Lange Funeral Home

04/23/2026

Does the idea of planning ahead for your funeral wishes make you feel uncomfortable or nervous?

You’re not alone! It’s normal to feel that way, but we invite you to push through that feeling for a greater reward. Not only is preplanning much easier than your brain is telling you, it’s also an opportunity to give your family a beautiful gift – a roadmap to your wishes.

By sitting down with us for as little as an hour, you can make decisions that will have a positive impact on your family and help them through the grieving process.

Contact us today at 325-365-3531 to learn more about taking care of things now so your family doesn’t have to later!

04/21/2026

Oscar Dominguez Zertuche

Oscar Dominguez Zertuche, 85, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

He was born in Ballinger on May 6, 1940, and then moved to Jourdanton in 2006, but his roots were in Ballinger. He married the love of his life, Martha "Tita" Zertuche on August 2, 1959, in Ballinger, and together they shared 61 beautiful years before her passing in 2021. Oscar was a self-employed mechanic for over 40 years, as the San Angelo Standard Times said: "He could work on a Cadillac and turn around and fix a tractor." He loved to tend to his goats and chickens, and hunt and fish with the John Billy club, but his best memories were made hunting and fishing with his grandchildren, even his granddaughters. These moments were what made his life complete.

Oscar is preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Guadalupe Zertuche, his wife Martha, and his son Oscar Jr, and his siblings Enedina, Manuel, Jeff and Demetrio Zertuche.

He is survived by his son David "Shorty" Zertuche and wife Shana of Ballinger, and his son Dr. Scott "Scotty" Zertuche of Pleasanton, Tx. Oscar will also be dearly remembered by his grandchildren Nancy Nicole, Rachel Marie, Victoria Anne, Brayden Phillip, Austen Brice, Garrett Ryan, Bryce Scott, Berlyn Shea, Blake Scott, and Bryan Scott; his 8 great-grandchildren, his special nieces Rebecca Albarado, Freda Perez, Diane Carter, and daughters-in-law, Annette Marie Zertuche, and Jean Zertuche. He will also be greatly missed by his special family friends JJ and Brandy Villalobos, Abel Munoz, and his right-hand man Manuel Pardon

A rosary will be held for Oscar on Friday April 24, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the chapel at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday April 25, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger, Texas with Father Tom Barley celebrating. Interment will follow at Latin American Cemetery in Ballinger, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary's Star of the Sea church in Ballinger Texas in Oscar's honor.

Papa, we will miss you so much, but we have our memories, especially in the morning when we would sit down for a cup of coffee and your place is empty, but you will be there in our hearts. Jesus, thank you for our Papa.

View Oscar Dominguez Zertuche's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/20/2026

04/18/2026

Walter "Mark" Martin

Walter Martin, 68, passed away on April 16, 2026. Walter was born on July 24, 1957, in Kermit, TX to Teddy Joe Martin and Eleanor Dixie Smith. He married the love of his life Becky Hudman of Crane, Texas on June 11, 1993.

He is preceeded in death by his father Teddy Joe Martin, his brother Gerald Martin, his sister’s Joene Shockey and Dixie Payne. Also his sweet grandchildren Jacob Roberts, Ayrielle Tidwell and Koi Alvarez.

Walter is survived by wife Becky Martin; Mother Eleanor Dixie Smith; brother Larry Martin and his wife Roxie Martin; brother David Martin and his partner Brock Geeslin; brother James Douglas Martin and his wife Gloria Martin; daughter Bridgett Tidwell and her husband Jeromy Tidwell; son Mark Martin and his wife Silver Martin; daughter Jena Rivera and her husband Scott Rivera; daughter Jessica Martin. His grandchildren Matthew and his wife Lauren, Isaac, Chloe and her husband Aschton, Lance, Angelina, Seth, Emma, Ashton, Kamen, Lukas and Kannon. He was also blessed with 7 great grandchildren.

