Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc.

McAllen, TX – Agustin Vallarta, 68, passed away to be with the Lord, on Friday, November 24, 2023, at Rio Grande Valley Regional Hospital. He was born May 25, 1955, in Michoacan Mexico to Jose Maria & Esperanza Vallarta. He is preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Jesus Vallarta, Chano Vallarta & 1 sister, Remedios Vallarta. Mr. Vallarta is survived by his wife, Patricia Cabañas De Vallarta of McAllen, TX; his children, Patricia Autran, Rafeal Autran both of McAllen, TX, Blanca Vallarta of Merida Yucatan Mexico, Adrian Vallarta of Weslaco, TX, Alejandra Russell of Houston, TX; 3 brothers, Ignacio Vallarta, Jose Guadalupe Vallarta, Emiliano Vallarta, Francisco Vallarta all Michoacan Mexico & 1 sister, Olivia Vallarta of Michoacan Mexico. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren & 1 great-grandson. Cremation will take place at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX- Ramiro Horacio Perez, 64, passed away to be with the Lord, on November 24, 2023, in Mercedes, TX. Mr. Perez was born February 11, 1959, to Ramiro & Olga C. Perez. He is preceded in death by his father & 1 sister, Olga “Gogi” Segura. Mr. Perez is survived by his son, Ringo Perez (Andrea) of Mercedes, TX; 1 daughter, Starilee Perez (David Garza) of Weslaco, TX; his mother, Olga C. Perez of Weslaco, TX; 1 brother, Romaldo Perez of Weslaco, TX; 3 sisters, Genny Alaniz, Linda Lopez & Diana Gallegos all of Weslaco, TX. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, Ringo Perez, Kayla Perez, Klarissa Perez, David Garza, Jr., Daniel Garza, Damian Garza, Diego Gallegos & 8 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 27, 2023, at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Angels with a 6:00 p.m. rosary. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Sacred Park Cemetery in Mercedes, TX. Pallbearers will be Ringo Perez, Ringo Perez, David Garza, Jr., Daniel Garza, Damian Garza & Diego Gallegos. Honorary pallbearers will be Romaldo Perez & Jake Perez. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave.

