Obituaries

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Glen Allen Pepper announces his passing on April 5 in San Antonio following a long illness. Known to all as simply “Pepper” he was born February 22, 1940, to Claude Allen “C.A” Pepper Jr., and Katherine Louise “Katie Lou” Feldtman, in San Antonio.

On April 1, 2026, the world became a little dimmer as we lost one of the best people to ever walk the earth. Ronald Kevin Krut of Alpine, known to many as Captain Ron, passed away in El Paso, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and laughter.

Marcella Celaya Portillo, age 86, of Monahans, passed away on April 2, 2026, in Odessa. She was born on January 16, 1940, in San Vicente, Texas, to Federico Macias and Maria Santiago Celaya. Marcella was raised and spent most of her young life in Marathon and Big Bend National Park.

Penny Hardaway passed away in Alpine on Monday, March 2, at the age of 83. Penny was born in Houston on November 15, 1942. She was an accomplished pianist and vocalist from a young age, playing piano and singing in her church. She received her teaching degree in music from the University of Houston and moved to Ft Stockton to begin her teaching career. There, she met and married William Hale Hardaway Sr. in 1966 and began a family. In 1970, they moved to Alpine.

With great sadness, Cecilia Garrett Davis, 87, of Fort Davis, passed away at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa on Monday, March 16, at 1:45 p.m. from complications due to a stroke.

Raymond (Ray) Paul Janiczek passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at his home in Alpine, at the age of 81. Born in February 1944 in Gary, Indiana, he grew up among a large extended Polish family. He excelled in drafting and physics. During his spare time, he learned auto mechanics from his uncle. After graduating from the Indiana Institute of Technology, he was recruited by Dow Chemical Texas Division, spending his career in the Brazosport area. Retirement offered him the chance to relocate. While traveling to Alpine, he fell in love with the mountains, people, and dark skies, choosing this as his forever home. A beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, he added value to others.

Claire Justine (Hess) Smith passed peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Louisville, KY. Born May 26, 1932, in San Antonio to Leonard M. Hess and Mary A. Rodesney, she was the granddaughter of L.L. Hess and Margaret K. Hess of Marathon. The oldest of six children, her early life was spent on the Hess Ranch and the family home in Marathon.

With great sadness, his family announces the passing of Samuel Pallanez Cordero of El Paso, who was a devoted man to his family and to the many he loved, at the age of 66, on March 10. Sam, a man whose life was defi ned by the steady work of his hands, the strength of character, leadership, and kindness of his heart, leaves behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of many in El Paso, Alpine, and across Texas.

The family of Penny Hardaway invites Penny’s friends to join with Penny’s family and the congregation of First Christian, Alpine, in remembering and celebrating Penny’s life on Tuesday, March 31, at 2 p.m. There will be a reception honoring Penny following the memorial service. First Christian Church is located at 201 West Sul Ross Avenue.

Yolanda Martinez Salcido, 72, of Fort Davis, passed away peacefully at Big Bend Regional Medical Center on March 16, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born on February 8, 1954, in Alpine to Manuel and Josefina Martinez. Yolanda grew up in Fort Davis and graduated from Fort Davis High School in 1974. She went on to work as an Administrative Assistant at High Frontier, where she dedicated 22 years of her life. She truly loved her job and the people she worked with, forming many close friendships over the years. Yolanda also had a special heart for the residents at High Frontier and took pride in mentoring and supporting them.