Funerals, obituaries, deaths, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Marketplace \| Services \| Contact Us \| Community \| Arts & Entertainment \| Local Guides

This page is sponsored by:

Tuesday, August 10, 1999

ARMENTA
Cyann Jade Armenta infant daughter of Manuela Armenta and Vernonica Urrea passed away on Monday, August 9, 1999 in a local hospital.
Funeral services are pending with Corpus Christi Funeral Home.

BUSHNELL
Oklahoma City, OK -Kay Shirley, age 68 passed into transition on August 7, 1999.
She was born on September 23, 1930 in Ashland, Kansas to Bertha and John Shirkey. She attended El Dorado High School and went on to earn a Bachelors and Masters degree in counseling from Kansas State University. Kay bravely battled chronic Lympocytic Leukemia for nearly 25 years and was eventually forced to retire from Red Rock CMHC in 1994 due to the ravages of the Leukemia.
She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Malcolm, her children Toni (David) Murdock of Shawnee Mission, Kansas, Robin (Ruben) Flores of Ingleside, Texas, Tom (Michele) Bushnell of Reno, Nevada, Jennifer Bushnell of Alton, Illinois and Gretchen Bushnell of Sacramento, California. She also leaves behind her cherished brothers: Robin Shirkey of Victoria, Texas and Donald Shirkey of Cuero, Texas and three beautiful granddaughters: Celeste, Katy and Lila.
The family wishes to express our most humble gratitude to the nurses at Mercy and Deaconess Hospital for their untiring attention to the afflicted, also we wish to thank Drs. Lorraine Wilson, Vikki Confield and Sheila Simpson and their staffs and Georgianne at Mercy Cancer Care.
The family wishes that in lieu of flowers donation be made to the American Cancer Society, Leukemia Research Foundation or other bona fide organization of your choice.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, August 10th, at 10:00 am at the Guardian North Funeral Home,11600 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City.

CANDELARIA
Irma Idalia G. Candelaria, 56, passed away Sunday, August 8, 1999, in a Corpus Christi hospital after a short illness.
She had been a lifelong resident of SInton and had been employed by the SInton I.S.D. as a teacher's aide and she was a housewife. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
Survivors include her husband, D.L. Candelaria of Sinton, seven daughters, Wanda Candelaria, Jessica Candelaria, Blanche Candelaria, and Mandy Candelaria, all of Houston, Amy Candelaria, Leslie Candelaria and Sally Candelaria, all of Sinton, two brothers, Arnoldo Garza of Corpus Christi and Johnny G. Garza of Ingleside, two sisters, Geneva Garza Cantu of Sinton and Gloria Garza Galvan of Rosenburg, her father, Valerio Garza of Sinton, two grandchildren, Spencer David Candelaria of Sinton and David Alexander Perez of Houston.
Two rosaries will be recited on Monday, August 9, 1999 at 7:00 PM and Tuesday, August 10, 1999 at 7:00 PM at the Ritchea-Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:00 AM, Wednesday, August 11, 1999 at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cahtolic Church, with Father David Taurasi, as celebrant.
Interment will follow in the Eternal Rest Cemetery in Sinton.

CATES
Zela Rae Cates, 94, a resident of Robstown since 1913, passed away Monday, August 9, 1999. She was born May 12, 1905, in Lockhart, Texas to F.M. "Frank" Sr. and Reky Herrmann Stubbs. She was a graduate of Robstown High School. She and her husband, W.C. "Clyde" Cates, operated many businesses in Robstown. He preceded her in death. She was a longtime member of the Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, United Church Women, Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 540, Par Avance Club, A.A.R.P., Young In Heart, Luncheon Club, Homemakers Club and Grandmothers Club.
She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Clayton and Anita Cates of Corpus Christi; one daughter and son-in-law, Zula M. and Dale Langley of Corpus Christi; five grandchildren, Clayton Cates, Jr. of Corpus Christi, Carol Rae Cates of Austin, Dale Jr. (Kathy) Langley of Austin, Clyde (Mary) Langley of Denver, Colorado, David (Jennifer) Langley of Coppell, Texas; seven great grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew and Elizabeth Langley of Austin, Austin and Colette Langley of Denver, Colorado, Alyssa Rae and Will Langley of Coppell, Texas.
Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM with the family present from 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM, Tuesday, August 10, 1999, in Sawyer-George Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 11, 1999, in First United Methodist Church in Robstown with Rev. John Smith, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Robstown Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions to First United Methodist Church in Robstown or to Wesley Community Center in Robstown.