Weslaco, TX – Daniel Andrade, 54, passed away to be with the Lord, on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, TX. He was born August 6, 1969, in Nuevo Progreso Tamaulipas Mexico to Jose & Evelyn Andrade. He is preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Andrade is survived by his wife, Belinda Andrade of Weslaco, TX; 2 sons, Daniel Andrade, Jr., Matthew Isaac Andrade both of Weslaco, TX; 1 brother, Pablo Andrade of Mercedes, TX; 2 sisters, Hilda Cabriales (Federico), Yesenia Andrade (Jorge Fortuna) all of Weslaco, TX. Cremation will take place at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX - Elida Rangel, 99, passed away to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, TX. She was born March 28, 1924, to Simon & Maria Quijano in Weslaco, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Cirilo Jimenez; second husband, Jose Rangel; 2 brothers, Simon Quijano, Ramiro Quijano, and 1 sister, Gudelia Escalon. Mrs. Rangel is survived by 1 son, Luis L. Jimenez of Chicago, IL; 2 daughters, Nyda Jimenez, Rosanna Jimenez, both of Chicago, IL; & 1 sister, Sylvia Gonzalez of Chicago, IL. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces & nephews. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX – Sara Ramos, 65, passed away to be with the Lord, on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, TX. Mrs. Ramos was born May 14, 1958, to Jose Maria & Angelica Garza, in China Nuevo Leon Mexico. She is preceded in death by her husband, Eliud Ramos; her daughter, Yadira Ramos; & her parents, Jose Maria & Angelica Garza. Mrs. Ramos is survived by her son, Jose Ramos of Weslaco, TX; & 3 sisters, Berta Garcia, of Chicago, IL, San Juana Garza, of Elsa, TX, & Nina Garza, of Monterrey Nuevo Leon Mexico. Visitation will be 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Angels. Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Weslaco City Cemetery. Officiating will be Deacon Jerry Rosa. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX – Hermelinda Longoria, de 82 años, falleció el 30 de octubre de 2023 en el Mid Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center en Mercedes, TX. La Sra. Longoria nació el 23 de julio de 1941 en Río Bravo, Tamaulipas, México a sus padres, Wenceslao y Maria Del Refugio Treviño. Le precedieron en la muerte sus padres; su esposo, Irineo Longoria; 5 hermanos, Rafael Ramiro Treviño, Jacinto Treviño, Juan Treviño, Wenceslao Treviño, Jr., Juan Antonio Treviño y 1 hermana, Maria Luisa De La Rosa. A la Sra. Longoria le sobreviven 2 hijos, Juan Irineo Longoria de Lexington, NC, Ismael Longoria de Austin, TX; 2 hijas, María R. Garza de Weslaco, TX, Rosario Rubio (Jeremias) de Dickinson, TX y 1 hermana, Agapita Palomo (Ruben) de Weslaco, TX. También le sobreviven 12 nietos, Christian Longoria, Juan Longoria, Jr., Jacinto Longoria, Quinton Longoria, Isaac Longoria (Alejandra), Joshua Longoria (Vanessa), Matthew Garza (Alyssa), Michael Garza (Anda), Michelle Garza, Seth Rubio, Sara Rubio y 1 bisnieto, Jacob Longoria. El velorio se llevará a cabo de las 3:00 p.m. a las 8:00 p.m. el domingo 5 de noviembre de 2023 en La Funeraria Guerra De Weslaco – Capilla de los Cielos. El funeral será a la 1:00 pm. el lunes 6 de noviembre de 2023 en La Funeraria Guerra De Weslaco – Capilla De Los Cielos. Oficiará el Rev. Luis Sánchez. El sepelio seguirá en Val Verde Memorial Gardens en Donna, TX. Los portadores del féretro serán Juan Irineo Longoria, Ismael Longoria, Matthew Garza, Michael Garza, Seth Rubio y Quinton Longoria. Su familia desea agradecer al personal de Las Fronteras Adult Day Care de Harlingen por todos sus maravillosos servicios. Los arreglos están bajo la dirección de Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX – Hermelinda Longoria, 82, passed away to be with the Lord, on October 30, 2023, at Mid Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mercedes, TX. Mrs. Longoria was born July 23, 1941, to Wenceslao & Maria Del Refugio Treviño in Rio Bravo Tamaulipas Mexico. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Irineo Longoria; 5 brothers, Rafael Ramiro Treviño, Jacinto Treviño, Juan Treviño, Wenceslao Treviño, Jr., Juan Antonio Treviño & 1 sister, Maria Luisa De La Rosa. Mrs. Longoria is survived by 2 sons, Juan Irineo Longoria of Lexington, NC, Ismael Longoria of Austin, TX; 2 daughters, Maria R. Garza of Weslaco, Rosario Rubio (Jeremias) of Dickinson, TX; 1 sister, Agapita Palomo (Ruben) of Weslaco, TX. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, Christian Longoria, Juan Longoria, Jr., Jacinto Longoria, Quinton Longoria, Isaac Longoria (Alejandra), Joshua Longoria (Vanessa), Matthew Garza (Alyssa), Michael Garza (Anda), Michelle Garza, Seth Rubio, Sara Rubio & 1 great grandson, Jacob Longoria. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Heavens. Funeral service will be held Monday, November 6, 2023, at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Heavens. Officiating will be Rev. Luis Sanchez. Interment will follow at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna, TX. Pallbearers will be Juan Irineo Longoria, Ismael Longoria, Matthew Garza, Michael Garza, Seth Rubio & Quinton Longoria. Her family wishes to thank the staff at Las Fronteras Adult Day Care of Harlingen for all their wonderful services. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX – Juan L. Zamora, 48, passed away to be with the Lord, Monday, October 30, 2023, at Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, TX. Mr. Zamora was born December 13, 1974, to Juan & Guadalupe Zamora, in Rio Bravo Tamaulipas Mexico. He is preceded in death by his father. Mr. Zamora is survived by his wife, Ema E. Garza, of Donna, TX; two sons, Luis A. Zamora (Jeniffer N. Aguirre), John A. Zamora, both of Donna, TX; one daughter, Evelyn M. Zamora, of Donna, TX; his mother, Guadalupe Zamora of Weslaco, TX; one brother, Jose Francisco Zamora (Sonia) of Weslaco, TX; four sisters, Maria Magdalena Colon (Oscar) of Donna, TX, Isabel Cristina Zamora (Noe Beraza), Maria De Los Angeles Zamora (Alfredo Garza), and Estrella De Jesus Zamora, all of Weslaco, TX. Also surviving is one grandson. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 2, 2023, with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of the Angels. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2023, at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of the Angels. Officiating will be Rev. David Mendoza. Interment will follow at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna, TX. Pallbearers will be Luis A. Zamora, John A. Zamora, Jose Francisco Zamora, Juan Gilberto Zamora, Marcos Castillo, and Oscar Colon. Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX – Christopher Scott Taylor, 60, passed away to be with the Lord, on Friday, September 29, 2023, at McAllen Heart Hospital. Mr. Taylor was born January 2, 1963, to Lawrence H. & Mary C. Taylor in Altus, OK. He is preceded in death by his father. Mr. Taylor is survived by his mother, Mary C. Taylor of Weslaco, TX; his brother, Gregory A. Taylor (Blodwyn) of Weslaco, TX; and his girlfriend, Olga Perez of Weslaco, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX – Ricardo Mendoza Romo, de 74 años, falleció, el lunes 2 de octubre 2023, en su residencia en Mercedes, TX. El Sr. Romo nació el 5 de enero 1949, hijo de Fernando y Guadalupe Romo en Encarnación De Diaz Jalisco Mexico. Le precedieron en la muerte sus padres. Al Sr. Romo le sobreviven su esposa, Maria Guerrero Romo de Weslaco, TX; 3 hijos, Ricardo G. Romo (Liz) de Weslaco, TX, Jesus Romo (Jennifer) de Edinburg, TX, Apollo Romo (Ashley Lerma) de Mercedes, TX; dos hijas, Lidia Hernández (Eduardo) de Kingsville, TX, Barbara Romo de Mercedes, TX; 2 hermanas, Lupe Hernández y Lydia Romo ambas de McAllen, TX. También le sobreviven 7 nietos, Darren Erick Luna, Ida Lou Romo, Marlene Angela Romo, Rick Ricardo Romo, Paola Syndey Romo, Austin Aidan Romo & Rome James Romo. El velorio será de las 4:00 p.m. a 8:00 p.m. miércoles 4 de octubre 2023, con un rosario a las 6:00 p.m. en la Funeraria Guerra de Weslaco – Capilla de Los Ángeles. El funeral será a las 10:00 a.m. el jueves 5 de octubre 2023 en la Iglesia Católica San Martín De Porres. El sepelio será en Mercedes Memorial Restlawn. Los arreglos están bajo la dirección de Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Help us wish Mr. George Guerra a wonderful happy birthday. May God grant you with many more years of life, enjoy your special day!!! 🥳🙏🏼💖🎂

