"When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul"

Psalm 94:19

Thomas Lee "Tom" Jelks, 77, of San Angelo passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
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Viewing will be from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Friday, May 3, 2024 and 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 4, 2024 at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ with Rev. John S, Pope, pastor at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

On February 20, 1947, a son was born to Tom Jelks and Burnerver Whitelow in Ripley, Tennessee. Thomas had two sisters, Annamae Branch and Carrie Jelks. They lived in Ripley, Tennessee and then in Dyersburg, Tennessee where he finished growing up. Thomas started working odd jobs after completing his sophomore year in High School. Being a man of many talents, he loved to fish, hunt and his passion was playing cards. He never met a stranger, and his friendly demeanor allowed him to socialize with anyone. For instance, while in the grocery store, a baby was acting up and once she looked at Thomas, she started to smile at him. The mother was surprised because her child had never responded to a stranger in that manner before. On another occasion, there was a little boy being disobedient to his mother. Thomas got his attention and the little boy stopped what he was doing and began listening to his mother. Even the birds loved Thomas because they would stop by the house when they heard his voice, and he would feed them and any animals that were hungry. Thomas had the heart of a veterinarian because he cared for and nursed all the hurting and hungry animals that stopped by our home until they were healed. God truly gave Thomas a loving and a calming spirit for all of God's creatures!

Thomas' first love was Versie Mann. This union produced two beautiful daughters, Ruth Ann, and Vernor, who he loved dearly. Thomas worked at the Buick factory in Flint, Michigan for eight years. He then moved on to work at Bill's Steel for the next eleven years. He travelled a lot between Michigan, Chicago, and Tennessee.

Thomas met his second love, Lillian Brown and they moved to San Angelo in 1987. He helped to raise her five children, Victoria, Frederick, Melissa, Tasha, and Sheena. He worked with E. J. Martin Concrete for two years and then he was employed by the San Angelo ISD. Thomas and Lillian were married in 1993 and they later divorced.

He later met and was united in holy matrimony to Wanda and helped to raise her two children, Shawn and Khadijah and he also helped to raise Jazmine, a niece. Thomas retired from the school district in 2013 and began working at Texas Test Fleet for the next six and a half years. He also worked as a COSA/SAISD crossing guard at Holiman Elementary.

Beginning in 2019, he worked at Grape Creek High School. Thomas was a strong man and he pursued excellence in all the work that he did. Being gifted and approachable, he was also considered an informal counselor. All the children at every school he was employed, loved, respected, and took the sound advice he ministered to heart. His achievements were many and Assistant Chief of Police, Robert P. Martinez, presented Thomas with a Citizen's Award medal for ensuring the safety of the students during a lockdown at Holiman Elementary. One parent was so thankful for Thomas' exceptional bravery that she commented to principal Danner in an email that Thomas had done the most in this emergency situation.

Thomas was a GREAT man that touched a lot of lives, and he certainly will never be forgotten.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother and two sisters.

His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his wife, Wanda; his children, Ruth Ann and husband Sam and Vernor and husband Mark; Shawn Gilbert, Khadijah Norton, Jazmine Payne and husband Feji, Victoria Johnson, Frederick Brown, Melissa Brown and husband Tommy, Natasha Brown and husband Mark, and Dr. Sheena Brown; grandchildren: Steve Lloydezae, Shameakia, Shayquesta, Jadea, Jayden, Jaiden, Mason, Dystiny, Shawn Jr., Charlie, Rodynn, Nora, Darius, Tevin, Jeremiah, Jaxton, Cayden, Bryce, Tatiana; great grandchildren: Amaya, Kelton, Sidni, Kamryn, Julia, Ryan, Kakylan, Jaaire, Taliaha, Marquarius, Bryson, Braylon, Brooklyn, Jaylani, Darius Jr., Kyndra, Leilani, and Alianna; and one nephew, Quentin and wife Anissa and their kids: Quania, Quamonte, and Donavan and a host of relatives, friends and loved ones.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

Jessie Lee Brock was called home to the arms of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in the comfort of his home. 

