SDN: June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

Angels among us: Side by side for 40 Years

Sisters bound by work of service

Aguirre-Herrera

(Seguin) -- The nursing profession is often described as a calling. And for two sisters at Windsor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Seguin, that calling has lasted more than four decades.

In an industry where employee turnover is often measured in months, certified nursing assistants Pam Lackey and Derlene Cockrum have spent a combined 81 years caring for residents at the local nursing facility. The sisters were honored Friday afternoon during a special ceremony that also helped wrap up the observance of National CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Week. Together, they were recognized before family members, residents, friends and fellow staff members for their 40-year dedication.

Company officials say the milestone is remarkable not only because of the length of their careers, but because both women have spent those decades working side-by-side in one of healthcare’s most demanding professions.

Angels, pg. 3

Sisters bound by work of service

Guadalupe County recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Month

(Seguin) -- The protection of some of the county’s most vulnerable residents is not going unnoticed. The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court is doing its part to shed light on the importance of protecting older adults in this community. The county recently proclaimed June 2026 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Guadalupe County.

The proclamation was read publicly during a recent meeting of the Guadalupe County Commissioners’ Court. Accepting the recognition on behalf of Adult Protective Services were APS Supervisor Sabrina Nunez and APS staff member Amber Winters.

The proclamation noted that “older adults and people with disabilities contribute greatly to the community through work, caregiving, volunteerism, and by preserving traditions and values.” It also highlighted the ongoing problem “of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation,” which affects thousands of Texans each year.

According to the proclamation, more than 125,000 older adults and people with disabilities across Texas experienced abuse in 2025, including 614 individuals in Guadalupe County.

Following the presentation, Nunez thanked county leaders for bringing attention to the issue and shared local statistics.

“Thank you for designating June 2026 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Guadalupe County. Abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older adults remains a serious

concern both nationally and within our community. In 2025, Guadalupe Adult Protective Services received 614 intakes and completed 424 investigations of abuse, neglect, and or financial exploitation,” said Nunez.

Nunez says it’s important to help older adults remain safe and independent while maintaining their dignity and quality of life.

“Every person deserves to age with dignity, safety, independence, and respect. Through our partnering to protect initiative, Adult Protective Services, the South Texas Community Board and community partners continue working together to strengthen awareness, expand resources, and support safe and independent aging in place,” said Nunez.

Nunez also recognized the agencies and organizations that work together to protect these residents.

“We are grateful for the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, the Seguin Police Department, the probate courts, the district attorney’s office for their continued collaboration and commitment to protecting older adults and vulnerable individuals. Strong partnerships are essential to building safer, more connected communities for all generations. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to the well-being of our community,” said Nunez.

Abuse of a senior who is not in a health care facility can be reported to Adult Protective Services at 800-2525400.

Angels, continued.

In fact, during their tenure, the facility has even operated under multiple ownership groups and names, beginning as ARA.

Former Administrator AJ Saldana, who led the facility for a decade before recently leaving his position, returned to Windsor to take part in the recognition ceremony. He says the sisters’ commitment “extends beyond longevity.”

“It’s about following one’s path and believing that you have a purpose in this world. And I truly believe that their purpose was to take care of each other, number one, as being sisters, and to take care of the residents that they serve. And to continually do that for 40 years, they truly are, like what has been described as angels on earth,” said Saldana.

Jorge Ramirez, regional human resources manager for the West and Dallas regions of Regency Integrated Health Services and Wellsential Health, says reaching the 40-year mark is especially significant for CNAs.

“Usually, the tenure is anywhere from, on average, two years, right? So, to celebrate 40 years, which the CNAs are the backbone of our organization, it does make an impact and it’s something that you don’t see as often. Forty years is a very difficult accomplishment to hit when you’re dealing with the day in and day out of the industry and the job,” said Ramirez.

For Lackey, she says the journey began in 1985 when she walked through the facility’s doors looking for work.

“I can sum it up as I walked in this building one day looking for a job, and I took it. They hired me the same day as I started. Didn’t know what to expect or if I would keep it. After 10 years is when I really knew that this was a job for me -- and all the compassion that I have for the elderly. I love them,” said Lackey.

It wasn’t until almost a year later, however, that Lackey finally convinced her younger sister to join her.

Cockrum says that decision was finally made easy after schedule changes at her original job at Motorola Automotive, now known as Vitesco Technologies.

“I was working at Motorola. So, when Motorola decided to take away evenings, then they were only going to have the morning shift, so I had my daughter -- and I said, well, I got to get a job. And then she (Pam) said, hey, why don’t you come over to Windsor? Well, it wasn’t Windsor then. I think it was called ARA at that time. And then I said, well, I think I’m going to go to school because I wanted to be blood drawer. So, I started out with that. And then I said, ah, this ain’t for me. And she said, you need to come on over here and get a job. So that’s what I did. I came over. Got in, got the hands dirty, and been here ever since,” said Cockrum.

