Valentina Vela

Valentina Garza Vela, 89, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, in Pearsall, Texas. Born on February 14, 1935, in Tynan, Texas, to Estanislado Garza and Paula Garza.  Valentina lived a life marked by unwavering dedication to her family and an enduring faith that inspired all who knew her.

As the proud mother of eight children—Esmeralda Rivas Farias, Elvia Vinton (Leo), Jose "Joe" Vela (Gloria), Maria del Carmen Vela, Manuel Vela Jr. (Norma), Ruben Vela, Paula Vela Manzanares (Juan), and Tammy Vela—Valentina poured her heart into nurturing each one with love and guidance. Her legacy lives on through them as well as 4 generations of grandchildren.

Valentina was preceded in death by her loving husband Manuel R. Vela: she also mourned the loss of grandsons Luigi Salinas Jr. and Jaime Angel Salinas along with her great-grandchildren Lilo Manzanares, Liliana Rose Rangel and Adrian Salinas.

She is survived by siblings Saragoza Garza (Vicenta), Elena Garza, Anastacia Garza Jarrell (Joe), Carlos Garz—all pillars of support throughout their lives together—and countless friends whose hearts have been touched by knowing such a remarkable woman.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Trevino Royal Oaks Funeral Chapels from 5pm-9pm with a prayer service held at 7pm. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the Tabernacle of Faith, 10am. Interment will follow at the Pearsall Catholic East side cemetery.

Pallbearers will include her grandsons, John Lee Rivas, Cristobal Rivas, Benjamin Jacob Salinas, Justin Ray Vela, John Manuel Vela, Juan Vivian Vela, Jonathan Paul Manzanares, James Aaron Manzanares, Jason Joquin Manzanares and Ramon Rangel Jr. Honorary Pallbearers are Andres Rivas Jr. and Jose Vela Jr.