News Summary
The city of Austin mourns the recent loss of three beloved individuals: Chris Ahuero, Mary Barrett Stevens, and Helen Lorraine Anderson. Each person made unique contributions to their families and communities, leaving lasting memories in the hearts of their loved ones. Friends and family are coming together to celebrate their lives and legacies through memorial services planned in the coming weeks.
Austin, Texas Remembered: Tributes to Three Local Lives Lost
Austin, Texas, is mourning the loss of three individuals who passed away recently: Chris Ahuero, Mary Barrett Stevens, and Helen Lorraine Anderson. Each of their lives were marked by unique contributions to their families and communities, leaving behind cherished memories for loved ones.
Chris Ahuero, 69
Chris Ahuero passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025. He is survived by his only daughter, Veronica Gamboa, and his grandchild, True Gamboa. Preceded in death by his sister, Diane Ahuero; parents, Virginia Hernandez and Gabriel Ahuero; and brother, Gabriel Ahuero, Chris leaves behind a legacy as a devoted father and proud grandfather.
An ironworker by profession, Chris contributed to several skyscrapers in downtown Austin, showcasing his skill in a vital line of work for the city’s development. Outside of his career, he was an enthusiastic sports fan, with a particular passion for the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys. His love for the outdoors was evident through his regular activities watching over his neighborhood.
A celebration of life for Chris Ahuero will be held on July 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home South Chapel, where friends and family will gather to share their memories and honor his legacy.
Mary Barrett Stevens, age 8
Eight-year-old Mary Barrett Stevens, affectionately known as “May May,” passed away on July 4, 2025. Born on December 6, 2016, in Houston, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of Stacy and Johnny Stevens, and a loving big sister to siblings Graham and Lilly.
Mary Barrett was known for her vibrant personality, filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, and compassion. A pet lover, she doted on her dog, Pete, and showed loyalty to her friends and family. As a student at Highland Park Elementary, she was admired for her natural leadership and inclusivity, living life with unyielding joy.
Her diverse interests included art, basketball, dance, and family games such as Rummikub and cards. One of her favorite places was Telluride, Colorado, which held a special place in her heart. Services for Mary Barrett will take place at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd on July 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM, where attendees are encouraged to wear red or pink to honor her vibrant spirit.
Helen Lorraine Anderson, 87
Helen Lorraine Anderson passed away peacefully at Ledgestone Care Facility in Dripping Springs, Texas, on a Friday morning. Born in 1938 to Otto Elmer Schwartz and Lorene Ellen Johnson, she enjoyed a full life and is survived by her grandsons, Craig and Will Baird, along with other family members, including her partner Dayton Grumbles.
Helen grew up on a farm but found her place in the bustling city of Austin. A former member of the Rebelette Drill Team at William B. Travis High School, she also had a passion for bowling, participating in numerous tournaments where she met her partner, Dayton Grumbles. Helen was deeply involved in her community, holding several leadership roles at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, including that of Treasurer.
Travel was another love of Helen’s; she cherished memories from trips to London, Italy, and Hawaii. Additionally, she volunteered at the Austin Senior Center, expressing her dedication to serving others. Helen Lorraine Anderson’s memorial service will take place at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on July 26, 2025, where donations are welcomed in lieu of flowers.
The losses of Chris Ahuero, Mary Barrett Stevens, and Helen Lorraine Anderson are felt deeply in the Austin community, as family and friends hold tight to their memories while coming together to celebrate their lives.
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Additional Resources
- Obituary: Chris Ahuero
- Wikipedia: Chris Ahuero
- Obituary: Mary Barrett Stevens
- Google Search: Mary Barrett Stevens
- Obituary: Helen Lorraine Anderson
- Google Scholar: Helen Lorraine Anderson
- Obituary: Dennis Ela
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dennis Ela
- Obituary: Benton Carter
- Google News: Benton Carter
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