Weslaco, TX – Rebeca I. Bulnes, 69, passed away to be with the Lord, on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Knapp Medical Center. Mrs. Bulnes was born December 18, 1953, to Felipe & Angelita Ibarra in Rio Bravo Tamaulipas Mexico. She is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Daniel Ibarra, Eluid Ibarra, Felipe Ibarra; four sisters, Maria Ibarra Espinoza, Carolina Peña, Raquel Cardenas & Elizabeth Mata. Mrs. Bulnes is survived by her husband, Enrique Bulnes of Weslaco, TX; one son, Isai Bulnes (Aurelia Jimenez) of Harlingen, TX; 2 daughters, Melissa Marmolejo (Christopher) of San Antonio, TX, Edith Ortega (Jaime) of Dallas, TX; 1 brother, Joaquin Baez Ramos of Tampico Mexico; 2 sisters, Maria Elena Baez Ramos & Reyna Baez Ramos, both of Ciudad Madero Tampico Mexico. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Valerie Alejandro, Nathaniel Marmolejo, Leila Bulnes, Emily Ortega & Jacob Ortega. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 2, 2023, with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Angels. Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, TX. Pallbearers will be Isai Bulnes, Jaime Ortega, Christopher Marmolejo, Jacob Ortega & Ruben Jimenez. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX – Angelina S. Villarreal, 89, passed away to be with the Lord, on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Windsor Arbor View in Edinburg, Texas. Mrs. Villarreal was born in Mexico on January 24, 1934, to Luciano & Delfina Silva. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Faustino Villarreal; one son, Rolando Villarreal; one brother, Alfonso Silva; and one sister, Maria Zamora. Mrs. Villarreal is survived by one brother, Omar Silva, of Donna, TX; five sisters, Aurora Silva Garcia of Monterrey Nuevo Leon Mexico, Paula Silva Matos, of Matamoros Tamaulipas Mexico, Maria Guadalupe S. Delgado (Juan), Alicia Tamez (Leonel), and Olga Garcia, all of Edinburg, TX; and her daughter-in-law, Rosalinda Villarreal, of Sanger, CA. Also surviving are four grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2023, with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Angels. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Highland Memorial Park. Officiating will be Pastor Rick Ziesmer. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX – Manuel Hernandez Lopez, 51, passed away to be with the Lord, on Monday, September 18, 2023, at his residence in Donna, TX. Mr. Lopez was born August 9, 1972, to Baltazar and Juana Lopez, in Salinas, CA, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Cayetano Lopez and Juana Maldonado; and maternal grandparents, Tomas Hernandez and Maria Gonzalez. Mr. Lopez is survived by his wife, Sandra Elizabeth Hooks Lopez of Donna, TX; one daughter, Arissa Storm Lopez (Alan Gardner) of Virginia; his parents, Baltazar & Juana Lopez of Donna, TX; three brothers, Baltazar Lopez, Jr. (Keely) of Killeen, TX, Cristoval Lopez (Blanca) of Weslaco, TX, Rolando Lopez (Ruth) of San Antonio, TX; and one sister, Eliana Lopez of Weslaco, TX. Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2023, with a 5:00 p.m. rosary at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Angels. Funeral service will be 9:00 a.m. Thursday, September 21, 2023, at San Martin De Porres Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery. Military auspices will be under the direction of VFW Post 8788 of McAllen, TX. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Margarita Montalvo Prayer Service

