May 3, 1932-June 6, 2018

Allen E. Swize of Helotes, Texas, born May 3, 1932, passed away June 6, 2018 at the age of 86 with his family by his side. He was called home by the Lord to join his beloved wife of 60 years Betty Swize, parents Emil and Susie Swize, son Christopher Allen Swize, and great-grandchild Addison Wente. Allen is survived by daughters Cheryl Wente (Tom) and Debra Marmor; grandchildren, Christopher Wente (Melissa), Suzy Villarreal (Michael), Eric Wente (Brittany), Matthew Marmor, and Emily Marmor; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Nikki, Hallie, Tommy, Bear, Kyle, Carson, Reagan, Eve, Allen, and Presley; 4 brothers, Daniel Swize, Myron Swize, James Swize, Emily Swize, Jr.; sister Darlene Moczygemba, his beloved dog Snickers, and a lifetime of friends and neighbors. Allen served with the United States Navy for four years during the Korean War. After he returned from the service, he devoted 40 years of his life to work with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Visitation will begin at 6 pm and the rosary will be recited at 7 pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A funeral Mass will be celebrated the following day, Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 12 pm. Interment will follow at Mission Burial Park North.

August 17, 1937-April 29, 2018

Antonio I. Ramirez, 80, passed away on April 29, 2018. He was born on August 17, 1937 to Carlos A. and Ventura R. Ramirez in Mission, Texas. He was the beloved husband of Mary Esther Ramirez for 54 years, the father of four children, grandfather to four, and great grandfather to two.

Antonio participated in several civic, fraternal and patriotic organizations including the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master, St. Mary’s University Alumni Association, The 100 Club of San Antonio, The Knights of Columbus Councils 624 and 4786, Catholic War Veterans Post #4, Disabled American Veterans, and the Society of Logistics Engineers. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Booster of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and The Order of Franciscan Missionaries. Antonio was an avid fisherman, hunter and gardener.

Antonio is preceded in death by his daughter Margaret J. Ramirez, father, mother and brother Enrique. He is survived by his wife, Mary Esther Ramirez; children Retired CPO David A. Ramirez (Judith Ramirez) from Pensacola, FL, Patrica A. Hutson (Larry Hutson) from Jacksonville, FL, and Lt. Col. Roland E. Ramirez from Plato, MO; grandchildren Jessica K. Lang (Jerry Lang), Zachary D. Ramirez, Jessica N. Boguslawski (John Boguslawski III), and Renee M. Ramirez; great-grandchildren Brayden J. Lang and Riley L. Lang. He is also survived by his siblings Jose, J. Carlos, Maria, Miguel, and Ramon.

The family would like to thank the many family and friends for your prayers, visits and calls. May the Lord bless you all!

Visitation: Tuesday, May 15, 2018  5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Rosary: Tuesday, May 15, 2018  7:00 p.m.
Castle Ridge Mortuary

Funeral Service: Wednesday, May 16, 2018   11:45 a.m.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Interment: Wednesday, May 16, 2018   2:00 p.m.
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

February 6, 1964-May 1, 2018

A beautiful light of our community, Lynda Ambrose, went to her heavenly home on May 1, 2018, surrounded by her family and dear friends. She fought a tremendous battle with cancer for the last ten years with integrity, strength, humility, and great love.

She was a pillar of joy for all of us at St. Francis. She regularly attended the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday’s where she welcomed parishioners with her radiant smile as a Hospitality Minister. She gave of her time weekly to help the less fortunate by serving on multiple Mobile Loaves & Fishes teams. She also enjoyed helping out with the Kid’s Games at the annual church festival. She was an ACTS sister and was grateful to serve on team and share the love of Jesus with others.

Most of all, Lynda leaves a legacy of love, compassion, service, and joy! We give thanks and praise to God for Lynda’s life, and we rejoice that she is no longer suffering. She remains a beautiful light in the lives of all those that knew her. May she rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.

