Texas
Carl Anderson, 56
Died February 17, 2021.
Carroll Senior High School, Southlake, TX
Football Coach
Carl Robert Anderson, best known as Captain or Coach, passed away on February 17, 2021. He was born in 1964 to Neva Mae Mills and Herman Thomas Anderson. He was a loving husband to Ann Marie; a proud father to Carly Ann and Austin; and a proud Captain to his grandson, Lincoln Robert.
Carl attended Haltom High School where he played football and baseball. He fell in love with Ann Marie Baxter in 1984 and one year later, they were married on June 7, 1985 – it was the rodeo sweetheart’s Levi’s and blue eyeshadow that sealed the deal. In 1991, just before Carly Ann was born, Carl graduated from Texas Wesleyan University and, three years later, their little family was complete with the arrival of Austin. Being a dad to Carly Ann and Austin was Carl’s greatest accomplishment and he made sure everyone knew just how proud he was of his kids.
Carl landed his first job after college at Carter-Riverside High School where he coached football and was the head baseball coach, kicking off a 30 year career inspiring students and molding young athletes into better men.
Carl is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Ann Marie and his children, Carly Ann and future son-in-law, Alex Akrawi and Austin; grandson, Lincoln; sister, Linda and husband, Bo; brother-in-law, Kevin and wife, Paige; in-laws, Norma and Mitch Baxter; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and a host of “Framily.”
A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 26 at 10:00 am at Mount Olivet in Fort Worth. The family asks that you please maintain social distance and wear a mask for the duration of the service.
Courtney Yarbough, 45
Died February 20, 2021.
Leadership Prep School, Frisco, TX
Special Education
Courtney Neal Yarbough, affectionately known to his wife as “Leo”, was born on August 9, 1975, in Corsicana, Texas. He transitioned to eternity with his Lord and Savior on February 20, 2021, in Frisco, Texas.
At the age of eleven, Courtney accepted Christ. Under the leadership of his mother, he was an active member of the Second Missionary Baptist Church where he attended Sunday school.
Courtney graduated from Corsicana High School. He went on to graduate from Texas State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. He then taught students in Austin Independent School District for a few years before moving to Houston, Texas where he met the love of his life, his rock, his ace, Kimberly Shantelle “Kimmy” Black. The two taught in the Alief Independent School District. During his tenure there, he earned his Master´s degree in Education from the University of Houston.
In 2005, he married his “hammer”, Kim. They moved to North Texas, and God allowed them the gift of being parents to four amazing children. Courtney continued impacting the lives of students at Texans Can Academy, Lewisville Independent School District, and Leadership Prep School in Frisco. He impacted the lives of many of his students and colleagues with his ¨gentle giant¨ temperament.
He turned all of his children into sports fans quickly! They would all gather around the TV on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and rally around whatever team they were rooting for that week, never missing an opportunity to watch the Cowboys hopefully lose. Nevertheless, he instilled God’s word into each of them and ensured that it was a fabric of the family´s core values.
Courtney was known for his supportive, loving, and easy going temperament. He had a gift for meeting people where they were, with no judgement. Courtney was not only a supportive, loving, and compassionate guardian to his wife, children, and students, but also to his friends. He was a remarkable and inspiring friend who would give the shirt off his back. He loved to get friends and family together to eat and would definitely have a hand in one if not all of the food items, especially Bar-B-Que. Courtney loved to live life to the fullest, seeking every opportunity to serve others and root his children onto a victory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Yarbough in July 2020 and Euradella Yarbough in December 2020. Those left to cherish precious memories include his wife, Kim; daughter, Nia (15); son, Cade (13); son, Austin (10); son, Crayton (3); parents-in-law, James and Alice Black; brother, Charles Kirklin Yarbough; sister, Rose Marie Small (Anthony); sister-in-love, Lisa Yarbough; niece, Nona Yarbough; nephew, Anthony Small III; great-nephews, Austin and Tripp Small; several aunts and uncles; best friends and his family by choice: JJ, Ozenne, and Yolanda; and many beloved colleagues and dear friends.
William Duckworth, 50
Died January 2021.
Mansfield High School, Mansfield, TX
Special Education
A teacher’s aide for special education at Mansfield High School died over the weekend after being diagnosed with COVID-19, the school district said in a letter to parents on Monday.
William Duckworth, 50, was an “extraordinary man who always came to work with a heart of service,” Principal Trent Dowd wrote in the letter. He had worked for the district since 2016.
Grief counselors are at the high school and will provide support as needed, Dowd wrote.
