Vena Belle Allen went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the age of 93 years.

Vena Belle was born on October 17, 1930, in Miles, Texas. She was one of six children. She married the love of her life, Jess L. Allen, Jr on June 25, 1949, in Miles, Texas. On one of their first dates, he took her to the "picture show" on a tractor. They were married for 74 years.

Vena Belle worked at the telephone office in Big Lake, Texas while Jess served in the Korean war. During that time, they were living at the old School House at Stiles, Texas. Later they moved to the farm north of Stiles where they lived until moving to Mertzon, Texas in December of 2011.

While living on the farm Vena Belle was a homemaker. She and Jess raised their four children, Johnny, Linda, Lonnie and Kim, there in that sweet little farmhouse. That is where she taught them all about the love of Jesus. She loved to cook, and she could cook a meal for a huge crowd with little notice. She made the absolute best homemade rolls you could ever imagine. Her talent for cooking and preparing a big meal at the drop of a hat was a blessing to her family and friends for years. She loved having a house full of people.

She loved the Community Baptist Church where her and Jess attended Sunday services. They were founding members of that little church and served there for years. She enjoyed cleaning the church and making sure the grass was always mowed. She spent hours making sure that little church was well kept, inside and out. She also loved to work outside in her own yard. When she was ninety plus years old, she was still trying to get someone, anyone, to help her go buy a new lawnmower.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jess; her parents, Harry Ables and Zeither Ables; three brothers, Bucky Ables, Milburn "Pib" Ables and M.W. (Wayne) Ables, two sisters, Claudia Mae Ledbetter and Wilma Arceneaux and her son-in-law, John Sanders.

She is survived by her two sons and two daughters, Johnny Allen, and wife Correne of Blackwell, Texas; Linda Matthews and husband Jimmy of Big Lake, Texas; Lonnie Allen and wife Carole of Blackwell, Texas; and Kim Sanders of Shallowater, Texas. One of her favorite titles was "Mee-Maw." She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren with every part of her heart. They were the light of her day, and she loved every minute she spent with them. She rarely used the word "no" when it came to those precious grandkids. From unlimited milkshakes to hours of fishing, painting, and learning to drive, she made every moment with them special. She loved that Rylin, one of her great granddaughters would share with her the same middle name. Her nine grandchildren include; Brandon Allen and wife Brittany of Midland, Texas, Michael Matthews and wife Natalie of Mertzon, Texas, Jill Fortenberry and husband Michael of Big Lake, Texas, Julie Sosa and husband Claudio also of Big Lake, Texas, Jennifer Furr and husband Ethan of Kent, Texas, Wade Allen and wife Shelby of Big Spring, Texas, John Wesley Sanders and wife Marisa of Brownfield, Texas, and Zy and Julian Sanders both of Shallowater, Texas; and 15 precious great-grandchildren, Jaxton and Landry Allen, Ally and Macy Matthews, Jentry Fortenberry, Allison, Josh, Brazos and Avery Sosa and Alex Robertson, Rylin "Belle", Whitley and Waylon Furr, Weston Sanders and Charlye Ann Allen. She is also survived by her two sisters in laws, Wanda Jo Ables of Denver City, Texas and Shirley Bruton and brother-in-law, Bert Bruton of San Angelo, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Pallbearers include her grandsons, Brandon Allen, Michael Matthews, John Wesley Sanders, Wade Allen, Zy Sanders and Julian Sanders.

Honorary Pallbearers include her grandson-in-laws, Michael Fortenberry, Claudio Sosa, and Ethan Furr. Additional Honorary Pallbearers will be Joel Ham, Juan Barajas, Bubba Akin, Larry Asbury, Joe Phillips, and Eddie Joe Morton.

A visitation will be held at The First Baptist Church in Big Lake, Texas on Wednesday, May 29th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The funeral service will be on Thursday, May 30th at 1O a.m. also at the First Baptist Church with burial immediately following at the Stiles Cemetery. Family and friends can sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Reagan County Care Center for their tremendous outpouring of love and care for our Mom and Mee-Maw during her time there. She loved her sweet caretakers, and they loved her just the same.