Services:

Sunday, May 6, 2018 All Faiths Funeral Home in Smithville, Texas

            Visitation 2:00-4:00 pm

            Rosary 4:00-5:00 pm

Monday, May 7, 2018 Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Smithville, Texas

            Mass: 10:00 am

April 18, 1933-April 26, 2018

Born to Guadalupe and Consuelo Perez on April 18, 1933 in Brownsville, TX, Maria was their only child. At the age of 11, while skating in front of her father’s restaurant, she pointed out a paperboy she’d never seen before to her aunt and boldly predicted she would marry him one day. On Feb. 9, 1949, she did just that marrying Manuel de la Rosa, Sr.

As a young mother, she worked several jobs, including Gift Wrapper and Elevator Operator at JCPenney’s. She was also a seamstress and sold Avon products.

In 1960 she, her husband and their three children moved to San Antonio where they opened a small café on Josephine Street serving breakfast and lunch to employees from nearby Pepsi Cola, Co., Slater White Cleaners, and Texas Neon Lighting Company. In 1962, a small taco/enchilada stand on Vance Jackson Road led to the opening of La Rosa Mexican Restaurant. The daily specials and catering business took off encouraging a second La Rosa restaurant on Fredericksburg Road in 1966. They retired in 1981 after 21 years as restaurant owners.

While her husband continued working in the restaurant business including La Mansion, she opened a licensed in-home child care business which inspired her to complete a GED in 1988. Continuing her education, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Child Care. She was a second mom “Mimi” to many children in her care. At one time it was said that she had cared for over 200 babies. She continued her business after her husband died in November 1995 retiring in 2001. Not one to sit at home, she volunteered as a Foster Grandparent at St. Paul’s Ministry and Catholic Charities Ministry, earning many commendations for her dedication and caring work with the children.

Always an entrepreneur, she had a side business selling Beeline Clothing, in-home/catalog sales. Maria was known for her ability to spread the Good News, often quoting from the Bible. She was a “walking/talking Bible Thesaurus”. Ask her a where to find a certain verse or scripture and she could tell you without batting an eyelash.

She is survived by five children, Dolores Patiño (Anthony), Manuel de la Rosa, Jr. (Betty), Mary Roszell (Billy), Esther Sahagun (Tim), and Miguel de la Rosa (Angie). Maria had thirteen grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several brothers in law, sisters in law, many nieces and nephews, godsons and daughters.

Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s crept in and stole the last years from her and loved ones. She died peacefully on Thursday, April 26, 2018. We will celebrate this occasion as her birthday into heaven and reunion with her husband.

Maria was blessed to lead a very full life. Her life was a blessing to all of us and made possible what we enjoy today. We thank God for her gift of life and the beauty of her creation in her family. We treasure our memories of her and we will miss her. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Alzheimer’s San Antonio & South Texas Chapter.

The visitation will be held on May 5 at 10:30 am at Fred J. Tips Mausoleum Chapel (20900 IH 10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257). The funeral service will follow at 12 pm.

July 23, 1921-April 11, 2018

Nicholas Anthony Messina, age 96, passed away on April 11, 2018 in San Antonio. He was born on July 23, 1921 in New York City, New York to Frank and Emma Messina. Nicholas was part of the greatest generation. He served his country honorably in the United States Army during WWII. Nicholas was a long-time resident of North Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; and son, Keith Francis Messina. Nicholas is survived by daughter, Patricia Chisolm and husband Joseph; grandchildren, Jason Messina (Carrie), Nicole Ogle (Jamie), Colleen King (Shawn) and Nicholas Messina; great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Troy Messina, Jackson Ogle, Brody King, and Harper King. The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. David N. Lopez and Heart-to-Heart Hospice.

MEMORIAL MASS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018 10:00 am
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
4201 DE ZAVALA RD
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78249

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

October 7, 1938-April 13, 2018

SMSgt Michael Dennis Gehri, USAF (Ret.) passed away on Friday, April 13, 2018. He was born October 7, 1938 in Tacoma, Washington to Errol and Ruth (Sullivan) Gehri.

SMSgt Gehri served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force then later retired from Southwest Research Institute after 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Pat, Terry and Glen. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Kelly Tagliaferro and her husband, Robert, Christine Scrivner and her husband, Eric; grandchildren, Christopher and Robert, II Tagliaferro, Michael and Megan Scrivner; sisters, Jane Miller and her husband, Ron and Linda Berryman; numerous nieces and nephews.