DICKSON
Cindy Dickson passed away Saturday August 7, 1999 at the age of 39.
Cindy was a kind and loving soul and well remembered by everyone she touched in her life. Cindy also was a very devoted Christian and saw God as the driving influence in her life. She was a member of Faith Temple in Corpus Christi and a member of Graceland Community Covenant Church in Havana, Illinois. She left behind a brother, Paul Lane of Marquette Heights, Illinois and four sisters: Rebecca Cole of Havana, Illinois, Billie Dickson of Summun, Illinois, Annie Dillaha of Corpus Christi, and Mary McGinnis of Anderson Lake, Illinois. Three nieces, Autumn Miller, Tricia Miller, Chelsea McGinnis also survive her. Three nephews, David Cole, Zachary Mibbs and Chandler McCarthy also survive her. Two grand-nieces, Alexis and Aruena also survive her. She was a graduate of McMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois and also a graduate of Spoon River College in Canton, Illinois. She was a star catcher on the softball teams of both colleges. She was employed by First Data Corporation and was also a carrier for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Temple on Tuesday, 6:00.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers for either the Kidney Foundation or Faith Temple would be appreciated.
All friends she left behind in Corpus Christi and Havana, Illinois, will dearly miss her.

YBARRA
Dolores Vasquez Ybarra, 64, was called to be with the Lord August 7, 1999. She was preceded in death by her adoptive father, Gabriel Olivarez, daughter, Hortencia Y. Soliz, Brother, Ignacio Gabriel Olivarez, and granddaughter, Isabel Y. Soliz.
She is survived by her husband, Reyes D. Ybarra, her daughters, Maria Teresa Y. (Joe H.) Olivo, Alicia Y. (Arturo) Valdez, Dolores Y. (Juan) Flores, Susie Y. (Albert) Landa, Patricia Y. (Pablo) Castilleja, her sons, Eduardo (Elvira) Ybarra, Luis (Esmeralda) Ybarra, Ricardo (Adela) Ybarra, her parents, Juanita Olivarez, Gregario Vasquez, her sisters, Anna Carpio, Gloria Chavarria, Vicenta Castillo, Sara Olivarez, her brothers, Antonio Olivarez, George Olivarez, Martin Olivarez, step brother, Raul Vasquez, 33 Grandchildren and 34 Great Grandchildren.
Active pallbearers Reyes Chavarria, Jr., Carlos Soliz., Eduardo Ybarra, Jr., Jose Alberto Olivo, Armando Valdez and Orlando Ybarra, Honorary pallbearers Richard Ray Ybarra, Pablo Gabriel Castilleja, Jacob Flores and all her grandsons.
Visitation will be at the Memory Gardens Funeral Home Chapel from 2:00pm to 9:00pm Tuesday, August 10. A rosary will be recited at 7:00pm.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, August 11, at Our Lady of Pilar Catholic Church at 3:00 pm. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

FRANCIS
Orien Hildreth "Jack" Francis, 81, passed away Monday, August 9, 1999 at his residence after a lengthy illness.
He was born on July 30, 1918 to Henry J. and Amanda Hildreth Francis in Stonebury, Texas. He was a graduate of Denton High School and attended North Texas State College. He retired from Wholesale Food Distributor and Marine Electronic Sales and served on the Retail Grocers Association Board of Directors. He was also a past Commander of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Jack was an avid fisherman and hunter.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Bette" Francis; his children, Paul O'Dell (Charles) of Claremore, Oklahoma, Stanley Francis (Rosario) of Pharr, Texas and Clare Falke of Gulfport, Mississippi; sister, Noel Francis Haney of St. Petersburg, Florida; six grandchildren, Stanley Strickland and Robert Strickland of Caremore, Oklahoma, Burton McAfee and Samantha Falke of Gulfport, Mississippi and Ashley Francis and Abram Francis of Pharr, Texas; and one great granddaughter, Hailey Elizabeth Strickland. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, H.J. Francis and Kent Francis.
A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, August 11, 1999 in a Seaside Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one's choice.

