Alpine Avalanche

03/14/2025

https://www.alpineavalanche.com/news/bull-riders-learn-champion

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03/07/2025

03/06/2025

Come join our team!

03/05/2025

Patricia Ann Watts
Patricia Ann Watts, born August 29, 1936, passed peacefully on February 3 at home in Fort Davis.
Retired teacher, devoted wife, loyal and faithful mother, and grandmother, Patricia loved her students and strived to be as guiding and supportive to the hidden plights some students may have endured throughout her career just as if they were one of her own children. She taught for twenty years at the district, where she helped forge some of the best minds and professionals to walk the halls of Fort Davis High School.
Patricia loved traveling with her husband on a motorcycle or towing an RV to take the boat on the lake. She loved all her puppies and cats! She always expressed her love and pride for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She truly loved each one of them; however, that did not prevent her from pointing out areas of their lives that needed correcting.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Maj. Fletcher Smith Randall (ret. US Army), and Elizabeth Ruth. Siblings Ed Randall (Nancy) and Claudia Pearce. Her oldest son, Roger Kinzie, and step-granddaughter, Danita Kinzie, step-grandson Jonathan Salcido
She is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, Barrick Watts. Her youngest brother, Richard Randall (Lynn). Her children, Debbie Billing (David), Randall Kinzie (Belinda), Step-sons Bradley (Sylvia) Watts, Gary (Vickie) Watts, daughter-in-law, Ellen Kinzie, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces.
There are no services planned at this time

03/05/2025

John Michael Pahl
John Michael Pahl, known to many as JP, passed away on January 31 in El Paso at the age of 67. He was born on June 12, 1957, in San Francisco, California, and spent his life building- both in his work and in the relationships he cherished.
John embraced the freedom of riding his horse in his youth and later believed owning/riding a motorcycle was not optional. He was a man of many skills and strong convictions. He spent 50 years in the construction industry. Before following his dad to Alpine, he engaged in the building of tract homes and commercial properties in Reno, Nevada. John was a believer in taking no shortcuts with anything that he built. He had a passion for woodworking, and perfection was the standard. He also spent time driving big rigs and enjoyed playing the drums.
John is survived by his wife of seventeen years, Bobbi Pahl; his brothers, Stephen Pahl of Portland, Oregan, and Larry (Rose) Pahl of Northern California, his stepdaughter Jessica (Ben) Roberts of Midland, his stepson Quinton (Meagan) Sledge of Alpine; and his beloved grandchildren, Caitlyn Roberts, Tyson Roberts, Joseph Roberts, Connor Ramirez, Collin Sledge, and Keagan Sledge. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome Pahl and Barbara Ward, as well as his brother, Chuck Pahl.
John’s legacy will live on in the homes he built, his beautiful woodworking, and the family he embraced.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 1at 11 a.m. at Grace Christian Fellowship Church in Alpine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Christian Fellowship in John’s honor.

03/05/2025

Charley William Oates
Charley William Oates was born on October 16, 1943, in Saragosa, Texas, to Halley Oates and Jay M. Oates. He died on February 21.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 1, at 1 p.m. in Balmorhea at the Balmorhea Community Center.
Preceding him in death is his sister, Marian J. Oates Borden, and son, Russell M. Oates. Balmorhea was his home. Charley married Sharon K Oates on May 26, 2002. He Ranched, Farmed, and worked in Law Enforcement.
He is survived by his loving children, Cyndi K. Oates-Wright, husband, Marty Wright, children, Amanda K. Oates, Beau Wright, Holly Wright, and Braden Wright. Robert Moore, wife, Lacey Moore. Jacob Moore, wife, Elyse Moore, and daughter, Maggie Moore. Katie Wilson, husband, Mark Wilson. Sarah Prunty and their husband, Jeff Prunty, and children, Ethan Prunty and John Prunty. Ryan Stieg, wife, Trisha Stieg, children, Ryanna Pineda, Hunter Stieg, Talynn Stieg, and Ty Muench. His brother, John A. Oates, wife, Susan Oates, and daughter, Kay Oates. His brother, Jay H. Oates, and daughter in Law, Tina K. Oates
Special Thanks to Pecos County Home Health and Hospice and to our Sweet Angels, Sharaya Ortega and Martha Beltran, for taking such good care of our Sweet, Loving, and Rough-Around-the-Edges Cowboy. Charley made many lifelong friends and touched so many with his kind and fun spirit!
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
In lieu of flowers, please donate to TransPecos Dusty Paws.

03/01/2025

Presidio had a tough loss tonight in Midland against Iowa Park! Final score was 48-41.
Congratulations on an impressive season Blue Devils!

03/01/2025

Presidio leads 28-27 over Iowa Park at halftime.
Stay tuned!

02/28/2025

Good Luck Presidio at Regional Basketball 🏀!
Good Job Alpine on a neighborly Send Thru!

02/28/2025

Good Luck Alpine Fightin’ Bucks! Regional Powerlifting Meet.