Memorials may be sent to the West Texas Boys Ranch and Sonrisas of San Angelo, Texas or to Care Friends, 1009 Virginia Circle, Big Lake, Texas 76932

Margaret Almeta Stone, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and mentor, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on December 30, 1930, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, Margaret dedicated her life to faith and family.

Margaret's boundless love and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her. As a pastor's wife, homemaker, and dedicated Bible teacher, she nurtured her family and community with unwavering devotion. Her passion for cooking, entertaining, and her love for people created cherished memories for all.

A devout woman of faith, Margaret's daily routine of prayer and scripture reading was a testament to her deep spirituality. Her prayer list, comprising over 200 loved ones, reflected her boundless love for others.

Margaret's adventurous spirit led her to enjoy travels and indulge in her favorite pastime, fishing. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including engaging in lively games of Skipbo with her loved ones.

In her 60s, Margaret pursued her passion for home decorating at Texas Tech and later found fulfillment working as a tax assessor. Her involvement in livestock auctions and her mentoring of numerous individuals underscored her diverse interests and generous spirit.

Margaret is survived by her sons, Jack Stone and wife Deb of Lubbock, TX, and Gary Stone of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Christy, Amy, Josh, Misty, Micah, and Joey; several great-grandchildren; her brother, Cleo Adams; sisters, Lois Lightfoot and Freda Bryant; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Joe Stone, her parents and one grandson, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that will be cherished forever.

A viewing will be at Harper Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 12:00-1:30pm. Graveside service will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens at 2:00pm.

Robert Mitchell “Bobby” Stevens was born on March 9, 1961, to Marvin and Sally Stevens in Amarillo, TX. Robert graduated from John Marshall in Oklahoma City, OK. He loved his family and being outdoors. He worked for 23 years for Tom Green County and 14 years for the State of Texas. When he wasn’t working, he was spending time with his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed going to Buffalo Gap and working with livestock. Growing up, Bobby never met a stranger. He was loved by many friends because he had a heart the size of Texas.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, and oldest brother, Michael.

Robert is survived by his siblings, Sandra Stevens of Colorado Springs, CO, Gary Stevens and wife Ruth of Spring Branch, TX, Mary Montelongo and husband Edward of Corpus Christi, TX, and Charles Stevens and wife Kayla of San Angelo; nine nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 5 – 7 PM at Harper Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church with Brother Bobby Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at Campbell Cemetery in Blackwell.

Pallbearers include: Wayne “Tiny” Brown, Chris Weeks, David Green, Mark Horner, Norman Murphy, and Richard Castillo.

John Tyler of San Angelo passed away on May 16, 2024, at the age 88. John was a man of solid character, firm convictions, and strong faith. He was curious and his inquisitiveness and keen intellect drove all his pursuits. A successful businessman, serviceman, and church member, John leaves behind a lasting legacy that will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Born on April 4, 1936, in Collinsville, Oklahoma, John was the only child of Anna and Ralph Tyler. Childhood memories of growing up on their farm include plowing, planting, harvesting and baling hay, but also fishing, hunting, and tinkering with tractors and vehicles with his dad. John was a member of FFA, had a short career on the high school football team, and played clarinet in the band. During high school, he had a Harley-Davidson motorcycle which he rode all over northeast Oklahoma. Senior year, his dad bought him a rundown ‘31 Model A Roadster and together they replaced fenders, running boards, and upholstery. Then they repainted it and added a new top - and she was a beauty! That was the start of John’s life-long love of cars. Meticulously restoring classic cars brought him much joy; his favorite by far was the 1960 Porsche 356B, a daily driver he owned for 42 years. He was a member of the Sports Car Club of America.

John graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, majoring in Petroleum Engineering and Management. While in college, he was in ROTC. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and organized a hot rod club called the Slo-Pokes. In 1980, John received an MBA from St. Edward’s University in Austin, graduating top of his class.

