Holmgreen Mortuary

04/21/2026

Molly Sue Bradford, 79, passed away on April 14, 2026 in Alice, Texas.

She was born on October 9, 1946 in San Antonio, TX to Orion Martin and Frances (Sutherland) Shannon. The family resided in Fowlerton, TX, until she was 9 years old. In 1955 they moved to Portland, TX and she graduated from Gregory-Portland High School. She received a B.S. Degree in Education at A&I University at Kingsville, TX and then attended East Texas State University where she received a Master’s Degree in Education. Molly was a lifelong learner who continued to earn multiple advanced degrees and certificates in Counseling and Administration. Throughout her career she served as an elementary teacher, high school counselor, high school assistant principal, educational diagnostician, and adjunct professor. She never met a topic she didn’t want to learn more about. Her endless dedication to her students will never be forgotten.

On May 18, 1974, Molly married Jack Taylor Bradford, and together they spent almost 52 years of marriage filled with love and adventure. She adored traveling, and was lucky enough to experience many places all over the world during her life. Some favorite trips were to Ruidoso, New Mexico and Scotland. She also cherished her frequent girls’ trips with her sister and friends. Molly loved to host holidays at home for all of her family, friends, and stragglers. She was not much of a cook, but was famous for her buttermilk pie. Molly was an avid reader, and always had a murder mystery in her hand in her downtime. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, aunt, sister, educator, and friend. She loved to talk and never met a stranger, a trait she inherited from her father.

She was preceded in death by her parents, O.M. and Frances Shannon, and her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Brown (Elbert) and Susan Bradford.

Molly is survived by husband Jack, son and daughter-in-law Taylor and Susan Bradford, daughter Elaine Bradford, grandchildren Amanda and Brandon Mullen, and Addison and Jackson Bradford, grandcat Squeaks, her sister Shirley Matula (George), and more in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews than we can list, but she loved every one of them.

She will be remembered for her generosity and kindness, and of course her buttermilk pie.

The family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff at Meridian Care of Alice for the love and care bestowed upon Molly in the last months of her life.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Holmgreen Mortuary at 2061 E. Main St in Alice, TX. A private burial service will be held at a future date at the Palms Memorial Gardens in Portland, TX.

**In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St.Judes Children’s Research Hospital or any charity of your choice.**

Arrangements are by Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St., Alice.

04/20/2026

04/17/2026

If you have a loved one entering hospice care, there are likely many questions on your mind about their care. One of those concerns may pertain to medical supplies and equipment. Where do they come from? Does hospice provide them? Click the link to learn more as you prepare to care for your loved one in their final days.

Not sure whether hospice care provides medical equipment and supplies? Check out this article to get your questions answered!

04/15/2026

Ben Franklin had many accomplishments in his lifetime, including inventing many useful items. This article lists 9 inventions, some of which are well-known and others that might surprise you!

The lightning rod is just one way Franklin improved daily life.

04/14/2026

Dora Luna Lopez, age 67, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, April 13, 2026, in Alice, Texas. She was born on November 28, 1958, in Alice, Texas, to Enrique Luna and Eloisa Gamez Luna. Dora dedicated her life to education. She began her teaching career in La Joya ISD, continued at George West ISD, and retired from Alice ISD, where she devoted her skills to the special needs of visually impaired students. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling and was affectionately known as the “Traveling D.” She also enjoyed dancing, cooking, and spending time with her husband and family. Dora was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Loved ones cherishing her memory include her husband, Luis Ozuna Lopez; sister, Nora Braun (Tom), both of Alice, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St., Alice, TX 78332. All services will conclude at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St., Alice.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com and shared via Holmgreen Facebook.

04/13/2026

Nefi Vela was born on September 7, 1944, in Alice, Texas, to Geronimo Vela and Raquel Palacios. He entered the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, leaving a life distinguished by unwavering strength, a diligent work ethic, love for family, and a dedicated enthusiasm for golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Norma Torres, Nivia Ramirez, Noemi Vasquez, and Noelia (Pilin) Ybarra; brothers Noel Vela, Noe Vella, Norberto “Bove” Vela, and Pedro Gonzalez Sr.

