All Obituaries

Rita Diane Ewald, died April 14, 2024 surrounded by her children and dog.  Rita was born August 25, 1949 in Galveston, TX to Hilton & Mollie Sweatt.  Rita worked at American Printing Company until they closed and then went on to work at Kmart as a night stocker while babysitting her grandson, Jerrett, in between.  After leaving Kmart, she went on to the Galveston County Clerk’s office, where she retired in August 2019 to help care for her mother.  Rita was an...

Charlene Rae Watts, age 58, passed away in the early morning on Saturday, March 30, 2024. She was born in Galveston, Texas on May 7, 1965. She was definitely proud to call herself a “BOI”, and she was surely an Island girl at heart. Charlene attended school in Galveston and La Marque, but then came back to Galveston and graduated at Ball High School in 1983. She was a proud member of the Ball High marching band. While she was in the band she met Sylvia Chapa and Donna Clegg, and...

Herbert “Herb” Joseph Banuelos Jr., born on August 23, 1960, in Galveston, TX, peacefully passed away at the age of 63 on March 27, 2024. Born to proud parents Herbert J. Banuelos Sr. and Doris Garcia Banuelos at St. Mary's Hospital, Herb brought immense joy to his family, especially his father who proudly welcomed his namesake.  Herb spent his life in the Galveston area, cultivating a deep love for fishing and horseback riding, pursuits that resonated with his island...

James “Jim” Newell Miller died in Galveston, Texas on March 25, 2024 at the age of 89. Jim was born September 21, 1934 in Sunflower County, Mississippi, and spent his childhood in the Mississippi Delta. He was a 1952 graduate of Yazoo City High School and enlisted in the United States Army from 1954-1957. He married Ann Cuthbertson on May 25, 1957, and the couple moved to Oxford, Mississippi, where Jim received a degree in mechanical engineering from Ole Miss.  After...

Stephen Wayne (Steve) Prendergast passed away at his home on February 27, 2024 after a lengthy, valiant battle with cancer.  He was born in Galveston on April 11, 1953 to F.M. (Ducky) Prendergast and Ruth Newcombe Prendergast.  Steve was a proud “BOI.”  From a very early age, he always had a love for the water and the beach. You could have found him surfing, working as a life guard, or helping his Dad with his decades old beach rental service at 59th street...

Eljie Broussard Simpton passed away at the age of 104, at her home in Galveston, on March 12, 2024.  She was surrounded by loving family and remained alert until her last breaths.  Eljie was born in Milton LA. on February 28, 1920.  She was the next-to-youngest of seven children of Alphe and Eloge Broussard.  The family moved to Port Bolivar, TX. when Eljie was eight years old. They were part of the original "Frenchtown" settlement of Bolivar.  Eljie...

In loving memory of James Michael Heflin, a beloved brother, devoted son, uncle and adoring father to his 7-year-old son.  James Michael Heflin, age 49, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024. He was born on March 5, 1974 in Lufkin, Texas.  James was an incredible kind and thoughtful person, but most important, he was a devoted father.  James enjoyed fishing, being on the water, baseball and spending time with family and friends.  Left behind to cherish his memories...

Jo Ann (Mendle) Mensman, age 86 passed away Friday, March 8, 2024 at The Cascades Nursing Center in Galveston. She was born on November 30, 1937 in Galveston, Texas.  She graduated from Ball High School in 1955. She was a Tornette and on the Drum and Bugle Corps. She worked for the U.S. Customs as an administrator for a total of 37 years. She received the Albert Gallatin award upon her retirement in 2010.  She was preceded in death by her husband Donald James Mensman; parents...

Ingolf Aarstad born on 7/22/1944 passed away on 11/18/2016 and is survived by his wife Margaret of over 50 years.  Bob joined the navy and found his first lady love was the SEA. He wanted to travel the world and experience new cultures and had many shipmate comrades. His first job in the navy was a Deck Hand and he worked the night watch as guard, where his motto was (“Don’t give up the ship”). Later in life his first job was a Captain then a Pilot of ships in the...

Teresa Mendoza Vargas, age 89, passed away on March 4th in Galveston, TX, surrounded by her loving family. Teresa was born in Galveston, Texas on September 16, 1934 to Felipe and Soledad Mendoza.  She attended St. Peter’s School, Ursuline Academy and graduated from Ball High School in 1952. As a teenager she loved playing softball first in city leagues and in later years for the Galveston Islandettes which she considers a great experience giving her the opportunity to travel...