In Loving Memory of

Edna Morales Montes

September 3, 1936 – February 27, 2026

With deep sorrow yet abiding faith, the family of Edna Morales Montes, age 89, of Zapata, Texas, announces her peaceful passing into eternal life on February 27, 2026, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.

Born in Laredo, Texas, to Manuel and Emma Morales, Edna's life was a testament to devotion — to her husband, her children, her community, and above all to her Catholic faith. Her strength was quiet but unwavering, her love steady and enduring.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years, Jorge Montes Jr.; grandsons Arnoldo Manuel Montes, Jr., Alan Manuel Montes, and Miguel Andres Martinez; daughter-in-law Elia Nora Montes; great-great-grandson Arturo Ramirez, III; sister Elva Morales Cuellar; and brother Manuel Morales, Jr.

She is survived by her children:

Daughters:
Amparo Montes-Gutierrez (Joel)
Ileana Montes

Sons:
Jorge Montes III
Arnoldo Manuel Montes (Gloria Chapa)
Baldemar Montes (+Elia Nora Guzman)
Ricardo Montes (Vilma Vela)

She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, and 25 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends who have long been a cherished and meaningful part of our family and its traditions.
Edna traveled with her husband during his service in the United States Army and faithfully followed him throughout Texas as he worked construction sites. During those busy years of raising her family, she worked as a waitress while maintaining a loving home.
After his retirement, she served her community as a van driver for the Zapata County Nutrition Center, transporting senior citizens with kindness and care and also was a school Nurse until her retirement from Zapata County Independent School District.

She loved Bingo, Chalupa, shopping, traveling, cruise ship tours, and visiting Kickapoo, Las Vegas, and Louisiana. Most cherished of all was preparing Christmas tamales — over 100 dozen each year for our Christmas luncheon with her husband — a tradition that now continues through her children and grandchildren.
Deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, especially the Virgen de San Juan, she belonged to the communities of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and was a lifelong member of the Sacred Heart Society.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Altus Hospice Care of Laredo and its staff for their compassionate care during her final days.
She will be laid to rest at Zapata County Cemetery. All funeral services are being handled by Rose Garden Funeral Home, under the direction of Daniel Gonzalez, director.

Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Zapata County Cemetery.

Her love, guidance, and prayers will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched.

"Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her."

Mamá, tu fortaleza formó nuestra familia, tu fe nos sostuvo y tu amor nos acompañará siempre.

We will honor you always.
Rest in peace, dear Edna, our mom, Guela Mamá