Obituaries

Ella Jean Teague was born in Fort Davis, Texas, on Jan. 10, 2934, to Barney William Teague and Maude Adele Cooksey Teague as child number eight.

Mary Eva “Joyce” Wright passed away on July 14, 2021, following a lengthy illness. Born Dec. 4, 1936, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Irby Hearn Wright. Joyce and Irby retired to Alpine, Texas, where they enjoyed expansive views of the Far West Texas mountains they loved. She was an avid reader, a frequent writer of letters-tothe-editor on a variety of subjects, an animal lover, and a fan of projects like Marfa Public Radio. When she wasn’t writing or designing and building her dream home, she was sewing, canning, making candles and soap, or tending to her flowers. Joyce is survived by son, Luke Troxel Wright; daughters Ann Kennedy, Audrey Spolarich, Angela Wright, Allison White, and April Beck; 10 grandchildren; four nieces and a nephew; and many other relatives and dear friends.

Guillerma Ramirez, 91, passed away on Aug. 13, 2021 in Pflugerville, Texas.

Manuel David “Chaluga” Carrillo, Jr., 52, of Alpine, Texas, passed away on Aug. 3, 2021, at his son’s home in Midland, Texas, surrounded by the love and support of his family.

Artha Leigh “Doodsie” Smith Eaton went to be with her Savior, family, and numerous friends on June 25, 2021, at the age of 90-½, as she would say. Doodsie was born to Chester Arthur Smith and Bethel Ruth Segrest Smith in Woodville, Texas, at exactly midnight on Oct.

William “Billy” Earl Hawkins was born in Houston, Texas, on June 18, 1945, to Richard and Leona Hawkins. Billy passed away peacefully on July 11, 2021, at the age of 76.

Venita Ruth Childs Dempsey, a long time Marfa resident, was born on Dec. 22, 1930, in Limestone County, Texas, not far from Waco, Texas.

Walter H. Thomas, 81, of Alpine, Texas, passed away July 22, 2021, at UMC in El Paso, Texas. His ashes will be interred in the Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger, Texas, at a date to be determined. Walter was born the youngest of six siblings on Aug. 16, 1939, in Ballinger. His parents were the late Leon and Jewell Thomas. On July 2, 1964, he married Diana Martin in Midland, Texas. After graduation from Ballinger High School in 1957, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a heavy vehicle operator. Upon his discharge, he was employed by the Texas Department of Transportation. He later began a career in the freight business from which he retired. Walter enjoyed music and friends, bringing a smile to most people who knew him. He loved listening to the Alpine Cowboy’s games while sitting on his front porch. Walter is survived by his wife Diana Martin Thomas; his son Charles Wayne Thomas; two sisters, Dorothy Burke and Francis Shiller (Leroy); daughter-in-law Imelda Thomas; grandchildren Makenzie Bledsoe, Owen Thomas, and Mary Thomas; and great grandchild Graham Dyer, along with many nieces and nephews.

Corina Ortiz left us to be with Jesus on July 24, 2021. She was born on Jan 31, 1955, in Marfa, Texas, to Maximo Villarreal and Estella Dominguez.

Leo Lara, Sr. passed away on June 30, 2021 at Odessa Medical Center.