Service in the United States Army and the US Army Reserve was a testament to John’s devotion and patriotism. Upon graduation from OSU, he started his military career as a 2nd Lt. in the Transportation Corps. At the end of basic training, he was interviewed by a Pentagon Colonel and selected to spend his active-duty commitment in Washington DC with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics at the Pentagon. After 2 years at the Pentagon, John returned to Tulsa and sought out a Reserve Unit to join. He was determined to get into the Special Warfare School that trained the newly established Special Forces. John qualified for the unit completing both the qualifying Jump School and the Special Warfare School in 1963. John stayed in Special Forces for 12 years, making over 20 jumps. He graduated from Command and General Staff College and the Air War College, both considered to be master’s degrees. John was in an airborne infantry brigade in the Texas National Guard and taught at the US Army Reserve in Austin until he retired in 1985. After 24 years of service, he had attained the high rank of Lt. Colonel.

John’s long journey through the world of engineering employment was marked by growth and advancement. He began his career as a Production Engineer for Sunray DX in Tulsa, then Midland. He married in 1961 and his daughter, Susan, was born in Tulsa in 1963. The family moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he served as Production Engineer for Modern Move and later for Fisher Controls. When a better position became available in Austin, TX, the family left the cold and headed south. John served as Manufacturing Manager of Lincoln Living, a high-end, fabricated homes company before accepting the position of Engineering Manager of John Roberts/ArtCarved Class Rings.

In 1979, John married the love of his life, Linda (Rountree), in Austin. When his mother fell ill, John and Linda moved to Oklahoma to be closer to her. John became the Manufacturing Manager at BS&B Safety Systems in Tulsa, then at Tarby in Claremore, OK. In 1996, the Tylers moved to San Angelo to be near Linda’s family. He retired to teach Management classes at Angelo State University and work for Hirschfeld Steel, Epley Enterprises, and Safe Car. John felt that each of these positions pushed him further professionally, and helped him align his personal values, passion, and goals.

Always active, John was an avid runner in his younger days. While living in Austin, he participated in the very first Capital 10K and many races thereafter. He enjoyed boating, climbing (including Guadalupe Peak), rappelling, and even spelunking. Throughout his life, John was curious and proudly thought of himself as a life-long learner. He enjoyed reading about history, the foundations of government, finances and, of course, cars. He was an active member of the Sierra Vista United Methodist Church and volunteered at Community Medical Center for many years.

Nothing was more important to John than his family and he loved them fiercely. When asked, John said he wanted to be remembered as a wonderful, loving husband, father and grandfather, a loyal friend, a faithful Christian, a successful and diligent military officer, a devoted and responsible citizen, a wonderful provider for his family, and a hard-working, intelligent individual who always tried to do the right thing. It is a fitting description and explains some of the reasons why we will all miss him so much.

John is survived by his wife, Linda Rountree Tyler, his daughter Susan Tyler (David) Bell of Austin, granddaughter Zoe Bell (Andrew) Stockton of Charlotte, NC, grandson Charles Tyler Bell and partner Aliyah Conley Hauser of Austin, brother-in-law Randy Rountree of Stephenville, nephew Randy Rountree of Georgetown, sister-in-law and brother-In-law Sharon Rountree (Dave) Hollenback, niece Christina Hollenback, all of Syracuse, NY, and cousin Seabo Rountree of Gonzales.

Service will be at 2 pm, Tuesday, May 28 at Sierra Vista UMC. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a church or charity of your choice.

The family could not be more thankful for the wonderful, loving care from PCP Jerrie Smithwick, Sagecrest Care Center staff (at Baptist Memorial) and Hospice of San Angelo.

Nick Ramon Starkey, 51, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on May 8, 2024, in his hometown. He was born on June 20, 1972, in San Angelo, TX.

In life, Nick found solace in his two harmonious passions - music and football. He was an ardent supporter of the Dallas Cowboys and the Central High School Bobcats. Nick enjoyed listening to music of various styles and genres, finding joy in the classics of yesteryear. He also spent time surfing the internet at the San Angelo Public Library, viewing it as a boundless realm of exploration and connection. Nick's warmth and kindness touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of genuine affection and countless smiles.

