For the Week of January 13 - January 19, 2019

Funeral services for Bernhard Bergen, age 73 of Seminole, Texas will be held Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Old Colony Mennonite Church with Minister Willy Giesbrecht officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Bergen was born in Mexico on August 2, 1945 to Helena (Neudorf) and Bernhard Bergen. He married Justina Guenther in Canada on July 30, 1967. He was a member of the Old Colony Mennonite Church and worked as a farmer. Bernhard enjoyed farming, traveling, and family gatherings. 

Ben Bergen will be missed by many. He was one of the first of the local Mennonites to bring his family to West Texas and make Gaines County his home. Though he believed in working hard and paying attention to the details of life, he also loved to mingle with people. Whether it was drinking coffee with his buddies or hosting family barbeques on the farm during harvest, he was invigorated by the people he loved. As a man who grew in faith in his later years, his favorite evenings were spent gathered in the living room with family, singing hymns. Family also became more precious; he loved his family dearly. Upon his cancer diagnosis, he once asked, “Can I watch my grandsons play from Heaven?”

Bernhard Bergen passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at his home in Seminole. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Justina Bergen of Seminole, Texas; three sons, Ben Bergen and wife Mary of Canada, Johnny Bergen and wife Mary of Seminole, Texas, and Willy Bergen and wife Mary of Seminole, Texas; three daughters, Susie Peters and husband Isaac of Kansas, Helen Friesen and husband Abe of Seminole, Texas, and Mairi Bergen of Ohio; three brothers, Herman Bergen and wife Elizabeth of Canada, Peter Bergen and wife Mary of Seminole, Texas, and John Bergen of Lubbock, Texas; four sisters, Tina Banman and husband Jake of Canada, Susie Redekop and husband Jake of Lubbock, Texas, Judy Neufeld and husband Dave of Lubbock, Texas, and Lisa Reimer and husband Henry of Lubbock, Texas; 24 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the community for the meals and other support shown during this time.

Funeral services for Peter Reimer, age 67 of Seminole, Texas will be held Friday, January 18, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Reinlander Mennonite Church with Rev. John Loewen officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Reimer was born March 3, 1951 in Mexico to Maria (Fehr) and Cornelius Reimer. He married Aganetha Giesbrecht in Mexico on December 13, 1976. He was a member of Reinlander Mennonite Church and worked as a farmer.

Peter Reimer passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at his home in Seminole, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Aganetha Reimer of Seminole, Texas; one son, Bernhard Reimer and wife April of Lubbock, Texas; one daughter, Maria Giesbrecht and husband Abe of Seminole, Texas; seven brothers, William Reimer and wife Helena of Mexico, John Reimer and wife Elizabeth of Seminole, Texas, Abe Reimer and wife Helena of Mexico, Jacob Reimer and wife Helena of Mexico, David Reimer and wife Helena of Mexico, Frank Reimer and wife Helena of Mexico, and Isaac Reimer and wife Anna of Mexico; three sisters, Anna Siemens and husband Jacob of Mexico, Katarina Friesen and husband William of Mexico, and Helena Knelsen and husband John of Mexico; and eight grandchildren.

A graveside memorial service for Charlotte Hankins, age 77 of Seminole, Texas will be held at Gaines County Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Charlie Johnson officiating. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mrs. Hankins was born December 12, 1941 in Washington D.C. to Gladys (Gibbons) and Thurman Terry Beach. She married Fred Hankins in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1977. She was a Methodist and a devoted member of the Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school. She held a Bachelor’s degree in teaching and a Masters degree for Special Education. Charlotte was very devoted to her parents; she and her father were very close and shared a passion of the native arts of the west. She was an artist and continued her art work even after her father passed away. She was always a very loving, caring and generous woman. 

Charlotte Hankins passed away Friday, December 15, 2018 at her home in Seminole, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Fred Hankins in 1984. She is survived by one brother, Thomas Beach and wife Nancy Aitkens of Worcester, Vermont; one nephew, Clifton Beach of Winooski, Vermont; and one cousin, Clifton Gibbons of Cheverly, Maryland.