As for what has kept her here all these years -Cockrum says it’s been the residents and their families.

“Working in this facility was a God’s blessing. I came here young, dumb, but I came in looking for a job. I found a job and I said, you know what, this is God’s calling. So, every time I say, oh man, I can’t do this anymore, I’m leaving, I can’t do it. And then, the residents just drew me back and family members -- they’d say, I’m going to

bring grandma. Don’t quit yet, because I’m going to bring grandma. And I said, oh man, no, I’m trying to leave. And so here comes another grandmother, here comes another uncle, here comes another aunt. And so it just led on from there,” said Cockrum.

Most importantly, Cockrum credits much of her passion for caregiving to her mother.

“It’s always been a passion for helping people, because that’s the way my mom brought us up, you help people, because that’s what my mom did. We lived next door to a little cafe, and there was always street women, stuff like that, and they were getting beat up by the men. My mom would just go over there and get them and bring them into our home, and we would take care of those people. And I guess I got that from my mom,” said Cockrum.

Today, the sisters still work the same 2 to 10 p.m. shift – a shift that Lackey says they have shared for much of their careers.

“We work the same shift, work the same days right now. We work the 2 to 10 shift. So we’ve been on that shift for years, most of the 40, the 2 to 10. I work a lot without her. If she’s here or not, I’m still going to do what I have to do,” said Lackey.

Lackey says all in all, she believes it’s been the facility’s overall success that has helped her stay at the same job.

“We have a lot of long-term employees here, and I think that’s what makes a difference here. Our admissions’ coordinators, they keep our facility full. It’s very seldom that we are below. The employees here enjoy working together, and that’s what makes a difference too. We work like we’re a family,” said Lackey.

Although both women admit they have considered retirement over the years, neither is making plans to step away anytime soon.

As part of the recognition, each woman received a community reception, a commemorative glass plaque plus a $1,000 check.

VITAL STATISTICS

HERRERA

www.SEGUINTODAY.com

Antonio “Tony” Herrera, age 73 of Seguin, passed away on June 19, 2026. Tony was born on March 15, 1953, in Seguin, Texas, to Nieves (Chavez) and Pedro Herrera.

Tony will be remembered as one of the service mangers at Soechting Motors for more than 40 years.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth Herrera, and his parents.

Survivors include his daughter, Bianca Herrera and husband Steve; stepchildren, Ian Sandoval and wife Gena, Iris Hernandez and husband Jesse, and Lynn Medrano and husband Ray; grandchildren, Alexiana Morales, Steven Rudolfo Antonio Herrera, Ernest Rene San Miguel, Elizabeth Medrano, Ivoree Sandoval and Trinity Sandoval; great-granddaughter, Aliana Montealvo;

LUNA

siblings, Alicia Nieto and husband Sam, Ramon Herrera and wife Carol, and Sylvia Larick and husband Steve; nieces and nephews, Joshua Nieto and wife Patricia, Aimee Nieto Anderson and husband Ben, Sarah Tisdale, Ayla Larick and Tracy Lynn Mayfield; numerous other loving family and friends.

Visitation will begin at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in St. James Catholic Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Stevie Antonio Herrera, Joshua H. Nieto, Ernest Rene San Miguel, Darrell Cowey, Gilbert C. De La Garza, Jr., and Bobby Calderon. Honorary pallbearers will be BB Loera, Al Hewell, Donald “Banjo” Carley, and Henry Sam Herbold.

You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155.

Melissa Ann Luna passed away on June 13, 2026, in Seguin, Texas. She was born on December 10, 1967. Arrangements are under the direction of Palmer Mortuary, 1116 N. Austin St., Seguin, Texas 78155. 830-379-9430.

WILSON

Frank Wilson, Sr. passed away on June 12, 2026 at the age of 92 years old.

Survivors include his childeren: Lana Wilson, Dana Wilson, and Frank Wilson, Jr.

Siblings: Louia L. Francis, Everlene Nash, Veryl Inman, Dollis Bagwell,

Manuel Wilson, Jr, and Lorraine Johnson.

Funeral services will be held Thursday 6/25/2026 at 11:00 AM at New St. James Baptist Church in Seguin, TX. A public viewing will take place at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.