Nick is survived by his son, Michael Martinez of Abilene, TX, and siblings: Teresa Shaw (Danny) of Richardson, TX, Karen Birech (Cederick Godfrey) of Reno, NV, Tim Starkey of San Angelo, TX, Kris Starkey (Analyn) of San Antonio, TX, Dennis Starkey (Nicole) of Chester, PA. He is also survived by 8 nieces, 4 nephews, 5 great-nephews, and cousins Fran Fletcher, Donnie Jackson, and Claude Fletcher. Nick was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Powdrill Smith, father, Charles Smith, grandmother, Caroline Powdrill, uncle, Raymond Powdrill, and uncle, Ardis Champion.

Nick will be dearly missed, but his impact on the lives of those around him will be remembered for years to come.

Francisco L. Chavez, 88 of Sonora passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 24, 2024 at 2:00p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Eldorado. Interment will follow in Eldorado Cemetery. Survivors include sons Oscar and Freddie Chavez, and daughter Christina Chavez.

Juan H. Garza, age 85 of Sonora passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10:00a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Interment will follow in  Sonora Cemetery.

Juan was born March 28, 1939 to parents Eusebio and Brigida Garza. He is survived by his wife Amanda Garza, son Alfred (Freddie) Garza, daughter Valerie Garza and husband Jorge A. Perez, sisters Remedios Acosta, Maria Castilleja and Catalina Ausces and husband Domingo, and brother Eusebio Garza, Jr. and wife Martha , and numerous nieces and nephews. Juan was preceded in death by his parents Eusebio and Brigida Garza, brothers Jacinto and wife Josefa Garza, Hipolito "Pole" Garza, Benancio and wife Elvia Garza, and Julio Garza, and sisters Carmen and husband Alcadio Escobar, and Benita Garza. Juan loved playing the accordion, telling jokes and crafting woodwork and cooking. He always played music along with favorite musicians and during family events. Juan worked with his family picking cotton, shearing and for the City of Sonora for 15 years. Online condolences may be made at lovefuneralhome.net.

Margaret Susan Ridgway Wilson, of Cypress, TX, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Susan is survived by her mother, Maggie Ridgway, brother and sister-in-law, Tom Ridgway, Jr. and Janet Ridgway; her children Lorrie Scholl, Mary Margaret Khan, and William Wilson; sons-in-law David Scholl and Riaz Khan, daughter-in-law Romy Adame-Wilson, grandchildren William Scholl, Benjamin Scholl, and Celina Wilson; and nieces Kate Ridgway, Victoria Ridgway, and Madeline Ridgway.

Born August 30, 1948, to Maggie and Tom Ridgway in West Springfield, MA, Susan and her family moved to San Angelo, TX in 1950 where she grew up and attended Trinity Lutheran Elementary School, Washington and Edison Junior High Schools, and San Angelo Central High School. She attended college at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA with degrees in Latin American Studies and History. She received her Masters from The University of Texas Permian Basin in History. Susan taught Spanish at Edison Junior High in San Angelo and later, US History at Midland High School until she retired at the age of 73.

Susan is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. During her time in Midland, she was also active in the Junior League of Midland, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, and St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. Susan loved people and made friends everywhere she went. She was an avid bridge player, and loved learning, cooking, traveling, antiques, shopping, gardening, and most of all, being with her grandchildren.

Her departure comes as a deep loss, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her dearly in her wide community of friends. A memorial will be held in the summer and family and friends will be notified.

Amando Ruiz Moreno went to dance with the love of his life, Margarita Moreno, on the golden streets of Heaven on May 16th, 2024, at the age of 84. He was born on February 16th, 1940. He was the 14th child out of 15 children born to Hilario Moreno and Cruz R. Moreno. 

Amando was very active throughout his entire life. From early childhood, he loved playing sports such as football, baseball and track. He had a passion for working on cars with his brothers. He enjoyed custom body work, street racing motor work, upholstery, or any car related projects. 

He enjoyed music and had a great ear when it would come to playing instruments without training or lessons. He loved to sing and dance. In high school, he started his own band named “Little Amando and the Crystals in Blues.” During that time, he met his 1st wife, Margarita and was blessed with 3 sons. 

