Dr. Susan L. Neste, 81, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in San Angelo. Susan was born April 06, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Nicholas Ludowese and Veronica Bimler Ludowese. Susan grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. She married the love of her life Reuben Walter Neste on February 8, 1964, and they shared 54 beautiful years of marriage and raised three children. After her children reached school age she returned to school attending the University of North Dakota where she graduated with a Doctorate in Educational Administration in 1998. Over the years Susan and her family lived in North Dakota, Florida, and Michigan where she took the position of Director of Academic Success Center at Wayne State University. In 2004 she accepted the position of Executive Director of Angelo State University's Office of Predeclared Advising and worked there until her retirement. Susan was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother who devoted her life to her family. She had a very kind, loving, and gentle nature, with a peaceful spirit, and relied tremendously on her faith in the Lord. In her spare time, she loved oil painting, and crocheting and had a passion for reading. Susan also loved dogs and was especially fond of her companions Winston and Frosty. Her love of family, sweet gentle nature, and peaceful spirit will remain in our hearts forever and we will dearly miss her! Susan was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Reuben. She is survived by her children, Andrea Sue Neste, of San Angelo, Christopher Michael Neste and his wife Lori, of Grand Forks, ND, and Tyler Neste, of San Angelo, her grandson, Brian Neste, of Grand Forks, ND, her sister, Nancy Steeves, of Sacramento, CA; and her brother, Nick Ludowese, of Grand Forks, ND. No services will be held in honor of Susan’s final wishes. The family requests that donations be made to a favorite charity on her behalf.

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

Gary Don Landgraf passed away surrounded by family and friends on June 11, 2024 at the age of 67.

Gary is survived by his three Daughters Amber (Jake) Sullivan, Jennifer Rusin; and Krystina (Chris) Gatica. Six Grandchildren Michael Frederick (Tiffany), Courtney Black(Rel), Sierra Black (Oscar), Sunnie Gatica, Gage Gatica, and Elijah Sullivan. Five Great-Grandchildren Maya, Nemuel, Chloe, Amali, and Bailey. Uncles and Cousins as well as Dear friends Danny, Colleen, Duane, Bill, Mary, and numerous others.

Gary was born October 1, 1956 to Henry and Edna Landgraf. He dedicated his career to service at the San Angelo State Supported Living Center until his retirement, where he had a great fondness for the clients he served.

Gary's unwavering dedication, support, and love for Deni until her passing was truly remarkable.Gary was a gifted artist, a lover of music, and movies. One of his favorite pastimes was gift giving, he would spend countless hours gathering mementos large and small to pass along in giant gift bags, for all occasions.

Gary was proceeded in death by his life partner and wife, Deni and his parents Henry and Edna Landgraf.

A graveside service will be held at Fairmount Cemetery, Friday June 14,2024 at 10am.

Cory Lee Schuler, 17, of San Angelo passed away on Tuesday, June 4, in Lubbock, TX.

Cory was born August 26, 2006, to Colby and Christina Schuler in The Woodlands, TX. After living all over Texas, his family settled in San Angelo, where Cory attended Central High School. He was enrolled in the welding program and had just completed his junior year. Cory was looking forward to his Senior year in high school and had begun making plans for life after graduation.

Cory loved being outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, hiking, or even just going for a walk.

Cory was very creative, and was always drawing, designing, building and making things. He had a huge imagination and an even bigger desire to create.

Mostly, Cory was a compassionate and loving soul. Throughout his life, Cory had struggles but faced them all with a courage and determination that was unstoppable. He had a big heart and always had big feelings. He loved his family and understood the importance of telling them how much he loved them every single day. His absence will leave a hole in our hearts that will never be filled, and his memory will forever be with us.

Cory is survived by his parents, Christina Schuler of San Angelo, Colby Schuler of Abernathy, TX, his brother, Christopher Schuler of San Angelo, his sister, Abigail Schuler of San Angelo, his grandmother, Judy Gunter of Abernathy, TX, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services for Cory will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 2:00PM at the Paint Rock Community Church, with Rev. Mike Thompson officiating. The Burial will follow at Paint Rock Cemetery. Pall bearers for the service will be Joshua Watts, Matt Monroe, Jeff Schuler, Steven Hewett, Brad Bowie, and Nick Travis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to www.autismspeaks.org.

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

Ricky Van Sanford, of Robert Lee, passed away June 12, 2024 at the age of 70. He was born on November 15, 1953 in San Saba, TX to his parents Homer and Anna Belle (Brown) Sanford. Ricky was married to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Pamela (Finlay) Sanford on June 29, 1973.