Prayer Service In Memory Margarita Montalvo

Margarita Montalvo Video Watch the video for Margarita Montalvo

Weslaco, TX – Margarita Montalvo, 85, passed away to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at her residence in Weslaco, TX. Mrs. Montalvo was born September 2, 1938, to Julio & Virginia Martinez in Weslaco, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fernando Montalvo; 1 daughter, Esperanza Montalvo; 4 brothers, Guadalupe Martinez, Juan Martinez, Gregorio Martinez, Martin Martinez; 3 sisters, Felicita Abeldaño, Pascuala Caballero & Ramona Martinez. Mrs. Montalvo is survived by 4 sons, Fernando Montalvo, Jr. (Janie), Cesar Montalvo (Luciana+) both of Michigan, Julian Montalvo (Rosa), Jesus Montalvo (Elisa) both of Weslaco, TX; 2 daughters, Yoli Perez (Rodolfo) of Michigan, Maria Perez (Jose) of Weslaco, TX; 2 brothers, Faustino Martinez, Jesus Martinez both of Weslaco, TX & 1 sister, Irene Alaniz of Weslaco, TX. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren & 7 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2023, with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Heavens. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Heavens. Officiating will be Pastor Joshua Gutierrez. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Fernando Montalvo, III, Jesse Montalvo, Jr., Isaac Perez, Joshua Perez, Jesse Joe Perez, Rudy Perez, Jr., Tomas Fernando Perez & Victor Moises Perez. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Have a blessed day! 💐💝

