Obituaries

Richard E. Gibson passed away in San Saba, TX on July 23, 2018. He was born June 25, 1934 in Missouri. Richard is survived by his wife, Betty, of San Saba; five sisters: Juanita, Florence, Joyce, Pat and Marilyn, all of Quincy, IL; one daughter, Mitzi Holderby, of Burleson, TX; one grandson, Chris Holderby, of Burleson, TX; three great-grandsons; special nephew - Randy Hagerbaumer; three stepsons: Dee Edmondson, Roy Edmondson, Jr. and Scott Edmondson; and one stepdaughter, Karan Edmondson. Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Young; stepfather, Wiburn Young; and one brother, Bob Young. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Celia Reyes, age 91, of San Saba, Texas went to her eternal home surrounded by her family on Friday July 27, 2018 in San Saba, Texas. Celia was born on September 2, 1926 to Miguel and Tomasa (Jimines) Calderon in San Saba, Texas. She was a lifelong resident of San Saba and worked for the public most of her life. Celia liked to sew and watch her favorite soap opera. She enjoyed cooking the best dish, which was her dressing, for Thanksgiving. She loved her family and spending time with them. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Those left behind to cherish her memory are her children: Olivia Valles and husband, Raymond, of Lampasas, Texas; Olga and Tony Cantu of San Saba, Texas; Oleta Behrens of San Saba, Texas; Alex and Karen Reyes of Richland Springs, Texas; Betty Sue Hardy Fernandez, of San Saba, Texas; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other family.

Chet Cockrell of San Saba, Texas passed away in Lea Regional Hospital in Hobbs, New Mexico on July 19, 2018. He lost his battle with lung cancer. He was currently residing in Hobbs while he sought treatments. Chet was born in San Angelo, Texas August 20, 1960. He grew up in Lometa, Texas and graduated from Lometa High School in 1978. He joined the Navy and afterwards followed in his Dad’s footsteps as a carpenter. He resided in San Saba, Texas for the past 15 years, as his job took him in different locations throughout Texas and Mississippi. He was well known as a reputable carpenter, remodeling, and building new homes. Chet was preceded in death by his father, Charles Chester Cockrell, Sr. in 1999. He is survived by his mother, Peggy Cockrell Jones, of Hobbs, New Mexico and his step-father, Ron Jones. He is also survived by his siblings: Shawna Bell of Belton, Texas; Wayne Cockrell of Oakwood, Texas; and Tywila Kelley of Copperas Cove, Texas.

Dennie Eloise Poer passed away on Wednesday, June, 13th 2018 in San Saba, Texas. Dennie was born to JT Miles and Faye Miles (Brooks) on August 13th, 1941 in San Antonio, Texas. Dennie was a licensed radio broadcaster in the beginning of her life. While working as a radio broadcaster, Dennie went to nursing school and became a Registered Nurse, in which was the career she dearly loved for 48 years. Dennie was always wanting to help others. After, she was no longer able to continue in her nursing career, she enjoyed embroidering and coloring, and playing with her great-grandchildren. Survivors include her son: Charlie Cummings and wife, Debra of Kermit, Texas; one son-in-law: Buddy Southards; four grandchildren, Jeff and wife, Tina, Bryan, Jonathan, and Rena; three great-grandchildren, Kaitlin and husband, Austin, Azerleigh and Jensen, and Blayde; sister, Marie Vaughn, as well as numerous nieces and nephew.

Billie Von Nell Drews, 87 years of age, passed from her earthly life on May 23, 2018 at Falcon Ridge Rehabilitation, surrounded by her family. Billie was born on July 11, 1930 in San Saba, Texas and attended schools in the San Saba school district. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bess V. Jones; daughter, Deborah Ann Klein; and sister, Gloria Knope. Billie’s children are Carey (Barbara) Franklin of Coupland, Texas; Roger Don (Patty) Franklin of New Braunfels, Texas; Jeff Shaw of Thrall, Texas; and Mike (Donna) Shaw of Taylor, Texas. She was “Nanny” to 10 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren with another on the way.

Dolores Mendiola passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 in San Saba, Texas. Visitation was on Friday, June 8, 2018 from 6:00—7:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home with Rosary following visitation from 7:00—8:00 p.m. Services were at St. Mary’s on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Dolores was born in San Saba to Samuel Flores and Anastasia Barboza on April 8, 1917. She married Antonio Mendiola on March 25, 1938 in San Saba. Together they had seven children. Dolores loved to cook and spend time with her family. She was lovingly known as Mama Lola and the best tamale maker. Above everything else she was a prayer warrior. She is survived by one son: Mario Mendiola and wife, Gloria; three daughters: Sulema Cisneroz and husband, Lupe; Mirla Reyes, and Suzana Hernandez and husband, Jr.; thirteen grandchildren, thirtytwo great-grandchildren, twentysix great-great-grandchildren; and many friends and family that will miss he dearly.