He was a retired seismic surveyor after 28 years in the field and then 12 years as a surveyor manager in the office for Dawson Geophysical. He retired and moved to Robert Lee in 2020. Shortly after, he came out of retirement and became the ranch foreman for his daughter and son-in-law’s ranch. He adopted the idea that the ranch animals were his own. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his three grandsons and pets. Ricky was recently able to enjoy his restored 1979 Corvette, which was his pride and joy. If Pam was lucky, he would let her ride along with him! He loved music of all kinds. He loved to listen to it or play it on the guitar.

He is survived by his wife of 50 (almost 51) years, Pamela Sanford of Robert Lee and his three daughters, Kristian Wanner (Randy), Amanda Cherry (Trey), and Courtney Tarango (Benny) all of Midland. He has three grandsons who were his pride and joy, Ryan Wanner, Robert Wanner, and Gunner Cherry. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and his beloved dogs Stewy, Penny, and Bruno.

He was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Anna Belle Sanford, and his brothers Wilmeth and Sheral Sanford. He is now resting in peace with his beloved brother-in-law Scott Finlay, nephew Brad Sanford, and his beloved dogs Cookie and Gabby.

Visitation will be Friday morning, June 14, 2024, at 10 am at Harper Funeral Home and Crematory in San Angelo, TX. Services to follow at 11 am. Graveside services will be in Voss, TX at the Leaday Cemetery overlooking Lake Ivie at 2 pm. Pallbearers will be Randy Wanner, Trey Cherry, Benny Tarango, Ryan Wanner, Gunner Cherry, and Todd Sanford. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Wanner and Kirk Hamilton.

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

Wayne Lee Sparks, 66, of San Angelo, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in San Angelo.

Wayne was born on August 4, 1957, in San Angelo, to Thomas and Helen Long Sparks. He grew up in San Angelo and graduated from San Angelo High School. He married his love, Carol, and they raised two children together. Wayne enjoyed hunting, fishing, and racing motorcycles. He is preceded in death by his wife, and one brother, Roger Dale Sparks.

Wayne is survived by his two children, Michaela Davis and Joshua Wayne Sparks; three grandchildren, Carol Sparks, Jackson Taylor Sparks and Avery Ann Sparks; as well as several nieces and nephews and lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home Chapel.

Barbara Helen Gray, age 77, peacefully passed away Saturday, June 8th 2024 in Lubbock, Texas. Barbara was born February 10, 1947, in San Angelo, Texas to Elsie (Lasater) and Vernon Templeton. Barbara married the love of her life, Curtis Eugene Gray, on December 12, 1975. They shared forty-eight beautiful years together.

Barbara grew up in San Angelo, Texas and was a 1965 graduate of San Angelo Central High School. She and Gene made their home in Wink and Kermit until their retirement and move to Lake Nasworthy in San Angelo. She was involved in many community activities supporting Winkler County, including many sporting events for the boys and later for all the grandchildren. Through the years she was a Bobcat, a Wildcat, a Hawk, a Bulldog, as well as an Aggie, Ram, and Red Raider. She also loved watching and cheering on the Texas Rangers. Barbara worked for the Winkler County Sheriff’s Department and the Winkler County Judge until her retirement.

Barbara’s greatest joys were her sons, her grandchildren and cooking and feeding the multitudes! If you came to her house you were going to eat, and you never left hungry or empty handed. Everyone had a favorite and she would make them all when we gathered.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her children: Mike Gray of Kermit, TX; Bryan Gray of Silver, TX; Leon Roach and wife Shannon of San Angelo, TX; Tony Roach and wife Karen of Odessa, TX; and Daniel Gray and wife Christin of Midland, TX. Grandsons: Bryan Patrick Gray, Nicholas Gray, Hunter Roach, Zachary Roach, and Granddaughters: Shelby Roach, Darby Roach, Kaci Roach, Taylor Gray, Aubrey Gray, and Georgia Gray. Great-Grandchildren: Emerie Gray, Dexter Sherwood, and Archer Gray. Brother: Win Templeton and wife Arlene of Two Harbors, Minnesota. Barbara is preceded in death by her loving husband, Curtis Eugene Gray her brother Harvey Templeton, sister Juanita Kinczel and her parents Elsie (Lasater) and Vernon Templeton.

Visitation to be held at Harper Funeral Home on June 12th, from 3-5 p.m. with funeral services on June 13th, 3:00. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers

Barry Criswell Randy Smith

Dennis Kinczel Gary Warren

Rick McGehee Terry Warren John Blevins III

The Family would like to say a special thank you to our extended family and friends for your continued love and support. A special thank you to The Staff at Comfort Keepers “Her GIRLS”

In lieu of flowers the Family suggests donations be made to the Concho Valley Regional Food Bank. https://conchovalleyfoodbank.org

“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” John 16:22

Juan Gauna of Eldorado passed away on June 9, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born on August 29, 1927 to Librado and Dolores Gauna in a small ranch called El Rancho Del Corral de Piedra , 14 miles southwest of Eldorado TX.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 75 years, Maria Hipolito Gauna and his children Adan Gauna, Sadie Santellano, Ermelinda Gauna and granddaughter Mary Ann Gandar.

