Mary Ortiz Rodriguez was called to her heavenly home on Monday, March 9, 2020, at the amazing age of 89. She was born on November 19, 1930, in Uvalde, Texas. She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Aramis Rodriguez; parents, Clara and Albino Ortiz; twin brother, Joe Ortiz; sister, Amelia Morin; and brother, Faustino Ortiz. She is survived by her daughter, Clara (Armando) and grandson, Timothy; brother, Daniel Ortiz (Josie); sisters-in-law, Lupe Ortiz and Theresa Ortiz and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Her marriage also grew her family by adding daughter in love Rosa (Robin), son in love Jorge; grandchildren Cassie (Justin) and Matthew (Melanie) and one great-grandson, Jack, who live in New York.

Mary was a pastor's kid and the fourth of 5 children. She was the first in her family to leave home to go to college. This was very rare… especially for a single Hispanic female in 1958, but she answered God's call on her life to be a teacher. She graduated from University of Corpus Christi (now Texas A&M CC) in 1961 and then returned to San Antonio to start a life of service as a teacher for the Edgewood Independent School District. She taught in EISD for 25 years at both Coronado and Stafford Elementary. After retiring from public school, she couldn't let go of the classroom and taught for 5 more years at Lakeview Baptist School. In her 30 years of teaching, she impacted the lives of many students and their families—some of which continued to keep in contact with her up until she left her earthly home. She was also a faithful servant and member of numerous churches throughout her life—most recently Iglesia Bautista Central where she served as a deacon's wife, choir member, and Sunday School teacher. She loved arts and crafts and was always ready to make decorations for church socials, vacation Bible schools, parties, baby showers, etc.

In 2005, she discovered her greatest passion… being a grandma. That year she discovered a love that only other grandparents can relate to. Both she and Aramis sowed seeds into his life that will live and grow in his heart forever. Although illnesses attacked them both in their sunset years, their love for him kept them going. They loved attending his plays at church and school, and loved to go to his band concerts to see him play the saxophone. He became their reason for living until God called them both to their real home.

Our family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support especially during the last few months. We would like to extend a special thanks to Rachel Jasso for being her provider and friend and Amedia Hospice for the great care and compassion they showed mom as she transitioned from her earthly to heavenly home. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor mom by making donations to: Amedia Hospice, LLC at 1800 NE Loop 410, Suite 400, San Antonio, TX, 78217, for their volunteer and bereavement programs.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise" (Proverbs 31: 30-31).

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Visitation will take place at Castillo Mission Funeral Home, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, with The Funeral Service taking place in the Funeral Home Chapel at 7 p.m. Viewing will continue from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020, followed by a 9:15 a.m. Funeral Procession to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for a 10 a.m. Graveside Service. Services under the direction of Castillo Mission Funeral Home.