Diana Belle Lich Soat

September 9, 1931 – February 12, 2024

Diana Belle Lich Soat, age 92, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on September 9, 1931, in Comfort, Texas, to her parents Ida (Arhelger) and Oscar Lich. The fourth of five children: her siblings included three brothers, O.C., Victor, and Roy, and sister Helen.

She attended Cypress Creek School and graduated from Comfort High School in 1947 at the age of fifteen. She was awarded a scholarship to Mary Hardin Baylor College in Belton, Texas. Too young for college, she attended Draughon’s Business School in San Antonio. She first worked in the bookkeeping department at Frost Bank then at First Federal S&L. Years later, she was a secretary at Saint Mary’s Hall and Keller Saunders/Alamosa Company.

She was proud of her Hill Country heritage, where, in the 1850’s, her great-grandparents from Germany had settled. She was grateful to travel to Germany to get to know their descendants. Growing up being no further away from home than San Antonio, she would later travel throughout the United States, and visited England, Ireland, Australia, Aruba, Mexico, Canada, with stopovers in France and Iceland. She was the go-to for family history and carried a strong moral compass.

Along with her academic talents, she participated in sports, primarily basketball and was an avid Spurs and Cowboys fan. She enjoyed bowling, relished leisure at Canyon Lake, and had a prevalent creative quality with pictures, cross-stitch, a gifted Jeopardy player, and meticulous organizer.

Diana was a family first mom who raised her sons with love and grace. She was also a loving and fun Oma to her grandchildren and embraced her extended family. Her legacy of dedication to her family and friends will forever live in the hearts she touched, and leaves behind a rich source of fond memories that will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and, after a nearly 61-year marriage, beloved husband James (Jim) O. Soat. She and Jim were founding members of the St. Francis of Assisi Church community. Diana is survived by her sons, Kevin J. Soat, and Richard D. (Ruth) Soat; grandchildren, Cason R. (Ally) Soat, Richelle V. (George) Tasevski, Darin J. Soat, and Jalen P. Soat; great-grandchildren, Addisyn Belle Singleton and Journey Rose Tasevski, other extended family members including step-grandchildren Christopher (Francesca) Salazar, Melissa (Ken) Parker, Matthew (Kelsey) Salazar, step great grandchildren Jameson Salazar, Emerson Salazar, Keira Parker, Cassidy Parker, and numerous friends.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Constance O’Neill

March 4, 1928  –  February 16, 2024

Mrs. Constance O’Neill, age 95, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024, in Boerne, Texas. She was born on March 4, 1928, in San Antonio to parents, Herbert and Erna (Raba) Holzmann.

Her life’s journey began in Texas, and continued on to New York after marrying her husband in 1948. The following 33 years found her raising a family, joining the workforce, making lifelong friends and clearly being loved by all. She returned home to San Antonio after her husbands passing, and began yet another chapter in her life.

Constance was a founding member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in San Antonio. She was deeply loved and respected as the Matriarch of her family. Affectionately known as “Grammy” to her family, she leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will remain forever in the hearts of her family and all that knew her.

Constance was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James O’Neill; her parents; siblings, Herbert, Marjorie, Erna and infant brother, Timothy; and son-in-law, Don Curry.

She is survived by her son, Steve O’Neill (Carol); daughter, Vicki Curry; grandchildren, D.J., Ashley, Sean and Erin; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Annie, Parker, Jane, Theo, Blair, and very much anticipated great-grandson, James. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Make a Wish Foundation secure2.wish.org

Javier Garcia

November 21, 1985 – January 17, 2024

On January 17th, 2024, Javier Garcia went to be with the Lord at the age of 38. Javier was born to Hector and Mary Louise Garcia on November 21, 1985, in San Antonio, TX. Javier’s life
was one of dedicated service to his family and the community, where he worked as a registered behavioral
therapist. Javier attended the International School of the Americas High School, where he was involved in the PALs program and Model UN, as well as the Robert E. Lee High School choir. He then attended Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, where he received his first bachelor’s degree in Communications in Journalism. Subsequently, he went on to attend Utah State University, where he earned his second bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and Deaf Education. Javier wanted to be a leader in his chosen field of Behavior Therapy and work with autistic children and teens. He chose to return to school and earned a Master’s degree in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in December 2023.
Javier was passionate about the sports he chose. He achieved a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the Korea America Taekwondo Academy in 2000. Javier went on to win the bronze medal in the U.S. Open in Tae Kwon Do in Las Vegas in 2001. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Cool Arrows Marksmanship Team. In July 2023, Javier participated in a national shooting competition with the Civilian Marksmanship Program at Camp Perry in Columbus, Ohio, where he was awarded the Distinguished Rifleman badge. Along with Javier’s appetite for continuous learning, he was the ultimate champion to those he loved. Once Javier decided he wanted to be your friend, there was nothing that could stop him. He would stay up late studying with you to ensure you passed your test, drag you to family functions because he didn’t want you to be alone on the holidays, and show up at birthday parties as the ultimate cool uncle or cousin. He was also up for pet sitting, game nights, UFC fights, or volunteering his time for phone banking with community action groups and campaigns. Javier is survived by his parents, Hector and Mary Louise; sister, Marcella Espindola and Santos Rodriguez; nephew, Daniel Antonio Morin; niece, Liliana Renee Espindola; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. On January 17th, 2024, Javier Alejandro Garcia went home to be with the Lord at the age of 38. Visitation will be held at Funeraria del Angel Trevino, 226 Cupples Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237 on February 16th, beginning at 4:30pm, followed by a Rosary service at 7:00pm. The funeral Mass will be held on February 17th at 10:00am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 210 St Ann St, San Antonio, TX 78201, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The Arc of San Antonio and Autismspeaks.org.