Jessie was born on December 13, 1957, in Las Cruces, NM, to the late Charlie Floyd Brock and Jody Terrell Brock. He married the love of his life and best friend, Doris Virginia "Jennie" Lay, on December 17, 1976, and they spent almost 47 years loving each other. They were blessed with one son and one daughter, biologically, and raised another son as well as taking in a niece and a brother along the way.

Jessie was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jennie, both of his parents, his brother, Charlie Amos "Chuck" Brock, his sister, Stacy Brock, several cousins, aunts and uncles, and one "little girl" he and Jennie never got to meet.

Jessie worked for just over twenty years in the steel welding industry, but his vocational passion was always in the oil field. He worked every position on the rig for many companies and was respected by the men who worked with and for him. He spent many years trouble-shooting rig locations, bringing cleanliness, efficiency, discipline, and heightened safety measures to those locations. In addition to his professional roles, he was an accomplished mechanic, carpenter, hunter, farmer, rancher, and horse trainer. Over the years, he passed these skills to his sons, daughter, siblings, nephews, nieces, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and many others.

Because he lived part of his childhood in foster care, Jessie had a special place in his heart for kids who - through no fault of their own - found themselves in need of a loving, stable, disciplined home where they could learn, grow and feel safe and secure - if only for a season. His home was always open to their friends as well, who also were treated as his own children. Nieces and nephews looked forward to spending school vacations and holidays with him and Jennie, and Grandpa's (Uncle Jessie's) Boot Camp was always a big hit before Playday Finals every summer. Additionally, he impacted children's lives along with Jennie as a 4-H Leader, a Lake View Chieftain Band Booster and Band Parent as well as an Athletic Booster at many high schools.

Jessie loved rescuing dogs from the rig and raising and training horses. He was actively involved in the Twin Mountain Riding Club and the American Association of Sheriff Posses and Riding Clubs, holding many offices throughout his tenure there, including the office of Region VI Vice President, an office he was very proud to hold and wanted to hold again one day.

When Jessie wasn't on a horse or learning new training techniques, he was busy in his shop or doing projects around the house. He enjoyed growing his gardens and watching the hummingbirds feed at his porch feeders. In the summer, he was on his boat on lakes all over Texas, and in the fall, it was Aggie Football on Saturdays and hunting on Sundays.

Jessie's favorite promotion was to the position of Grandpa. He spent many hours hauling grandchildren to the arena and parades and watching and supporting them on the court, on the field, through fundraisers, and just spending quality time with them on the tractor, on the boat, riding horses, watching television, and more. He cherished every moment with them, no matter how long.

Jessie leaves behind his son, Tommy Lay and wife, Eileen of San Diego, daughter, Lori Brock, and son, Jessie Lee Brock II and wife, Chandra, all of San Angelo; Grandchildren, Donovan Lay, Hailie Brock, Makailey Brock, Kyla Lay, Jessie Lee "Tres" Brock III and Avery Lay; Siblings Presley Reese Brock and wife Dawn, Janice Mikolajczak, Jenny Lou Weems and husband Rick, and Cassie Brock, Brothers-in-law, James "Jim" Douglas Lay, Bobby Don Lay and wife, Tony, and Billy Jon Lay; many aunts and uncles, several cousins, nieces and nephews and friends who loved him dearly.

Viewing will be from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Robert Massie Funeral Home in San Angelo, TX, and the family will receive friends and guests from 5:30 PM -7:00 PM Services will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Northridge Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, where he will finally be laid to rest next to his beloved Jennie.

Pallbearers will be his sons, Tommy Lay and Jessie Lee Brock II, his grandson, Tres Brock, his brother, Reese Brock, his nephew, Jeremy Lay, and his nephew-in-law, Perry Philipp.

Jessie asked that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to The Boys and Girls Club of San Angelo, TX, or JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund).

Brenda Sue (Kruse) Iskra, age 64 of Midland, Texas, passed away surrounded by loved ones Tuesday, April 30, 2024. There will be a visitation and viewing held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 4th at 2:00 PM in the First Baptist Church of Big Lake, Texas. Pastor Byron Bitner will officiate. A burial will follow at Glen Rest Cemetery in Big Lake.

