses and jewelry to wear to church. She was known for her bright-red lipstick and painted nails. She cherished family traditions like making buñuelos or preparing a big Thanksgiving feast. She always made sure to have her grapes and black-eyed peas to welcome the new year. After retiring, you could find Andres and her cruising around in their single-cab Nissan truck (she was in charge of making sure the coast was clear on her side) and searching for places to pick pecans, finding a good garage sale, or dining at their favorite restaurants like Dun-Bar. They would stop by her sister’s house or check on their grandchildren. She enjoyed taking trips with her son and shopping with her daughter at target.

Maria touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her joyful spirit and generous heart will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and laughter will forever live on through her family and friends.

Maria is preceded in death by her twin brother, Jose Hernandez; her infant son, Jose Zapata; her husband, Andres R. Zapata; and her daughter, Norma Zapata Cadena. She leaves behind her son, Andres H. Zapata, and Kathy Hernandez; her sisters, Socorro Siller, Leonora Jimenez, and Mariana Siller; her grandchildren, Maximiano and Cherrie Cadena, Rudy Cadena Jr., Jennifer and David Cedillo, Jayson and Clairissa Zapata, and Adriana Cadena; as well as 12 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Andres H. Zapata, Max Cadena, Jayson Zapata, Rudy Cadena, Marco Carrasco, Easton Zapata, Kipton Zapata, and Brandon Cedillo. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8 pm at Johnson’s Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 10:00 am at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Salmos 23:1-4: "JEHOVÁ es mi pastor; nada me faltará. En lugares de delicados pastos me hará yacer: Junto a aguas de reposo me pastoreará. Confortará mi alma; Guiará mis pasos por sendas de justicia por amor de su nombre. Aunque ande en valle de sombra de muerte, no temeré mal alguno; porque tú estarás conmigo: Tu vara y tu cayado me infundirán aliento. Aderezarás mesa delante de mí, en presencia de mis angustiadores: Ungiste mi cabeza con aceite; mi copa está rebosando. Ciertamente el bien y la miserico todos los días de mi vida; y en la casa de Jehová moraré por largos días."

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Juanita Martinez Shurley (Memo), who left us on October 29, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones at her home at the age of 91. 

She was born on December 3, 1932, to Manual and Julianna Martinez (deceased) in Eldorado, Texas.  She was a beloved mother, grandmother ‘Memo’, great grandmother, great-great grandmother (Momo) and a friend.

Juanita enjoyed spending time with family by making Sunday dinners and watching the Dallas Cowboys play. She enjoyed ranch life, and piecing together quilts.

She is preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings, her daughters Patricia Espinosa and Marie Barrera, her son Gabriel Espinosa, and great-grandson Jon Luke Rodriguez.

She is survived by her siblings Manual Martinez, Telesforo Martinez and Adelina Saldivar. Her children Guadalupe Espinosa, Jr. wife Rosemary of San Angelo, TX, Betty Lopez husband John Jr. of Sonora, TX, Vivian Rodriguez husband (Johnny) of Eldorado, TX. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, thirty-three great grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren.

She was a sweet natured person whose presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Pallbearers will be Gerardo Barrera, Matthew Espinosa, Eric Espinosa, John Lopez, III, Marc Anthony Rodriguez, Anthony Mata.  Honorary Pallbearers: Diego Barrera and Michael Mata.

Viewing will be in Eldorado, TX at Love Funeral Home Tuesday 3-9 and Wednesday 9-9. Services will be held Thursday October 31, 2024, at 10:00 am at the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Sonora, TX with burial following at Sonora Cemetery.

““Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”” John 14:1-4 ESV