Sterling Courier

03/25/2026

Temple Ann Foster Driver

Temple Ann Foster Driver, 80, passed away on March 23, 2026.
Family will receive visitors on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 4pm-6pm in Sterling City, Tx at the Community Center. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10am at the First Methodist Church of Sterling City under the direction of Ross Funeral Home. Burial will be held at Foster Cemetery immediately following service.

Temple Ann was born on December 6, 1945 to Forrest and Willie Mae “Bill” Foster. She grew up in Sterling City, Texas and graduated from Sterling City High School in 1964. She later attended Sul Ross College, where she earned her teaching degree in English and was later certified to teach all junior high classes.

In May of 1967, Temple Ann married the love of her life, Handley Driver. Together they shared more than 58 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.

After college, Temple Ann and Handley moved to Big Spring, where she taught at Head Start for two years. They later moved to the ranch outside of Midkiff, Texas, where Temple Ann chose to stay home to raise their children and serve as Handley’s number one ranch hand. During those years, she was known as a devoted wife and mother, a champion homemaker, and an exceptional cook who welcomed everyone to her table.

In 1986, Temple Ann returned to teaching and later retired from Greenwood ISD. After retirement, Temple Ann and Handley moved back to Sterling City, where they continued ranching, raising cattle, sheep, and goats, and enjoying the life they loved. Temple Ann and Handley stayed busy for many years chasing grandkids to rodeos, stock shows, sports, and numerous other events.

Temple Ann was preceded in death by her parents and twin brothers Marvin Foster & Melvin Foster.

She is survived by her husband, Handley Driver;
children Michelle Hamlin (Kevin), Scott Driver (Eric), and Julie Thomas; grandchildren Reagan Hamlin, Tate Thomas, Bryce Hamlin & Logan Thomas along with numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Pallbearers are: Tate Thomas, Bryce Hamlin, Logan Thomas, Craig Foster, Carey Foster, George Johnson, Joe D. Schwartz, & Tooter Jameson
Honorary Pallbearers: Danny Berry, Bobby McClure, Richard Long & Scot Long.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be made to the American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org
or
The Honey Bee Society, LLC
7510 W FM 846
Knott, Tx 79748
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Or the charity of your choice.

02/14/2026

02/11/2026

James was born to Annella Jean Streetman Martin and Kenneth Dewey Martin on December 23, 1958, in Coleman, Texas. At the age of three, James and his family moved to Fernley, Nevada so his father could pursue his profession of trapping. James graduated from Fernley High School in 1977.

12/03/2025

View Patrick Mitcham's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/10/2025

Bioleta Gutierrez
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Bioleta Gutierrez, aged 75, went to be with the Lord on October 9, 2025 while surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Sterling City, Texas on December 15th, 1949, the cherished firstborn of Celia and Baldemar Sedillo. Bioleta passed away peacefully in San Angelo, Texas, a place she called home for over 20 years.

Bioleta was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, tia, and friend to many. Her heart overflowed with a love for Jesus Christ, a love that touched everyone she encountered. She was a picture of unwavering strength, independently giving her three boys a beautiful childhood. Biola lit up every room she entered with her contagious laughter and dance moves. Her son, Gordon Gutierrez, always said she could have her own sitcom. She loved well and loved many, and for that she will always be remembered.

Bioleta will be reunited in Heaven with her first born son Michael and her Parents, Celia and Baldemar. She leaves behind her sons Gordon (Sonja) and Jordan (Yoli), her grandchildren Michael, Alex, Benny, Ryan, and Leo, her great grandchildren Ian, Jayden, and Kataleya, her sisters Delia, Beatrice, and Elma, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves behind countless beloved friends she considered family, a testament to the love, laughter, and faith she shared throughout her life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those blessed to have known her. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 11, 2025 at The First Baptist Church of Sterling City from 9am-11am, with the funeral service immediately following. Graveside service will follow at the City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Ross Funeral Home

07/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18eoVx6BBk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

View Patricia Joyce Watson's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

07/07/2025

Araseli "Sally" Ortiz
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Araseli Ortiz, lovingly known as Sally, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, in the comfort of her home in Sterling City, Texas. She was 62 years old.

Born on March 6, 1963, in Sterling City to Cornelio and Tomasa Fuentes, Sally remained deeply rooted in the community where she was born, lived, and built a life full of meaning, laughter, and love.