Funeral Mass for Della Bliznak, age 89 of Hobbs, New Mexico will be celebrated Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Seminole, Texas with Father Jose De Dios Gonzalez officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. Rosary will be held at Boyer Funeral Home on Friday, January 11, 2019 from 7 to 8 pm.  All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mrs. Bliznak was born March 14, 1929 in Mathis, Texas to Bertha (Meyers) and Robert Neseloney. She married Franklin Bliznak, Sr. in George West, Texas on July 12, 1948. She was a Catholic and a homemaker. Della enjoyed fishing, going to the beach, playing dominos and spending time with her family.

Della Bliznak passed away at her home in Hobbs on Monday, January 7, 2019. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Franklin Bliznak, Sr. in 2000; one son, Franklin Bliznak, Jr.; one daughter, Marie Durham; one brother, and two sisters. She is survived by three sons, Robert Bliznak and wife Darlene of Baytown, Texas, Mike Bliznak and wife Suzette of Tivoli, Texas, and Patrick Bliznak and wife Lanette of Ft. Stockton, Texas; two daughters, Kathryn Sloan and husband Wes of Jal, New Mexico and Margaret Whitford and husband Bob of Plains, Texas; 16 grandchildren, and numerous great- and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Isack Loewen, age 48 of Seminole, Texas will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Reinlander Mennonite Church with Rev. John Loewen officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Loewen was born May 4, 1970 in Mexico to Helena (Wiens) and Cornelius Loewen. He married Susana Wiebe in Mexico August 6, 1989. He was a member of Reinlander Mennonite Church and worked in construction.

Isack Loewen passed away at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. He is survived by his wife, Susanna Loewen of Seminole, Texas; five sons, Isack Loewen, Jr. and wife Kathryn, Peter Loewen and wife Sara, Johan Loewen and wife Minne, Jacob Loewen, and Abraham Loewen, all of Seminole, Texas; eight daughters,  Anna Wall and husband John, Agatha Teichroeb and husband David, Helena Peters and husband John, Susana Wieler and husband Abe, Eva Loewen, Margaret Guenther and husband Peter, Aganetha Loewen, Sara Loewen, and  Christina Loewen, all of Seminole, Texas; five brothers, Henry Loewen and wife Helena of Mexico, Frank Loewen and wife Dora of Seminole, Texas, Jacob Loewen and wife Aganetha of Seminole, Texas, Johan Loewen and wife Helena of Mexico, and Peter Loewen and wife Maria of Seminole, Texas; seven sisters, Anna Enns and husband Isaak of Mexico, Helena Banman and husband Henry of Mexico, Katharina Neustaeter and husband Johan of Seminole, Texas, Margareta Klassen and husband Cornelius of Mexico, Aganetha Peters and husband Isaak of Seminole, Texas,  Agatha Wiebe and husband Peter of Mexico, and Elizabeth Hildebrandt and husband Abram of Seminole, Texas; and 13 grandchildren. 

Funeral Mass for Santos Avalos, age 79 of Seagraves, Texas will be celebrated Friday, January 4, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Seagraves with Father Jose de Dios Gonzalez officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery in Loop. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Seagraves.

Mr. Avalos was born June 1, 1939 in Mexico to Catalina (Fraire) and Juan Avalos. He married Maria Galindo in Mexico in 1965. He was a Catholic and a farmer. He worked very hard and loved his family dearly, and was a very caring person.

Santos Avalos passed away Monday, December 31, 2018 at his home in Seagraves. He is preceded in death by his parents, one son, two brothers, and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Maria Avalos of Seagraves, Texas; six sons, Hector Galindo and Jose Avalos, both of Seagraves, Texas, and Gabriel Avalos, Plásido Avalos, Fernando Avalos, and Alejandro Avalos and wife Dionicia, all of Loop, Texas; three daughters, Carlota Avalos and husband Norberto, Alejandra Avalos and husband Joe, and Evangelica Avalos and husband Luis, all of Seagraves, Texas; two brothers, Martin Avalos and wife Maria of Kansas, and Bernave Avalos of Mexico; two sisters, Emilia Barrios and husband Curberto of Mexico and Reyna Puentes and husband Esteban of California; 27 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorial services for Fermin Valencia, Jr. age 73 of Denver City, Texas will be held at a later time in Santa Fe, New Mexico. All services are under the direction of Boyer Memorial Chapel of Denver City in association with Boyer Funeral Home in Seminole, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Disabled American Veterans. www.dav.org 