02/25/2025

https://www.alpineavalanche.com/news/bring-shovel-county-approves-funding-new-medical-facility-south-county

The Brewster County Commissioners met for a special meeting on Tuesday, All commissioners were present. Precinct 2 Commissioner Sara Colando praised a group from the Terlingua CSD school, which on February 1 won the 2025 El Paso First Tech Challenge League Championship in robotics, competing against...

02/19/2025

June Mary Stein Smith
June was a person of enormous curiosity and creativity. Throughout her life, she created many works of art—from paintings to wall hangings to ceramics. She made furniture, and her home in Alpine is furnished with many of her works. As an older person, she learned how to use computers and create websites. She was always learning and expressing her newfound interests to her family.
She was born in San Antonio in 1940 to Grace Theresa Cobb and Robert Martin Stein. Her formative years were mostly spent in Kerrville, where she attended Tivy High School, worked at the main street drug store, and enjoyed the small-town life of the 1950s. After high school, she moved with her parents to Austin, where she won a local beauty contest, attended the University of Texas, and met Jimmy Ray Smith while the two of them lived at the same apartment complex – The Chateau Duval Apartments near the University. June and Jimmy were married in 1964. The couple moved to El Paso shortly thereafter, where their three children were born. They moved to Alpine in 1976. June received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Sul Ross State University in 1989.
June and Jimmy were married for 60 years and supported each other throughout their lives. June was the most beautiful woman in the world to Jimmy. June and Jimmy took their lives’ greatest joy in their three children. In recent months, June grew a newfound fondness for the monarch butterfly and learned everything she could about them. She urged her children to look out for the butterfly after her death as it would be a sign of her continued presence in their lives.
June is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Martin Stein and Grace Theresa Cobb, and is survived by her husband, Jimmy Ray Smith; her sister, Shirley Barker; her children, Steven Ray Smith (and wife Neva), Gary Collin Smith (and wife Annie), and Kristy Lynn Smith, and her seven grandchildren (in order of birth): Sebastian, Matthew, Ivy, Christopher, Kelsey, Scott, and Clay.
Donations may be made to Save Our Monarchs - www.saveourmonarchs.org.
Services will be held at Alpine Memorial Funeral Home. There will be a visitation on Saturday, February 22, beginning at 2 p.m., and a funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. Condolences and gifts may be left by visiting www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.

02/19/2025

Ruben D. Melgoza
It is with great sadness that the family of Ruben D. Melgoza announces his passing to be with our Lord and Savior on February 14. He was born on June 30, 1942, in Brownsville to Victor and Catalina Melgoza. Ruben married the love of his life, Maria Elia Melgoza, on September 18, 1958, and they shared 67 beautiful years together.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and one sister, his late son-in-laws, Andres Reyes Jr. and Inez Rios Jr., and one grandchild. He is survived by his wife, his three daughters, Nelda Reyes and Ruth Macias, and husband Joe and Pamela Melgoza, his sister Rosalinda Flores, his adored nephew Joel “Kenny” Melgoza and his wife Carolina, along with eight grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Ruben worked as a mechanic in Brewster and Terrell counties for eight years and then pursued his dream in law enforcement at Sul Ross State University as the first Hispanic chief. He also worked for the sheriff’s department and then eventually migrated to the Alpine Police Department, where he was also appointed as the first Hispanic chief of police and held that position, serving a combined 21 years of service. In 1990, he relocated to San Antonio, where he served as an officer for Edgewood ISD for 20 years as a sergeant. Aside from his respected career path, he was also a talented musician who played the saxophone and trumpet for the Rhythmaires. He had an ear for the keyboard or any instrument. Music was a big part of his passion, and even without an instrument in hand, his unique whistle would brighten up his surroundings, along with his contagious laugh, smile, and sense of humor.
His warm love and wisdom he shared will forever echo in our hearts. We will carry his legacy in our actions, his laughter in our smiles, and his love as a compass on our life’s journey. Thank you, Lord, for this man who led, loved, and believed in God and family. Thank you, Jesus Christ!
End of watch: February 14, 2025, at 2:45 a.m.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Alpine Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 209 W. Sul Ross Avenue. The recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, with the funeral Mass beginning at 10 a.m.
Services have been entrusted to Alpine Memorial Funeral Home, and gifts and condolences may be left by visiting www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.

