On July 23, we lost Samantha “Sammy Dee” Ardiana. She was born in 1967 in El Reno, Oklahoma, to David and Samantha (Jones) Ardiana. Much of her youth was spent in Great Falls, Montana. In 1984, she moved to Texas with her parents and attended Stratford High School. She graduated in 1986 and then attended Austin Community College, where she received her degree in early childhood development.
Sammy Dee was beloved by many.
James Leonard “Jim” Hokkanen of Blanco passed away Aug. 6, 2020 in Austin. James was born Nov. 25, 1935 in Kingston, Minnesota to Alfred Leonard Hokkanen and Mary Elizabeth (Saukkola) Hokkanen.
James attended St. Cloud State University before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served his country proudly during the Korean War era.
Life is a journey and Fielding Kellogg Reiner spent 60 of his 84 years with his forever love Rita Rose Krueger Reiner. Holding hands as they had throughout their married life, Fielding left this earth peacefully on July 30.
Fielding was born May 31, 1936 in Cypress Mill, to Herman and Esther Reiner.
From his earliest childhood, all he wanted to do was to fly. That motivation influenced his high school years as he worked with the Civil Air Patrol in his hometown of Artesia, New Mexico, washing planes to earn the opportunity to be taken flying.
Chuck’s 20-year career as a U.S. Air Force tanker pilot enabled him to see much of the world including The Azores (Portugal), Labrador (Canada), England, Alaska, Thailand, Australia and Vietnam.
Peggy Lucile Smith, 95, of Branson, Missouri, and formerly of Blanco, passed away at home on July 22, 2020.
She was born May 10, 1925 in Ottumwa, Iowa, to William and Nettie Robinson Hainline.
Surviving are two daughters, Shirley Runyon (Doyle Long) of Branson, Missouri, and Diane Smith (Raymond) of Fredericksburg. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, James Delbert Smith.
Visitation was at 11 a.m.
Esther May (Gass) Shannon, 81, of Kearney, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at her home.
She was born on Jan. 8, 1939 in Kendalia, to Erwin and Ella (Kneupper) Gass. She grew up in the Kendalia and New Braunfels area and attended school at Kendalia for a few years and later earned her GED.
Antonio F. (Tony) Vela passed into the arms of Our Lord on July 9, 2020, in Blanco, after a long battle with cancer.
He is survived by his partner of 43 years, Michael Green; his children, David John Thaddeus Vela, Judith Olivia Vela D’Amato (John), and Eric Antonio Vela Engberg (Tracy); grandchildren, Alexandria Dyanne Vela Licea (Maurilio), Anthony Grant Vela (Hillary), Shelby Dyanne Engberg Mujica (Yorger), Eric Antonio Engberg, Jr., Waylon Garrett Engberg, Wyatt Allan Engberg, and Kri ...
Stella Mancha of Blanco passed away at her home, surrounded by family on Thursday June 25, 2020 at the age of 69.
Stella was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, first and foremost. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She attended school in Blanco, and was a proud Blanconian.
Lexi Nicole Nevarez died Monday, June 15, 2020 in Blanco. She was born Sept. 1, 2005 in Fredericksburg, to Rhonda Romero and Ronnie Nevarez. Lexi left us all to soon.
She was preceded in death by her Great Grandmothers, Eva Nevarez, Fanny Lerma, and Juanita (Janie) Romero, her Great Grandpas Antonio (Tony) Nevarez, Ramon Lerma, her Grandpa Rosendo Nevarez, and her cousin, Jaley Brown.
She is survived by her mother, Rhonda Romero; father, Ronnie Nevarez; brother, Beck Nevarez; sisters, Dap ...
Jaley Marie Brown died Monday, June 15, 2020 in Blanco. She was born Sept. 19, 2003 in Fort Hood, to Clifford Brown and Jessica (Romero) Brown. Jaley left us all to soon.
She was preceded in death by her great grandma, Juanita (Janie) Romero; great grandpa, Clifford Brown, Sr. and her cousin Lexi Nevarez.
Jaley is survived by her mother, Jessica Brown; father, Clifford Brown; brothers, Hayden Brown, Clayton Brown, Tristan Brown; sister, Layna Brown; grandparents, Dana and Opie Romero, Gal ...