Mr. Valencia was born December 24, 1945 in Pecos, New Mexico to Mercedes (Bowles) and Fermin Valencia, Sr. He was married to Sabrina Quintana. He served as a U.S. Marine in the Vietnam War and later worked in the oilfield. Fermin Valencia, Jr. enjoyed being outdoors, fly fishing, listening to Northern New Mexico music and being with his family; he was a simple and very patient man who would give you the shirt off his back. 

Fermin Valencia, Jr. passed away Monday, December 31, 2018 at his home in Denver City, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Mikaela Valencia; and one brother, Isaac Valencia. He is survived by his wife, Sabrina Valencia of Denver City, Texas; three sons, Brian Lee Gonzales of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Craig Anthony Valencia of Ilfield, New Mexico, and Jason Fermin Valencia and wife Charlene of Pecos, New Mexico; six daughters, Adrian Teresa Valencia of Midland, Texas, Shilo ShyAnne Valencia of Denver City, Texas, Kiara Elyse Valencia of Germany, Bianca Mercedes Valencia of Denver City, Texas, M’Ryah Danyel Valencia of Denver City, Texas, and LoreliRose Antoinette Valencia of Denver City, Texas; four brothers, Bernie Valencia and wife Viola of Pecos, New Mexico, George Valencia and wife Mary Jane of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Orlando Valencia and wife Mickey of Pecos, New Mexico, and Gary Valencia and wife Rosalie of Santa Fe, New Mexico; four sisters, Ceclia Varela and husband Wilfred of Pecos, New Mexico, Clara Lopez and husband David of Pecos, New Mexico, Minnie Rivera and husband Fidel of Pecos, New Mexico, and Martha Flores and husband Mike of Pecos, New Mexico; and four grandchildren. 

Funeral services for Peter Klassen, age 67 of Seminole, Texas will be held Friday, December 28, 2018 at 1:00p.m. at  Reinlander Mennonite Church with Bishop John Loewen officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Klassen was born in Mexico, March 9, 1951 to Elizabeth (Quiring) and Abraham Klassen. He married Helen (Wieler) in Mexico on July 3, 1979. He was a member of Reinlander Mennonite Church.

Peter Klassen passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Seminole Memorial Hospital in Seminole. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Helen Klassen of Seminole, Texas; four sons, Pete Klassen and wife Ester, John Klassen and wife Lena, Abe Klassen, and Jacob Klassen and wife Tina, all of Seminole, Texas; two daughters, Elizabeth Thiessen and husband Frank, and Nancy Friesen and husband Ronnie, both of Seminole, Texas; one half-brother, Isaak Dyck of Canada; three sisters, Sara Fehr of Seminole, Texas, Anna Hiebert and husband Peter of Seminole, Texas, and 

Lisa Peters and husband Neil of Canada; and 20 grandchildren.  

Funeral Mass for Mary Newman, age 92 of Seminole, Texas will be celebrated Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Seminole with Father Jose De-Dios Gonzales officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home of Seminole.

Mrs. Newman was born December 5, 1926 in McFadden, Texas to Amparo (Figueroa) and Andrew Montano. She married Joe Newman in Victoria, Texas in 1984. She was a Catholic and a homemaker, known as the peacemaker of the family. She was very strong in her Christian faith, and she had a very big heart. She loved music and dancing, and never met a stranger. She enjoyed going to play bingo, and she adored animals, especially her dog Gizmo.

