Obituaries

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.

Romelia Valenzuela Losoya of Gordonville, Texas, a devoted mother, grandmother, nurse, birder, quilter, and lover of nature, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, at the age of 80. Born June 22, 1945, to Pablo and Calistra Valenzuela, Romelia was born and raised in Fort Stockton, where the wide West Texas skies sparked a lifelong appreciation for nature and the outdoors.

Cecilia Garrett Davis, 87, of Fort Davis, passed away at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa on Monday, March 16, at 4:45 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 20, at Fort Davis Church of Christ in Fort Davis. She worked at McDonald Observatory and at Prude Ranch and was County Treasurer for 35 years. She loved this town and everyone in it.

James Douglas “Jim” Spitler departed this life on February 24, 2026. He was born May 28, 1930, in Dallas to the union of Marion and Willie (Billie) Spitler and siblings, brother’s Sterling, Bucky, Marion, and sister, Billie Francis Burton-Anger and brother-in-law, Kent Anger. Jim married Betty Jo White of Alpine on February 18, 1961, in Dallas, a marriage which lasted 21 years. During their marriage, they raised two children, a son of Betty, Bradley Brahm, and their beautiful daughter, Amy Driscoll.

Tomi Jo McDaniel was born in Sweetwater, Texas, in 1937. After attending Abilene Christian College, she moved to Odessa, where she met Richard McDaniel and married in 1960. There they lived and worked until 1973, when they moved to Alpine so Richard could finish college at Sul Ross State University. Tomi started her Alpine career at the SRSU print shop, followed by the Texas Highway Department, and then she went back to SRSU to work at the physical plant. Her most recent and final job was with the City of Alpine, working as the Financial Director for 21 years. She collected many lifelong friends at every one of her jobs.

Steve Galindo passed away Saturday, February 28, surrounded by family. Steve was born in Alpine on August 17, 1970.

Joe William Mussey of Alpine, Texas, died Wednesday, February 25, at his home in Alpine, Texas. He was born May 18, 1930, in Del Rio, Texas, to Reuben and Stella Mussey.