July 4, 2025 flood obituaries

Cynthie Jane Ragsdale spent her too-short life selflessly serving her nuclear and extended families; her camp families in Hunt and around the world; her beloved First Presbyterian Church; and her community.

Carlos was preceded in death by his mother, Natalia Venzor and father, Leo Romero.

He went to school at Tivy High School. He worked as a Food Service Manager IV for Kerrville State Hospital for 23 years.

They were together in their river home in Hunt, TX when the intense floods of the Guadalupe River destroyed their home and took their lives all too soon.

She delighted in relationships with all who came into her orbit, people and creatures alike, embracing the characteristics that make each of us unique.

She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as “Nana” and never missed an opportunity to be around her grandchildren. She loved to spoil them, cheer them on, and wrap her arms around them.

Raised in South Africa by his missionary family grounded in strong faith, he developed a deep sense of perseverance, self-reliance, and purpose that shaped him throughout his life.

This memorial list honors each life lost in this tragedy, preserving their names and memory for generations to come.

Carol was a passionate and devoted Catholic, who found solace in praying the rosary often, and never left the house without one. Her faith was an essential part of her being and she spent many hours of her life in prayer.

The family was staying at the HTR TX Hill Country Campground near the Guadalupe River when catastrophic flooding struck in the early morning hours of July 4th. In just 45 minutes, the river rose 26 feet, giving the family no time to evacuate. Their cabin was swept off its foundation and carried away by the violent surge of water.

The Jeffrey family embodied the values of love, service, and community that defined their lives. Emlyn and Penny were described by all who knew them as “pillars of their community” who “loved their girls fiercely and were the most loyal friends.”

The Smith and Carpenter families had gathered at Casa Bonita, a gated community in Hunt, Texas, for what was meant to be a joyful Fourth of July weekend together.

Those who knew the Wilson family described them as inseparable – “stuck together like glue.” Family friend Clint Wilson captured their bond perfectly: “If you saw one of them, the other two were really near. They never went anywhere apart. They always traveled together. They were very tight and full of love.”

Martha was known for her kindness, warmth, creativity, sense of humor and most of all her passion for fun.

The Hardin family’s story is deeply intertwined with Camp Mystic, the historic all-girls Christian summer camp that has been a cherished institution in the Texas Hill Country for nearly a century.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic loss of four beloved members of the Harber family who died together in the devastating floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country in the early morning hours of July 4, 2025.

She had returned to UTPB pursuing her Masters in the Clinical Psychology Program. Jayda worked as a juvenile probation officer for Ector County, completing her first year in June.

She loved an adventure and was beyond excited to attend her first summer at Camp Mystic and achieve her dream of becoming a True Tonk.

Katherine was thrilled to have been accepted to The University of Texas at Austin for the fall. She was to be a Special Education major and ultimately planned to become a special education teacher.

Tasha was always front and center at his shows, cheering him on with an enthusiasm that only she could bring. She was equally supportive of her brother-in-law, Cody Crossland, and took great pride in being part of the music community that surrounded her.

Known affectionately as “Sissy,” “Little,” or “Baby Sis,” Sarah was the joy-filled, adventurous, snuggly light of our lives. She made friends quickly, approached new experiences with courage and excitement, and had a way of quickly drawing in anyone she met. She was both tough and tender, sassy and sweet, fiercely loyal and so much fun!

He was happiest surrounded by nature – camping under the stars, hiking through the woods, or discovering new places with his loved ones. He believed the best memories were made outside, and he made sure his family and friends shared in those adventures.

Amanda was a beautiful, kind, generous, loving person who everybody who knew her loved her. Amanda admired every cactus plant that crossed her path and a true passion for connection with nature and enjoying what the outdoors had to offer. She will always be remembered as the sweetest thing on this side of heaven.

When she saw a friend struggling to read, she put her hand on their back and said, “It’s okay. We can read it together.” Linnie demonstrated an empathy beyond her years.

Natalia was a loving daughter, mother and friend. She was caring and would help anyone in need. Her first priority was always family. She will be missed greatly by her family.