VITAL STATISTICS

ECKHARDT

Carl “Bubba” Eckhardt was born on August 2, 1964, to Colleen Davis Eckhardt and Carl “Doug” Eckhardt. He is preceded in death by his loving parents and grandparents. Bubba is survived by his 3 beautiful daughters, Ashley (Nicholas), Shelby, and Lauren (Braeden) who he shared with Rebecca; 4 grandsons Henry, Cooper, Finn, and Dawson; his brother Troy (Sharlene); nephew Remington and niece Olivia; and Willie Nelson (thank God).

Bubba graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Animal Science. He had a rich career dedicated to wildlife and the outdoors, from working at the San Antonio Zoo to private game ranches. His “retirement job” with the City of Seguin allowed him to share his love of landscaping and parks management while pursuing one of his favorite hobbies: scavenger hunts. Whether it be arrowheads or jewelry, Bubba was always looking for a new treasure.

Bubba lived his life loud. He loved his beer, Texas country music, and sitting outside watching his pigs. He shared his love of raising show pigs with Shelby and Lauren and continued to share his knowledge with many families around Seguin. He was an avid outdoorsman and lifelong hunter. He would tell

LOOFF

Ellen Blackwell Looff passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on December 13, 1944, in Texarkana, Texas, to Susie Glayds (Stewart) and Stanley Phillip Blackwell.

Ellen graduated from Texas High School in 1963 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from East Texas State University in 1968. While teaching school in Houston, she met and married Wayne Looff on May 31, 1973. They have one daughter, Whitney.

Shortly after her marriage and moving to Seguin, Ellen continued her thirty-five year teaching career at Randolph Air Force Base, A.J. Briesemeister School, and Seguin High School. Later, she taught at Mary B. Erskine and Vogel Elementary School; many of those students will remember with delight her reading of Hank the Cowdog.

Ellen was the ultimate hostess at parties that Wayne and she gave at their home, celebrating occasions like Christmas, Fourth of July, dinner parties, and other events. Her hobbies included reading, needlepoint, crewel, and crafting. As a member of Faith Lutheran Church for over 50 years, Ellen supported many activities at the church. She was also a member of the Pi Eta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and a charter member of the “Winettes,” which met every Friday afternoon after a long week of school. Other highlights of her life were

his girls that they could marry anyone they wanted as long as they had 10,000 acres and a deer blind for daddy. He loved fishing and spent countless hours on the jetties in Port Aransas. More recently, he enjoyed fishing in Giddings with the Behrens family. He never had a bad day of fishing or hunting. Even if he went home empty-handed, he’d say “that’s why they call it fishing, not catching.” He cherished any time spent with his girls & grandsons in the blind or at the fishing hole. He followed his Red Raider sports religiously, along with NASCAR and the Cowboys. Any losses or other minor conveniences were obviously a result of the full moon. Some months, the moon was full every week.

Bubba was an active member of the community, always willing to lend a hand. He loved his time on the Faith Lutheran Church BBQ crew. His seafood boils were legendary for causing chapped lips and fights over peeled shrimp. He viewed recipes as inspiration and often forgot to write down what he changed, so every meal was unique. Feeding people was truly his love language.

Bubba will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the San Antonio Zoo in Bubba’s honor.

You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary,165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.

the many travels to Europe with Wayne. Ellen will be remembered for her style and grace, her kindness and compassion, and her endless love for all.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law and fatherin-law, Norma “Chick” and E. C. “Pinky” Looff; sister-in-law, Linda Blackwell; and brother-in-law, Jeff Looff and wife Joan.

Survivors include her husband, Wayne Looff; daughter, Whitney Looff McClean and husband, Charlie; sister, Suzanne Sengele and husband D.X., III; brother, Ronald Blackwell; sister-in-law, Lisa Carleton and husband David; niece, Bonnie Finnigan and husband Richard; nephews, D.X. Sengele, IV, and wife Mary; Christopher Sengele, Brandon Sengele, Christian Carleton, Brett Carleton and his wife Natasha; Jeff Looff, II, and his wife Hope Herrington; several great nieces and nephews, cousins, other loving family members and a host of friends.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. The Reverend Jeremy Pedersen will officiate the memorial service at 3 p.m., celebrating Ellen’s life. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar, Seguin, Texas 78155; or Seguin Public Library, 313 W. Nolte Street, Seguin, Texas 78155.

You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.

Study Finds Many Are Improving In Health As They Age

(New Haven, CT) -- New research shows many adults are improving in their health as they age. A study done by Yale University shows close to half of adults age 65 and older had improvements in cognitive function, physical function, or both as they got older. Researchers looked at eleven-thousand participants in the Health and Retirement Study, a federally funded survey of older Americans. Beca Levy, the lead author of the study says many people equate aging with an inevitable and continuous loss of physical and cognitive abilities but the study found that improvement in later life is not rare, it’s common.

