Petra Zuniga Rodriguez

Petra Zuniga Rodriguez was born in Pearsall, Texas on June 29, 1929 to Doniciana Corona Zuniga and Jose Esqueda Zuniga and went to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.  She was blessed with having lived for 95 years.

Petra is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Virginia Martinez, her son Candido Salinas, and her baby daughter Ana Maria Rodriguez.

Petra who was also known as Patsy had four children and helped raise 9 stepchildren, her passing has left a void in her children’s hearts.  Petra grew up in Pearsall and was raised by friends of the family, after the death of her beloved mother.  She was about two years old when her mother died and she had a hard life as she was born during the depression, but her later years brought her much happiness and love.  Unfortunately, Petra was not given the opportunity to attend school, so she had to learn how to read and write on her own.  (She always stressed the importance of an education to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren).

Petra worked extremely hard throughout her life - as a homemaker, migrant worker, and taking care of the elderly which she did in a nursing home capacity and as a home health provider.  However, Petra’s number one priority was always her children.  She made sure that they always had a hot meal and clean clothing.  She made stacks and stacks of tortillas on a daily basis and would make sure that any one who visited her home ate a home cooked meal. Petra also found time to volunteer hundreds of hours for the Headstart School Program and cared for the children who attended.  When she finally retired, Petra enjoying going to the local Walmart to spend time with the many friends she had working there. She loved her friends dearly.

Petra was a devoted Catholic and her faith was strong.  She made sure to teach her children about God and taught them how to pray.  She left many memories of her reading the Bible to them and singing Christian songs to them before they slept.  She would often tell her children “Uno Pone y Dios Dispone”. Teaching them that God is always in charge of our lives.  To the very end, Petra’s faith was unwavering and she always new that God is in control.  While her family is heartbroken, they rejoice in the fact that there is no doubt that Petra is now celebrating with our Lord and Savior.

Petra is survived by her brothers Eduardo Zuniga and Macario Rodriguez, her children Diana Ortiz (Ruben Ortiz, Sr.), Sylvia Rodriguez (Victor Rodriguez), Dora Gonzales (Randy Gonzales), Nobert Rodriguez (Mitzy Hill Rodriguez) numerous grandchildren Angela Salinas, Candy Lehnen, Ruben Ortiz, Jr., Rudy Ortiz, Randy Ortiz, Jovanna Gonzales, Ruby Ortiz, Verlyn Gonzales Hernandez, Victoria Rodriguez, Unike Rodriguez, Eugene Joel Rodriguez, Gavin Gonzales, Evan Gonzales, Giselle Gonzales, Jacob Ussery, Isaac Ussery, Cody Allison, Erika Allison, Asher Lehnen, Brody Lehnen, Presley Rodriguez, Caitlyn Rodriguez, Derek Rodriguez, Taylor Rodriguez, numerous great grandchildren Monika Ortiz, Kylee Contreras, Haylee Contreras, Kaylee Contreras, Elijah Ortiz, Kierra Ortiz, Ellie Ortiz, Ivan Trevino, Zariah Hernandez, Janessa Hernandez, Michelangelo Cisnero, Emmalyn Cisnero, Leo Salazar, Audrina Gonzales, Eugene Joel Rodriguez, Jr. and great great grandchildren Malyse, Arlo and Auden Allison

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church starting at 5pm with a rosary recited at 7pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 10am. Interment will follow to the Pearsall Cemetery.