Patricia Acosta

January 26, 1967 – January 19, 2024

Patrica (Trisha) Acosta, 56, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, aunt, friend, passed away into God’s Loving Embrace on January 19 2024, in San Antonio, TX. She was surrounded by her family whose love lifted her spirit after a valiant fight against cancer. She was born on January 26, 1967 in San Antonio Texas, the daughter of Pedro Rodriguez Jr. and Teresa R. BlaneyBorn and raised in San Antionio, she lived an extraordinary life, full of love and adventure that always centered around family. She attended Clark High School where she met her future husband Robert, whom she married in 1986. They welcomed their daughter Christina that same year, becoming a devoted mother who relished their time together at home and school. She was a celebrated cook within the family, having learned the art from her grandmother which she shared passionately with family at gatherings throughout the year. Those gatherings were incredibly important to her and she went to great lengths to prepare the house and plan the perfect menu for all her family to enjoy. Some of her fondest memories involved her time as a teacher at Heintz Preschool (of Congregation Agudas Achim) where she found the love of teaching art and met life-long friends. Although she remained a resident of San Antonio, she was an accomplished traveler having had adventures across much of the US, Mexico and Canada and further afield to Europe and Africa! Above all else, she cherished her time spent with her beautiful daughter and beloved grandchildren as they brought her the greatest joy in life. She went to great lengths to attend every practice, game, recital, program, and graduation and was often the loudest voice in the crowd cheering them on. She kept them close to heart in her daily activities as their love and support were her driving force. She will live on in all of our memories.

Trisha is preceded in death by her grandfather Pedro (Poppy) Rodriguez Sr. and her brother William A. Blaney Jr. She is survived by her loving husband Robert Acosta, her daughter Christina Carmona, Son-inLaw Matthew Carmona, her grandchildren, Alex Carmona, Andy Carmona, Gracie Carmona, her parents Pedro Rodriguez Jr (Yvonne) and Teresa R. Blaney (William), her grandmother Emma Rodriguez, sisters Stefanie Vititoe (Jason), Christina Cunningham (Kevin), Jessica Hoffman (Dolan), Monica Rodriguez, Sandra Schaub (Craig), brother Garnett Blaney (Misty), her beloved nieces and nephews (Alexa, Virginia, Dylan, Dakota, Jasmynn, John, Jacob, Kathryn and Whitley), great-nieces and nephew, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Paul Dean Kinslow

February 7, 1964- December 23, 2023

Paul Dean Kinslow was born in Wichita County, Texas on February 7, 1964, to parents Carroll Wayne and Dorothy Kinslow. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and other family including his son, Nick Kinslow. He is survived by his son Kristopher Kinslow, his daughter, Shellie Kinslow Taylor, and his sister, Janice Mason (Roy).

Paul was raised and went to school first in Oklahoma and later in Texas. Paul and his sister Janice attend Baptist church with their grandparents in Oklahoma. His occupation was carpentry and building trades and he made his home in San Antonio.

Paul attended RCIA at Saint Francis and was confirmed at the Easter Vigil mass in 2007. Paul helped many friends in San Antonio and especially parishioners at Saint Francis whom he considered his extended family. He ensured his son Kris participated in faith formation and was baptized. He also supported Kris’s participation in CYO sports. Paul was a hospitality minister and participated in Habitat for Humanity, ACTS, Men’s Club and Knight’s activities.

Thank you to all those who have prayed for Paul in the past with his two bouts of non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma and his recent hospitalization with cardiac arrest.