Mary Newman passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018 at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Marcelo Yzaguirre  and her second husband, Joe Newman; four sons, three brothers, and three sisters. She is survived by seven sons, Tony Yzaguirre Sr. of Denver City, Texas, Jimmy Yzaguirre of Seminole, Texas, Joe Charles Yzaguirre of Seminole, Texas, Johnny Ysaguirre and wife Deborah of Victoria, Texas, Jerry Yzaguirre of Lubbock, Texas, Terry Yzaguirre and wife Delores of Denver City, Texas, and Marcelo Yzaguirre, Jr. of Seminole, Texas; four daughters, Maryellen Gonzales and husband Fred of Hobbs, New Mexico, Margie Gordy and husband Richard of McLean, Texas, Emma Banda of Post, Texas, and Eva McMillan and husband Daniel of Big Spring, Texas; two brothers, Jesse Montano of Houston, Texas and Sebastian Montano of Victoria, Texas; 36 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass for Janie “Juana” Ramos, age 83 of Plains, Texas will be celebrated Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plains with Father Eduardo Teo officiating. Burial will follow at Yoakum County Cemetery-Plains. Rosary will be held Tuesday, December 18, 2018 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. All services are under the direction of Boyer Memorial Chapel of Denver City in association with Boyer Funeral Home of Seminole, Texas.

Mrs. Ramos was born July 1, 1935 in Allende Coahuila, Mexico to Francisca (Salazar) and Enrique Ruiz. She married Manuel Ramos March 22, 1959. She was a Catholic and a homemaker. She loved attending church services and had a servant’s heart for the Lord; she was also a very devoted prayer warrior. Janie enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, singing and reading. Her grandchildren were the jewels in her crown. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

Janie Ramos passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Yoakum County Hospital in Denver City, Texas. She is preceded in death by her husband Manuel Ramos, Sr. in 2007, three sons, three brothers and two sisters. She is survived by two sons, Roman Ramos of Laredo, Texas and Enrique Ramoz and wife Christine of Albuquerque, New Mexico; two daughters, Gracie Lazos and husband Tony of Plains, Texas and Rosaura R. Moreno and husband Edward, Jr. of Lubbock, Texas; one brother, Vicente Ruiz and wife Juanita of Plainview, Texas; two sisters, Rosario Medina and husband Gregorio of Plains, Texas and Maria Morales and husband Angel of Plains, Texas; 17 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services for Johan Hiebert, age 84 of Seminole, Texas will be held Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Old Colony Mennonite Church with Bishop Peter Thiessen officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Hiebert was born in Mexico June 28, 1934 to Trudy (Friesen) and Johan Hiebert. He married Margaret (Redekop) in Mexico September 29, 1957. He was a very hard working man and worked as a contractor. Johan was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He loved playing with his grandchildren.

Johan Hiebert passed away Saturday, December 15, 2018 at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, five brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Hiebert of Seminole, Texas; one son, William Hiebert of Seminole, Texas; two daughters, Katharina Friesen and husband Johan and Margaret Peters and husband David, both of Mexico; five brothers, Peter Hiebert of Canada, Frank Hiebert of Mexico, Jake Hiebert of California, Isaak Hiebert of Paris, Texas, and Bill Hiebert of Mexico; one sister, Mary Hiebert of Canada; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services for Melba Williams Putman, age 82 of Stanton, Texas and formerly of Seminole will be held Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Gaines County Memorial Cemetery; Gene Boyer will officiate with burial to follow. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home of Seminole.

Melba Putman was born June 2, 1936 in Spur, Texas to Pauline (Hardy) and Lonnie Williams. She married W. C. Putman in Seminole, Texas September 3, 1966. She was a homemaker and loved watching her Texas Rangers and Wheel of Fortune. She liked playing games and working the newspaper crossword puzzles, reading and when she was younger she enjoyed camping and fishing. She loved her family dearly.

Melba Putman passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2018 in the Stanton Nursing and Rehab Center in Stanton, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, W. C. Putman in 1996; one son, Jeff Hagar; three sisters, one granddaughter and three great- grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Troy Alan Hagar and friend Kary Hill of Girard, Texas and Ernest Dwain Hagar and friend Terry Sumner; one brother, L.J. Williams and wife Marie of Lubbock, Texas; two sisters, Willie Gallagher of Clyde, Texas; Edith Simons of New Braunfels; five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services for Rayenaldo Sierra, age 83 of Seagraves, Texas will be held Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Seminole with Brother Ovidio Martinez officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery in Seagraves, Texas. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home of Seminole.