Brenda was born on April 4th, 1960, in Winters, Texas to Kenneth and Freda Kruse. She was raised in Big Lake and graduated from Reagan County High School in 1978. After high school, she was a hairdresser in San Angelo for a few years before finding her calling as a nurse. Brenda was born to care for others and spent the last 35 years of her life working at hospitals, clinics, care centers and private care across West Texas and South Texas (Rankin, Stanton, Van Horn, South Padre, Big Lake, and Midland).

Brenda is survived by her treasured son, Zac Iskra and his wife Kayla, who reside in Midland, Texas. Their children Kynzlee and Trystan were her absolute pride and joy and made her life complete. Brenda was the epitome of a doting grandmother who was with them nearly every day of their lives. Over the last few months of her life, Kayla became Brenda’s primary caregiver and Brenda would tell anyone that listened that Kayla was her true angel.

Ms. Iskra loved people and was a loyal friend to many. If you knew her, you are laughing now at some memory you had together. Especially if some lowkey mischief was involved. She could stretch any one syllable word into two or three, dominated by her proud West Texas drawl. She would spot a phony from a mile away, and you might hear her talking about it from roughly that same distance.

Many friends and coworkers touched Brenda’s life over the years. Please know that she cherished you all.

Brenda is further survived by her brother Dennis Kruse (Vickie) of Lubbock, nieces Reagan Kruse and Brynn Kruse of Lubbock, nephew John Bridges (Miranda) of Hutto, Texas and their daughter Peyton Jean. Preceding her in death are her parents Kenneth and Freda Kruse of Big Lake and older sisters Hilda Dupree of San Angelo and Martha Bridges of Elgin. Also, Brenda’s life partner Dr. Brent Coleman of Florida and the Big Bend Area. She was very close to her large family of grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.

Pallbearers will be, John Bridges, Alex DeLaPaz, Garrett Gandy, Marcus Halfmann, Rey Rodriguez, Brad Kruse, Terry Kruse, Mitchell Kiser, Larry Heintzelman, and Jody Garber. Honorary pallbearers are Laurie Schneemann, Bette Preskey, JJ Robbins, Kathye Webb and Dee Kruse. It is Brenda’s wish that any donations be made to Gifts of Hope-Midland, or to a charity of your choice

Eginio H. Trevino, of San Angelo, passed away April 29, 2024, at the age of 79. He was born on February 12, 1945, in San Angelo, TX to parents Juan and Benigna Trevino.

He was self-employed as a General Contractor. He loved racing his Hillman in Wall, TX., fishing, BBQing, listening to music, he loved spending time with family and friends, but most of all he had a passion for playing golf and was a member of the Pan American golf association.

Eginio is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Benigna Trevino, his son Richard Trevino, sister Mary Ellen Lopez, Brother Guadalupe Trevino, sister-in-law Dolores Trevino, nephew George Lopez, niece Kristi Kay Trevino, Great nephew Brandon Garza.

Eginio is survived by his wife, Stella Zuniga Trevino, of 45 years and daughter, Jenafer Trevino Torres, and husband Mario Torres. Daughter in Law Amber Trevino. Five grandchildren Mercedes, Jordan, Mario, Anthony, and Karlee. His sibling Juan Trevino, Gloria (Joel) Martinez, Armando (Petra) Trevino, David Trevino, Delfina Trevino, Janie Trevino . His nieces and nephews Albert Trevino Sr., Sylvia Perez, Rosie Kemp, Beatrice Trevino, Christopher Trevino, Delma Garza, Santos Herrera, Suzanne Trevino, Henry Cardenas, Yvonne Williams, as well as many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank Concho Hearts Hospice for their compassionate care from the administration to the nurses, especially nurses Vanessa and Cindy.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Nancy Caroline McSpedden, 86, of San Angelo died April 28, 2024,at Brayden Place Memory Care. Nancy was born March 27, 1938, in Abilene Texas.