Sally was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her daughter Angelica Ortiz, son Leonicio Ortiz Jr., and grandsons Andres Martínez and Leonicio Ortiz III, all of Sterling City. She is also survived by her brother Gabriel Fuentes and his wife Misti of Boerne, TX; nieces Vanessa Hurley and her husband Dave of Kirtland, NM, Megan Fuentes of Brooklyn, NY, and Grabiela Fuentes of San Antonio, TX; nephew Hayden Fuentes and his girlfriend Olivia of Austin, TX; and several great-nieces and great-nephew who all loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Leonicio Ortiz; her parents Cornelio and Tomasa Fuentes; her brothers Cornelio and Tomas Fuentes; and her sister Rosa Fuentes.

Sally was known for her unforgettable laugh, her playful sense of humor, and her ability to make people feel instantly at ease. She had a heart as big as her smile—selfless, loving, and endlessly giving. Whether she was crafting, baking, or cracking jokes, she brought joy to those around her. Every Halloween, the town of Sterling City looked forward to her famous homemade popcorn balls—a tradition that warmed hearts and sweetened memories.

A proud and faithful Catholic, Sally was an active member of St. Paschal’s Catholic Church, where she served for many years as a CCD teacher, coordinator, and youth minister. Her faith was unwavering, and she shared it through quiet service, generous spirit, and her deep love for her family.

Sally worked for Sterling City ISD as a librarian aide, where she shared her joy of reading and storytelling with generations of students. She also served on the Sterling County Welfare Board, always seeking ways to care for others in her community.

Her children and grandchildren extend deep gratitude to the compassionate nurses, doctors, and caregivers from Shannon Hospital, ContinueCare at MCH, and Interim Hospice who helped guide her through her final journey with dignity, grace, and comfort. Also we would like to extend our thanks to Ross Funeral Home for handling the funeral arrangements.

To know Sally was to laugh with her, to be fed by her hands and her heart, and to feel truly loved. She was our home, our strength, and our light.

Funeral Services:
A Rosary will be held on Sunday, July 6 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Paschal’s Catholic Church in Sterling City. The Funeral Mass will follow on Monday, July 7 at 11:00 a.m., also at St. Paschal’s. Burial will take place immediately after at Sterling City Cemetery, with a meal to follow for family and friends.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ross Funeral Home in Sterling City.
Pallbearers will be: Andres Martínez, Leonicio Ortiz III, Hayden Fuentes, Ricardo Leija, Joe Sifuentes, Adan Calderon, Santiago Beltran, and Lincoln McElroy.

From her children and grandsons:
Mom, Grandma—thank you for loving us with everything you had. Your laughter will echo in our hearts forever. We will miss your stories, your hugs, your fierce loyalty, and the way you made everything better just by being you. Rest now, in the eternal peace you deserve. We will carry your love with us always

06/01/2025

Beth Ann Hord

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Beth Ann Hord, who departed this world peacefully at her home in Sterling City, Texas, on May 30, 2025.

Beth was born to Thurman and Patricia Phillips, whose loving guidance shaped her early years. She was a cherished sister to five siblings, with whom she shared a lifetime of laughter, treasured memories, and unwavering support. For 43 beautiful years, Beth was the devoted wife and best friend of Randy Hord, building a life together grounded in love, strength, and steadfast partnership.
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Family was the heart of Beth’s world. Her greatest joy came from being surrounded by her husband and children: Chase and Carolyn, Cole and Heather, and especially her grandchildren: Tucker, Aubrey, Aiden, Sawyer, and Parker—her pride and delight. “YaYa’s” eyes sparkled with pride at every accomplishment, and her warm embrace was always ready for those she loved most. Nothing brought her greater happiness than watching her grandchildren play, compete, and grow, showering them with unconditional love and encouragement.
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Beth was known for her boundless compassion and generous spirit. She was always the first to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or reach out to friends in need. Whether teaching Sunday School, organizing Vacation Bible School, or decorating for church events, showers, weddings, and funerals, Beth’s dedication and creativity
touched countless lives. Her legacy of kindness and selfless service will long be remembered by her community.
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We will forever cherish Beth’s loving heart, gentle wisdom, and her remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family. She leaves behind her devoted husband, children, treasured grandchildren, loving siblings, and a host of friends and extended family who will miss her dearly. Beth was preceded in death by her parents Thurman and Patricia Phillips, in laws Rance and Ruby Hord, and her best friend Dolores Horwood.
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A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, June 6, at the First Methodist Church of Sterling City. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you honor Beth’s memory by performing an act of kindness in her name.
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Though our hearts are heavy, we are deeply grateful for every moment shared with Beth. Her love will continue to guide us, and her legacy will live on in all the lives she touched.