First and foremost, if you knew him, you also know that he was most passionate about his LORD & SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST! Every person that he was around knew or would soon find out how much Jesus loved them & how important it is to follow Christ. His next passion was his wife & best friend, Becky. His children, grandchildren & great grandchildren were admired by him & he was so proud of each one of them. He enjoyed the country life so much so that he moved his family to a ranch by the river. He liked spending his time outdoors fishing, hunting, barbecuing for the family or even just taking his grandbabies on a cruise in his buggy.

He didn't have much growing up which drove him to strive for success for his family. Because of this he was a man of many talents & his work ethic was unmatched. He "took the bull by the horns" and taught his children to do the same. We all knew we could call him if we needed anything & he was always there to give without judgement or praise. He loved everybody & everybody loved him. He was one of the most dependable & devoted men anyone could come across.

The last verse he spoke of that God put on his heart is Isaiah 41:10 KJV "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Mark’s funeral service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 1:00 pm in the chapel at Lange Funeral Home. Pastor Joseph Buse will be officiating.

View Walter "Mark" Martin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/17/2026

If you are a veteran, then you may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery - free of charge! Check out this list of national cemeteries across the United States and then chat with a funeral director about your options and how to plan ahead for your funeral wishes as a veteran.

Are you interested in burial or inurnment at a national cemetery? Check out this list of national cemeteries and find one to fit your needs.

04/15/2026

Susan Lee Kingston

Susan Lee Kingston was born on May 13, 1957, and Heaven celebrated her arrival on April 13, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hoss, her parents Theodore and Iva Dietz, and her brother Richard Dietz.

She is survived by her loving fur baby Shyla, her sister Kathy Hay, her niece Karen Prine, her nephew Rick Dietz, and her stepchildren John and Mandy.

Susie was loved by everyone she met. Her sweet spirit was a light for everyone she encountered. Her demeanor and Faith based t-shirts drew people in, but her knowledge of God's word captivated them. She was very active in the ministry of children during her lifetime. Her children's sermons on Sunday mornings touched the lives of everyone listening and the way she engaged the children was always entertaining! She made sure every child walked away with a sucker, love and an understanding for Jesus. She was a mail carrier, the secretary for the church and a volunteer for the food pantry, but really, volunteered wherever she saw a need. She drove people to doctor's appointments, created costumes for Christmas plays, brought food to new families or grieving families, and 5th quarters. Her famous banana pudding was requested at every event.

Her funeral service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 3:00 pm at the Paint Rock Community Church, in Paint Rock Texas. Terry Waller and Dale Weise will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Paint Rock Cemetery.

We will all miss this incredibly humble servant, and powerful prayer warrior, whose shoes can never be filled but we are all looking forward to seeing her again. We love you more Susie!

View Susan Lee Kingston's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/13/2026

Mandy Lynnette Benes

Mandy Benes, 52, of Christoval, Texas, a devoted wife and loving mother, passed away unexpectedly on April 8, 2026.

Mandy was born on August 26, 1973, in Arlington, Texas, to Keith Hayes and Vonda Jean (Burris) Charles. From an early age, she carried a warmth and kindness that would come to define her life and the way she loved others.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—working in her yard, spending peaceful moments down by the river, and especially visiting her favorite place, the beach. She had a deep love for the outdoors and an even deeper love for her family and friends, cherishing every moment spent together. Mandy was known for her loving heart, her patience, her hardworking spirit, and her genuine kindness. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, and her presence could light up any room. Truly the life of the party, Mandy brought people together with laughter, compassion, and a spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She loved deeply and freely, and in return, she was deeply loved by so many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Keith Hayes and Vonda (Burris) Charles, and her mother-in-law, Judy Benes.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through those who knew her best: her husband and best friend, John Corey Benes; her children, Kaci and husband Justin Rubio, Austin and wife Julie Clark, Gage Benes, and John Ryan Benes; her father-in-law, John Henry Benes; her brother, Jeffery Hayes and wife DeeDee; her sister-in-law, Dedra and husband Alfred Leal; her brother-in-law, Jesse and wife Ginger Benes; numerous aunts and uncles, and her cherished best friends, Megan Tastch and Dadee, and many dear friends whose lives were touched by her warmth and kindness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger Texas.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered love, support, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time. Mandy’s love, laughter, and light will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

