El Paso Co. Tx. Obits from the El Paso Times, May 8-14, 2002 Submitted by: Dorris Harrison Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------ May 8 2001 Coleman, Marion Lee Fire Chief (retired) was born in Percy, Mississippi on April 23, 1917 to Willie Josephine Lee and George William Coleman. Chief Coleman had one brother George and one sister Margret, both deceased. Through his mother, Chief Coleman was a distant cousin of Robert E. Lee. He served El Paso Fire Department for 39 years before retiring in 1984 as chief of the department, a position he held for nearly 20 years. Jonathan Rogers was Mayor when Coleman retired. The Chief had served under nearly a dozen mayors during his years with the fire department. Chief Coleman was the beloved husband of Joann Higgins Coleman for 25 years. He is survived by Amy Coleman Cogswell and Lisa Coleman Walker and Jeff, Libby Tarin and firefighter husband, David Tarin, John Michael Ferguson and wife Robyn and Shelli Ferguson Russell and her husband Bill as well as sister-in-law, Franci Higgins of Decatur, Illinois. He is also survived by grandchildren: Andre Lee Walker, Chap Walker, Allison Davis, Jennifer Tarin, Casey Ferguson, Bethany Tredway and husband Curtis Tredway, Lindsay Mata and husband Gil Mata, John Michael Ferguson Jr., Kristin Ferguson and Julie Ferguson as well as Erica Rae Bostic and Krystal Lynn Bostic Gunter, and husband Troy Gunter. The chief also had two great grandsons, Madison Gunter and Anthony Mata. He was treasured "Papa Marion" to all his children and grandchildren. Chief Coleman graduated from LeLand, Mississippi High School in 1934 where he played football. He loved to hunt in the woods around his home during deer season, providing his family with venison and other meats during season. Prior to serving as a Crew Chief in the United States Air Force, Chief Coleman attended Durham Business College for two years. During his 5 years in the Air Force during WW II, he flew more than a million miles, flying dignitaries such as Secretary Cordell Hull and many others to important meetings around the world. He was a proud member of the Hump Pilot's Association. Coleman was especially proud of the sharp salute that then president Franklin D. Roosevelt gave him on arrival at one of their destinations. As chief of the fire department, Chief Coleman served on many committees and was head of the Pension Board as well as holding office in Law Enforcement organizations. He worked closely with Fort Bliss, Standard Oil and other community leaders to make El Paso a fire-safe city. He taught at El Paso Community College and spoke often to various groups stressing fire safety and prevention. He was an innovative fire chief and instigated so many new ideas that El Paso Fire Department became Number Three in the nation, and Number One in Texas during his tenure. He was 85 years old on April 23, 2002. Pallbearers will be John Saathoff, David Tarin, J. Michael Ferguson, Pilo Tejeda, J.C. Cox, Carlos Aguirre and Joe Hopper. Honorary pallbearers will be all firefighter retirees as well as active firefighters. Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2002 at Sunset Funeral Home - West located at 480 North Resler. Funeral Service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2002 at Sunset Funeral Home - West. Burial will be at Memory Gardens of the Valley in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home - West. Harrison, Harold H. 85, went to be with our Lord on Monday, May 6, 2002. Harold was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and was a resident of El Paso since 1922 and was a retired engineer for Southern Pacific Railroad. Mr. Harrison was a member of First Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Martha Harrison and his sister, Ruth Newberry and is survived by his son, Harold H. "Spike" Harrison Jr. and his wife, Suzi Harrison; grandchildren, Debbie and Susan Harrison. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 8, 2002 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home-Central. Graveside service will be Thursday, May 9, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen-Alameda Cemetery. Mendoza, Guadalupe 88, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2002. Mrs. Mendoza was a resident of El Paso for fifty-two years. She was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Jude Catholic Church. Mrs. Mendoza was a loving and caring mother and grandmother. She was always putting others first. Mrs. Mendoza is preceded in death by her son Jose Antonio Mendoza. Survived by her sons Juan Manuel Flores, Eugenio Flores, and Mario Flores, daughters Irene Molina and Elvia Mendoza. She is also survived by twenty-three grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2002 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home West with rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2002 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, with Fr. Pablo Mata officiating. Pallbearers will be Daniel Molina, Rey Molina Jr., Eugenio Flores, Mario Flores, Raymundo Flores, and Juan Manuel Flores. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery. HANNA, SARA "SADIE" SAMS 79, born March 3, 1923 in Munhall, Pennsylvania, passed away Monday, May 6, 2002 in El Paso. She had been a resident of El Paso since 1946, a Retiree from the El Paso Independent School District as a teacher for 17 years. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association and former member of Association for Childhood Education. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Sams and is survived by her daughter, Tamara Lind and Julie Ann Strackbein, son-in-law, Rod Lind; brothers Stanley Sams and Edward Sams; sisters-in-law, Azizee Sams, Leonor Sams and Helen Sams; grandchildren, Trevor Lind, Lisa Lind Carrillo and husband Christopher Carrillo; Rick Strackbein and wife Ruth Strackbein. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 8th from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Thursday, May 9th at 2:30 p.m. in Kaster-Maxon & Futrell Funeral Home Chapel, 8817 Dyer with Pastor Stephanie C. Hahn officiating. Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. ESPINOZA, TOMMY lifelong resident of El Paso, passed away Monday, May 6, 2002 at the age of 50. Preceded in death by his father Alfredo Espinoza, Sr., and his brother Alfredo Espinoza Jr. Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Julie Espinoza, mother Elizabeth Espinoza, sister Deborah Ann Wright, brothers Richard Espinoza, Bobby Espinoza, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Rosary will be held Thursday, May 9, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home Central. Memorial Mass will be held Friday, May 10, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Private interment will be held at a later date. RUIZ, ABRAHAM JAMES 34, our most beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend, was called by Our Father to join his grandmother Socorro G. Ruiz in Heaven on May 6, 2002. Abraham James was a brave young man who believed in living life to the fullest and was not afraid to take risk despite several obstacles associated with his long illness. He was employed as a project manager at a structural concrete family business. He is survived by his mother, Rosa E. Lovelace, father, Abraham G. Ruiz and his brother Adrian J. Ruiz. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Ezequiel and Carmen Valadez and paternal grandfather, Abraham Ruiz, several aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Chapel Carolina. Funeral Mass will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery. Directed by HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME. 1060 CAROLINA, 598-3332. May 9 2001 Return to top FIERRO, TOMAS 71, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2002, at a local hospital after a long illness. He is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Angela "Angie" Fierro, daughter Bertha Alicia Fierro and son Juan Manuel Fierro. He is survived by his wife Adela Fierro, son Tomas R. Fierro and wife Elvira; son Ismael L. Fierro, daughter Mary Martha Chavez and husband Ronny Chavez Sr.; sisters Juana Aguilar and husband Raul, Cruz Vega and husband Jesus. He had 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. We would like to thank the ICU Staff at Las Palmas Medical Center and Dr. Cortez, Dr. Guerra and Dr. Gonzalez for all their support during this difficult time. Memorial service will be held at 7 pm, Friday, May 10, 2002 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel of Remembrance, located at 480 N. Resler. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home - West. HAJJAR, GEORGE M. age 91 and a long time resident of El Paso, passed away Monday, May 6, 2002. Mr. Hajjar was born and raised in Lebanon, as part of a large Catholic family. He was a police officer and then a grocery store owner. George migrated to the United States in 1976 due to the previous Civil War in Lebanon. Mr. Hajjar was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years Rose Karam Hajjar, one son Antoine Hajjar, five brothers Salim, Choukry, Joseph, Michel, and Nadim, four sisters Rose, Mary, Salma, and Yvonne. George is survived by three sons Marcel, Nabil, and Mounir Hajjar, two daughters Nohad Hajjar Hobeish and Hoda Hajjar Bouchabke, 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 9, 2002 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home West, where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be held Friday, May 10, 2002 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral with Father George Chanine officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Pallbearers will be George A. Hajjar, Joseph Hajjar, Jay Hajjar, Dean Hajjar, Brian Hajjar, and Joseph Abbas. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmie Daw, Joe Ayoub, Tony Jabor, Joseph K. Karam, Elias Karam, Richard Nassar, Samir Haddad, Dr. Sami Zeidan, Joseph Jabali, Paul Paoli, Anis Balesh, Spiro Ziade, Naji Najjar, and Yaz Daw. DURAN, ROBERTO JAVIER "For thus said the Lord God: In returning and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust shall be your strength" ROBERTO JAVIER DURAN, age 34, born in El Paso, Texas on March 29, 1968, died on May 6, 2002 in Casa Grande, Arizona, while working on detail for the United States Border Patrol. Known as Bobby Jay, he entered the US Border Patrol on January 4, 1998. Bobby Jan is survived by his wife Mary Helen Duran and his four children: Stephanie Pauline, Christopher James, Kristin Danielle, and Daniel Louis. He is survived by his parents Connie and Luis Duran and six brothers and one sister and their spouses: Joe Louis Duran and Janie; Vangie Lewis and John; Henry Duran and Celia; Jamie Duran and Rafaela; Ronnie Duran and Irene; Alex Duran and Erika; and Michael Duran and Veronica, uncle Roberto and Alex Chavira and aunt Carmen E. Torres, also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bobby Jay was preceded in death by aunt Romelia Martin and uncle Bernabe Chavira. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1986 to 1997. He served in the Persian Gulf War aboard the USS Carl Vinson and also the USS Abraham Lincoln. His last duty was aboard the USS Boxer. He served in the San Diego Sector since entering the US Border Patrol. He attended the 361st Session of the US Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. He is a graduate of Gadsden High School Class of 1986. He was a member of the ROTC. He was a member of the Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2002 with a rosary at 7 pm at Sunset Funeral Home-West located at 480 N. Resler. Funeral mass will be said at St. Jude's Catholic Church at 4006 Hidden Way on Friday, May 10, 2002 at 12 noon. Internment will be at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors. On behalf of the Duran and Hernandez family, we would like to express our sincerest thanks and gratitude to the U.S. Border Patrol family in the El Paso Sector and especially the fine men of the Santa Teresa Station, and also a very warm thanks to his beloved Border Patrol family in Chula Vista, California station. Pallbearers will be Joe Louis Duran, Enrique Duran, Jaime Duran, Ronnie Duran, Michael Duran, and John E. Lewis. Honorary pallbearer Luis M. Duran and Alex Duran. ALDERETE, ENRIQUE 67, passed away Saturday May 04, 2002. He was a lifelong resident of El Paso and a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Alderete was retired Tsgt. U.S. Airforce with over twenty years of service, having served several bases in the United States, England, France, Lybia, Okinawa, Germany, and two tours in Vietnam. He is preceded in death by father Elis Alderete, sister Enriqueta Pena and brother Joe Alderete. Mr. Alderete is survived by his mother Belen Alderete, sisters Oliva Holguin, Margie Munoz, Lily Acosta, and brother Frank Alderete, other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, and faithful dog Duke. Visitation will be held on Thursday May 09, 2002 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a rosary service at 7:30 pm. Funeral mass will be held Friday May 10, 2002 at 9:00 am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Arrangements are by Mt. Carmel Funeral Home. LOZANO, VICTOR A. 72, passed away Monday, May 6, 2002 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico on April 6, 1930. He resided in El Paso for 50 years and became a U.S. Citizen during this time. He retired as a boot maker from Tony Lama Boot Co. in 1992. He was a shooter and member of Arroyo Silhouette Shooters. He is survived by his wife Juanita G. Lozano, son, Jesus Lozano and wife Teresa and daughters Consuelo L. Esparza and husband Ruben, Lidia L. Lugo and husband Julio, and Sandra L. Watters and husband Billy. 15 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home - Carolina. Recitation of the Rosary will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be Jesus Lozano Sr., Billy Watters Jr., Julio Escamilla, Ruben Esparza Sr., Jesus Briano Sr., Adrian Esparza, Enrique Lugo III, and Jesus Lozano, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerry Lozano, Chris Watters, Phillip Watters, Eddie Lugo, Boby Lugo, Victor A. Esparza, Ruben Esparza, Jr. and Roberto Esparza. Interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery. Directed by HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME. 1060 CAROLINA DR. 598-3332 CHAVEZ, CARLOS 79 of El Paso passed away on Monday, May 6, 2002. He served in World War II with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Luzon, Philippines. Carlos was a graduate from UTEP with a B.A. in Linguistics and Liberal Arts and furthered his education with undergraduate studies. A musician for over 70 years, he owned the Concervatory of Music in El Paso and taught classical guitar for over 45 years. He worked and retired from the Government (Chamizal National Park Services) as a Cultural Affairs Specialist. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elias and Ignacia Mireles Chavez. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Esther Chavez and five children: Valerie Milam and son-in-law, Raymond Milam, Richard Chavez, Larry Chavez, Christine Steiger and son-in-law, Norbert Steiger and Judy Munoz and son-in-law, Louie Munoz; 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 sisters, Flora Sanchez and Lena Corey. Visitation will be Thursday, May 9, 2002 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with rosary service at 6:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home - Central Chapel. Funeral mass will be Friday, May 10, 2002 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fr. Joe Hermoso officiating. Pallbearers, Larry Chavez, Justin Chavez, Norbert Steiger, Louie Munoz, Raymond Milam and Danny Milam. Honorary pallbearers, Steve Natal, Christopher Borrego, Andy Delgado and Sammy Sierra. Interment at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. MUCCI, RICHARD VINCENT dearly beloved husband, father, son and brother, passed away Monday, May 6, 2002. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio April 14, 1954 to Constance and Vincent Mucci. He graduated from high school in Youngstown and received a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Ohio at Youngstown. He also received a Masters Degree in Business Administration from a University in Cleveland, Ohio. He was General Manager of Johnson Controls Ediasa in El Paso and Juarez, Mexico. He had formerly been an Industrial Engineer with General Electric Company. His career assignments included Youngstown, Memphis, El Paso, Mexico City, and then back to El Paso. He was known by colleagues, friends, and family for his integrity and honor. Mr. Mucci is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Ochoa Mucci formerly of Ciudad Chihuahua and their son Christopher Nathan Mucci, age 6. He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent Mucci. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Constance Mucci and brothers, Dr. Tom Mucci and Robert Mucci and their families of Youngstown, Ohio. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Ascension and Marta Ochoa of Madera, Mexico and by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Carlos Ochoa, Jorge Ochoa, Mario Ochoa, Blanca Ochoa, Sariah Ochoa, and Lourdes Ochoa Erives and their families. He was a devoted husband and father to Patricia and Christopher and they lived as a family in El Paso after having returned here four years ago from Mexico City. He leaves many relatives and friends and business associates from everyplace that he has lived who loved and respected him. He will be greatly missed by all. Visitation was held Wednesday, May 8, 2002 at Martin Funeral Home West. Funeral Service will be held Thursday, May 9, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mt. Franklin Stake, at 7315 Bishop Flores (off Resler). Bishop Wade Richardson officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of the Valley, 4900 McNutt Road. WILSON, JANE 84, of Sheridan, Wyoming, formerly of El Paso, Texas, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2002, at Sheridan Manor. Mrs. Wilson was born on February 21, 1918, to E.D. and Effie (Marsh) Hardman in Pueblo, Colorado. Following high school on November 1, 1940, Jane married Norman V. Wilson in Lincoln, Nebraska. She considered El Paso her home, but in 1998, Jane came to Sheridan to live with her daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Bob Johnson, where she made many new friends. Jane was a member of First Baptist Church in El Paso, Texas, and attended Calvary Baptist Church during her time in Sheridan. She loved people and was active in church. She enjoyed gardening, crafts and sewing. Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her son Danny Wilson and his wife Lea of El Paso, Texas; her two daughters, Norma Bourland and her husband, Gene of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Nancy Johnson and her husband, Bob of Sheridan, Wyoming; her twelve grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren; and her brother William Hardman and his wife Ruth of Tacoma, Washington. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2002, at Martin Funeral Home in El Paso, Texas. Graveside Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2002, at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, Dr. Levi Price officiating. The Family has requested that memorial contributions be made in Jane's name to First Baptist Church of El Paso or the donor's church of choice in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, P.O. Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801. BAEZA, GILBERTO HOLGUIN 79, passed away Monday, May 6, 2002. He served in the United States Army, participating in World War II, earning the EAME Campaign Medal with 6 Bronze Stars and 1 Bronze Arrowhead. He is survived by brothers, Samuel and Filemon Baeza and sisters Eliser Polanco, Emma Hicking and Thelma Lucero. Visitation will be from 4-9 p.m. Thursday, May 9, 2002 at Sunset Funeral Home - East, Chapel of Peace with the recital of the rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be said at 9:45 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2002 at St. Raphael Church, 2301 Zanzibar. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with military honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home - East. May 10 2001 Return to top DALRYMPLE, BRUCE LAIRD 43, of Las Cruces, New Mexico died on Sunday, April 28, 2002. Bruce was born May 17, 1958 in Grand Junction, Colorado to James W. and Mary Louise Reist Dalrymple. He grew up in El Paso, Texas, graduating from Burges High School and attended U.T.E.P. and Community College graduating with a degree in Radiology Technology. He moved to Las Cruces nineteen years ago and worked at Memorial Medical Center. Bruce was dedicated to healthcare. He overcame many obstacles in his life and always managed to remain upbeat and cheerful. Bruce was a beloved son, brother, and uncle. Bruce is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Gaston, his sister Mary Beth Sales, both of El Paso, TX; his brother Robert J. Dalrymple, of Petersburg, AK; a niece, Alyssa Sales and his nephew Mason Sales, both of El Paso, TX. He was preceded in death by his father, James in 1988. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2002 at Graham Mortuary Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests that ontributions be made to a favorite charity in Bruce's memory. Service arrangements are with Graham Mortuary and Mesilla Valley Crematory, 555 West Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88005 ESPARZA, ELENA DeSMETH 89, passed away May 8, 2002. Nellie was born in Casas Grandes, Chihuahua and she was a resident of El Paso for over seventy years. She was preceded in death by her husband Gilberto Esparza and together they founded La Paloma Cafe. She was a loving mother of three, a grandmother to ten, and a great-grandmother to eight. She is survived by her children Gilberto Esparza, Jr., Yolanda Chavarria, and Graciela O'Dell, and their spouses Edna Esparza and Robert O'Dell. