Obituaries

John Nixon Blackman III passed away on July 27 at the age of 88. He was married to Margaret for 66 years and they raised three sons. He is survived by his wife Margaret and brother Jim Blackman, and son Mark and son Matt and wife Melanie and daughter in law Keri Blackman. His grandchildren

It is with our deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beautiful Aida Elisa Flores, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, whose presence graced our lives in countless ways.

Janice “JJ” Lerich passed away peacefully at her home in Carlsbad, NM surrounded by family and friends on July 17 after a battle with cancer. JJ was born December 17, 1956, in Fort Worth, to Richard Carlous Jones and Gloria Jean Lewis Jones, while her father was serving in the US Air Force at Carswell AFB. As a young girl, JJ lived with her parents in Kyllberg, Germany until she and her mother moved back to the U.S. due to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The family came to Alamogordo, NM when JJ’s father was stationed at Holloman AFB where he served as an air traffic controller. JJ graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1974. She married Klad Zimmerle and they had a daughter, Desiree Sunshine. JJ met the love of her life, Scott P. Lerich, in Orogrande, NM in 1993 and they were married in May 1994 in San Antonio. Grandson Dean Anthony “Bubba” Thatcher was born in Anchorage, AK in 1997.

With a warm heart and a profound sense of gratitude, I am pleased to inform you that our beloved mother, Ernestina Hagy (Valenzuela), has peacefully joined the Lord, July 20, at 3:08 p.m. We find solace in knowing that she has found eternal happiness in the embrace of our Heavenly Father.

Longino “Leo” H. Olvera Jr., 62, of Fort Stockton was embraced with open arms by his mother at their Eternal Home on July 20. Leo was surrounded by his loving sisters during his final moments of life.

Mr. Anthony “Tony” Martin Werckle, 80, passed away on July 1, in Tyler. Mr. Werckle was born on May 15, 1943, to the late George and Ellen Werckle in San Antonio. Mr. Werckle attended Jefferson High School in San Antonio and was a graduate of Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1967. He later went on to receive his master’s degree in public financial management at The American University in 1977. He worked in banking and

On July 14, Ronald Gene Smith, loving husband, dad, and granddad passed away peacefully at home at the age of 70. Ron was born on April 15, 1953, in Port Arthur to I.N.

Kristin M. Garcia, 67, died unexpectedly July 5, from secondary to complications of cancer. She was born October 5, 1956, in Enid, Oklahoma to Stephen Kirk Carpenter and Barbara Kristin (Bergstrom) Carpenter. She graduated from Berea High School, Class of 73. She attended college at Kent State University and Odessa College where she graduated with a degree in biomedical electronics. Following graduation at one of her first jobs, she met her soulmate, Silbestre Garcia. They celebrated 42 years of marriage on July 3. After many years in Midland, where they raised their daughter, Santana, they retired to the mountains of Alpine. Kris pursued her passions of cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. She was a strong, smart, independent, kind, hard working woman who followed her dreams. She never met a stranger, was the best listener, an amazing hostess, and was always ready to help anyone anytime they needed it. She leaves a legacy of what it means to be a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and neighbor.

Pamela Sue Salcido of Fort Davis entered her rest June 17. A graveside service for Pamela will be held Saturday, July 15 at 10 a.m. at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Fort Davis. All Services are under the direction of Davis Mountains Funeral Hall -Mobile Mortician of Texas.

Margaret Stella Smietana passed away quietly in her sleep on May 9. She was 86 and had lived in Alpine for the past 16 years.