While words can hardly capture the full measure of lives both so well lived and yet barely lived at all, we offer this obituary as both a tribute and a lasting testament to their spirits – spirits that will continue to encourage all who had the privilege of knowing them.

 J.R. was known for his involvement in local sports, serving as a dedicated umpire and referee for numerous softball and volleyball games. He was also an enthusiastic amateur drone operator. Cindy was an avid reader with a love of science fiction movies and a creative spirit – talented in both sewing and making custom T-shirts.

Margaret gave so much love and kindness to those around her. She quickly endeared herself to anyone she met, adults and children alike. One of her greatest joys was being a friend – always inclusive, dependable, welcoming, and ready to giggle for hours.

Tim was a lifelong builder, dreamer, and creator. As a self-taught neon artist, he turned a childhood fascination with light, electricity, and design into a brilliant career.

Perhaps most of all Janie will be remembered for her perpetual smile and the sheer joy she brought to everyone around her.

She saw Mozart’s house and skipped through scenes from The Sound of Music, a family favorite. For all of us, the hills will be alive with the sound of her music, now and forever.

Robert and Joni’s lives were rooted in service — to their faith, to their country, to their community, and above all, to their family. They were a constant presence in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought them unending joy and pride.

She possessed a remarkable talent for research and was the family’s go-to person for help, information, planning, and anything that required diligent investigation. She was the “glue” that ensured everyone in her family felt protected and well-prepared for the future.

Mary Kate had an ambitious vision for her future and planned to grow up to be a singer, actress, artist, and doctor amongst an ever-evolving list of lofty goals.

Joyce Catherine was a soul who danced to the rhythm of her own heartbeat and gently encouraged others to do the same.

With her family, she loved to cheer on the Texas Longhorns, watch movies (but not scary ones!), and travel including memorable vacations to New York City, Disneyland, San Diego, Chicago, Telluride, Jackson Hole, and San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Shon loved listening to people with the goal of helping people with their problems and pains from his family and patients.

In 1980, they arranged to reunite with their law school friends at the River Inn, and an annual tradition began. Last week the group met there for the 46th-and last-time.

Kyndall had a heart full of love for her family, her friends, and her faith. Despite her bashful nature, Kyndall’s sunshine always shone through.

Joel’s loving relationship with his wife, Tasha Ramos, and his role as a father were the cornerstones of his life. Together, they created a beautiful family built on love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. As a husband and father, Joel was the embodiment of loyalty, affection, and devotion.

We take comfort in knowing that they are now at peace and are reunited with loved ones who have gone before them.  Their memory will forever be a source of strength and inspiration to us all.  

From the day she was born, she was a magical life force—small but mighty, warm and radiant, filling every room with energy, laughter, and love. No one could resist her sweet nature, impish grin, and beautiful blue eyes.

Ellen was beautiful on the inside and the outside. She had precious freckles that she proudly collected over the years and wore glasses that distinguished her from other girls. She ate her meals with gusto, which was evident on her clothes most days, and especially loved pasta with red sauce and gelato.

She was looking forward to her favorite activities, basketball, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, archery, and theater at Camp Mystic. In Houston, she channeled her natural theatrical spirit into productions with The Spotlight Project Theater.

Reese leaves behind a heartbroken community of family, friends, classmates, and mentors who will carry her memory with them always. Her legacy lives on in the spaces she dreamed of designing, the lives she brightened, and the love she gave so freely.

Kellyanne brought sparkle and joy into every space she entered with a sweet presence that was vibrant, unforgettable, and deeply cherished. She was the perfect combination of beauty and athleticism; cautious yet carefree; serious but wildly fun-loving with an unshakeable spirit.

From the moment she arrived, Lainey filled her family and friends’ life with love, laughter, and spunk. She was a light-on-her-feet, courageous and imaginative child who loved playing with slime, eating popsicles and popcorn, playing Old Maid and Gin with her grandparents, Susu and Bebo, and baking chocolate chip muffins with her Grandma.

Their deep love for one another, their children and their community was evident in all they did, and their passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of many.

From the start they were so very different, but they fit together perfectly. They were best friends and partners in crime. They loved each other—and their big sister Harper—like only sisters can love.