The Mansfield school district will continue to follow COVID-19 protocols including requiring face masks, not allowing visitors, deep cleaning and sanitation every night, and social distancing as much as possible, Dowd wrote.
It wasn’t clear by the letter if it’s known where or how Duckworth contracted the virus. The district reports 250 student cases and 88 staff cases.
Unlike other states, Texas health officials haven’t included teachers in the state’s vaccine distribution plan. That means it is unclear when teachers will be eligible to receive the shot.
Melissa Gutierrez, 45
Died February 2, 2021.
J. Frank Dobie High School, Houston, TX
Family Consumer Science
Students at J. Frank Dobie High School are mourning the loss of their beloved teacher, 45-year-old Melissa Gutierrez. But her students say she was more than just a teacher.
“She loved everybody. Everybody that was around her felt love for her. A love beyond what a teacher should normally do,” said Noah Torres, a senior at J. Frank Dobie High School.
Mrs. Gutierrez taught family consumer science at Dobie High school for 11 years. She actually graduated from Dobie in 1993. And she loved being a part of the school.
“That was her passion to be an educator, that was her calling. Even outside of school she was still trying to teach,” said Joanna Gutierrez, Mrs. Gutierrez’s daughter.
But on Dec. 29, 2020, she tested positive for COVID-19. Her daughters said they were shocked, because she was always very careful.
“My mom was the last person that we thought would have ever got it, because she was so prepared and cautious,” Joanna Gutierrez said. “Not any time she (wouldn’t) have worn her mask.”
Her family said Mrs. Gutierrez had no underlying health conditions. They say she was intubated a week ago, but her lungs were just having a hard time. She died Tuesday.
“I was just in shock. There are no words to say. She was just a light in our life. Hard to imagine a person like that just gone,” said Kristen Barba, a Dobie High School senior.
Even though her classroom is now empty, Mrs. Gutierrez leaves hearts full of love and memories and one last lesson for all of her kids.
“She would have wanted for everyone to be prepared, wear your mask, take it seriously and take care of each other,” Joanna Gutierrez said.
Alfredo Valles, 60
Died February 12, 2021.
Guillen Middle School, El Paso, TX
Music
An educator who taught music died over the weekend.
Alfredo Valles died from COVID-19, confirmed his family.
Valles was also known as Freddy.
He was the band director at El Paso Independent School District, Guillen Middle School.
Valles’ niece, Ruby Montana, said Valles died on Feb. 12 after being hospitalized for more than a month for COVID-19.
“We had every confidence he would survive because he was healthy and his lungs were so strong from playing trumpet his whole life,” said Montana.
Montana said Valles had initially gone to Providence East hospital on Jan. 6 and was placed on a ventilator two weeks later.
Valles, who had no pre-existing condition, died at age 60.
He was a family man, adored by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews. He was always positive– always had a smile on his face. He was selfless and caring and had a timeless suaveness to him. He never ever spoke ill of anyone, never cursed, and never raised his voice. He was a rare gentle soul.
Proper Print Shop had shirts made in honor of Valles.
The proceeds from the shirts will be given to the Guillen Middle School Band.
An educator from Las Cruces also died from COVID-19. Elizabeth Placencio was 42 years old.
Bill Cosper, 62
Died January 30, 2021.
Lake Dallas High School, Corinth, TX
Football Coach
Billy Jack Cosper Jr, 62, of Denton, Texas, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021.
Bill was born on October 20th, 1958, at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Sunset High School in 1977 and went on to Stephan F Austin State University, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology. Bill played for four years on the football team, where he received all-conference recognition all four years. He continued on to play for the Atlanta Falcons in 1981 and 1982. He married the love of his life, Renee Reddin, in 1983, and they had their first child Derek Cosper in 1987. Bill accepted his first coaching job in 1991 at Stephen F Austin State University, and in 1992 he went on to coach at Valdosta State University in Georgia. They had their second child, Raquel, in 1997. In his 26 years of coaching & teaching career, Bill spent time at Adamson High School, Newman Smith High School, Sam Houston High School, Richland High School, Kearns High School in Utah, and Lake Dallas High School. Bill was not only a football coach but a mentor, father figure, and a molder of young men. He embodied the famous quote, “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.” And he changed many, many lives throughout his career.
Bill is preceded in death by His father, Billy Jack Cosper Sr, his mother Saralyn Ruth Renfrow, his sister Vickie Lynn, and his stepfather Homer Lee Renfrow Jr.