Mr. Sierra was born July 8, 1935 in Victoria, Texas to Benita (Estrada) and Adolpho Sierra. He married Pauline Villarreal in Victoria in 1957. He was a Baptist and a dedicated farmer. He enjoyed gardening and loved flowers; he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, and playing his accordion. Mr. Sierra loved to build things; he made a lot of items using just popcicle sticks. He especially loved his family.

Reyenaldo Sierra passed away Sunday, November 4, 2018 at Brownfield Rehab Center in Brownfield, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, four brothers, three sons, and one grandson. He is survived by one son, Adolpho Sierra, Jr.; seven daughters, Elaine, Ofelia, Benita, Josie, Linda, Janie, and Alice; five brothers, Jim, Ruben, Luke, Alex, and Alfredo;

four sisters, Lydia, Carmen, Sylvia, and Gloria; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services for Phyllis Kay Yeager, age 66 of Shallowater, Texas will be held Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at 12th Street Church of Christ, with Minister William Eudy officiating. A private family burial will follow at Brownfield Cemetery in Brownfield, Texas. Visitation will be held Friday, November 9 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 12th Street Church of Christ, with family receiving visitors between 5 and 7 p.m. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home of Seminole. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Kingdom’s Kitchen c/o 12th Street Church of Christ, 1001 12th Street, Shallowater, Texas 79363.

Phyllis was born January 26, 1952 in Lamesa, Texas to Taliene (Coor) and Bob Suggs. She married Warren Yeager on November 3, 1971 in Welch, Texas. She had been a resident of Shallowater since 1985, moving from Brownfield. She worked as a substitute teacher at Shallowater High School, where the kids loved her and many called her Nana, but her primary occupation was being a homemaker. Phyllis adored her family and never missed a single function that involved either her kids or her grandkids.

Phyllis was a member of 12th Street Church of Christ in Shallowater, and was devoted to church activities, especially the Kingdom Kitchen project. She followed her husband as he changed locations in his career with the DPS and the Texas Rangers, always with a smile on her face and love in her heart. She enjoyed games, especially 42, and liked camping and taking pictures of everything. She liked to can her own vegetables, and her family knew to expect a call from her whenever vegetable crops were ready anywhere in the area. When it came to loving, it was all or nothing with her and she always said, “I love you all my heart.”

Phyllis Yeager passed away at her home on Sunday, November 4, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Warren; one son, Kyle Yeager and wife Brigitte of Shallowater, Texas; two daughters, Dawn Rigby and husband Josh of Shallowater, and Tiffany Brannan and husband Johnny of Lubbock, Texas; one brother, Royce Suggs and wife Lisa of Welch, Texas; ten grandchildren, Blake, Cade, Dylan, Blaise, Hunter, Kaylee, Abbi, Jaxon, Emma and Evan; and by two great-grandchildren, Cyra and Clovia.

Funeral services for David Harris, age 72 of Seminole, Texas will be held Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God with Pastor Tony Pitcox officiating. Burial will follow at Gaines County Cemetery. Family will greet visitors at Boyer Funeral Home Wednesday, October 31, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. All services are under the direction of Boyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Harris was born April 19, 1946 in Lamesa, Texas to Mary (Plowman) and Valta Arlie Harris. He was a member of the First Assembly of God. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967 in the Vietnam War; he then worked for Pioneer Natural Gas for twenty-one years. He later went into oilfield work, retiring from Pate Trucking in 2013. He enjoyed raising cattle, hunting, fishing, and drinking coffee with his friends; he especially enjoyed being around his grandchildren. 

David Harris passed away at his home in Seminole on Sunday, October 28, 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents, and by three brothers-in-law, Doug Johnson, Gary Chancellor and Gerald Lain. He is survived by two sons, Clay Harris of Seminole, Texas and Trey Harris and wife Kim of Seminole, Texas; three sisters, Dolores Johnson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Arlene Chancellor of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Georgia Lain of Plano, Texas; five grandchildren, Austin Harris and wife Randee of Seminole, Texas, Trevin Harris and wife Crystal of Ft. Hood, Texas, Madison Harris and boyfriend Chantz Pack of Seminole, Texas, Kallie Harris of Seminole, Texas, and McKinley Harris of Seminole, Texas; two great-grandchildren, Stoney Pack of Seminole, Texas and Kyler Harris of Seminole, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.