Whether she was dancing around the house, tumbling proudly at Mustang Cheer, or shouting “Hook ’em Horns!”, Hadley brought joy wherever she went.

She dressed not only her customers but also her family in timeless fashion, always with care and creativity. Her refined taste and natural eye for style inspired everyone around her.

Penny worked as a computer data entry for various companies over the years as an independent contractor. She knew how to enjoy the little moments and was very social – she enjoyed morning coffee and evening wine by the fire pit. She had lots of friends and was always gathering everyone together. She truly enjoyed fishing and boating.

He was a former Southwest Gymnastics Champion, a YMCA swim instructor. He enjoyed activities such as cliff diving, white-water canoeing, snow skiing, off-roading in Jeeps, boating, flying his airplane, and playing volleyball. He even created his own game, Combat Croquet. He loved collecting and shooting guns and was always ready to help others-fixing everything from bicycles to RVs and homes.

Lucy had an insatiable curiosity and a love of learning, especially when it came to fun facts and sports statistics. She adored reading (Diary of a Wimpy Kid was her favorite) and collected crystals, gems, bobblehead athletes, fidget toys, and anything featuring corgis.

She loved her family and would do anything for them such as cooking and taking care of them. He loved to fish and camp and was known as a diligent worker; his family described him as family-oriented, quiet, and reserved.

Molly had a heart as expansive as her imagination. From a young age, she was drawn to those on the margins—refugees, kids who felt different, people without homes.

In 2007, Cody married the love of his life, Shellie. Together, they lived a full and vibrant life with Cody’s beloved dogs Baby Lord and Cooper King. They spent their days making memories and chasing their passions.

She was more than just a colleague; she was a friend to many and a woman whose kindness and hard work left an indelible legacy.

She was serving as a counselor and hero at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. She spent her final days doing what she loved most—caring for and mentoring young girls while attending her tenth year at the camp she loved.

She was welcomed into heaven by her parents Jimmy and Carolyn Lee, her in-laws T.G. and Lillie Burwick, her son Darin Burwick, her daughter Shay Burwick, and granddaughter “Little “Lillie Burwick.

Early in the morning on July 4, 2025, the Burgess family of Liberty, Texas, tragically passed away after being caught in the devastating floods in Kerr County while camping on the banks of the Guadalupe River.

Hutch lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and service to others. A devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church in San Antonio, he was known for his unwavering kindness, generosity of spirit, and steadfast love for those around him

Beth’s heart was always with her family. She embraced motherhood with joy and grace, raising their two children, Hutcher and Kate, with unwavering devotion.

Her love for animals was boundless. Lila would spend hours captivated by “Animal Rescue” and “Animal ER” on Disney, dreaming of a future as a veterinarian.

Margaret was truly a gift. She lived 100 years in fewer than 9. She loved it all, and she was so easy to love.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering presence, gentle spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel seen and loved. Whether through a homecooked meal, heartfelt advice, or simply sitting beside you in silence, Linda gave her whole heart—always.

As a teenager, Aidan attended Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School. During his freshman year, he met the love of his life and girlfriend of 7 years – Ella Rose Cahill.

Ella loved fiercely cherishing her family, her friends, and her high school sweetheart, Aidan Heartfield, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond.

Mary Grace carried herself with a presence that will never be forgotten. When she would spot a teacher, friend, or their parents in the wild, those beautiful blonde curls would bounce towards you until she collided into you with a hug so grand it would nearly knock you over.

Steve dedicated his professional career to the oil and gas industry, working for respected companies including Amoco and Oxy Permian

Additionally, Charlotte displayed an unmatched prowess for wielding an editor’s red pen. Her insightful remarks and devotion to properly placed commas saved many a novel, short story and memo.

Julian was a cherished father to his daughter, Hayven Ryan, residing in California: his son, Julian Allen Wayne Ryan Jr. of Ingram; and his step-son, Maliki Crowder, also of Ingram.

Faith, family, and friendship were the cornerstones of Sally’s life. She was a devoted member of her church and a woman of sterling character – kind, generous, and full of grace.