He is survived by his children Samuel Santellano, Virginia(Joe) Garza, Mary Ann(Rick) Morales, Romaine(Jennifer) Gauna, and grandchildren, Romaine Jr., Sammy, Adon, Gilbert, Steven, Philip, Ermelinda, John, Wilbert, Ricky, Venessa and several generations of great grandchildren.

“Juanio” was a simple man of few words. He was very wise and keenly aware of his surroundings. He was strong-willed and very stubborn at times. He also had a great sense of humor and cherished every day of life.

Juan started his work ethic at a very young age, working with his father chopping mesquite and cactus for surrounding ranches, earning 5 cents a day. As a young married man he supported his family as a tasnique (sheep shearer) all across the U.S.A. He was part of a rare group of men known as Los Doscientos. These men could shear at least 200 sheep in a day without blemishes and were well known by ranchers. He later got a CDL and drove semi-trucks was also a diesel mechanic. When the oilfield slowed down, he began working for the city of Eldorado where he later retired.

Juanio was happiest when he was fishing or at a baseball field watching or coaching anything from little leagues, pony leagues, women’s softball and men’s baseball. Nothing made him happier than hearing the distinct sound of a home run being hit.

Being part of an amazing generation, he was the 8th child of 10 siblings: Luz Moreno, Prudencia Belman, Paula Arispe, Jose Aguilar, Remigio Gauna, Juan Gauna, Olegario Gauna, Manuel Gauna and Juanita Gallegos.

Celebration of life will begin with visitation on Wednesday June 12th, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Love Funeral Home with rosary being said at 7 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be at 9 am on Thursday June 13th, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. with Father Joseph Mamachan officiating. Burial will follow at Eldorado cemetery. 

Mary Alice Hardisty, 91, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024, at her home surrounded by family.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Robert Massie Riverside Chapel. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hardisty was born November 26, 1932 in Blockton, Iowa to Lawrence Paul and Mary Katheryn (Olney) Parker. Mary was united in marriage to Eugene Wesley Frame in Creston, Iowa on August 18, 1950. They would later divorce on April 2, 1973. Mary sold insurance and was a bookkeeper for several business besides doing income tax returns for her clients. Mary later married Delmar Hardisty on August 5, 1974 and she would work along side Delmar on their farm in Corning, Iowa. They bought a winter home in Alamo. After Delmar preceded her in death in 1989, Mary built a home in San Angelo, and made San Angelo home.

Survivors include a son, Thomas E. Frame; a daughter, Pamela Reed and husband Kevin; a brother, Paul "Junior" Parker and wife Marsha; a sister, Hazel Riedesal; four grandchildren, Angelique McKinney and husband Greg, Nicholas Frame and wife Christan, David Barker, Andrew Barker and friend Christina; eight great granchildren, Samantha and husband Jacob, Arianna and husband John, Carson, Talitha, Timothy, Kelsey and husband Jeremy, Trent and fiance Aerial, Levi and wife Autumn; five great-great grandchildren, Olivia, Jaidyn, Kinsley, Wesley, and Archer; and two step grandchildren, Amanda and husband Bryan, and Christopher. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Linda Smith, and Ardella Jones; three brothers, Harold Parker, Jim Parker, and Jerry Parker.

William Ryan Helm, 44, of San Angelo, Texas went to be with the Lord on June 6, 2024, in San Angelo. Will was born July 30, 1979, in Eden, Texas and adopted by Kenneth W. and Ruth Ann Struemph Helm. He grew up in San Angelo, Texas and graduated from Central High School. After high school, he attended such colleges as Amarillo College and Ozark Community College and Howard College, while working various jobs. He spent a good part of his life working as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant and later in life, after receiving his CDL License, he migrated over to his passion of driving trucks in the transportation industry.

William had a passion for playing soccer and also enjoyed gymnastics when he was in high school. He also had a great love for skateboarding and rollerblading. He always said he never felt more free than when driving his work truck, rollerblading, skateboarding and motorcycles. He enjoyed watching anime and playing video games. He would go to his moms on the weekends when he was able and play marbles with her and Ramona. He’d say “Are ya’ll ready to lose?” or “Cheater” when Ramona or mom would roll out of turn. He also enjoyed playing cornhole, always trying to learn it and get better. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Will was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth W. Helm. He is survived by his loving family; his soul mate, Ramona Essary, of San Angelo and her two children; and his mother, Ruth Ann Helm, of San Angelo and his stepmother Jacquie Helm of Oklahoma. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many close friends. A memorial service will be held at a later time.

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