Harper-Talasek Funeral Homes

04/20/2026

Domenic Anthony D'alessio

Dominic Anthony D'alessio, 95, of Killeen, Texas, passed away on April 17, 2026. Visitation and funeral services will take place on Monday, April 17, 2026, starting at 8:00AM at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas.

Full obituary to come.

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04/20/2026

04/19/2026

Santos Espinoza

Santos Espinoza passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Harker Heights. She was 82 years old. She was born on June 23, 1943, to Jesus and Isabel Espinoza (Lopez).

She was raised with strong values of motherhood, resilience, and dedication—qualities that remained with her throughout her life. Santos carried herself with a quiet strength, grace and pure elegance leaving a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Words could never do her justice. Her life was a beautiful book you would have to experience and listen to in order to understand the impact she had and will continue to have on her loved ones. Santos was a pure heart with a love for all her children, grandchildren and an even bigger love for her great-grandchildren who kept her going. She was fierce, patient, with a fighting spirit. Strong as ever, no matter how hard life got for her she would continue it with a smile on her face. Santos would give her last dollar to anyone in need and the clothes on her back if it meant a smile for the one she was helping. She loved to cook. She loved to crochet and sew and watch her mystery documentaries. Her laugh could brighten the room; her light was warm and safe. Her eyes would twinkle every time she smiled. She was such an easy-going person to talk to for hours at a time. You were easily drawn to her love.

Santos is preceded in death by her parents Jesus Espinoza & Isabel Lopez-Espinoza; sisters, Rosa Garza, and Cruz Espinoza; and brother, Ofelio Espinoza.

Left to cherish her memory Jose Rufino Marquez; her son, Roberto Marquez; daughters, Veronica Marquez, and Leticia Loague; grandchildren, Melissa Alvarez, Gabriella Marquez, Christina Marquez, Alejandro Thompson, Austin Loague, Michael Chambers, and Antonio Chambers; great-grandchildren, Chasity Marquez, Marcellis Alvarez Jr, Katarina Mendolla, Matthew Eli Thompson, Oliver James Navarro, Mai Penelope Navarro; and brother, Domingo Espinoza.

The family invites friends to join them for a time of visitation on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6:00PM-8:00PM, with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 7:00PM, at Harper Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:00AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Killeen. Following the mass, Santos will be laid to rest at Killeen City Cemetery.

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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!

04/17/2026

Ronald Wesley Cauthen

Ronald Wesley Cauthen, Sr, 75, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026, in Round Rock, Texas.

Ronald was born on November 17, 1950, in Lancaster, South Carolina, to George and Grace Cauthen (Starnes). He was raised with strong values of hard work, resilience, and dedication—qualities that remained with him throughout his life. Ronald carried himself with a quiet strength and a steady presence, leaving a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Over the years, Ronald built a life defined by perseverance and commitment. Whether in his work or personal life, he approached each day with determination and a sense of responsibility. He valued simple moments and the connections he made along the way, often offering a kind word or thoughtful gesture to those around him.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Floyd and Daniel Cauthen; and sister, Carol Frapier.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Lillie Cauthen; sons, Ronald Wesley Cauthen Jr and wife Lynn, and Junior Hargett; daughters, Gloria Schultz, Valerie Dunn, Sarah Loftis, and Frankie Garza; brother, Tommy Cauthen; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ronald will be remembered for his enduring spirit, his steady nature, and the legacy of a life well lived. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

04/17/2026

Mary Hawthorne

Mary Faye Hawthorne passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Belton, Texas. She was 93 years old. Mary was born to George Yarbrough and Jewel Jackson (Lange), in Jarrell, Texas on August 21, 1932.

Memaw was a woman whose love and light touched everyone who knew her. She found joy in life’s simple beauties—bright colors, gardening, cookbooks and songbooks, word searches, and the laughter that filled the room when her family would put on little “concerts” just for her. She loved the Lord deeply and served Him each and every day through her kindness to everyone around her. She was a hard worker with the softest touch, working three jobs at one time throughout her life—serving in the school cafeteria, working at T.I., making pies for Hill Top Café and Crow’s Burger, and also caring for others in a nursing home. She was never one for material things; she was a simple lady whose happiness came from loving and providing for her family.