SERVICES
A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala. The Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at the church. A Graveside Service with Full Military Honors will be at 10:15 A.M. on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road.

June 14, 1927-March 26, 2018

Howard (Howdy) Michael Wolf entered into eternal life on March 26, 2018 at the Village of Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 14, 1927 and was raised in Muncie, IN. He served in the U.S. Army at the end of WWII and then finished his studies at Indiana University. Upon graduating, he was employed by Union Carbide where he worked for 38 years, retiring as Materials Manager for the company. In 1950 Howard was married to Norma Maxine Skinner, of Muncie, until her death in 1995. Together they raised 6 beautiful, active children: Michael (Jung Ja) Wolf, Patricia (Keith) Rancine, Stephen (Rosie) Wolf, Joseph (Helena) Wolf, Teresa (Bill) McGrath and Karen (Mark) Murdoch. He adored his 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Throughout his life Howard enjoyed traveling and volunteering in the community and church. He was a proud member of Elks Club, Knights of Columbus, served as President of the Kokomo IN Jaycees, held leadership positions with Boy Scouts of America, and was Director of Property Owners Association in Wonder Lake, IL. In 1999, Howard married his sister-in-law, Margaret Mueller Wolf and very smoothly assumed the role of step-father (7) step-grandfather (13) and step-great-grandfather (2). He is survived by his devoted wife Margaret, his children, step children, brother James Henry Wolf (Beth Ann) and his sister-in-law Marilyn Sue Skinner.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Norma; parents Howard and Mariam Wolf; brothers John Thomas Wolf and Richard Louis Wolf.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2018
1:00 PM
THE VILLAGES AT INCARNATE WORD
ST. JOSEPH CHAPEL
4707 BROADWAY
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

Father James Mueller and Father Jim Rutkowski will officiate. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the charity of your choice.

March 11, 1923 – March 15, 2018

Mildred “Millie” Marie Novosad, went to her heavenly home on March 15th. Her love of God, family, and life kept her alive way beyond expectations, giving her the nickname of the “energizer bunny”.

Millie was born in Houston and spent 46 years married to Jerry Novosad as an Army wife and mother of three. She and Jerry retired to Boerne living in the dream home they built. After Jerry died, Millie continued on with courage and spunk that only seemed to grow with age.

Millie will be remembered as a strong, loving, courageous, woman who showered her family with unconditional love. She was pre-deceased by her parents, husband, sister, and great-granddaughter. She is survived by daughters Barbara Stueve (Dick) and Beverley McClure (Ken) and her son, Jerry Novosad, Jr. (Jaime). Her 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren will greatly miss their beloved Nanny.

The vigil will be March 23rd at 7:00 pm at Mission Park North with Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Saturday, March 24th at noon followed by a celebration of her life at St. Francis’ Henke Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family will accept donations to Candlelight Ranch at candlelightranch.org.

August 14, 1937 – March 4, 2018

Antonio “Tony” Zepeda passed away on March 4, 2018 at the age of 80. He was born on August 14, 1937 in San Antonio, TX and is survived by his beloved wife, Henrietta, of 53 years. He is also survived by his two sons, Anthony and his wife Mary Ann McGarry, and their children Nicholas and Alexander; and Duane and his wife Aaron Leigh Zepeda, and their children Violet and Everett; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Tony’s surviving siblings are Ignacio Zepeda, Francisco Zepeda, and Rosalia Zepeda. He was preceded by his parents, Ignacio and Norberta Zepeda, and his older sister Leonor Zepeda, SSCJ.

Tony served in the United States Army and Army Reserves from September 1958 to August 1964. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Private First Class. He worked in the civil service at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, TX for 27 years and earned a Bachelor in Applied Arts and Sciences degree from Southwest Texas State University in 1977. Tony was a loving father and dedicated husband. He worked hard for his family and strove to give the best to his wife and sons.

Services will be on Saturday, March 10, at 9:30 am, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 DeZavala Rd., San Antonio, TX. Reception to follow.

Burial will be on Thursday, March 22, at 1:45 pm at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX.