2021-1 Remembrances Special Edition1
City of Schertz
Remembrances Special Edition Article 2021-1
Presented by Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery Preservation Initiative
Citizens Honor Family Ancestry
It’s a beautiful spot along Cibolo Creek near the intersection of River Road and Bubbling Creek
where sits one of Schertz’ eight historic cemeteries known as the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery. This
local heritage landmark and State of Texas designated historic cemetery is among the eight
cemeteries within Schertz that form what the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee (SHPC)
has designated a part of the city’s Historical Ancestry Resting Places (HARP). Preservation of this
historic site has recently undergone a significant advance with the establishment of the Schertz-
Cibolo Cemetery Association. Dr. Miguel Arizpe Vasquez recently brought news of the
Association’s creation and its mission to the SHPC while a guest speaker at the Committee’s
October 2020 quarterly meeting. Dr. Vasquez serves as President of the Association and is
assisted by Vice President, Bertha Luna, Treasurer, Velma Nevajar, and Treasurer, Mishie
Gomez.
The Schertz-Cibolo cemetery is the resting place for dozens of Hispanic family members who
have contributed to the development of the Schertz-Cibolo area from as early as the 19th
century. The early history of the land ownership dates-back to the estate of the Dietz family
homestead. The Dietz family owned a large portion of early Schertz territory bordering Cibolo
Creek in the south and Elbel Road to the north. Recognizing a need for a Hispanic cemetery, the
Dietz’ donated several acres of its farm-land for that purpose and that land has today become
the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery.
Distant View of cemetery setting – high brush cleared throughout and fresh soils and landscaping in place
Trash receptacles, landscape additions and flowers adorning grave stones have been added throughout
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Flower adorning, grave placement painting and memorial placement added throughout
Gravestone enhancements, landscape additions prepared for expected planting and in-place landscape design
Under Dr. Vazquez’ leadership, a dedicated group of volunteers organized by Bertha Luna to
include Jaime Gomez and John DelToro and several others who donated many hours of labor to
create a new and beautiful landscape throughout the cemetery. The volunteers’ efforts were
devoted to honoring their loved ones whose accomplishments set the stage for today’s
community and provided loving memories for all association members. The Association as a
non-profit entity seeks voluntary donations to help with future improvements/maintenance
needs of the cemetery. Donations can be made by contacting either Dr. Vazquez
(mavazquez@sbcglobal.net) or Bertha Luna (berthaina55@yahoo.com).
The citizen-initiated restoration/preservation project at the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery is exactly
in concert with the goals and mission of SHPC. We Committee members salute the Schertz-
Cibolo Cemetery Association members for their outstanding efforts in furthering the upkeep of
a treasured element of the historic landscape of our community.
Green dots represent placement of Schertz cemeteries along Shafer Rd., FM 1518,
& FM 78. Red arrow points to the position of the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery. (NOTE)
Coincidently, these eight cemeteries when mapped out geographically seem to lie on
a grid the outline of which forms a pattern similar to the outline of a musical harp.