Reuben “Andy” Guerra

July 28, 1949 – December 2, 2023

Reuben (Andy) was born in Laredo, Texas to Reuben and Beatrice Weaver Guerra on July 28, 1949. He went to school in Hebbronville, Texas. He married Cynthia V. Ramos on August 4, 1973 in Kingsville, Texas. Reuben served his country during the Vietnam War as an electronic specialist and captain guider on the USS Lexington air craft ship. After serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, he attended the University of Texas in Austin. He continued his electronics specialty with Xerox Corporation and managed offices in both Corpus Christi and San Antonio for numerous years. Reuben (Andy) is preceded in death by Reuben Guerra (father), Beatrice Weaver Guerra (mother), Nelda Cora Lull (Thomas E. Lull) and Olga Deanna Wood (Richard G. Wood). Reuben is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cynthia V. Guerra, children: Edward Andrew, David Alan (Alecia), Michael Aaron (Nicole), Alexa Marie. Eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also, his sister Catherine Rose Aiton (Travis Micheal Aiton) and nieces and nephews. A visitation for Reuben will be held Monday, January 8, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249 followed by a funeral mass which will celebrated on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM. A committal service will follow on Monday, January 8, 2024 from 1:30 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 with military honors.

Lorraine Steubing Griffin

1930 – September 6, 2023

Lorraine was raised on a farm in West Bexar and Medina counties—without modern conveniences! She was baptized on January 17, 1931 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Castroville, Texas; she received her first communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. Her mother passed March 26, 1936, when Lorraine was only five years old, and she continued to live on the farm with her father and sister Madelyn, who was 7 ½ years her elder and stepped halfway into the role of her mom. Her father, who read the entire Bible several times, continued her Catholic education, though he himself was Lutheran. Lorraine enjoyed her summers with her grandparents at Rio Medina, where
she spent lots of time swimming in the Medina River in the shade of Cypress trees. Lorraine attended the Maverick School in Medina County, a traditional two-room schoolhouse of the time. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio when she was 15 and joined the work force, with her first job being in a real estate office for 5 years before entering Federal Service in Government Contracting at various local Air Force installations for approximately 41 years. While she was working, she attended San Antonio College and Southwest Texas State University. Lorraine said it was a long and rewarding journey from a two-room schoolhouse to the job that she held at the time of her retirement. Lorraine received many awards for her outstanding work during her time in federal service and retired in 1990, then went back for 13 months, until Rick told her she needed to retire so they could travel before they got too old. Lorraine felt very blessed to have such a large attendance at her retirement ceremony, where she received many gifts. She was awarded the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award and medal, accompanied with a congratulatory letter from President George H.W. Bush. Lorraine also received a United States flag that was flown over the Congressional building. After retirement, she volunteered with the National Association of Federal Retired Employees (NARFE) Chapter 1320 for 18 years, bringing her total time on the Air Force Bases to 59 years! For her service, she earned the NARFE Award for District Volunteer of the Year.

The year she retired, Lorraine felt she had the opportunity to repay Madelyn for the growing up years, when her sister played the role of a mother as well as her big sister. Madelyn had colon cancer for five years before she passed and Lorraine was able to spend time by her side, caring for her and being the sister Madelyn needed during that time. Lorraine never had children, but she did enjoy spending time with her nephew Tommy, and later his three children, Kirk, Jennifer, and Jeff. She would have one of the children with her almost every weekend and they enjoyed many journeys to the coast. After she and Rick married, her step-grandson lived with them during part of his senior year of high school, his first year of college, and weekends and summers for several years thereafter.

In fact, traveling brought great joy to Lorraine’s life and she had many opportunities to travel in her home country and to travel abroad, though she traveled only in the United States after the events of 9-11. Her journeys include travel to Italy, Greece and the British Isles, an Alaskan Cruise, and to the Great Northwest and Canada; also to many annual Navy Squadron Reunions held in the United States.

Lorraine was an ardent community member and volunteer. Her diversity of activities includes being President of the La Villita Chapter of the America Business Women’s Association, a charter member of the San Antonio Purchasing Management Association, and memberships with the Altrusa Club of San Antonio and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army, and numerous church organizations. Lorraine was deeply religious and spiritual and read the Bible twice, including the foot notes. Her church activities include serving as an administrator for Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes at St. Gregory Catholic Church, being a Founder of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, an officer in the Women’s Council, serving as chairperson for the first St. Francis cookbook “Seasoned with Love,” membership in the Society of the Rosary (including making baby bibs and rosaries), membership in the Renew Bible Study group for 15 years, volunteering with Mobile Loaves and Fishes from inception until her health failed, and four years of membership on Hank and Flo Tripp’s Silver Stars team, where she and Rick helped prepare and serve meals and provide the evening’s entertainment one evening a month for four years. Fond memories have to include Lorraine’s cracker cookies; they were always a favorite at the St. Francis October Festival and would always disappear first, due largely to the fact that members and visitors alike would come to get those cookies before they even got their food! Lorraine lived a full life, surrounded by a wealth of family and friends that loved and greatly admired her. Throughout her life, people would tell Lorraine how much they enjoyed her smile, sense of humor, and twinkling blue eyes (which she got from her mischievous grandfather). Of course, the sense of humor sometimes got her into trouble! She leaves behind her a legacy of love and boundless beautiful memories.