Memorials

Joel Apollo Narbaez, Jr. "Narby", 34, of Lubbock, passed away August 6, 2022. He was born February 28, 1988 in Lubbock , TX to Joel Apollo Narbaez, Sr. and Jeanie Arredondo. He graduated from Lubbock High School in 2006; Joel then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2008, serving until 2014 with the rank of MASN; he received his Bachelors Degree from Texas Tech University. His last career was as a Forensic Screening Specialist for Star Care; he was also an entrepreneur establishing the company Fun and Done with his son, Noah, which he will continue to operate. Joel Apollo married Yessica Hernandez on December 18, 2019. Loved ones include wife, Yessica Narbaez; parents, Joel Apollo Narbaez, Sr. and Jeanie Arredondo; son, Noah Tristan Narbaez; daughter, December Roan Narbaez and brother Noel Apollo Narbaez, and nieces Tytiana, Nomi, Aria, and Tailynn.

Maria Raquel

Escobedo, 90, lovingly called “Tita” walked through the gates of heaven into the loving arms of her Savior on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. She was born in Olmito, Texas on June 9, 1932 to Virginia and Jose Gonzalez. She married Leoncio Quintero Escobedo on October 3,1948. Raquel was a loving mother. She was an active member of Pathway Assembly of God Church for over 60 years. Having a servant’s heart, Raquel was always ready to help as needed and wherever needed. Her doors were always open to anyone in search of a word of encouragement and prayer. As a self-made seamstress, there wasn’t a sewing project she wouldn’t tackle and complete, bringing joy to those who admired and trusted her talent. Those left to cherish her memory are her children; Raquel Velasquez (David), Juan Escobedo (Gloria), Irasema Velasquez (Andy), Leticia Cuellar, Sara -Charlie Campbell (Darrin), Sandra Turner (Roy), Esther Pena (Moses), her siblings; Andres Gonzalez and Raul Gonzalez; and 22 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and Jose, her husband, Leoncio, her sister, Concepcion Olvera, and her brothers, Abel and Ruben Gonzalez.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ~ Psalm 23:4 Timoteo Lara, 86, of Lubbock, passed away on August 24th after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on April 12, 1936 in Falfurrias, Texas. He was the son of Guadalupe and Margarita Lara. He was the husband of Paula Arocha Lara. They were married on April 25, 1955 in Wharton, Texas and shared 67 years together. Timoteo enjoyed the company of friends and family and his outgoing personality allowed many to share in his laughter and community. He retired from Lamar Advertising of Lubbock as a construction billboard installer. He was a long time member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife Paula; children Rosey Lara, Jane Cruz, Steve Lara and daughter-in-law Olga Lara; seven grandchildren; and 14 greatgrandchildren. He was the beloved brother of siblings Aurora DeAses, Estella Gonzalez, Guadalupe Lara, Jr., Maria Mora, and Anita Morin. He was preceded in death by sons Jose Luis Lara, David Lara, and Rojelio Lara, Sr.; parents Guadalupe and Margarita Lara; siblings Noe Lara, Raquel Moreno, Ruben Lara; sons-in-law Guadalupe Cruz and Edward Gonzales.

Joe Rangel Marin

was born February 2, 1947 in Seguin, TX to Manuel and Maria Marin and passed from this life on August 20, 2022 at the age of 75 in Lubbock, TX. He is survived by his sons Jaime Marin and Dean Marin (Robin); his daughter Anna Marin; his brothers Manuel Marin, Jr. (Becky), Ricky Marin (Rosa), Lorenzo Marin (Cruz), and Tony Marin (Georgia); his sisters Gloria Gatica (Paul), Olga Martinez (Arturo), and Veronica Rodriguez (Tim); 32 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Antonia Herrera Velasquez Val-

dez, 80, passed from this life on August 18, 2022. She was born May 10, 1942 in Ben Arnold, TX to Antonio and Ignacia Herrera Velasquez. She married Victor Garza Valdez on August 22, 1964 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church and they shared 57 years together. She dedicated her days to her family. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. She loved watching EWTN, praying the rosary, reciting Divine Mercy Chaplet and Mother Angelica. Antonia is survived by her husband Victor Garza Valdez, her daughter Vickie V. Narbaez (Ramiro Trevino), her only grandson Nick Narbaez, her brothers Leon H. Velasquez (Sylvia), Paul H. Velasquez (Norma), her sisters Angelina V. Torres, Augie V. Martin (Jim), Judy Garza (Bob), Rebecca V. Sera, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, a son Rene V. Valdez, her brothers Mike H. Velasquez, Louis H. Velasquez, and Ernest H. Velasquez, and a nephew Michael Angelo Sera.

Ernestina Carrera Armenta,

87, passed peacefully surrounded by family to be with our Lord on August 5, 2022. She was born on October 9, 1934 to Herculano Carrera and Josefa Melendez. She married Ignacio Armenta Sr. on January 28, 1954. She was the heart and soul of not only her family but the Guadalupe "El Barrio" neighborhood. She was an active parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where she served as a Guadalupana for over 60 years. She spent countless hours cooking meals after masses and for weddings and funerals. She ran the kitchen and fajita booth for Jamaicas and was involved with helping the Guadalupe Neighborhood Association. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Irma, Margaret, Mary and Sara. Her sons: Ignacio Jr., Raymond (Gloria), Joe and Lupe. Her siblings: Elva Carrera, Adan Carrera and Pedro Carrera. She was also blessed with 28 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Ignacio Sr. and her daughters Yolanda Torrez and Martha Lucero.

