Dolores Ruiz Villela, affectionately known to many as "Lolita," passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 83. Beloved by family, friends, and all who knew her, Lolita leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, music, and service to others. 

Born on June 8, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, Dolores was the daughter of Samuel Lopez Ruiz and Catalina Padron Ruiz. She was raised in a large and loving family and carried those family values throughout her life. Dolores was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Raymond B. Villela Jr.; her granddaughter, Amber L. Rocha; and many of her beloved siblings: Antonia Ruiz Montoya, Bertha Ruiz Saavedra, Narciso Padron Ruiz, Oralia Ruiz Ochoa, Petra Ruiz Cortez, Maria Ruiz Rodriguez, Samuel Ruiz Jr., Jose Ruiz, Catalina Ruiz (Katy), and George Gorham. 

She is survived by the father of her children, Reymundo B. Villela; her children, Marcelino R. Villela, Lucille Villa, Evangelina Villela, Gloria Ann Villela-Reyes and husband George Reyes, and Jacob James Villela. She also leaves behind 21 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart, whether near or far. 

Dolores is also survived by her sisters, Evangelina Ruiz Mata, Elena Ruiz Martinez, and Mary Lou Gorham, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives she touched through her kindness and generosity. 

After earning her GED from Lanier High School, Dolores dedicated more than 20 years of service to the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. Throughout her career, she worked as a Recreation Specialist, Maintenance Worker, and Gardener. She took great pride in serving her community and retired after a long and rewarding career. 

Dolores was a woman of faith who found comfort and strength in God throughout her life. She attended church regularly and especially loved singing in church, where she shared both her faith and her gift of music with others. While her work was important, music was the passion that filled her heart. Dolores, known by many as Lolita, was a talented mariachi singer who spent many years performing throughout San Antonio and beyond. She especially loved playing the guitar and sharing music with others. 

Alongside family, friends, and fellow musicians, she performed at weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, church functions, holiday celebrations, serenades, business events, and countless family gatherings. Whether singing in church or performing for a crowd, Dolores found joy in every song she shared. 

Dolores also had a deep love for sports. She could discuss football, basketball, baseball, boxing, golf, and nearly any sporting event with remarkable enthusiasm. She was a loyal fan of the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer for her favorite teams.

 In her spare time, she enjoyed playing bingo, dominoes, and taking trips to Kickapoo as often as she could whether it be her eldest daughter driving her or going with her little Kickapoo group of friends. Overall, what she enjoyed most during her spare adventurous busy time was spending time with family and friends (She did not like staying home). More than anything, Dolores was known for her generous spirit. She made a promise to her mother that she would help care for her family, and she spent her life honoring that promise. She was always willing to help anyone in need, often putting others before herself. Her compassion, selflessness, and unwavering support touched countless lives. 

Dolores had a wonderful sense of humor and loved making people laugh. She was known for her frequent phone calls—sometimes several in a row—only to say, “I just wanted to see how you were doing and tell you goodnight,” before hanging up without even saying goodbye. Those little moments, along with her warm smile and loving heart, will be cherished forever. 

Family meant everything to Dolores. Throughout her life, she carried many responsibilities and touched the lives of countless people. Though life was not always perfect and there were challenges along the way, her love for her family never disappeared. In her own way, she continually reached out, checked on those she cared about, and reminded them that they were loved. Those memories, along with her laughter, music, and generous spirit, will remain in the hearts of her family forever. 

Above all else, Dolores loved her family. Through life's ups and downs, she always did her best to express that love. The words her family will miss hearing most are the ones she said so often: “I love you, mama,” “I love you, mijo,” and “I love you, papa.” 

Though she is no longer with us, her love, laughter, music, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

May she rest in eternal peace.

Pallbearers:
Jacob James Villela
Jeffrey Martinez
Jason Cardenas
Enrique Serna
Julian Ortiz
Sirenio Santillan
Stephen Villela

FUNERAL SERVICES:

Castillo Funeral Home
520 N. General McMullen
San Antonio, TX 78228
210-432-8586

Tuesday June 30, 2026

Visitation: 4:00PM to 8:00PM
Rosary: 6:00PM
Castillo Funeral Home Chapel G1

Wednesday July 1, 2026

Funeral Home opens at 8:00AM to receive family and friends

Departure: 9:30AM
Church Service: 10:00AM
San Juan De Los Lagos
3231 El Paso St.
San Antonio, TX 78227

Interment: 11:15AM ETA
San Fernando Cemetery II
746 Castroville Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78237