December 2023

Vivian Frances Williams Santry aged 91, of Alpine, passed away peacefully at home on December 5. Born in Hondale, New Mexico on November 14, 1932, she was the only child of George Williams and Ophelia Gardner Salyer. Vivian grew up in Deming, New Mexico. After graduating in 1952 from Deming High School she moved to El Paso to study nursing at Hotel Dieu where she received her RN and began her nursing career. While working at Hotel Dieu she met Thomas Santry. They were married in St. Patrick’s Cathedral on February 7, 1959. They were married for a wonderful 55 years.

Florencio Saenz Uranga, 87, of Marathon and Alpine, passed away on December 4 in Ft. Stockton. Florencio was born in La Boquilla de San Isidro, Chihuahua, Mexico. He settled in Marathon and later moved to Alpine. During this time, he worked for the Brewster County Road & Bridge department from which he retired. He was married to Rosa Uranga, and was father to Elda Fuentez (Salvador), Rosie Aguilar (Sixto, Jr.), Maribel Ruiz, and Jesus Uranga (Amy.) He was preceded in death by his parents Norberto and Petra Uranga as well as his siblings Pedro, Tomas, Isabel, Leonor, Catarino Uranga, and sister Macaria Lujan. He is survived by one brother, Andres Uranga. Florencio leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Florencio was an allaround outdoorsman. He was a beekeeper, an avid gardener, and a carpenter/ masonry handyman.

Alfredo A. Soza, an Alpine High School graduate, died in San Antonio on November 30, at the age of 57. Alfredo accomplished much in his lifetime, earning a degree in Accounting from Sul Ross University in 1989, and a law degree from Texas Tech Law School in 1992. For many years he practiced law in West Texas.

David Mitchell Seals, 87, of Meadowlakes, formerly of Alpine and Brownwood went to his heavenly home Wednesday, December 6 at Granite Mesa Health Center in Marble Falls. He is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Reba Cross Seals, and three sons, Greg (Kathy,) of Spring, Geoff (Jill,) and Gary (Cyndi,) of San Antonio, as well as stepchildren, Justin (Lori,) Stuart (Linda,) and Kimberley (Max Johnson.) His grandchildren are Kelsey, Kaitie, and Travis. Step- grandchildren are Jarrod, Andrew, Sierra, Josh, Lacey, Logan, and Mikayla. David was also proud to claim five great-grandchildren.

The Alpine Emergency Services Board held its last meeting of the year on Tuesday, December 5. Two members of the board were absent, including Treasurer Stacy Wood, and Alpine Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) Chief Andrew Pierce.

Many pieces of the water system in Alpine have been a puzzle. Some of the wells seem to refuse to fill up, entire networks operate without the required pressure, as well as mysterious water losses. Recently, the city has employed engineers to not only decipher the puzzle but to find ways to make it a better one.

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The deadline for candidacy filings for the March primary ballot has come and gone, having expired on Monday, December 11 at 6 p.m. Currently, four candidates are running for office as Democrats, and five are running as Republicans in open county positions. Candidates elected to these positions will begin service in January 2025 and will serve a four-year term.

The Lady Bucks played their first home game against the Van Horn Eagles last Tuesday. In the non-district game, the Lady Bucks came out on top 57-29.

In a battle to the end, the Sul Ross Lady Lobos eeked out a win against the University of the Ozarks Eagles in last Thursday’s conference match-up at the Pete P. Gallego Center. The Lady Lobos defeated the Eagles 82-73.