ZAPATA, TX---Acela Garcia Benavides January 3, 1929 - December 29, 2023 The Benavides Family matriarch, Acela Garcia Benavides, a few days shy of her 95th birthday, was called to the house of the Heavenly Father, having completed her life journey on this earth, on December 29, 2023, at her home in Zapata, Texas.

Acela was born on January 3, 1929, a birthdate she shared with her eldest son. She was the daughter of Silvestre and Maria Garcia.

Ama's greatest joy was in the love she shared with her six children. She was proud of all their accomplishments. Her heart was full when her home was full with her children and their children and their children's children.

At the Acela San Cristobal Ranch she was her husband's constant companion working side by side tending to their cows. She loved that the ranch was the place to be on Easter Sunday for the family celebration. Her favorite color being green, it is fitting that our family ranch t-shirts are green.

Acela took great pride working in her yard and carrying for her many plants. She was always ready to share a plant cutting with the many who admired her beautiful yard.

She was an expert and lucky loteria player. She had her own set of cards and she knew where every character was on each of the cards. We were amazed at how easily she could play five or more cards at a time.

Wela was a talented dancer and her feet glided effortlessly on the dance floor with her favorite dancing partners; her sons and grandson. And of course, Ramon Ayala's music was a must at all gatherings. Truly a special moment was when Ramon Ayala sent her a recorded message in celebration of her birthday.

Mother was known far and wide for her empanadas de calabaza. She needed no recipe, it was a little bit of this and a handful of the other resulting in the most delicious empanadas. She was also quite resourceful, she could work wonders with one chicken in preparing meals for her family.

She had a knack for math and was quick with her mental math calculations. Her memory was sharp; as she knew everyone's birthday and anniversary. On your special day you were sure to receive a telephone call of good wishes.

Her favorite sport by far was baseball and she truly enjoyed watching the Astros. She also enjoyed cheering on her children at their baseball and basketball games.

Her family, extended family and all that knew her were blessed to have known her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved spouse of 47 years, Jose Rolando Benavides, Sr.; her parents, and siblings.

Left behind to cherish and honor her memory are her children: Jose Rolando Benavides, Jr. (Sandra), Maria SanJuana Salazar (Armando), Marta Dalia Martinez (Alfredo), Cynthia Linda Morales (†Victor), Leticia Latocki (Bruce) and Martin Jesus Benavidez (Michelle), her grandchildren: Daniel Benavidez (Monica), Erika Madrigal (Heriberto), Dr. Melissa Patel (Sagar), Vanessa Arnold (Ryan), Emily Guzman (Michael), Kristina Vasquez (Manual), Michael Latocki (Randi),Mara Benavidez, Angela Buruato and Austin Reyes, her thirteen great grandchildren that will carry the legacy of their Wela Grande and many relatives and friends that have a special place in their hearts for Acela.

Sincere appreciation to Laura Zuniga, Araceli Loreto and Perla Loreto, her care providers, who so lovingly and tenderly cared for her. The family also wishes to thank Amistad Home Health, Champion Health Care and the Zapata County Fire Department for their service.

Visitation hours will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a Vigil for the Deceased and a Rosary at 7:00 P.M.

On Thursday, January 4, 2024, the funeral home chapel will open at 8:00 A.M. and the funeral procession will depart at 9:45 A.M. for a 10:00 A.M. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Zapata, Texas.

Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Jose Rolando Benavidez, Jr. Martin Jesus Benavidez, Daniel Angel Benavidez, Armando Salazar, Daniel Angel Benavidez, Jr., Manuel Vazquez, Jairo Pineda and Michael Paul Latocki.

Honorary Pallbearers: Dyego Rolando Madrigal, Elijah Liam Guzman, Heriberto Madrigal, Michael Guzman, Alfredo Martinez, Dr. Sagar Patel and Bruce Latocki.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. U.S. HWY 83, Zapata, Texas