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ~ Matthew 5:4

Ernesto Mon-

talvo Cantu was born October 12, 1934 in San Antonio, Texas and passed from this life August 12, 2022 at the age of 87. He was born into a migrant farm working family where his parents Sotero and Ysabel Cantu taught their children the value of hard work and determination. Ernesto worked 35 years for the City of Lubbock until he retired in 1996. He then began a second career at Wayland Baptist University where he worked 19 years until retirement. Ernesto also owned and operated Cantu's Grill alongside his beloved wife and family. He was a patient man with a gentle spirit. He will be remembered as a wonderful father, grandfather and greatgrandfather. Ernesto is survived by his loving wife Reyes B. Cantu; his daughter Rebecca Cantu and her children Manuel Gutierrez (Amber) and Gabrielle Tobin (Manuel); his daughter Rosanna Cantu Rodgers (Bruce) and their children Joseph Rosales (Sade) and Celeste Bowman (Nick); his daughter Rachel's children Ricky Mojica (April), Ray Mojica (Evie), and Becky Martinez (Rex); his son Ernest Cantu and his children Issac Cantu, Ernie Cantu, Katie Cantu (Ricardo), and Aaron Cantu (Jeremy); and countless other family members and friends. Ernesto was a twin and was the last surviving member of his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters, and his daughter Rachel. NOTE: American Flag displays that the individual was a veteran. Mary Irene Mendoza, 70, of Lubbock, passed away August 2, 2022. She was born April 8, 1952 in Slaton, TX to Juan DeLeon and Rafelea DeLeon. Irene married the love of her life Theodore Mendoza in 2000. Irene worked at Frito Lay in Lubbock in the mid-1980s in quality control department. She was known for her cooking especially making and selling her tamales. She was her happiest when she was able to host and cook for her family. She leaves behind one daughter Veronica Robles (Troy) of Lubbock, TX; 2 granddaughters Jade Meza (John Paul Sanchez) of Lubbock, TX and Tsai Robles of Lubbock, TX; sisters Lousia Luna of Wichita Falls, TX, Julia Cristain of Lubbock, TX, Lydia Garcia of Phoenix, AZ and Sue Hernandez (Albert) of Lubbock, TX; brothers John De Leon (Jane) of Lubbock, TX, Sam De Leon of Lubbock, TX, and Domingo De Leon of Lubbock, TX; and a host of many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by husband Theodore Mendoza of Lubbock, father Juan DeLeon, mother Rafelea DeLeon; brothers Blas De Leon of Lubbock, TX, Guadalupe De Leon of Albuquerque, NM; sister Mary Martinez of Floydada, TX; and Nephew Jacob De Leon of Houston, TX.

Erinda Garnica

,75, passed from this life on August 17, 2022. She was born May 15, 1947 in Mathis, TX to Francisco and Guadalupe Gutierrez. She shared 30 years with her spouse Noe Hernandez. She was employed at Lubbock ISD Food Services and was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Linda is survived by her spouse Noe Hernandez; her children Ruben and Elena Cavazos, Jeanette Trevino, Joe Garnica, JoAnn Garnica and Mike Tole, Jennifer G. and Martin Diaz; her 9 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Joe Gutierrez, David Gutierrez, Luis Gutierrez, her sister Ramona Romo and her grandson Joe Garnica, Jr.

September Prayer

Awesome God, I confess openly that I cannot begin to understand all the complexities of your will and the way you work in our world. But Father, when I'm confused, please bring people into my life who will help me hang on to my faith until the confusion passes. Never let me give up on others. And today, dear Father, please use me to help bless someone who is struggling with his or her faith. In Jesus' name, I ask it. Amen.

"From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." ~ John 6:66

In Memory of Angelita Martinez

8/2/38-9/25/19 Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great grandmother was like that spring garden. We miss you! Te amamos, Tu familia y amigos

In Loving Memory of Genoveva “Beva”

Castro Perez

Sept. 17, 2004 Beva, You are still thought of, missed and remembered. Seeing your smile even in photos brings us joy.

Janie Hernandez

Davila entered into eternal rest on August 18, 2022. She was born June 20, 1935 to Frank and Mary (Benavidez) Hernandez in Cuero, TX. She married Frank Davila on December 25, 1954, in San Ygnacio, Texas. Janie enjoyed life to the fullest. She enjoyed exercising, traveling, and spending time with her family. Janie, a homemaker, made sure that their home was always well kept and ready to welcome anyone that entered. Survivors include her husband, Frank Davila; their sons, Gilbert Davila, and Daniel (Irene) Davila; grandchildren, Dawn Helphand, Kevin Herrera, Jesse Davila, Isamari Davila, Ron Koneski, Rhonda Koneski, Rose Koneski; greatgrandchildren, Abigail Koneski, and Emalynn Koneski; brother, Frank Hernandez; and sisters, Solia Robles, Gloria DeLeon, Delores Lara, Amelia Cantu. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Manuel, Henry, and Tom Hernandez; and a sister, Francis Ruiz.