She was raised on a ranch near Abilene, TX with her father (Oscar Henry Graham) and mother (Mary Elizabeth Graham) and brothers (Lee Graham & Joe Graham) until they moved to Fort Stockton, TX. She attended school and graduated from high school as a Fort Stockton Panther.

Nancy married her high school sweetheart, John Larry McSpedden March 20, 1956, in Fort Stockton. Nancy & Larry moved to Madison, WI, for a short period before returning to Fort Stockton then moved to College Station, while Larry attended Texas A&M University. Once Larry graduated, Nancy & Larry moved to San Angelo in 1965. Nancy lived in San Angelo until her passing April 28, 2024.

Nancy was an accomplished swimmer and was on the synchronized swim team at Commanche Springs Swimming Pool water carnival. She was an active horseman and enjoyed her time in Chigger’s saddle. She was in the queen’s court in many all-girls rodeos in the 1950s. She was also a cheerleader at Fort Stockton High School. She was a devoted gardener (even neighbor’s yards). She loved and was loved by many neighbors and their children. She loved keeping tabs on all her friends and having them visit her at home.

Nancy worked many years for Dr. Jack Self, DDS and Dr. Ray, DDS. She was a long-standing member of the St. Luke United Methodist Church in San Angelo, she became a congregant in 1965, serving as the Church Treasure and devoted numerous hours volunteering at the church. She helped prepare and service many meals for those less fortunate at the Concho Valley Food Bank. She was VP of Sellars, McSpedden, & Darrow Architects, and co-owner of Terra Place.

Nancy is survived by her three children, Kelly Karoline Mullins (Randy Mullins), Russell Graham McSpedden (Linda McSpedden), and Oscar Neal McSpedden (Stacia McSpedden) and her five grandchildren, Mallary Anne Bingham (Gene Bingham), Jonathan Ross Mullins (Kelley Mullins), and Hunter Nicole McSpedden, Lillie McMinn (Seth), Mallie McNeill and one great grandchild, Annie Lou Mullins. She is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Wanda Graham and Linda Graham and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her mother & father, husband, and brothers, Lee & Joe Graham along with a long list of dogs and cats though all her many years.

Nancy’s service will be held at the First Christian Church/Grace Presbyterian Church at 29 N. Oaks St., San Angelo, TX, 76903. The family will receive friends from 12:30 P.M. to 1:00 P.M., with the Service beginning at 1:00 P.M. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM 1223, San Angelo, TX 76905.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gentiva Hospice or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to give our prayers and thanks to all the wonderful people at Shannon Hospital, the amazing ladies in Memory Care at Brayden Park Assisted Living and Memory Care, the angels of Gentiva Hospice, and Harper Funeral Home.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5:4

Helen June Gaines “Mimi”, 100, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on April 27th, 2024. She was born on January 1st, 1924, to George D and Laura Miller in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, brother Dan Miller, Daughter in Law Brenda Gaines and Grandchildren DeeDee and Greg Gaines. She is survived by her son George Gaines; Great Grandchildren Tish and husband Toby Taylor, Kayla and Husband Danny Jones, Mark Gaines, and Chad Parker. Great-great grandchildren, Paige and husband Ryder Bryant, Cole, Brandt, and Izzy Taylor; Brendan and Cadyn Jones; and Jace Gaines.

Helen’s family moved from Oklahoma to West Texas when she was a small child. She lived in Anson for many years, where she raised her son and worked at the dry cleaners and the drug store. She also worked as a transcriptionist at Hendrick’s Hospital. In 1993 she moved to San Angelo to be near her son and family. She loved to attend her grandchildren’s sporting events in earlier years. Helen lived in Christian Village for close to 26 years and in the last few years was cared for by her loving son.

Helen’s biggest hobby was researching her family’s genealogy. In her research she was able to trace her family heritage back to the First Families of the Twin Territories. She also enjoyed quilting, painting, and writing letters to loved ones. She was a member of Eastern Star and Daughters of the American Republic and was a member of Johnson Street Church Of Christ. When getting out to attend services became too taxing on her she became an avid online watcher of church services on Sundays. 