Weslaco, TX – James Zapata, Sr., 92, passed away to be with the Lord, on Friday, September 8, 2023, at his residence in Weslaco, TX. Mr. Zapata was born December 9, 1930, to Santiago & Feliciana Zapata, in Pontiac, MI. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Teofila Zapata; one son, Jaime Zapata; two brothers, Jose Zapata, Eusebio Zapata; and two sisters, Alejandra Rios and Teresa Zapata. Mr. Zapata is survived by one daughter, Virginia Charles (Jose) of Weslaco, TX; one son, Armando Zapata (Dora) of Pflugerville, TX; one daughter-in-law, Sylvia Zapata of San Antonio, TX; three sisters, Ernestina Zapata of Indiana, Eloisa Villarreal, Maria Zapata; both of Weslaco, TX; eight grandchildren, Jose Charles III, Richard R. Charles, Clarissa Charles, Jaime Zapata III (Mikaela), Robert Zapata (Ann), Victoria Enenmoh (Austin), Monica Kerley (Jacob), Mario Zapata; & three great-grandchildren, Jamie, Talia, and Olivia. Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2023, with a 6:00 p.m. rosary at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Angels. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Officiating will be Deacon Sergio Gonzalez. Interment will follow at Weslaco City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jose Charles III, Richard R. Charles, Clarissa Charles, Jaime Zapata III, Robert Zapata, Victoria Enenmoh, Monica Kerley, and Mario Zapata. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Have a blessed day!🙏🏼💙

Monte Alto, TX – Guadalupe G. Rios, 86, passed away to be with the Lord, Friday, September 1, 2023, at her residence in Monte Alto, TX. Mrs. Rios was born April 2, 1937, to Ramon & Manuela Galvan, in Los Ramones Nuevo Leon Mexico. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Olegario Rios; one great-grandson, Rafael Rios; seven sisters, and nine brothers. Mrs. Rios is survived by three sons, Miguel Angel Rios (Petra) of Mission, TX, Jesus Hugo Rios (Inocencia) of Monte Alto, TX, Jose Olegario Rios (Adriana) of Monte Alto, TX; and four daughters, Sandra L. Treviño (David) of Monte Alto, TX, Irene Mata (Esteban Daniel) of Weslaco, TX, Janie Rios (San Juanita Rendon) of Monte Alto, TX, and Veronica Del Carmen Gonzalez (Jerry) of Weslaco, TX. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

We thank the Lord for all the years we had with our beautiful mamacita. She was a humble woman of faith with a heart of gold, and was an exemplary mother, wife grandmother, great-grandmother, and mother-in-law. She showed her love to everyone and made sure that when anyone visited her home, they never left without having something to eat. Mom, we love you and we will always carry your love in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 4, 2023, with a 6:00 p.m. rosary at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Heavens. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Monte Alto. Officiating will be Deacon Jerry Rosa. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Joey Rios, Alex Rios, Albert Treviño, Daniel Mata, Eric Gonzalez, and Angel Rios. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461

Sofia Reyes Hernandez Video Watch the video for Sofia Reyes Hernandez

Our mother, Maria Martinez, loved us, raised us, helped us, challenged us, trusted us, believed in us, and taught us so much throughout her 88 years of life that it is impossible to count and recount the many blessings God provided through her for our family and friends. It is with heavy but grateful hearts that we give her back to God, or as she would always call Him, “mi Diosito.” She leaves us with many memories, especially of the roles she played in guiding us to adulthood.

