Stella Ann Perez

Stella Ann Perez, age 67, of Tours, passed away Monday afternoon, May 7, 2007 at her residence. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, followed by a visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours, with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Martin's Cemetery. Stella was born on September 8, 1939 in Aquilla, the daughter of Ida Bell (Moore) Gibson and Milton Ayron Gibson. She graduated from Hillsboro High School and on July 12, 1976 was united in marriage to Reynaldo "Ray" Perez. Stella worked as a bus driver for the West Independent School District for 6 years. She also worked for the Central Texas Senior Ministry and volunteered at the local senior center. Stella wrote the Senior News column in the West News for many years. She also served as reporter for SPJST Lodge #6. Stella loved to work crossword puzzles, collect dolls, beanie babies, mice, and Elvis memorabilia. Suffering from C.O.P.D. for many years, she was an inspiration to many as she continued her life's journey in face of adversity. She was a member SPJST Lodge #6 and St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours. She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Maurice Gibson. Survivors include her husband of 30 years, Reynaldo "Ray" Perez of Tours; two sons, Stephen Fawcett and wife Deborah of New York and Damon Perez and wife Teri of Ft. Worth; two daughters, Denaria Dieterich and husband Steve of Hallsburg and Lillian DuPuy and husband Steve of West; one brother, Charles Gibson and wife Lorraine of Arlington; two sisters, Ovida Williams of Waco and Sandra Gibson of Grand Prairie; nine grandchildren, Amanda, Chris, Wesley, Bryson, McKenzie, Travis, Aaron, Ashley, and Stephanie; several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Pallbearers will be Steve DuPuy, Steve Dieterich, Brian Green, Duke Fillmore, J.D. Feltgen, and Wesley Perez. Her family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Raphael Perez and to her friend and caregiver, Georgie Soukup. Memorials may be made to West Senior Center or West Volunteer Ambulance Association.