Memaw was an incredible cook, known for making the best breakfast in the world—her eggs and pancakes were unmatched, and her chocolate pie was truly unforgettable. She adored her beloved dogs, Susie and Gracie, and cherished every moment spent with her family, which was her greatest joy. She especially loved visiting her twin brothers’ farm, where so many treasured memories were made. Memaw had the sweetest soul and a strength that carried her through all of life’s challenges. Her smile could light up the universe, and her heart was always open—whether through long phone calls or by making sure no one in her family ever went without a meal. She would have done anything in the world for us, and her love will live on in our hearts forever.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Billy T. Hawthorne, parents; stepfather, Walter Lange; brothers, George Lange, and Charlie Yarbrough; sisters, Marie Lange, and Alice Barnes; grandson, Tim Wilson; and grandparents, Joe and Emmer Jackson.

Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Imma McCoy and Betty Shook; son, Billy D. Hawthorne; daughter, Wanda Faye Wilson; grandchildren, Rikka Daryl Diaz (Daniel Vincent), Shelby Elaine Hawthorne, Karsyn Hawthorne, Alicia Kay Wilson, Gianna Cruz, Kelsey Harrison, Keirstin Gielbunt, Mikey Cruz, and Holly Ann Wilson; many great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family invites friends to join them for a time of visitation on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM, at Harper Talasek Funeral Home in Belton, Texas. A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10:00AM, at First Cedar Valley Baptist Church in Salado. Following the funeral service, Mary will be laid to rest at Cedar Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to First Cedar Valley Baptist Church in Salado.

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04/14/2026

It's National Gardening Day! If you maintain a garden, when did you first start and what is your favorite part of gardening?

04/12/2026

Estella Ares

Estella Ares, 74, of Temple, passed away on April 8th, 2026, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. She was born in Temple, Texas, to Isabel Moreno and Juanita Rangel Moreno. She was one of eight children.

Born in Temple, Texas, she worked as a school nutrition specialist in the cafeteria at Temple High School, retiring in 2000 after 19 years. Even after she retired, many of her beloved students, whom she used to serve, would still recognize her while out and about, and they would all reminisce with her about the times she would give them cookies. Her favorite pastime was playing bingo with her husband all across Central Texas. Estella always enjoyed listening to her brother-in-law, Paul Donoso, and his band perform. Enjoying many unforgettable nights dancing together with her husband.

She is survived by her husband, Jose A. Ares; her two sons, John Velasquez Jr and wife Priscilla, and Jose M. Ares and wife Danielle; four brothers, Conrad Moreno and wife Maggie, Butch Garcia, Gilbert Moreno and wife Sonia, and Ronnie Moreno; three sisters, Mary Renteria and husband Eugene, Dianne Romero, and Sylvia Moreno; and her 7 grandchildren, Galonie Velasquez, Caillou Ares, Alexis Ares, Popee Velasquez, Devin Velasquez, Leilani Ares, and Dominik Ares.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister JoAnn Moreno Donoso and husband Paul.

A funeral service will take place at 6:00PM on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Harper Talasek Funeral Homes in Temple. Ms. Ares will be in state for viewing all day on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

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04/11/2026

Mary Maldonado

Mary cherished her grandchildren, there was nothing that brought her more joy than spending time with them. She loved attending their school and sporting events, sharing stories, offering advice. She loved making tortillas together, and at times simply sitting together laughing. Evan and Ava were the light of her life, and she made both of them feel deeply loved and special. The memories they created together will forever be treasured.

She was a proud and devoted mother to her sons, Marcus and Franky. They were her strength and heart. She was proud of the men they’ve become and loved hugging them tightly every chance she got.

Family meant everything to her, she treasured spending weekends with her siblings. Their gatherings were filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of bond that only siblings share.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord with all her heart and lived her life as a reflection of his grace and kindness. She leaned on her faith for strength and shared that strength with those around her.

Mary’s legacy of kindness will live on in all the people she loved and cherished.

Proceeded in death by Parents: Guadalupe and Paul Constancio Brothers: Ruben Maldonado, Raul Reyes Sisters: Orphelia and Dora Maldonado, Rita Hernandez Pieto

Survived by: Brothers: Robert Reyes, Arthur and Ricky Layton, Richard and Tomas Constancio Sisters: Virginia and Delia Constancio, Christine Hill Children: Marcus Machuca and wife Brandi Machuca Franky Machuca Grandchildren: Evan and Ava Machuca

A visitation in Mary’s honor will be held Wednesday, April15,2026 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Harper Talasek in Temple, TX. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, April 16,2026 at 10:00am at Harper Talasek in Temple, TX.

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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.