Mom made certain that despite her humble life as a laborer, migrant worker, and healthcare provider, she expected us to excel in school and strive to be good citizens, steadfast and punctual workers, considerate sons and daughters, and respected members of our communities. She had the storybook family: two teachers, a fireman, and a postman, and she would thank us for the lives we established as people of service. She was proud of our achievements and recognition, and her home is decorated with the milestones of marriages, graduations, birth announcements, community service awards, and newspaper articles about us. She did not let any chance to brag about her children to visiting company get away; yet, she would always end by thanking God for her children who always did their best. Yes, we appreciate the thanks, Mamacita, but instead, we want to thank you, Mom, for expecting us to work during school summer vacation, encouraging us to hold jobs even when we were in school, compelling us (yes, many times forcing us) to get up early, arrive early, and stay late; and always to give just a bit more than we thought we could give. All of that gave us discipline to become responsible leaders of our families and the community, not perfect leaders by any means, but leaders always willing to grow that we may be better in fulfilling our responsibilities. Thank you, Mamacita.

Of course, her lessons did not preclude that we should also learn to be self-sufficient. In our family – three boys and one girl – everyone was expected to fend for themselves, and the expectations we received from Mom have made their way to the grandchildren as well. This meant that every member needed to learn how to wash clothes; iron clothes; cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner; sew socks, shirts, and pants that needed mending; and be diligent and creative in housework and house cleaning. Yes, we griped and groaned all the time, and every year until maturity made us realize how chores can be a blessing and how much of a blessing they proved to be in our lives. She always thanked us for helping her in these ways, and yes, that was part of the bragging and sharing in the neighborhood gossip fests. We know you were thankful, Mamacita, but instead, we want to thank you, Mom, for being a pioneer in removing gender-based roles so that we could establish homes where all members contribute equally to a safe, clean, and contented environment, making us see the value in providing and doing things for ourselves. Thank you, Mamacita.

Of course, this was not the end of the many roles Mom played even after we left the house when we were married. To our children, she was “Grandma,” who allowed them to do and eat whatever they wanted. She was their sleepover hotel manager, their daily and/or nightly babysitter, their to-and-from school taxi driver, and their personal chef. For years she picked up our kids from school and drove them to our places of work so that we could take over from there. She would have them sleepover at her house and give them cherry vanilla ice cream, cookies, and all sorts of goodies, allowing them to stay up as long as they wanted. She would take food orders from them and cook whatever each wanted for breakfast. Once, when she could not fill an order, she asked, “Do you want some atol?” She didn’t know the English word for “oatmeal,” only the Spanish word “atole,” so she improvised. Years later, that memory still brings a laugh and a smile, and I suspect it will continue to do so throughout the generations. All of this she did while we as parents left strict health and dietary rules that the kids needed to follow. Recently, our kids confessed that she would say, “You go ahead and do what you want or eat what you want; your parents are not here anyway.” Gotta love her. She would always thank us for allowing her to spend time with her grandchildren, and yes, we understand that bond, Mamacita, but instead, we want to thank you, Mom, for going beyond your grandmotherly duties and truly helping us when we really needed the help with raising our own kids, especially at the price you established from the beginning. If we ever tried to give you money for your help, you would say, “Si me pagas ya no te voy ayudar,” “If you pay me, I am no longer going to help you.” Thank you, Mom, for teaching us how to be selfless in our service. Yes, we will miss you profoundly, Mom, but we know that you are now with Dad, and we know that you’ve missed him profoundly since his departure three years ago. We will miss you calling us when the Dallas Cowboys played to say, “How ‘bout them Cowboys?” even though I had to write the phrase on an index card at your request so you wouldn’t forget. We will miss you answering our brother Fred when he would shout, “How you doin’, Ma?” and you would reply, “Not too much.” And we will never forget how when any of us called you on the phone, you would end by saying, “Remember God is always with you. You never alone. Thank you for call me.” No, Mom, thank YOU. And thank God for calling YOU our Mamacita, our Mom.

