Board of Directors Biographies

Vivian Dennis-Monzingo

Dr. Vivian Dennis-Monzingo was born and raised in the Saltillo community, where her deep roots and lifelong commitment to service began. She earned her doctorate from East Texas State University and dedicated an impressive 47-year career to education, leaving a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and institutions across Texas.

Throughout her career, Dr. Dennis-Monzingo served in a variety of influential roles, including positions at Lamar Consolidated, Adamson High School, and El Centro College, and she was part of the founding team that opened Eastfield College in 1970. Her career culminated as Interim Dean of Mathematics at Eastfield College. She was widely recognized for her leadership and contributions to the field, serving as President of the Texas Technical Society and the Texas Section of the Mathematical Association of America, as well as Chair of the Dallas County Community College District Mathematics Curriculum Committee. She also played a key role on the Executive Committee of the Mathematical Association of America and remained actively involved with faculty leadership through roles in the Faculty Association and DCCCD Faculty Council. In 2000, she received the prestigious Minnie Piper Stephens Award in recognition of her excellence in teaching.

Dr. Dennis-Monzingo has also been deeply engaged in civic, historical, and faith-based organizations. Her involvement includes the Order of the Eastern Star, Franklin County Historical Association, Hopkins County Genealogical Society, the Historical Society of Mount Vernon, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She is an active member of the United Methodist Church, where she has served on the Board of Church and Society, participated in various Texas Northeast Conference committees, and regularly attends Annual Conference.

Her service to the Old Saltillo Cemetery Association began in 1986 when she joined the Board of Directors and was elected President at the very next meeting—a testament to her leadership and dedication. She continues to contribute through her work on the Preservation Committee and the Veterans’ Memorial Committee, helping to protect and honor the community’s history.

Dr. Dennis-Monzingo’s favorite Memorial Day memories center on the spirit of togetherness that defines the event. She cherishes how the gathering feels like a large family reunion each year, as well as the tradition of music and guest speakers that have enriched the celebration over time.

Ryan Agee

Ryan Agee was born in Irving, Texas, and now resides in Highland Village. He is the grandson of Louis and Jo Ann Agee and has deep family ties to the Old Saltillo community. Ryan earned his degree from Texas A&M University–Commerce and built a 26-year career in the relocation industry.

In addition to his professional work, Ryan has dedicated time to community service, including volunteer efforts with Old City Park in Dallas. His connection to Old Saltillo began early—he grew up attending Memorial Day gatherings and working in the cemetery alongside family and community members.

Ryan joined the Old Saltillo Cemetery Association (OSCA) Board of Directors in 2008 and currently serves as Treasurer and Secretary. He has played an active role in key initiatives, including serving on the committee that established the Veterans’ Memorial and contributing to ongoing preservation efforts.

Some of Ryan’s favorite Memorial Day memories reflect the strong sense of tradition and community that defines Old Saltillo. He fondly recalls when the meal was served outdoors and everyone visited different families’ tables to enjoy their favorite dishes. He also remembers the importance of arriving early to secure Annie Lee Meadows’ seat—a small but meaningful tradition that highlights the close-knit nature of the gathering.

Shane Thedford

Shane grew up east of Saltillo in the Hamilton Community spending much of his childhood working on the family farm. He attended school in Mount Vernon, graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1993. Shane attended Texas A&M University Commerce graduating in 1997 with a double major in history and health. He also earned his Master of Education degree in 2003 from TAMU-Commerce. Shane has enjoyed a 27 year career in public education (11 years in administration and 16 years in the classroom.) You’ll recognize several of the schools he has served, including Winfield, Tyler, McCamey, Big Spring, Mt. Vernon, and North Hopkins. Shane currently enjoys teaching math to a new generation of learners in Detroit ISD.

Shane is also active in civic activities, including serving on the Board of Directors for West Texas Opportunities, Inc., a community action agency based in Lamesa, TX from 2005-2010; and Unit Commissioner for Boy Scout Pack 501 from 2012- 2017. Shane is also a member of the Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge #691. He has been a Master Mason for 26 years. Shane married Roxanna Baker in April of 2001 at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon. They are proud parents of one son, Connor Thedford, a recent Mount Vernon High School graduate who will leave for United States Marine Corps Boot Camp on August 26th. Shane remarks, “It is a great honor to serve my family and community on the Old Saltillo Cemetery Board. I have many fond memories helping my parents at Old Saltillo Cemetery workdays, and with cemetery mowing duties back in the 90s. It is a privilege to follow in my dad’s footsteps by serving on the Board of Directors. I know he and his family would be proud.”