Bill is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Renee Cosper, son Derek Cosper, daughter Raquel Blades, son-in-law Marc Blades, brother Rick Cosper, and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Coach Cosper Scholarship Fund at the
following link: Coach Cosper Scholarship Fund, https://www.lakecitiesed.com/
Gerald Gamez, 65
February 6, 2021.
Cathedral High School, El Paso, TX
Assistant Principal
On February 6, 2021, Gerardo “Gerald” J. Gamez, loving husband, father, grandfather “Bamba”, son, brother, uncle, friend and educator, was welcomed into heaven. Gerald’s story began in Ankara, Turkey where he was born on March 29, 1965 to Fernando and Ethel Gamez. Gerald graduated from Hanks High School in 1983. During this time he met his one true love, Teresa. They were high school sweethearts and were married before God, family and friends on June 11, 1988. Gerald adored his wife. Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1986 and was honorably discharged in 1990. He later graduated from UTEP with Master’s Degrees in Guidance and Counseling and in Educational Administration.
Gerald was a passionate educator and mentor. He started his career as a Special Education teacher in San Elizario. He then became a counselor at Hanks and El Paso High and assistant principal at Eastwood and Del Valle High Schools. He retired from YISD in 2019 and joined Cathedral High School as an assistant principal. Gerald’s greatest love was his family. He and his wife were blessed with three children and a granddaughter. Gerald was also loved by his in-laws, dozens of good friends that were like family and his students. Gerald will be remembered for his profound devotion to his family. He was known as a practical jokester. If he had a smirk on his face, you knew he was up to something. He loved his Dallas Cowboys and believed every year they would win the Super Bowl. Gerald was involved in the ACTS community, Cub Scouts, Special Olympics and SAE Fraternity. Gerald was preceded in death by his father, Fernando Gamez Sr. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Teresa, his children, Brittany, Krystal and Michael, granddaughter, Juliet, mother, Ethel, siblings, Isabel, Patty (Dale) and Fernando Jr. (Verna), several nieces, nephews and his students who loved him. Services will be held on February 18, 2021 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home-East. The family would like to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support. Gerald will be missed tremendously. In the words of Gerald, “It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters where you end up.”
Cynthia Ritz, 47
Died January 18, 2021.
Gus Garcia University School, San Antonio, TX
Nutrition and Wellness
Cynthia Ann Ritz passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021 at the age of 47. Born October 2, 1973 in San Antonio, Texas, she is preceded in death by her aunt, Lupe Solis; and her grandfather, John F. Lujan.
Cynthia was an educator by heart who pursued a variety of majors, completing her Associates, Bachelors and even her Master’s degree in leadership. She received awards in robotics, wellness and nutrition and was personally invited to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade science and computer coding for 17 years at Wrenn Middle School. Her dedication did not go unnoticed, she won teacher of the year in 2019-2020 at Wrenn Middle School. The school year of 2020-2021 brought her new endeavors to teach Child Wellness and Nutrition at Gus Garcia University. She served 18 years with Edgewood ISD which showed her dedication to education. Cynthia did everything she could to make sure her students were successful.
She was a loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, niece, and aunt who went above and beyond to support her family’s needs, wants, and cares. She had so many close friends who she treated as family. Her love for everyone is indescribable. Words could never measure up to the type of person Cindy was nor the amount of love Cindy gave. She will always be loved and forever missed.
Cynthia is survived by her beloved husband, Gilbert R. Lopez; her children, Samuel and Xavier Morales; her parents, Hermelinda and Roland Acevedo; her siblings, Elizabeth Serna (Robert Jr.) and John Ritz (Nicole); her grandmother, Amelia Lujan, Grandparents Louis and Carolyn Villegas, uncle David Villegas,uncle David Herron, her mother-in-law, Mary R. Solis; her brother-in-laws, George Lopez, Edward Hernandez and Roger Santos; her sister-in-laws, Maria Solis, Diana Hernandez and Tina Santos; and her nephews, Daniel Ybarra, David Ybarra (Daisy), Robert Serna (Lindsay), Tommy Rey Serna, and nieces Rozalyn and Madeleine Ritz, extended family and friends.
Due to restrictions on public gatherings, the Visitation at Funeraria del Angel Trevino – 226 Cupples Road 78237 – will be limited to 50 people in the building at a time. Coverings are required to be worn. Please practice social distancing at all times.
The family will be receiving friends on Thursday, January 28 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. On Friday, January 29, a Procession will depart at 9:15 AM and arrive at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church – 1918 Palo Alto Road 78211 – for Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South Cemetery – 1700 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214.
Ernest Tejeda Jr., 40
Died January 30, 2021.