Helen will be available for viewing for friends and family on Friday, May 3, 2024 and Saturday, May 4, from 8 am to 8 pm at Johnson's Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 11 am in Elmwood Memorial Park, Abilene, Texas.

The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to Suzy with Girling Health Care Home Care of San Angelo for the excellent loving care and attention she provided to their Mimi over the years and also to Gentiva Hospice for the care these past few weeks. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Ruben Rodriguez Lopez, Jr., 70, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on April 25, 2024, in San Angelo. Ruben was born February 7, 1954 in San Angelo, Texas to Ruben Lopez, Sr. and Donicia Rodriguez Lopez. He grew up in San Angelo but left school and started working various jobs. He then enlisted and served 3 years in the United States Army and came back home and went to work for Levi Strauss until its closing. Ruben then went to work for Ridgway Florist for many years and retired from there. He was a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather who adored his family and enjoyed spending time with them. His favorite hobbies were watching football on Sundays, having a cold one and bonding with Mother nature. However, his favorite hobby was washing and waxing his white Impala. His love for family and zest for life will live on in our hearts forever and we will dearly miss him!

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Oscar Lopez and his sister Ida Lopez. He is survived by his children, Marc Lopez and his wife Christi, of Cleburne, TX and Jessica Lopez and her husband Kenneth Delzell, of Garland, TX; his life companion, Marry Barron, of San Angelo; his step-children, Gabby Barron, Amanda Barron, Dahlia Barron, and Robert Barron, Jr.; his grandchildren, Syrena Duarte, Elijah Duarte, Aaron Krivan, Marc Lopez, Jr., Kayla Lopez, Ethan Lopez, Sierra Lopez, Delayna Roberts, Byron Smith and Branson Allen; numerous great grandchildren; his brother, Danny Lopez, of San Angelo; his sister, Irma Payne and her husband William, of Albuquerque, N.M.; his brothers-in-law, Raymond Barron, Robert Barron, Ruben Barron and Jimmy Barron, all of San Angelo.

The memorial service will be 1:00 P.M., Friday, May 3, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

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

Carolyn Ruth Utt left this world on Friday, April 26 for a better life with Christ. She was born on April 2, 1939 in the old Shannon hospital to Robert Earl Utt and Velma Stephenson Utt. She will be greatly missed by her sister, Suzanne who has been her best friend for 83 years. They grew up here and have shared many special moments together living in the same house they were born in. 

Carolyn attended school in the old San Angelo High School. She later went to Hardin Simmons University. She began her career working for the General Telephone Company in the personnel department. She worked there for 29 years. Carolyn was raised and grew up at the First Baptist Church. She volunteered for many years at the Adult Literacy Council. Carolyn loved books and her past time was reading. She loved to travel and to shop. She also enjoyed sending cards to family and friends. 

Carolyn is survived by her sister, Suzanne Utt, aunt, Nelda Utt of California, and five cousins. 

Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson’s Funeral Home. A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial with the graveside service on Tuesday, April 30 at 2:00 PM. 

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or Adult Literacy Council. Suzanne would like to thank two of their dear friends – Rosemary Kitchen and Marilynn Golightly who have been a great help during this time in need.

Cheryl Emfinger Lock went to be with her Savior on Sunday, April 28th, 2024. She was born on January 13th, 1947, to Bernice and Thurman Emfinger in New Braunfels, Texas. Thurman was stationed in Japan after World War 2. He was killed in a plane crash while serving in Japan when Cheryl was 3 years old. Cheryl spent most of her childhood in San Angelo after her mother remarried Louis Blanek. She graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1965 and attended Angelo State University for two semesters. She met and married Thomas Richard Lock in 1966 after a blind date, which also included her sister and Tom’s best friend, James Whitehead. Cheryl and Tom moved to Brownwood, Texas shortly after. Cheryl started cutting hair in San Angelo, and she continued cutting hair in Brownwood. She and Tom began attending Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Brownwood, and at the age of 21, Cheryl gave her life to Jesus. She served Him the remainder of her life. She and Tom had their first son, Brandon, in 1975 followed by their caboose, Brady, in 1981. They moved to Sonora, Texas in 1982 where Tom went to work for the Askew Ranch as Ranch Manager. They would remain there and build their lives in the amazing community of Sonora. They have been members of FBC Sonora for 42 years. 