Brain Blood Tests Coming To Detect Alzheimer’s

(Silver Spring, MA) -- Brain blood tests will soon be coming to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. The Food and Drug Administration recently gave the green light for the marketing of the first in vitro diagnostic device that tests blood for plaques linked with Alzheimer’s disease in adult patients. Neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson at New York-Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center says this will revolutionize the way Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed and will work similar to how cholesterol tests are done routinely. Experts estimate 47 million Americans have preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and are not yet showing symptoms.

Measles Warning Issued Across DMV Region

(Washington, DC) -- A confirmed case of measles has prompted health officials to issue a warning for residents across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health says a Maryland resident infected with the virus traveled through the region on Wednesday, potentially exposing others. Health departments in the affected areas are urging people to stay vigilant if they visited Dulles International Airport or Mary’s Center in Adams Morgan, D.C. Health officials say anyone who visited these locations on Wednesday may have been exposed to the virus.

New Research May Help With Treatment of Kidney Disease

(Jacksonville, FL) -- New research may lead to better treatments of polycystic kidney disease. A study by the Mayo Clinic has found previously undiscovered ways to regulate the way the kidney handles water balance. Researchers say up until this study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the body’s ability to prevent dehydration has been thought to depend primarily on a certain hormone. However, researchers found a separate way not connected to that hormone. It’s estimated around 140-thousand people in the U.S. have polycystic kidney disease.

School

Physicals

Summer Reading Experience Underway at Seguin Public Library

The Seguin Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in its 2026 Summer Reading Experience, “Unearth a Story.” The free program features books, activities, special events, and opportunities to win dino-mite prizes throughout the summer. Children, teens, and adults are all encouraged to join. Registration is available in person at the library or online at Seguin Public Library Summer Reading Experience. No library card is required to participate. Participants have until Aug. 6, 2026, to complete their activity boards and be entered into drawings for raffle prizes.

National Reunification Month

SJRC Texas is recognizing June as National Reunification Month, a time to celebrate the safe reunification of children with their families and to raise awareness about the importance of family preservation. Reunification is the primary goal for children in foster care whenever it is safe and appropriate. Learn more about the services and support available through SJRC Texas.

Art Show Honors Military Veterans

The Seguin Art League will accept entries for its Red, White and Blue Honoring Veterans Art Show from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 13, at the Seguin Art League Gallery, 104 S. Austin St. The exhibit is open to league members and free for non-member veterans. The show will be on display through July 11. A Vet-

erans Art Talk reception is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the gallery. A prospectus can be downloaded at seguinartleague. com, or picked up at the gallery. For more information, call 830-491-0778.

Salvation Army Benefit Basket Raffle

The public is invited to support a special basket raffle benefiting the Salvation Army. The fundraiser will be held Friday, June 19, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the back of the Cascade Café at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. The raffle features Father’s Day and Fourth of July-themed baskets, with all proceeds going to support the Salvation Army and its local mission. Community members are encouraged to stop by, purchase raffle tickets, and help support a worthy cause. Tickets are $1 each or get six for $5.

Jury Duty Cancelled for JP1

Jurors who were summoned for jury duty on Monday, June 22 for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 are advised that jury duty has been cancelled. Those who received a summons for the 9:30 a.m. appearance do not need to report to court. For additional information, contact the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office.

Field of Honor Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary

The public is invited to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at the Field of Honor’s Birthday Party on Saturday, June 27, beginning at 10 a.m. The event will feature guest speakers, live music by Clint Taft, free hot

dogs, chips and drinks while supplies last, plus family-friendly activities including a fish pond, duck pool, bean bag toss, coloring table and prizes for children. Flag dedications will also be available. Organizers invite the community to join them as they help kick off the Fourth of July festivities.

Junior Lifeguard Program

The Seguin Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Junior Lifeguard Class from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at the Seguin Wave Pool, located at 1 Wave Pool Drive. The class is open to participants ages 9 to 15 and will teach basic first-aid, CPR, water safety, rescue techniques, communication skills and lifeguard responsibilities. Participants must be able to swim and complete a swim-tread-swim sequence. This is not a learn-to-swim program and does not provide official lifeguard or CPR certification. The cost is $40 per participant. Participants should bring a swimsuit, sunglasses, towel, water, hat and a cold sack lunch. For more information, call Seguin Parks and Recreation at 830-401-2480.

To ensure non-profit organization’s meetings and events appear in this calendar, send information to: communitycalendar@kwed1580.com, or drop off the information at the Seguin Daily News/KWED offices located at 609 E. Court St. in Seguin. For best results, submit information at least two weeks prior to the event.