Mary Alice Vara, 64, wife of Henry N. Vara, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at her daughter's residence surrounded by family. She was born on March 6, 1959, in Naples, Florida, a daughter of Oralia C. Valdez and the late Miguel Ortiz.

Mary was married to Henry in 1983, she enjoyed watching her children become parents, and was excited to be able to enjoy an early retirement. In 1991, she came to know the Lord, she also served on the Choir Ministry in her 30 year tenure as a member of The Miracle Center Church. She loved sharing the word of Christ. Any conversation she had; she took the opportunity to spread the word of God. One way or another, she was going to testify, all in the name of the Lord. She enjoyed playing games of bingo, had an appreciation for playing pokeeno at family gatherings and loved at home karaoke. A wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be remembered forever by all those who knew her.

In addition to her father, Miguel Ortiz, she is also preceded in death by her grandson, Jaquary M. Weathington.

Family members include her husband of 40 years, Henry N. Vara, children, Priscilla Martinez (Robert A. Martinez), Andy Guzman, Melissa Guzman, Crystal Vara Castellanos (Joseph Castellanos), and Erica M. Garcia (Nickolas L. Garcia), 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, her mother, Oralia C. Valdez, sister, Ana Maria Lopez, and additional numerous extended family and friends.

The family will receive guests at Castillo Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a prayer service beginning at 6:00 pm.

A Chapel Service will be conducted on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in the Castillo Funeral Home Chapel at 9:30 am with a committal service to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:15 am.