                  Cheryl loved to serve in whatever capacity was needed. From Hanging of the Green to 1st-2ndGrade VBS teacher to youth mission trips, she served faithfully. She started working full time for Sonora ISD in 1994 as a Special Education Aid and remained there until she retired in 2016. She spent 19 years of that time at Sonora High School. She loved serving kids and said many times over the years that she knew her calling was Special Education from an early age. Her greatest joy in life was her two boys and later her grandkids. She was affectionately known as Grandma and Nannie. Josef, Addison, Grayson, Landry Kate, Briggs and Sutton loved her so much. Her life was filled with love and joy. 

                  Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Thurman Emfinger, her stepfather, Louis Blanek, her second stepfather, Jarvis Kilgore, and her brother, Mike Blanek. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Tom Lock, her sons Brandon and wife Heather of San Angelo, Brady and wife Logan of Burleson, her grandchildren, Josef, Addison, Landry Kate, Grayson, Briggs, and Sutton, her sister Beverly and husband James Whitehead, brother Louis (Junior) Blanek, step-sister Vicki and husband Don McColum of San Angelo, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Our mom was the example of Christ to us as she served us and lived out this verse her whole life. There wasn’t a time she didn’t sacrifice what she needed for what we wanted. Her life exemplified Christ to all those she was around. We can’t think of a better legacy for a mother to leave. Thanks Mom, for always pointing us to Jesus.

Visitation

Monday, April 29, 2024 
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Funeral Service

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 
10:00 AM

Sammye Ruppeck, 80, of San Angelo, Texas passed away on April 24, 2024.

She was born on October 13, 1943, to Johno and Thelia “Nook” Mayo in San Angelo, Texas.

When Sammye was 7 years old, her father and mother moved her and her brother Johnny Mayo Jr. to the Luedecke Family Farm that her mother grew up on outside of Eldorado. Sammye was the Salutatorian for the Eldorado High School graduating class of 1961. She missed becoming the Valedictorian by one point; a detail she never failed to mention when speaking about her high school years. She went on to study at Baylor University and received a Bachelors of Arts degree in 1965 with a major in journalism, a minor in history and her teaching certification.

After college she taught in various Texas school systems, and also spent two years teaching on the Lagis Field Airforce base in the Azores, Portugal.

When Sammye returned from the Azores she married Lee Ruppeck on September 15, 1973. They settled in Christoval and Sammye went to work for the child welfare department in San Angelo. They had one child, Jessica, and Sammye stayed home with her until 1986 when she returned to the workforce. She worked as the Executive Director for the Family Shelter and for the Concho Valley Home for Girls. She dedicated herself to helping children and teens in the Concho Valley through the toughest times in their lives. She retired from the Concho Valley Home for Girls in 2019 after over 30 years of service.

Sammye is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Jessica Ruppeck, and son-in-law Bogh Rathcke of Dripping Springs; brother Johnny Mayo Jr. and sister-in-law Carolyn Mayo; nephew Michael Mayo and wife Korrie Mayo; great nieces Raelynn and Madelyn Mayo, all of Jacksonville, Florida; many special cousins; and special friends Vickie and Dean Williams of Eldorado and Corie Williams of Lubbock.

The family would like to thank Amy Ortiz, Vanessa Ortiz, and Victoria George for their special care and friendship with Sammye. She loved them dearly.

The graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Eldorado Cemetery, 888 U.S. Highway 190, Eldorado, Texas 76936. This will be followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 2 N. Cottonwood, Eldorado, Texas with a lunch for family and friends afterwards at the church.

The livestream of Wednesday's service may be viewed on the First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fpceldorado 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Transition Center/CVHG at cvhfg.org or by mailing a check to Transition Center/CVHG P.O. Box 3772, San Angelo, Texas 76902.