Obituaries

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Samuel Fierro, 71, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He was welcomed into the world by Manuel and Delia Fierro in Alpine, on January 7, 1955. Samuel was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. His journey in life led him to meet Annabelle Sotelo, whom he married and was blessed with over 45 years of marriage. Together, they became the proud parents of Omar Samuel Fierro (Paige Ellsworth) and Naomi Ann Sanchez (Rene).

Beverly Irene Whistler Thomas passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by love and family. Beverly was born on November 12, 1939, in Del Rio to Clyde and Eve Whistler. She spent most of her life in Pecos raising a combined family of 9 kids with her husband, James Thomas (Coach Thomas), who passed less than a year ago. She is now reunited with those who preceded her in death, including her husband, her brother Jack Whistler, her sons Kenneth Gooding and James H Thomas III, her grandsons Jaxon Weidner and Duece Weidner, and granddaughter Eileen Gooding Orum.

Brian was born September 20, 1945, to Wilma Sylvester and Arlene Lucile (Ernson) Larremore in Llano County, Texas. Brian passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on the morning of Friday, May 8, after a short time of hospice home care under the special care of Nurse Jess Langridge of Alpine. He was also lovingly cared for by his wife of 25 years, Jean Larremore, whom he married on November 15, 2001. He was also surrounded by close friends, Tommy Vick, Jon Brooks, Skeet, and Connie Jo Boyd, who all provided support and help as needed. Connie Jo, who was like an adopted daughter to Brian, made special visits with her husband, Skeet Boyd, who is the Preacher of the Church in The Mountains of Fort Davis. Skeet gathered us all, and we all laid hands on Brian as Skeet made a special prayer over Brian, and we all said our farewells.

Robbie Johnson Ray was born on January 29, 1950, in Fort Worth, to Robert “Bob” and Joyce Johnson. In 1981, she married the love of her life, Dan Ray, and together they built a meaningful life grounded in curiosity, compassion, and adventure. In 1986, they moved to Alpine, a community that became her cherished home.

Johnny Fitzgerald, age 71, of Dayton, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, with his loving wife by his side. He was born on July 15, 1955, in El Paso.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Maria Louisa Martinez, on April 30, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on January 22, 1938, in Alpine, she lived a long and meaningful life filled with love, faith, and devotion to her family.

Robert Harold Flanders died peacefully at his home in Alpine on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the age of 81. The son of Mary and Hal Flanders, Robert was born in Denver, Colorado, but lived in many places as a child due to his father’s career. Robert was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War and did his alternative service in Honduras. During this time, he married Rice Flanders. The couple later settled in New England and had two children.

Darlene Peterson passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at her Chisolm Court home, with family present. A remembrance gathering will be held at a later date, at her home church, in Terlingua.

Paul B. Evans of Alpine passed away suddenly on April 13, 2026. Paul was born on Friday, November 13, 1953, in Canadian, Texas, and was a graduate of La Marque High School in La Marque in 1971. He attended Sul Ross State University for two years before enlisting in the United States Army in 1973, where he served as a Military Policeman in South Korea and Colorado before honorably separating from service and returning to Sul Ross, where he graduated in 1976 with a degree in Criminal Justice.

Janie Marie Roberts, 79, of Marathon, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, April 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Janie lived a life deeply rooted in faith, service, and love.