SAN YGNACIO, TEXAS --- Cynthia I. Benavides "Tinty" 51, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Laredo Medical Center in Laredo Texas.

Tinty graduated from Zapata High School, Class of 1993 and she loved softball.

We lost a piece of our hearts when Tinty left this world today. The kind of piece that never quite grows back, because it was shaped exactly like her.

Tinty was kindness in human form a giver to her core. She spent her life showing up for others, especially her family, without ever keeping score. She put her own life on pause without hesitation to be her sister's support, not out of obligation, but out of pure love. That was just who she was. She was the aunt, the sister, the friend everyone leaned on, and somehow, she carried us all with grace.

And then there was Chicken- cigarette perfectly perched, cussing like punctuation, laughing that unforgettable laugh that could pull you out of the darkest mood whether you were ready or not. Even when she was tired, even when life weighed heavy, she still made sure the people she loved were okay. She had a way of carrying joy for others when she had none left to spare.

She was one of those rare souls you don't need to constant time with to stay close. Weeks, months, even years could pass, and when you spoke again it was as if no time had slipped by at all. That kind of connection is real. That kind of love doesn't fade.

Her nicknames, her quirks, her way of being in this world - it was all authentic, all rooted in a heart that never stopped giving, never stopped loving.

A piece of us left today. And while our plans to terrorize the nursing home staff are now one patient short, make no mistake - we'll carry on in her honor. We'll raise a little hell, speak the truth, love fiercely, and ride it till the wheels fall off...the Tinty way.

Rest easy, Chicken. We've got it from here and thanks for making me ugly cry, everyone knows I don't, Mitts is the crier, you even had Jeepers Beepers crying. Oh, thanks for the priest too,  cabrona you reminded me that my faith is strong. Love ya, this isn't goodbye, we will see you later!!! Please don't forget to remind St. Peter about Jerry Jones!!!

Tinty is preceded in death by her parents, Ramon and Maria Benavides.

Tinty is survived by her brothers, †Juan Jose (Petra) Benavides, Ramon L. (Veronica) Benavides Jr., Alfonso J. (Lydia) Benavides, George (Marisa) Benavides, Felipe (Tania) Benavides; sister, Nora (†Raul) Rodriguez, and by numerous other family members and friends.

Visitation hours will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, we will open at 8:00 a.m. the funeral will depart at 9:15 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. funeral mass at Our Lady of Refuge in San Ygnacio Texas

Comital services will follow at Panteon del Pueblo in San Ygnacio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers Monetary donations can be made at Rose Garden Funeral Home