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Christy, Johanna, Georgina, Gilberto, Monica, Jaime, Gabriel, Laura, Bobby, and Paco, and her great grandchildren Pacio, Stephanie, Chris, Stevie, Gracie, Lauren, Andres, and Adan. Our family is deeply grateful for the medical care provided by her physician, Dr. Jesus Gomez and her granddaughter Monica Esparza. We would also like to thank Fr. Celimo Osorio for his love and spiritual support. Nellie will be remembered for her love of life, generosity, loving heart, sense of humor, and her fun loving spirit while playing the organ, the harmonica, bowling or playing cards. She was everybody's favorite aunt, friend, and companion. We will love and miss you forever Nellie. The Rosary will be held on Friday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home East on 1460 George Dieter, and a mass will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m. at San Felipe de Jesus Church at 401 Passmore. The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Alzheimer's Association. May 11 2001 Return to top Alonzo, Merced M. passed away Thursday, May 9, 2002. She was a lifelong resident of El Paso and lived in Phoenix, AZ for 20 years. Mrs. Alonzo is survived by her sons Jose Jr. & Jesus Alonzo and daughter Mary A. Curiel, sister Jesusita Vasquez and brother Zacarias Matamoros, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Sunday May 12, 2002 at Restlawn Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 13, 2002 at Blessed Sacrament Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park. PROCTOR, BENJAMIN C. was born March 25, 1911 in Little Rock, Arkansas, attended grade schools and some High School in El Paso Texas. He graduated from Asheville High School and also graduated from U.N.C. He was a veteran of WWII a 1st Lt. in the medical field. He also worked for many years for Bechtel Corp. He later retired and got interested in helping children learn to read and taught them how important it was. He gave all he had in volunteering to help with this project. At one time he was Mr. R.I.F. (Reading is Fundamental) for El Paso an honor he treasured, his last three years he was in failing health and passed away Thursday, May 9, 2002. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 12, 2002 from 3 pm until 5 pm at Sunset Funeral Home N.E., located at 4631 Hondo Pass. Funeral Service will be on Monday, May 13, 2002 at 12 pm at the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a church of charity. SCHRIER, GILBERT wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2002 at the age of 74. Mr. Schrier was a longtime resident of the El Paso area, after moving here in 1954. He was a WWII and Korean War Veteran. Mr. Schrier attended Michigan State University and is an Alumnus of Texas Western College with a degree in Geology. After graduating, he began his lifelong career as a financial advisor with a CLU. He always considered his primary occupation as that of "Dad". He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ferne Schrier, sons Wayne Schrier and wife Bobbi, Mark and wife Susan, daughters Lesliegh Schrier Baker and fiance Dannie Claiborne, Hillary Schrier Sich and husband Shawn, brother Elliot Schrier, grandchildren Stacey, Heather, Rachel, Howard, Eryn, Kyle, Syndi Rose, and Taylor Bess, and great grandson Matthew. Graveside Service will be held Sunday, May 12, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Sinai Cemetery, Rabbi Larry Bach officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 200, North Hollywood, CA, 91607 or to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 3 Forest Street, New Canaan, CT 06840. THORNTON, JANE T. passed away Thursday, May 9, 2002. She was born on November 21, 1913 in Mississippi but had resided in El Paso since 1934. Throughout her 68 years in El Paso, Jane was actively involved in the Sun Bowl Association, serving as the first woman President of any Bowl organization, as well as, an Executive Officer of the Sun Court. Additionally, she was President of the Woman's Club of El Paso, the El Paso Country Club Women's Golf Association, and various PTAs. She served as Treasurer of the St. Clements Episcopal Church's Bargain Box for many years. Also, she served on the Board of Sutton Place and Coronado Townhouses. Jane sold real estate for 50 years in El Paso and was named as the Realtor Associate of the year in 1979 and a lifelong member of the El Paso Association of Realtors. Jane enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and Bridge. In fact, she was the Southwest Texas Tennis Champion and belonged to the El Paso Tennis Club, Coronado Country Club, and the El Paso Country Club. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, James C. Thorton. She is survived by brother Curtiss and sister Pat; daughters Mary Jane Grant of El Paso and JoAnn Bordelon of Boca Raton, FL; son Chris Thornton of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughters Sara Jane Barno of El Paso and Kathy Murdock of Star, Idaho; grandsons Chris Grant of Dixon, IL and Colby Murdock of Boca Raton, FL; and 3 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2002, at her church, St. Francis on the Hill Episcopal Church, the Reverend Jim Trainor officiating. The Family requested that memorial contributions be made in Jane's name to the Sun Bowl Association or the Alzheimer's Association. May 12 2001 Return to top BILA, MARYANN BALLARD 59, passed away Thursday May 09, 2002. She was a lifelong resident of El Paso, Texas. Mrs. Bila is survived by her husband Gerald F. Bila, sons Wendell Bila, Aubrey Bila, Gerald S. Bila, Alex Bila, Lionel Bila, and Justin Bila, daughters Holly Parsons, and Toy Nell Morris, other survivors include twelve grandchildren. Visitation will be held Sunday May 12, 2002 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Mt. Carmel Funeral Home. Arrangements are by Mt. Carmel Funeral Home. BINDER, HANS W. born May 30, 1922 in Breslau, Germany, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2002. He was preceded in death by the love of his life of 56 years, Betty Lou Binder. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Kristi & Richard Perazzo, son and daughter-in-law Ray and Susan and grandchildren Beau and Augusta Binder. Hans proudly served as corporal in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1942-45. He participated in action in WWII at Okinawa and Ryukyu Islands in which he received a Battle Star for his service. He and Betty Lou moved to El Paso in 1951 from Chicago where he pursued a career as an electrical foreman, the later as a real estate agent with Century 21 until retirement in 1997. His favorite pastimes with Betty Lou were jewelry making, archaeology, and traveling the world. They enjoyed life to the fullest. Visitation will be Sunday, may 12th from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Homes East. Funeral services are Monday May 13th at Our Savior Lutheran Church 10200 Album Ave. beginning with visitation at 11:00 a.m. and services at 11:30 a.m. officiated by Pastors Glenn Weber and David Bergmann. Burial will take place at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. His sense of humor and good nature will remain with us always. Enjoy your new journey with mom. LOPEZ, ENRIQUETA M. 90, passed away May 9, 2002. She was a lifelong resident of El Paso and a member of Templo Bethesda Cladic. Preceded in death by her husband Robert T. Lopez. Survivors include her sons and daughters in law, Robert M. & Martha G. Lopez & Arturo & Jo Ann Lopez; sister Ruth Cuaron; grandchildren, Bernice, Jerry & Bobby Lopez & Adam Mena. Visitation will be held Sunday from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. with chapel service at 7:00 p.m. at Harding Orr & McDaniel Funeral Home with Rev. David Sosa officiating. On Monday there will be a gathering at the funeral home at 8:30 a.m. to proceed to a graveside service at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery commencing at 10:00 a.m. RAUL RODRIGUEZ SR., 73, passed away May 9, 2002. Raul was born in El Paso, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 31 years Carmen Rodriguez; his daughter Claudia, wife of Carlos Briano; his son Raul Rodriguez Jr., and his son Jaime Rodriguez, husband of Alicia. Raul is also survived by his three grandchildren, Kaila Rodriguez, Kapriz and Giovanni Briano. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 13 at 5:00 p.m. with a Memorial service at 6:00p.m. at Iglesia Cristiana Pentecostes, 3325 N. Copia. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 14, from 8:00a.m. to 9:30a.m. at Restlawn Funeral Home. Burial will be at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with military honors. TOTIN, CATHERINE LILLIAN BERRY passed away Friday May 10, 2002. Born in Clovis, New Mexico on December 10th, 1913. She was preceded in death by her husband Russell Totin. She is survived by her son, Robert Bell & daughter in law Carol Draper Bell. Grandsons, Jeffrey R. Bell, Gregory W. Bell & Timothy E. Bell as well as great granddaughter Nicole R. Bell. Catherine is also survived by brother Lawrence Paul Berry; sister in law June Patricia Berry; niece Catherine Berry and nephews L. Paul Berry Jr., Patrick Berry, Chris Berry and Curtis Berry. Great nephews Justin Berry, Matthew Berry, Ryan Berry, Conner Berry & Cole Berry; great nieces Amy Duvall, Janell Duvall, Kimberly Berry, Diana Berry & Briana Berry. Visitation will be Monday 5-9 p.m. with rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Harding Orr & McDaniel Funeral Home Chapel (320 Montana Avenue). Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at St. Raphael Catholic Church. Interment will be at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Bell, Gregory Bell, Timothy Bell, Paul Berry Jr., Patrick Berry & Chris Berry. Honorary pallbearers, Curtis Berry & Joe Kitchens. Donations can be made to Hospice of El Paso. TREVIZO, MS. AURORA 58, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2002 in a local hospital. She was a lifelong resident of El Paso. Ms. Trevizo was a retired Deputy Clerk for the County of El Paso. she is preceded by her parents Ruben T. and Isabel Apodaca. Ms. Trevizo is survived by her sister, Tina A. Apodaca, Elena A. Jaime, Alicia Apodaca and Isabel A. Gamboa. 4 nephews and 5 nieces. Visitation will be Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p. m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home. Prayer Service will be at 7:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Chapel - Carolina. Funearal Service will be Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home - Carolina. Pallbeareres will be Alejandro Apodaca, Manuel Gamboa Jr., Richard Jaime Jr., Manuel Apodaca, Manuel Gamboa and Richard Jaime. Interment will be in Evergreen Alameda Cemetery. Directed by HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME. 1060 CAROLINA DR. 598-3332 May 13 2001 Return to top AGUILERA, ANITA 74, passed away Friday, May 10, 2002. A lifelong resident of El Paso. Ms. Aguilera was an Saleswoman. She is survived by sons, Jesus J. and Samuel R. Aguilera; daughters, Bertha A. Aguilera and Ana Serrano; brothers, Manuel and Arturo Gonzalez and sisters, Antonia Gomez, Olga Ortega, Elvira Felix, and Rosa Dominguez. Visitation will be from 4-9 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2002 at Sunset Funeral Home-East with the recital of the rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be said at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at San Antonio de Padua Church. Interment will be at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Pallbearers, Samuel R. Aguilera, Rene L. Aguilera, Michael Aguilera, Christopher Aguilera, Pedro Duarte, Jose Dominguez and Ismael Villalva. CHAVEZ, GREGORIO V. 64, passed away Friday, May 10, 2002. He was a lifelong resident of El Paso and retired from Farah Manufacturing. Mr. Chavez is survived by his wife Dolores Chavez. Sons, Albert, Gregorio Jr., and Manuel. Daughtaesr, Norma, Irene, Judy, Sylvia and Veronica. He is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 8 brothers and 3 sisters. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Doniphan Chapel from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Canutillo, Tx. Interment will be in Canutillo Cemetery. Arrangements by HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME-DONIPHAN. 5054 DONIPHAN DR. 587-0202 PALOMAREZ, HANS 20, passed away May 6, 2002 in DeRidder, Louisiana. He was a longtime resident of El Paso and was on active duty in the United States Army. He is survived by his wife, Shevonda Palomarez; daughters, Mia and Jasmine Palomarez; mother, Linda Palomarez; brothers, Anthony Paul and David Palomarez; legal guardian Del Torres, mother-in-law Belinda Lewis; grandparents, Francis Mohedano and Louise Palomarez and numerous aunts and uncles. Visitaton will be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2002 at Sunset Funeral Home-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with the time pending. Hans will be laid to rest at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with military honors. He will be missed by all who knew him. SEARCY, STANLEY DAVID 60, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2002. Longtime resident of El Paso, Texas. Mr. Searcy retired from the U. S. Army after serving 3 tours in Vietnam, member of the V.F.W., MIA-POW, American Cancer Society and the El Paso Archeology Society. Survived by aunt Sylvia Olsson, Eva Searcy, son John David & wife Faye Searcy, grand-child Niatiaschia Anna Marie Searcy. Mr. Searcy will lie in state Sunday, May 12, 2002 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home-Central. Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 13, 2002 at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Burial at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. THOMASON, JAMES R. 73, of Ruidoso, New Mexico, passed away on Friday, May 10, 2002 in an El Paso Hospital. He was born on October 8, 1928 in Olney, Illinois. He was a veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War, retiring from the U.S. Army after 22 years of service as a Chief Warrant Officer III. He was also retired from El Paso Natural Gas Company after 15 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners organization. He was also a member of the VFW Post #1815. He spent the last twelve years of his life living in Ruidoso surrounded by his beloved mountains and tall trees. He was preceded in death by his parents and also by an infant son. He is survived b y his wife, Wanda of Ruidoso, a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Don Jones of Big Spring, Texas, a son, James Thomason, Jr. of Ruidoso; three grandchildren, Don Jones and wife Amanda, of El Paso; Keith Jones and wife Staci of San Agnelo, Texas and Jamie Chappell and husband, Buck B. Chappell of Big Spring. He is also survived by eight great grandchildren and a sister, Mitzi Sanders of Olney, Illinois. Visitation will be Monday, May 13, 2002 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home-Central. Graveside Service will be Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 9:30 a.m. at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with a procession from Martin Funeral Home-Central. Interment at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. "We Love you Dad and Papaw...." May 14 2001 Return to top Moeck, Howard Frank Ret. Lt. Col. 86, passed away May 12, 2002. He was a resident of El Paso for over 60 years. He is survived by his wife Mary Moeck, sons, Howard Frank, Jr. and George Edward Moeck. Also by his two grandchildren, Errin Dunbar and Bridget Moeck and two great grandchildren Addison and Bridget Dunbar. Graveside Service will be Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at 11 am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. THOMPSON, DOLLY MAE 76, Our dear mother and wife, passed away May 9, 2002. She is survived by her husband Tommy, and her children, Cliff, Judy, Robin, Kathy and their families. She was a teacher, an avid gardener and grandma who loved to spoil her grandchildren. She had a generous heart and will be deeply missed. At Dolly's request, her body was donated to Texas Tech University Medical Center. OCHOA, JOSE GUADALUPE 77, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2002. Born in Mexico, Mr. Ochoa was employed with the El Paso Independent School District maintenance department for many years. He is survived by sons, Victor M., Miguel, Lorenzo, Jose Luis and Jose Guadalupe Ochoa; daughters, Esperanza Lopez, Maria Guadalupe Chaidez, Maria Magdalena Ochoa; sister, Petra Ochoa; along with several more relatives and friends. Visitation will be from 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at Sunset Funeral Home-East, Chapel of Remembrance, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. A Funeral Service will be said at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 16, 2002 also at Sunset Funeral Home-East. Interment will follow at Evergreen East Cemetery. Mr. Ochoa is preceded in death by his wife, Manuela Chaidez Ochoa and daughter Silvia Ochoa. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home - East. LUGO, ALFREDO G. 79, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2002. He was a lifelong resident of El Paso and retired from Civil Service at Fort Bliss, TX in 1984 after 39 years of dedicated service. He was an Army veteran of WWII and was Honorably Discharged on May 4, 1946. He served his country in the European/African/Middle Eastern and Asiatic Pacific Theaters of War. He was a member of the VFW, Post #14000. He had a lifelong love of fast pitch softball and was an associate with the Sun City Softball League as well as the president of the Independent Softball League and Team Manager of "Lugo's Nine". He was preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Guadalupe Lugo, brothers Guillermo, Carlos, Alfonso, Angel and sister Antonia. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carmen R. Lugo, children Alfredo Lugo, Mary Ann Phillips, and Jo Ann Martinez, grandchildren Ted, Christina, Richard, Alex, Andrew, Jamie, Josefina and brother Alejandro Lugo. Visitation will be May 15, 2002 starting at 3:00 p.m. with Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. at Mount Franklin Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held May 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Ignatius Church. Per his request, he will be cremated and no graveside burial service will be held after the mass. DE LA ROSA, JR., GREGORIO 41, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2002, in a local hospital. He was a long time resident of El Paso and was a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. De La Rosa was a supervisor for Garment Industries. He was preceded in death by his father Gregorio De La Rosa, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Consuelo De La Rosa. Sons, Gregorio De La Rosa III, Gustavo De La Rosa, and Eduardo De La Rosa. Daughters, Gabriela De La Rosa and Ashley De La Rosa. Mother, Bertha De La Rosa. Brothers, Juan De La Rosa, Sr. and Andres De La Rosa, Sr. Sisters, Lourdes Garcia, Araceli Frias, Jose Rendon, Bernie Jones, Becky Delaney, Angie Ortiz, Rosa I. Garibay, and Martha Rodriguez. First wife, Elva De La Rosa. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home -Carolina. Recitation of the Rosary will be Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Chapel. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday at 12 noon at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Members of the family will serve as pallbearers. Interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery. Arrangements by HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME - CAROLINA. 1060 CAROLINA DR. 598-3332 KESSEL, JULIAN M. 75, lifelong resident of El Paso, died May 9, 2002. He is survived by Mary Patricia Trustman, his beloved wife of 53 years. Julian attended Alta Vista Elementary, graduated Austin High School and attended Texas College of Mines. Served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and retired from the Texas Dept. of Labor and Standards. He is also survived by his 3 children and their spouses: Pam and Bobby Ashworth of El Paso, Charles and Patsy Kessel of Dallas and Kelli and Raul Gonzalez of Tacoma, WA; four grandchildren; Melissa and A.J. Ashworth, Erin and Lauren Kessel; sister and brother in law Mitzi and Bill Thomas of Greenville, TX and sisters in law Tina Kessel and Anne Milligan of El Paso; many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. Preceded in death by his parents Philip and Maudiefrank Kessel and brother Robert E. Kessel. Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Thomas, LeRoy Pickens, Bill Woodul, Clinton Dean, Walter Stowe, Herb Wimberley, Jack Fuller, Wallace Lowenfield, Guy Eveler, and Joe Joyce. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2002, at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity. Arrangements by HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME - CAROLINA. 1060 CAROLINA DR. 598-3332 TURNER, VIRGINIA columnist for the Herald-Post, went to work for the newspaper as a cub reporter in 1944. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the daughter of a mining engineer, and lived in mining camps of the West and Chihuahua, Mexico. She was graduated from Ysleta High School and took additional courses of study at George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. and Texas Western College (now UT El Paso). She was married to the late Col. Harold R. Turner, U.S. Army, whom she met while covering V-2 missile flights at White Sands Missile Range where he was commander in 1945. They married in 1947 and she accompanied him to the Long Range Proving Ground, the old Banana River Naval Base, Melbourne, Fla. The installation is now Patrick Air Force Base at Cape Kennedy. Col. Turner was involved with early missile work there before a health problem resulted in his early retirement. They returned to El Paso and Virginia was called back to the Herald-Post for special assignments in 1952 and 1953 on a temporary basis. She returned to work permanently in 1954. In 1959, she was promoted to city editor and continued in that capacity until 1976 when she became a columnist. She was named founding president of Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, El Paso Chapter, by Dr. Kenneth Wells, one of the founders, in 1970, and served two terms as president. She was named Outstanding Ex-Student of Ysleta High School in 1960 and was one of four persons selected Outstanding Citizens by LULAC Council 8 in 1974. She received the National Commander's Award by Region 1, Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary for outstanding coverage of news events of interest to the DAV. She was one of six women named Outstanding Women for 1975 by the El Paso Branch, American Association of University Women. She was winner of the Soroptimists "Women Helping Women" competition in District 1 in 1976. Virginia was one of three national award winners of the American Osteopathic Association in 1967 for a series of articles written about DOCARE, a medical missionary group which she formerly served as historian. In 1985, she won a Freedoms Foundation Honor Certificate for a series of stories focusing on the opportunities afforded American citizens in the business world. In 1986, the Military Order of World Wars named her "Citizen of the Year." She was a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and Our Lady's Youth Center Board. She has a son, Gary, who also lives in El Paso. Memorial Services will be held Wednesday 1:30 P.M. at Vista Ysleta United Methodist Church, 11860 Rojas Drive, with Rev. Tom Garmon officiating.