November 2022

Emma Gonzalez Vela passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 7, 2022. Emma was born in Palito Blanco, Texas on May 14, 1925, to Alejandro Gonzalez Guerra and Dora Chapa. As a child she grew up in Palito Blanco, where she was one of the oldest of thirteen brothers and sisters. She graduated from Ben Bolt High School and Texas A & I University. She began her teaching career in Ben Bolt, Texas. She and her family moved to Alice in 1948. In about 1956, she met the love of her life, Jose M. Vela. After a brief courtship they were married on July 28, 1957. She began teaching in Alice in 1957. She had two sons, John Alexander, and Jose Humberto. She taught for 35 years with the Alice I.S.D. She taught at Memorial Junior High School, Salazar Elementary, William Adams Junior High and Saenz Elementary. While at William Adams, she coached girl’s Physical Education. At Saenz she also taught elementary Physical Education. She retired in 1992. After retirement, she continued to be involved with school activities at local school football and basketball games. She was a charter member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Daughters of America. Emma was also involved with her husband at local elections as an election clerk. She began raising cattle with her husband Jose in 1985. While retired, she and her husband Jose enjoyed travelling across the U.S. to various casinos. Many of the places they visited included Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Coushatta, Kickapoo, and Tunica. Emma was a very generous person, she loved to invite relatives and friends over for Bar-B-Que. She was always giving and not expecting anything in return. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jose M. Vela; and son Joe H. Vela. Left behind to cherish her memory is her son John (Veronica) Vela, granddaughter Roxanne (Bryan) Gutierrez, grandson John Jr. (Irene) Vela and great grandchildren, Kayli, Aaliah, Ryann Joy and Liam Alexander, her sister Herlinda (Samuel) Deanda, and sisters-in-law Dali

Dr. Ricardo Santos, 76, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was the second son born August 26, 1946 to Aurora and David Santos in Uvalde, Texas. Ricardo proudly served in the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) of the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he earned a Purple Heart. Always an advocate for higher education he earned a Doctorate in Education. His career was spent working in rural underserved areas assisting in counseling and the education system. Close friends and family know Ricardo was a very determined and humble man who loved his family and enjoying the simple things in life. He had a love of the Hispanic culture and was avid traveler, cruiser, hunter, and loved boxing. Ricardo is preceded in death by his parents and beloved brother David. He is survived by his wife Cynthia Hawkins; his son Ricardo Santos Jr., and three daughters Cynthia Ann Santos Saldana, Adela Santos, and Eliza Santos Ramirez. He also leaves behind three son in laws, one daughter in law, 11 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He will be missed tremendously by his family and friends. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2022, from 5 till 9 p.m. at Rosas Funeral Home with a holy rosary being recited at 7 p.m. that evening. A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A graveside service will be held Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Coastal Bend Veterans Cemetery, 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, TX. Funeral arrangements entrusted with ROSAS FUNERAL HOME, INC.