In Loving Memory of Maria De Jesus Ruiz Rodriguez

Maria De Jesus Rodriguez, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 12, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 85. Beloved family and friends also knew her as Mary.

Born on December 29th, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas, Maria was the daughter to Samuel Lopez Ruiz and Catalina Padron Ruiz. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rudolfo Ybarra Rodriguez Sr, daughter Martha Ruiz and many of her siblings; Antonia Ruiz Montoya, Bertha Ruiz Saavedra, Narciso Padron Ruiz, Oralia Ruiz Ochoa, Petra Ruiz Cortez, Dolores Ruiz Villela (Lolita), Samuel Ruiz Jr., Jose Ruiz, Catalina Ruiz (Katy), and George Gorham. Maria is survived by her son and daughter; Rodolfo (Rudy) R. Rodriguez Jr, Erica Ann Diaz, and Rudy’s wife Liliana Rodriguez. She also leaves behind 6 grandchildren; Angel Diaz (26), Ezdena Rodriguez (25), Dasia Rodriguez (21), Hendrik Diaz (21), Anthony Barragan (16), and Christian Rodriguez (12). Maria is also survived by her sisters, Evangelina Ruiz Mata, Elena Ruiz Martinez, and Mary Lou Gorham along with countless nephews and nieces.

In her early life, she never had a ‘career’ to say, but she did help her family to take care of nephews and nieces by baby-sitting and/or occasionally taking some of them to school. Maria also chose to take care of her mom for a period of time with the support of her husband Rudolfo and children.

Maria found so much pleasure in visiting family and friends with our all-to-often cookouts. Family storytelling, music, laughter and occasional dancing filled every second of the family get-togethers. Nearly every summer, Maria and her family spent vacations down in South Texas, visiting Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Padre Island and the majestical Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle church were always the ‘go to spots’. Later in life, she enjoyed Senior trips with friends to Louisiana and Las Vegas, often taking photos with every trip and sharing them with her children.

Maria lived at the Sorento Apartments for Senior living where she met many close friends and family members. She volunteered for many years with the Food Bank, handing out lunches to the seniors there at the apartments, till she could no longer volunteer her time. Most of her spare time was spent with close friends watching late night TV shows, Novelas and sporting events. Football and basketball seasons were always her favorite. Showing love for the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs was a daily ritual for her. Year after year she would always say, “I want the Cowboys to go to the Super!” or “Are the Spurs in the Finals this year?” Everyone would know who she was rooting for based on the decorations on her front door. Maria loved to visit the bingo hall across the street from her apartments and would often bring back some small prizes and gifts for family and friends.

Maria will be missed by her children, grandchildren, sisters, countless family members and friends spanning over 80 years of history. May the Lord light her path and bring her Home to her heavenly family above. Much love. God grant her peace.

FUNERAL SERVICES:

Castillo Funeral Home

520 N. General McMullen

San Antonio, TX 78228

210-432-8586

Viewing on:

Monday June 29th, 2026.

Visitation: 4:00PM to 8:00PM

Rosary: 6:00PM

Castillo Funeral Home, Chapel G1

Tuesday June 30th, 2026.

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

Departure for church: 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