JIMENEZ
Alejandro Zamora Jimenez, 91, of Corpus Christi, passed away Sunday, August 8, 1999 at his residence. He was born on April 24, 1908. He was retired from Texas Employment Commission after thirty years of service. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His laughter and smile will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Refugia "Cuca" Lerma Jimenez, and by his second wife, Maria Garcia Jimenez.
He is survived by his son, Daniel A. Jimenez Sr., one grandson, Daniel A. Jimenez Jr. Four granddaughters, Anna (Joe) Navejar, Bertha (Jaime) Martinez, Jeanie (Rene) Martinez, Mary (Santos Torres) Jimenez all of Corpus Christi, one sister, Petra Jimenez, eight great grandchildren, Joe Navejar IV, Jaime Rene Jr., April, Samantha, Rachel, Miranda Martinez, Rebecca Jimenez, and Christian Torres, all of Corpus Christi. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family will be receiving guests from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Tuesday, August 10, 1999 at Memorial Funeral Home, Crosstown Chapel.
A rosary will be held at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, August 10, 1999 at Memorial Funeral Home Crosstown Chapel.
A funeral procession will depart 9:30 AM on Wednesday, August 11, 1999 from Memorial Funeral Home Crosstown Chapel. Rites of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church on August 11, 1999. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park. To help the family create an on-line memorial, please visit the website at www.scimemorials.com.

MARTINEZ
Eulalia "La La" G. Martinez, age 96, passed away Sunday, August 8, 1999.
A funeral procession will depart the funeral home at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, August 10, 1999, for a 9:00 AM mass at Our Lady of Pilar Catholic Church.
Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of Bobby Trevino.

MOLINA
Guadalupe O. Molina, born on April 6, 1936 in Durango, Mexico passed away on Sunday, August 8, 1999 in a local hospital. She was 63.
She was preceded in death by her husband Antonio Molina, and her parents Padres Jose Guadalupe Ortega & Isidra Cardosa. Guadalupe was a wonderful mother and was a special person who will be remembered by all who knew her.
She is survived by the father of her children Hilario Marquez-Bonilla of Matamoros, Mexico; three daughters Mary Lou (Rudy) Noriega, Melissa Marquez, Yolanda Zuniga, her son Gerald O. Marquez all of Corpus Christi, Texas; 18 brothers and sisters all of Mexico; grandchildren Gerald "Jerry" Marquez, Jr., Sylvia Marquez, Jessica Marquez, Rosa Amanda Ramirez, Frankie Marquez, Jose Miguel Zuniga, Vanessa Zuniga, Lisa Zuniga, Bridget Marquez, Amber Marquez all of Corpus Christi, Texas; and a special aunt Sarah (Gonzalo) Arizola of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, 1999 with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 12, 1999 at Corpus Christi Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.