02/19/2025

Bucks win! Bi-district champs! 🏆

02/18/2025

02/13/2025

https://www.alpineavalanche.com/news/cx-debate-sweeps-district

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02/12/2025

Shirley Ann Williams
June 21, 1966 — January 28, 2025

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” – 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV
Shirley Ann Williams was born in Cleburne, Texas on June 21, 1966, to Rev. Cordell and Odena Mitchell. Shirley received Jesus as her Savior at an early age and received the Holy Spirit at age eleven. When Shirley was a child, a prophetess prophesied that she would receive a healing and miracle ministry that would be called the Healing Revolution, and it would go to the nations.
During her junior year of high school, she went to Mexico for the entire summer and worked with missionaries throughout Mexico. She played her guitar and taught children the Word of God. She became very fluent in Spanish.
In 1984 she graduated as the valedictorian of Tecumseh High School in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. November 3, 1984, she married the love of her life, Mark O. Williams in Fort Worth, Texas. They eventually moved out west to Brewster County to join her parents in business. She quickly became an accountant preparing tax returns and eventually became an Enrolled Agent representing taxpayers to the IRS. She prepared many tax returns for the next twenty-five years. During these years she also became an E.M.T. with the volunteer emergency services of East Brewster County and eventually became the director where she served for 18 years. Simultaneously she served as Justice of the Peace of Precinct 3 for ten years. Shirley wrote many grants for Brewster County. One of these grants secured a brand-new outfitted ambulance for the volunteer services. The Mitchell’s businesses grew into a well-known source for furniture, flooring, and construction.
Shirley and Mark founded the thriving Grace Christian Fellowship church in 2002 where she co-Pastored the ministry until her death. Mark and Shirley led ministry teams to many nations including the Samoan islands, Yucatan Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Africa, and Puerto Rico. They preached the Word of God and experienced many miracles and signs and wonders followed them. The great commission was not just a passage of verses to Shirley, but a way of life.
In 2012, Shirley was diagnosed with cancer and given 90 days to live. Jesus showed her to sweat and in 90 days she was declared cancer free. In 2013, she co-founded the Whole Life Wellness Center to teach others holistic natural ways to obtain healing. She co-authored a book with her husband and parents, “Stage 4 Cancer Gone.” She was also featured with her book on Trinity Broadcasting Network’s “700 Club” with Pat Robertson.
In 2017, the cancer returned, and Jesus showed her to receive Infiniti Cells (Stem Cells) and in 90 days her health returned again. With the help from mentors and a great staff that believed God, she expanded the Wellness Center under the name Healing-Revolution nationwide and to other countries – just as she was prophesied to as a young girl.
She was a featured speaker for many well-known national and international ministry platforms on TV, radio, and social media. Known by many as the “Pastor Shirley the Stem Cell Lady.”
Shirley is survived by her parents, Cordell and Odena Mitchell of Midland. Her husband Mark of Alpine. Her three children, daughter Shatiel (Adam) Brant of Carson City, Nevada, daughter Shanee (Josiah) Obbink of Alpine, and son Vaughn Williams, of Alpine. Seven Grandchildren: Amalee (13) Brant, Jaren (11) Brant, Levi (9) Brant, Aubreigh (6) Obbink, Haizleigh (4) Obbink, Ethan (2) Obbink, and Kaius (1) Brant. Her siblings, Jonathan (Terry) Mitchell of Big Spring and Mark (Jenifer) Mitchell of Midland. Numerous nephews and nieces of her siblings. Preceded in death by her sister Cindy Inderlied and brother-in-law Greg Inderlied.

02/12/2025

Minerva Benavidez Alonzo
Minerva Benavidez Alonzo, aged 71, passed away peacefully on January 29 in San Antonio. Born to Domingo Benavidez and Lorenza Abreo Rosa, Minerva was preceded in death by both her parents, sisters Adelinda and Yolanda; brothers Alfredo, Mario, Gilberto; son Juan Luis; her loving partner of 31 years, Jesus Franco; and great-grandchildren Jack, Autumn, Witten, Kailee, & Jayden
Minerva's life was enriched by her family, including her surviving siblings Abelardo, Eduardo, Delma, Sandra, Harvey, Lorenza, Veronica and many loving nieces and nephews. Her legacy continues through her children Yvonne, husband Manuel Cabello, Christina, husband Johnny Ramos, Maria, husband Roger Castro, and Guadalupe, husband Nathaniel Morales. She was a proud and wonderful grandmother to Lorisa, Melinda, Marcos, LeAndra, husband Jack Burcham, Jordan, Araceli, Eddie, Jocelyn, Kristofer, Dominique, Moriah, Sergio, Deven, wife Audrey, Nevaeh, Mario, Amelia, Savannah, Andrew, Michael, Amiah, and a great-grandmother to Jonathan, Benjamin, Linkin, Madysan, Mia, Lilly, Brooklyn, Emma, Bailey, Marlene, KaylaMarie, Braelyn, Roman, and the soon-to-be-born Ariella.
Residing in Alpine for over three decades, Minerva thrived in the company of friends and family, often found enjoying simple pleasures like drinking her morning coffee on her front porch swing, cruising around town, and soaking in tunes with her partner. Known for her humor, compassion, and her caring and serving heart, she leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and a lifetime of memories. Her hobbies included sewing and crafting talents that she shared generously with others.
Minerva will be dearly missed, but her warmth and spirit will live on through the many lives she touched. Her family and friends are comforted by the memories of her loving and vivacious character.
A visitation was held on Thursday, February 6, at 3 p.m. with a Rosary following at 7 p.m. at Alpine Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass was held the following day, Friday, February 7, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Burial followed at Holy Angels Cemetery.
Funeral services were entrusted to Alpine Memorial Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.alpinememorialfuneralhome.com.