Ernest D. Waggoner, 80, passed away Nov. 3, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

There will be a private, intimate family memorial service at Big Bend National Park in accordance with Ernest’s request.

A Day of the Dead celebration was held on Nov. 1-2 in Fort Stockton on First St. in front of the Original Mexican Restaurant.

J.B. Gallegos and Olga Gonzalez organized the ceremony/gathering. The event featured an altar that displayed submitted photos of loved ones who have passed away and traditional food that accompanies Day of the Dead ceremonies.

Emma Morales, Omar Guerrero and Angela Hernandez played live music at the event as well.

Emily Puckett-Notley, 80, died at Seton Hospital on Oct. 1, 2021, after a rapid neurological decline.

The daughter of Dow and Roberta (Notley) Puckett, she was born in 1941 in Pecos, Texas. She graduated from Lockhart High School in 1959, and attended Texas Tech University. She went on to attend University of North Caroline-Chapel Hill, receiving a Master’s degree in English in 1964.

Taylor and Andrew Franco are half siblings who come from a long line of nurses and healthcare workers.

And they are both following through with their family tradition at the Midland College Williams Regional Technical Training Center in Fort Stockton.

Taylor graduated in Aug. 2020 and is now currently taking classes in MC’s associate degree nursing program to train to become a registered nurse.