Stonewall Flanders Elementary School, San Antonio, TX
First Grade
On January 30th, 2021, our beloved husband and father Ernest Tejeda Jr. passed on into heaven at the age of 40. Ernest was born in San Antonio, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife Lilia Tejeda, and his three daughters Elizabeth Tejeda, Savannah Tejeda, and Harlee Tejeda, And his parents Laura and Ernest Tejeda Sr., and his grandmother Lillie Tejeda.
Ernest and Lilia met at fifteen years old and fell in love and had Elizabeth. They worked through many struggles and persevered through hardships to gain custody of their second daughter Savannah. Elizabeth and Savannah were raised by the both of them to be independent and beautiful individuals. Ernie and Lilia got married in 2005, many memories were made to cherish their love for one another. In 2017, a beautiful angel was introduced into Lilia and Ernest’s life, Harlee, their youngest daughter.
Ernest was highly accomplished, he graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2015 with a Bachelor’s of Education in Early Childhood Education for pre-k-6th grades. He had a passion for working with children of all ages. Ernest started working for the Harlandale Independent
school District at Stonewall Flanders Elementary, where he taught pre-k 4, and first grade years. His students loved and cherished him as a teacher, they always visited Mr. Tejeda even when he wasn’t their teacher.
Everyone who knew Ernie, knew he bled black and silver for the San Antonio Spurs. He was the biggest Spurs fan, he never missed a game. We remember during the Semi-finals and Finals conferences when he would drive down to Military to celebrate with everyone. He was a die-hard fan, who knew just about everything about the Spurs, past and present trivia. He was there for the retirements of his favorite players, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, and was able to experience Tim Duncan’s from home.
Ernest’s memory will be cherished and remembered by many of his loving family members: Brother Marcus, Sister Valerie, Brother-in-law Andrew, Sister-in-law Linda, Nephews Anthony, Eliseo, and Christopher, Godchildren Danielle, Adrian, Andrew Jr, and Ava. He will be missed dearly by his numerous nieces, nephews and cousins from both sides of his family, as well as his many close friends.
A Viewing and Rosary will be held, February 15th at Dellcrest Funeral Home 2023 So. W. W. White Rd. from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm. Knowing that Ernest was so loved by his family, friends and community, we ask that you would be considerate of others that would also love to come and pay their respects by making your visit brief. Everyone must have a mask on before entering the Funeral Home and must maintain Social Distancing while inside the Funeral Home.
For those wishing to view the Livestream from their phones or at home may do so by going to www.missionparks.com click on the obituaries and search for Ernest R. Tejeda Jr. and scroll down the Tributes tab to the link.
A Funeral Mass will be held on, February 16th at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church followed by interment at Mission Park Burial South
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Rosary and Funeral Mass will be restricted to immediate family. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ernest Raul Tejeda Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
Sandy Rodriguez, 68
Died January 29, 2021.
Ropesville Independent School, Ropesville, TX
Secretary
Cenaida “Sandy” Rodriguez, 68, of Ropesville was born November 28, 1952 in Brownfield to Juan & Maria (Torrez) Cruz. She married Anselmo Rodriguez April 30, 1982 in Ropesville. She worked at Ropes ISD for 26 years. She loved her job and the kids. Sandy enjoyed spending time with her family, all kinds of crafts, & painting. She was a member of Saint Francisco de Asis in Ropesville.
Sandy went to be with the Lord Friday, January 29, 2021. Her father: Juan Cruz and granddaughter: Ally Nickens both preceded her in death.
Those left to cherish her memories are her husband of 38 years: Anselmo Rodriguez, her mother: Maria Cruz, 5 children: Richard Escandon & wife Christy, Rachel Escandon, Rebecca Salas & husband Michael, Monica Davila & husband Abelardo, Andrea Puente & husband Christopher, 9 grandchildren: Phillip Salas, Adrian Escandon, Alex Escandon, Nyssa Salas, Nicolas Salas, Gabriela Escandon, Alizebeth Nickens, Jackson Nickens, & Ayden Davila, 1 great-granddaughter: Alyvia Padilla, and her brother Johnny Cruz & wife Cathy.
Graveside services will be at 1:00pm Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Ropesville Cemetery in Ropesville with Father Jose Kochuparambil officiating. Services are under the care of Wilsons’ Funeral Directors of Wolfforth.
Pallbearers will be Phillip Salas, Adrian Escandon, Alex Escandon, Nicolas Salas, Jackson Nickens, & A.J. Padilla. Honorary pallbearer will be Gil Gonzales.