Maria E. Martinez, 88, passed away to be with the Lord, on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at her residence. Mrs. Martinez was born on January 1, 1935, to Ramon & Severiana Espinoza in Weslaco, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cleofas Martinez; three brothers, Santos Espinoza, Martin Espinoza, Francisco Espinoza; and one sister, Lilia Jaramillo. Mrs. Martinez is survived by three sons, Cleofas Martinez, Jr. (Evey), Armando Martinez (Anna), Fernando Martinez (Norma), all of Weslaco, TX; one daughter, Olivia Molina (Gabriel) of Weslaco, TX; two brothers, Ramon Espinoza (Carmen), Jorge Espinoza (Sherry), both of Flint, MI; and two sisters, Severiana Guajardo (Arturo Jr.) of Flint, MI, and Carmen Alaniz (Fred) of Corpus Christi, TX. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 4, 2023, with a 6:30 p.m. rosary at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Angels. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Cleofas Martinez, Jr., Armando Martinez, Fernando Martinez, Emmanuel Martinez, Armando Martinez, Jr., and Eric Martinez. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Thank you to the Rio Grande Valley Nurse Honor Guard for paying a beautiful tribute to Sofia Reyes Hernandez ♥

Edinburg, TX – Sofia Reyes Hernandez, 45, passed away to be with the Lord, Sunday, August 27, 2023, at her residence. Mrs. Hernandez was born on February 17, 1978, to Luis De Jesus & Angelica Reyes. She is preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Hernandez is survived by her husband, Mario Guadalupe Hernandez, Jr. of Edinburg, TX; 1 son, Reyes Angel Hernandez of Edinburg, TX; 2 brothers, Luis Reyes, Jr. & Rene Reyes; 1 sister, Yrasema Reyes; her in-laws, Juan & Claudia Lopez & her best friend whom she considered like a sister, Lisa Villarreal. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2023, with a 6:00 p.m. rosary at Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco – Chapel of The Angels. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Edcouch, TX. Officiating will be Deacon Jerry Rosa. Interment will follow at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna, TX. Pallbearers will be Luis Reyes, Jr., Michael Acosta, Albert Flores, Joaquin Ramirez III, Rene Reyes & Reyes Hernandez. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.

Weslaco, TX – James Edward Olivenbaum was born on September 28, 1943, in Orlando, Florida to Edward & Enid Anderson Olivenbaum. He graduated from Clermont High School in Florida. Jim, as he was known to his family & friends, then attended college at the University of Florida where he earned his Bachelor’s & Master's Degrees in Electrical Engineering. His professional career included employment as an Electrical Engineer for Motorola Inc. & Tideland Signal Corporation where he proudly patented several projects. He enjoyed traveling, sightseeing, taking photos of his travels, nature, & skillfully working on projects. Jim operated a ham radio when he was living in Clermont, FL which was the only emergency communication during some storms. He delighted in being a Herbal Life distributor for 25 years. Jim had a heart for the Lord as a devoted Christian & enjoyed the time he spent worshiping at First Baptist Church of Weslaco. Jim loved his wife & family, he was devoted to caring for them. His family loved him dearly & were blessed to have him. He is preceded in death by his parents; his stepson, John Torres, Jr. & 1 nephew, Eric Olivenbaum. Jim is survived by his wife, Elida De Leon Olivenbaum of Weslaco, TX; 1 brother, Andy Olivenbaum (Nancy) of Gainesville. FL;1 sister, Joyce Wilson (Richard) of Clermont, FL; 1 nephew, David Olivenbaum of Austin, TX; 1 niece, Laurie Christopher (Jonathan) of Gainesville, FL; 2 stepdaughters, Kristen Bland (Jason) of Memphis, TN & Lisa McCandless (Joshua) of Weslaco, TX. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Madison McCandless, Katherine McCandless, Hunter McCandless, Thomas Bland & Jack Garrett Bland. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m. at Becker Funeral Home in Clermont, Florida. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Guerra Funeral Home of Weslaco, Inc., 2602 N. Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX (956) 969-1461.