After graduating from Sidney Lanier High School, Amando joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for 20 years and traveled the world. Some of the places he was stationed were Japan, Germany, Florida, California, Hawaii, Korea, Philippines, Guam, New York and back to Texas. He guarded the border in Vietnam and also had the privilege to color guard for President John F. Kennedy. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. 

Later, he met the love of his life, Margarita Moreno and combined a beautiful family of 15 children. 

After retiring from the Air Force, Amando worked for the San Angelo Independent School District for 13 years. He then went back to work as a civilian at Good Fellow Air Force Base for several years. Once fully retired, his hobbies included racing down the Walmart aisles with his wife in the electric scooters. He also enjoyed spending as much time with his brother, Albert and would make trips to San Antonio as often as he could to visit. He enjoyed a good western or war movie on his downtime while sitting on his recliner with the heater on full blast all year long. 

Amando was a strong willed and could be stubborn at times. One of his favorite sayings was “I’m not perfect, but I’m pretty darn close.” Big hearted, generous, loyal, strong, brave, hardworking would be some words to describe him. He was a man of god with everlasting faith. Family was everything to him and he made sure to tell them every chance he could. He always would greet you with the biggest smile and kindness in those beautiful colored eyes when anyone would come to visit. He always made it a point to send you off with a blessing and a kiss goodbye. 

Amando was preceded in death by his parents, Hilario Moreno and Cruz R. Moreno and his loving wife, Margarita Moreno. He was also preceded in death by one son, Joe Angel Perez, 4 grandchildren-Martin Ruiz Jr., Juanito Ibarra Jr., Gabino Garcia Jr., and Isabel Natalie Moreno. He was the last sibling living out of all his brothers and sisters. 

He is survived by sons Richard Moreno and wife Crystal Moreno, Robert Moreno and wife Rachel Moreno, Ruben Moreno, Margarito Herrera and wife Lisa Herrera, Epolo Herrera and wife Lupe Herrera, Cruz J. Moreno and wife Martha Moreno. He is also survived by his daughters Florence Garcia and husband Gabino Garcia, Josephine Ibarra and husband Tony Barrera, Caroline Arredondo and husband Felix Arredondo, Margie Garza, Bernardina Herrera and husband Raul Herrera, Andrea Arredondo and Paulina Herrera. He leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren to cherish his memory. 

A rosary will be held on May 22, 2024 at 6 PM at Johnson’s Funeral Home, 435 West Beauregard Avenue, San Angelo TX. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 301 West 17th St, San Angelo, TX. Burial will follow at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, TX. 

Pallbearers will be Hilario Moreno, Simon Garcia, Michael Angel Herrera, Epolo Herrera Jr., Gilbert Arredondo Jr., and Angel Cruz Moreno. Honorary Pallbearers are Raul Herrera and Israel Cruz Moreno. 

Psalms 23:4 –“ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me”

Marilyn Mayer Modgling went to be with her lord and savior on May 19, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on February 24, 1931, to Thelma and Edmund Mayer, in Houston, TX. She lived in San Antonio, TX until she was a junior in high school when she moved to San Angelo, TX, where she met the love of her life, Wayne Modgling, and they married on June 18, 1949 at First United Methodist Church. Their first child, Nancigail was born in 1952 and their second child, Susan was born in 1958.

Marilyn and Wayne were in property management at Chateau Beauregard Apartments and then at Southland Arms Apartments and Mini Warehouse until 1995. Marilyn was a fulltime mother while they worked in property management. He daughters were blessed to have such loving parents.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband Wayne.

She is survived by her sister, Marcella Staewen of San Angelo, TX; her brother-in-law, Don Modgling of Houston, TX; her daughters, Nancigail Economidis and Susan Wilson; her grandchildren, Hollianne Economidis and Jennifer Dunnam, a great granddaughter, Gracelyn Economidis and great-great granddaughter, Merit Ivy, and her nieces Yvonne, Valerie and Deborah.

A graveside service will be held at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 10:00am.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and Kayla and Clint for their loving care.