Jesse G. Eredia went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 25, 2025, at the age of 60 years old. Jesse was born on June 21,1964 to Jesus and Maria Eredia in Gonzales, TX. He graduated from Gonzales High School in May 1982 and upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served his country honorably with over 20 years of service in the Navy. He received various awards and commendations while on active duty. Jesse reached the rank of Information Systems Technician First Class. Upon his Navy retirement he was employed with Harris Corporation as a Satellite Communications Technician (defense contractor) out of Okinawa, Japan. Majority of his time he spent in Okinawa and in the Philippines. While he was in the Philippines he met his wife, Ruth. In 2017 he returned to the states and settled in San Antonio, TX. He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth and his parents Jesus and Maria Eredia. Jesse is survived by three sisters, Toni (Bill) Miller of San Antonio, TX, Anita (Joe) Lafuente of Friona, TX and Mary Jane Eredia of LaVernia, TX and one brother Domingo Eredia of Gonzales, TX and several nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian burial is set for June 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St Helena’s Catholic Church and military burial is set at 1p.m. at Ft Sam Houston cemetery in San Antonio, TX.
Manuel Rodriguez, 86 of Friona passed away June 4, 2025, in Friona. Viewing was held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM with Rosary Services at 6:00 PM Friday, June 6, 2025 the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of the funeral home in Friona. Mass of Christian Burial Services were held at 12:00 PM Saturday June 7, 2025, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Friona with Father David Contreras as Celebrant. Burial following in the Friona Cemetery entrusted to HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Manuel was born January 4, 1939, in Valle de Zaragoza, Chihuahua, Mexico to Enrique Rios and Maria Rodriguez. He was a fisherman and raised goats and sheep. He was a great dad, loved his children and grandchildren, smoking, playing cards, coffee and goat meat.
Those to mourn his passing include his wife- Maria de Jesus Morales of Friona, children- Rufino Rodriguez of Bovina, Miguel Angel Rodriguez and spouse Olivia of Artesia, N.M., Juventino Rodriguez and spouse Trini of Friona, Juana Gonzalez and spouse Jose of Houston, Elisa Rodriguez and Ramiro Luevano of Torreon, Mexico, Juliana Alvarez and spouse Domingo of Friona, Jesus Rodriguez and spouse Rosa of Chihuahua, Mexico, 22 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
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Earl F. Whitten, 91, of Bovina peacefully passed on June 9, 2025, with his beloved son and grandson by his side. Viewing will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, June 12, 2025, in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home with family visitation from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 13, 2025, at Muleshoe Cowboy Fellowship Church in Muleshoe with Steve Friskup, officiating. Burial following in the Bovina Cemetery entrusted to HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Earl was born on February 9, 1934, in Carey, Texas, to Henry Earl and Fannie Whitten. After graduating from Carey High School, his friend convinced him the night before the first day of classes to attend West Texas State College, now WTAMU. There he received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant. During this time, he met the love of his life, Norma Russell, at a bank she worked at in Claude, Texas.
Earl married Norma on November 11, 1954, at Claude Methodist Church. Shortly after, Earl joined the United States Fourth Army Division as a Second Lieutenant and served as a payroll officer. After being discharged two years later, he went to work for Calvin Cox Accounting Firm in Amarillo and later became a partner in the firm.
In 1965, Earl and Norma were blessed with their only son, Bret. A year later, Penny Anderson convinced Earl to operate Sherley Anderson Grain Elevators as the in-house CPA in Bovina. Over the next 53 years, he wore many hats and dedicated countless hours to grow the grain business into a significant staple in our community.
If you didn’t catch Earl in his office crunching numbers, he was most likely out checking cattle. His love for his cattle is what kept him going throughout all the years. If he wasn’t talking about business, he was most likely talking about cattle.
Earl loved Bovina and the Parmer County community. He served three consecutive terms on the Bovina School Board, served on the City Council, and became Man of the Year in 1999. Norma and Earl were blessed by their community with the Heritage Award in 2005.
Earl will always be remembered for his servant’s heart. He was known for passing gum out to kids at church, donating to many charities, helping those in need, and giving money to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to fill their piggy banks.
His faith in Jesus carried him throughout his life. Earl loved his family and was always present in their lives. His wisdom, guidance, and love will remain with them forever.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 65 years, Norma; and his brother, Joe Whitten and wife Delores; and sister-in-law, Kay Hungate and her husband Larry.
He is survived by his son, Dr. Bret Whitten and wife Sherri; brother, Billy Gene Whitten and wife Shelia: three grandchildren, Megan Whitten Taylor and husband Jared; Colby Whitten; and Chloee Whitten; and great-grandchildren Kyler and Kinsley Taylor. He also had many nieces and nephews, as well as his favorite secretary/co-worker for 40 years, Nancy Dunn.
We want to thank all the doctors, nurses, and health care workers for taking care of Earl, and we request memorials be made to Parmer Medical Center, 1307 Cleveland St, Friona, TX 79035 or Prairie Acres Nursing Home, 201 E 15th St, Friona, TX 79035.
You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book exclusively at: hansardfamily.com