Obituaries

Ross David Burling, a lifelong citizen of Alpine, passed away peacefully in Boerne on January 8. Ross was born May 29, 1961, the youngest of six children born to J.B. And Peggy Burling. After graduating from high school, Ross attended Sul Ross State University. Ross enjoyed hunting, fishing, and target shooting with his three brothers, and was a good shot. He spent many happy times fishing with family at Lajitas. Ross worked during high school at The Hut and Sonic, eventually becoming the manager of the Longhorn Steakhouse. Later, he was in charge of food service for Brewster County Jail. While there, he graduated from the Police Academy and became a Deputy Sheriff, working as a detention officer and dispatcher. Ross was retired from the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office.

Daniel Pineda, of San Angelo, passed away on December 5 at the age of 40. He was born March 21, 1984, in Odessa to parent Liz Pineda.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Rebecca Chavez Portillo departed this life on January 2 at the age of 84.

Ronnie Lane Drewry, born June 29, 1953, in Odessa, passed away peacefully on December 25, in Alpine, after a hard-fought battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Ronnie was a hardworking man of integrity who inspired all who knew him with his unwavering strength and positive attitude.

Johnnie Lois Tucker Chambers completed her journey through this life on December 19 in San Angelo. Johnnie was born September 28, 1929, on a ranch near Iraan in Crockett County —about a month before the stock market crash in 1929 that started the Great Depression. While her family was of modest means, they were ranchers and consequently never went hungry like so many did in that era. Her early life was full of adventure. When she was three years old, her family moved to what is now Big Bend National Park, first to the Mariscal mine and later to San Vicente. While they only lived in the Big Bend for about three years, that time of her life was precious to her. Her parents allowed her to roam freely as long as she came home in time for supper. After leaving the Big Bend, Johnnie’s family moved around to Alpine, Fort Stockton, Ozona, Sheffield, and Presidio – wherever her father could find work. This nomadic lifestyle wasn’t by choice, but it

Lucilla M. Cobos, 86, of Alpine, passed away on November 22 in Mc-Camey. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 2, at 1 p.m. at the Grace Fellowship Church in Alpine, with Pastor Mark Williams officiating and honoree Oscar Cobos closing the service. Burial followed at Holy Angels Cemetery in Alpine. Eternity Funeral Home of Fort Stockton made arrangements.

Janette Lawhon Cornett Bowers, age 91, of Houston, went peacefully to the Lord on December 13. She was born on November 13, 1933, in Conroe to the late Tot and Leslie Mae (Watkins) Lawhon. She graduated from Tidehaven High School in El Maton and earned her B.S. from Sam Houston State University and M.A. from Sul Ross State University. She taught health and physical education at Pasadena ISD, Cy-Fair ISD, and Sul Ross before creating the adult and continuing education department at Sul Ross.

Alexander Lopez, known affectionately as Alex or “Turtle” (IYKYK), passed away on December 13 in Alpine at the age of 32. Born on September 23, 1992, Alex demonstrated a deep commitment to serving his community from an early age, which guided both his personal and professional life. Alex graduated from Van Horn High School and furthered his education at Sul Ross State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in criminal justice. This academic foundation propelled him into a dedicated career as a deputy for the Alpine Police Department. He then served as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Alpine High School, employed by the Brewster County Sheriff’s Department, and deeply cared for the safety and well-being of the students he protected. Most currently, Alex served our community as a dispatcher for the Brewster County Sheriff’s Department, where his compassionate nature and sense of duty were evident. A passionate advocate for his community, Alex’s life was marked by memories of his constant desire to help others. He was known for his loving spirit and remarkable ability to connect with those around him. Whether it was through his work or in his personal life, Alex made a lasting impact on many individuals and families.