Obituaries

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.

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.