Nefi proudly served our country with a combined twenty years in the US Navy and the US Air Force, and spent his early years in Austin, Texas working another twenty years as a computer analyst for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Reuniting with the love of his life, he later retired and moved back to Alice, Texas to enjoy the fruits of his labor and build a life of adventure and memories with their blended family.

Nefi is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Lydia Vela, daughters Norma (Bradley) Williams, Nora Pulido, Marisela (Chris) Peña, and Rosie Garcia; son Hector (Betty) Villarreal, granddaughters Maria Mead, Olivia Pulido, Christina (David) Rice, and Hope Pena; grandsons Dave (Stephanie) Villarreal, Hector (Steph) Villarreal Jr., Zachary Villarreal, several beloved great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and honorary navy shipmates Pastor Rick Bloom, Darrell Landry, and Don Landry.

He is remembered for his dedication to the Texas Longhorns, his unwavering support of the Dallas Cowboys, his ability to overcome many things, and his distinctive sense of humor. In the latter part of his life, Nefi made the most important decision of all – he gave his life to Jesus Christ. With recent health challenges, this new faith became a source of peace, renewal, and a wonderful display of hope for spectators around him.

Though his time here on earth has ended, his story does not. And we rejoice in this new chapter with a Memorial Service to celebrate his life on Friday, April 17th from 3:00-5:00 PM at Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 East Main Street, Alice TX 78332. A private burial service will be held at Coastal Bend State Veteran’s Cemetery the following week.

Arrangements are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St, Alice, Texas, 78332.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com and shared via Holmgreen Mortuary Facebook.

04/10/2026

Grief can sometimes feel disjointed - a cry here, a burst of anger there; a deep sadness today, a crush of guilt tomorrow. In this article, Dr. Alan Wolfelt, renowned author and grief counselor, urges us to trust the process of grief. As you surrender to the mystery, your experience of love and grief will create a changed you. A you who has not only survived but who has learned to thrive again in a new form and in a new way. Click the link to learn more!

In our lives, we all participate in rituals. To learn more about the healing aspects of rituals, take a few moments to read this article.

04/08/2026

Reverse decluttering is a unique approach where you choose what to keep rather than throw out. Read this article for tips on how you can apply this technique in your home!

Discover why this technique makes letting go easier and how to incorporate it into your organizing journey.

04/07/2026

Robert C. Klabunde, 88 years of age, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Known to many as “Bob”, he was an affectionate, dedicated and hard-working individual who always put the needs of others before his own. Originally from Wisconsin, he made his home with his wife Aida (Zamora) and his three daughters in Alice, Texas. Bob worked for many years as a sign painter and neon tube bender. Later he became a journeyman electrician. Many enjoyed his sign painting talent which included much of the Alice Coyote signage that decorated the old Memorial Stadium. But aside from his talent, Bob was known for being a spiritual man who valued bible principles. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 78 years, he was often seen participating in the door-to-door preaching work and offering bible studies with interested ones. He had a zeal for speaking about God’s creation and the hope we have for a resurrection. You could see his passion for what he believed in with his beautiful blue eyes and warm smile.

Bob leaves behind his precious and faithful wife, Aida, to whom he was married for 63 years. His three daughters: Cynthia Lee (Israel) Chapa, Sandra Lyn (Johnny) Gutierrez and Candi Kay (Israel) Lopez. He also had several grandchildren: Randy Lee Chapa, Jonathan (Samantha) Gutierrez, Andrew Gutierrez, Phillip (Kendra) Gutierrez, Marcus (Alanah) Gutierrez, Victoria Gutierrez, Andres Lopez and Aliyah Lopez. He is also survived by two of his sisters, Rosie Barker and Pearl (Andy) Kooiman as well as many nieces and nephews that had a special place in their heart for “Uncle Bob”.

Special thanks to all the hospital staff at Christus Spohn Alice, The Meridian and The Premier of Alice for taking care of all his needs in his last days. And also, Altus Hospice Care for quickly stepping in to comfort him when he needed it most.

A funeral talk will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3484 W. Hwy 44, Alice, Texas on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 3:00pm.

Arrangements are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St, Alice, Texas 78332.

04/07/2026

April 15th is coming up fast - don't forget to complete your taxes!