View Mandy Lynnette Benes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/13/2026

Brenda Kay Turney

Brenda Kay Turney passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Brenda was born on May 14, 1949, to Valton and Rena Chappell. On February 16, 1969, she married the love of her life, Tommy Turney, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Brenda knew she was truly one of a kind. She was sweet, kind, and deeply loving, with a heart full of compassion and a spirit that brought comfort and warmth to everyone she met. Her presence had a way of making people feel at home. Above all, Brenda treasured her family. She was a proud and devoted “Mema,” and her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Valton and Rena Chappell; her beloved husband, Tommy Turney, Sr.; her son Tommy Turney, Jr.; and her sister, Patricia Williams.

She is survived by her daughter, Sammie Day, and son in law Terry Day; her brother, Butch Chappell; her grandchildren Kacie Mumphrey and husband Justin, Dusty Day and wife Barbara, Cory Day, Haleigh Turney, and Ty Turney; and her five great grandchildren, Mason Mumphrey, Luke, Brentley, Rex and Piper. She is also survived by her brothers in law Bill Williams and Gene Turney and wife Cheryl, along with many nieces and nephews, and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Brenda’s love, kindness and gentle spirit will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

View Brenda Kay Turney's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/10/2026

Cremation continues to be a popular choice, but did you know there are now two forms available in many states? Read this blog to learn more about the differences between flame-based and water-based cremation!

Did you know there are two forms of cremation? Read this article to learn about the differences between water-based and flame-based cremation?

04/09/2026

Did you know that a viewing can be an integral part of the grief process?

When family and friends come together for a viewing, they show one another support, express their grief, and are near the body of their loved one. This is an important way to acknowledge the reality of the death and bring about a sense of closure.

To learn more about how a viewing can bring healing in the midst of loss, visit us at www.ballingerfuneralhome.com.

04/09/2026

Gordon Hays

Gordon Hays, dedicated Dad, Grandaddy, and Husband, passed away on April 7, 2026, at the age of 83.

Gordon was born the youngest of five siblings on October 2, 1942, in Lamesa Texas. He and his wife, Lenell, were married 61 years. They lived in Ballinger where they raised their daughters, Kathy and Kristy. Gordon spent his life as a rancher and farmer in and around Runnels County.

Gordon loved the Lord, his wife, his girls, their husbands and all the grandkids. He also loved his extended family and friends who might as well be family. He loved the land, being on a horse, his livestock, two-stepping with Lenell, rodeos and compliments on his barbeque. He was proud, generous, and serious but also witty. He loved telling stories about “the old west” and the “good ‘ol days” and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Lenell Eschberger Hays. Also, his parents, Clarence Blair Hays and Gladys Hardegree Hays, two infant sons Stacy Lynn and Kelly Wayne Hays, siblings Bill Hays (Dorothy), Keva Lou Hancock (Jack), John Hays (Betty dec. 1984) (Karen), and Peggy Robertson. Gordon was a favorite of Lenell’s family as well, sisters in law, Evelyn Kunkel, Dorothy Hahn (Erwin), Emily Krieg (Norman), Paulene Hutchinson, Elna Weise (Wilton), Clara Lois Robbins (Joe), Eldon Eschberger (Patti) and brother-in law Herb Hunter.

Gordon is survived by his two daughters, Kathy Fairbanks (John) and Kristy Chadwell (Billy), grandkids Logan and Hayley Chadwell, Kendal Subia (Nando), Jacob Psutka, Sarah Perry (Graham) and great grandkids Clifford, Hannah, and John, Garrett Fairbanks (Megan and great grandchild Russell), also, his sister in law Irene Hunter, brothers in law Bill Hutchinson and Eugene Robertson as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many great friends.

A memorial service celebrating Gordon will be held on Saturday, April 11th, at 11:00 am at the First Methodist Church in Ballinger, Texas with Gary Booth officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the First Methodist Church of Ballinger (1501 N. Broadway Ballinger, TX 76821), or a charity of your choice.

View Harvey Gordon Hays's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.