MURRAY
Albert Sidney (Sid) Murray passed away on August 8, 1999 at the age of 91. Sid Murray was born on July 13, 1908 in Gauze, Texas to Robert Bruce and Martha Luce Murray. His wife of 53 years, Rosalia Brazzel Murray preceded him in death in 1992 and his wife, Louise Adams Murray, died in July 1999.
Mr. Murray liked to tell the stories of his hobo-ing during the Depression years. He had moved to New Mexico with his parents and three older brothers after they went broke farming in Crystal City. It was there that he got into the insurance business and developed some of the earliest mass marketing plans in the insurance industry. Mr. Murray sold his insurance agency in Albuquerque in 1946 and moved back to Texas because there were more people in Texas. He pioneered the development of insurance programs for professional associations in Texas. He wrote the first insurance program sponsored by The State Bar of Texas in 1947 and subsequently set up programs for members of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accounts, Texas Medical Association, Texas Dental Association, Texas Society of Professional Engineers and numerous other associations. Sid Murray "Pays in a Hurry" with its home office in Corpus Christi was known across the state for exceptional and fast service, particularly for "paying claims in a hurry." He was a charter member of the American Institute of Professional Group Administrators. The Sid Murray Agency was sold to Monumental Corporation in 1981.
Mr. Murray, a member of the Corpus Christi Country Club, was an avid golfer and card player. He loved traveling, and in the 1960's he took his family on extensive hunting trips to the Yukon, Portuguese East Africa and the Arctic Circle. His office and home were decorated with his and his children's trophies. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and a former member of the Order of Alhambra Baza Caravan. He was a director of the former First State Bank in Six Points and Bank of Commerce in the Petroleum Building and former member of the Six Points Optimist Club.
Survivors include sons, Michael R. Murray of Aransas Pass and William L. Murray of Tucson, Arizona; daughter, Patricia M. Eisenhauer of Corpus Christi, Texas; six grandchildren: Robert Murray of Austin, Texas, Travis Murray of Corpus Christi, Texas, Justin Murray of San Antonio, Texas, Thomas E. Eisenhauer of Washington D.C., Catherine Sidney Eisenhauer of Longview, Texas and Anne Cecilia Murray of Corpus Christi, Texas; Stepsons: John Adams of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Lee Adams of Parker, Colorado; sisters-in-law Mrs. Don Murray of San Antonio, Texas, Mrs. G.E. Murray of Hays, Kansas; Sister Kathleen Brazzel, OSB and Sister Elizabeth Ann Brazzel, OSB of Atchison, Kansas; and numerous nephews and nieces, including Don DeGraftenreid (Ida) of Helene, Montana.
The family would like to extend a special thank you for the loving care given to Sid by Rita DeMartino, Otto and Rosemary Risner, Candi Santellana and Charlene Johnson and Gabby Arnold.
Visitation will be from 12:00-9:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 10, 1999 in the Reid Chapel with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. by Msgr. Robert Freeman.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 11, 1999. A private entombment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Incarnate Word Academy Scholarship Fund, 2910 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, Texas 78404, The Corpus Christi Abbey in Sandia, Texas, Mount St. Scholastic Convent Atchison, Kansas, or a charity of your choice.
Sydney Herndon, Dr. Prospero Jiminez, Jr., D.E. Nicholson, Joe Priour, Joe Fuedo, Hudson L. Anderson, Brent Herndon, Wilfred J. Peck, David Allin and William E. Ponder all of Corpus Christi,Texas, Otto Risner of Wisconsin and Frank B. Burney of San Antonio, Texas will serve as honorary pallbearers.

SPEARS
Sidney K. Spears, 66, passed away August 8, 1999. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pharaba Conaway, his sister, Virgina Gatlin and his brother Ossie Spears. He is survived by his wife, Doris Spears, his daughter, Brenda (Billy) Jordan, his sons, Gary (Dixie) Spears, Dennis (Teresa) Spears, his step daughter, Sharon (Ernie) Whittaker, his sisters, Annie (Barney) Orsak, Ellen (Harold) Johnson, Betty Lou Reynolds, 7 Grandchildren, two step Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren.
He retired after 47 years with Nixon Blueprint.
Visitation will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm Tuesday, August 10. Funeral services will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home Tuesday, August 10 at 2:00 pm.

SPRAGGINS
Brian Dale Spraggins, born November 15, 1969, passed away August 6, 1999, at the age of twenty-nine in a fatal motorcycle accident in Corpus Christi, Texas. He died doing something he loved to do.
He was a hard working, well liked Lead Man at Total Mobile Home Services. He was a loving husband, a one-of-a-kind man who was full of life and loved to have a good time. He will be dearly missed.
Mr. Spraggins is survived by his wife, Cheandra Spraggins of Corpus Christi, Texas; mother, Vicky Hartman and husband, Greg from Amarillo, Texas; father, Dale Spraggins of Bayside, Texas; stepfather, Jim Williams from Armarillo Texas; brother, James Spraggins and sister-in-law, Crystal of Bayside, Texas; "Big Brother" Rick Bourne of Corpus Christi, Texas; grandmother, Cleo Spraggins of Caynon, Texas; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Hope of Spinnett, Texas; and many other family members and friends.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10, 1999 in the Seaside Memorial Park and Funeral Home Chapel.

WARDEN
ROCKPORT, TX - John Henry Warden, Jr., born in Santa Cruz, California, February 21, 1916, passed away Sunday, August 8, 1999 at the age of 83. He was a life long resident of Rockport, Texas. He was owner/operator of Wardens Marine Service and a Commercial fisherman. He had served in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal, a son, Hays Warden, and a granddaughter, Barbie Mills. He is survived by one son, John H. Warden, III and his wife, VIcki, of Spring, Texas, two daughters, Joyce Close and her husband, Bobby, of Katy, Texas and Barbara Windrup of East Bernard, Texas, one sister, Elizabeth Vaughan of Yucaipa, California, six grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at the Rockport Cemetery, Rockport, Texas, Wednesday, August 11, 1999 at 10:00 AM.

OBITUARIES