ZAPATA, TEXAS---Lila M. Vela 87, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020 at Falcon Lake Nursing Home in Zapata, Texas.

Lilia was born on November 17, 1932, and was the oldest of three daughters to Francisco and Rebeca Martinez. A hard-working woman who always provided for her family, she will long be remembered for her feisty character.

Mrs. Vela is preceded in death by her husband, Gervacio Vela, Jr., her oldest daughter, Minerva; great-grandson, Arturo Javier Garcia and parents, Francisco and Rebeca Martinez.

Mrs. Vela is survived by her daughters, Margarita (Fernando) Martinez, Jr., Graciela Gonzalez, Rosario (Hector) Garza, Diana Vela; sons, Luis Vela, Rafael (Jessica) Vela; grandchildren, Eva I. Martinez, Fernando (Alma) Martinez, III, Tomas Gonzalez, Diego (Sara) Gonzalez, III, Gabriel (Lisa) Gonzalez, Alberto (Lily) Gonzalez, Hector Garza, Jr., Sandra (Abelardo) Gutierrez, Jr., Esteban Garza, Terry (Ruben) Martinez, Danny (Rose) Sandoval, Virgil Alfaro, Omar D. Alfaro, Luis Angel Vela, Abel Anselmo (Marisol) Rodriguez, Rogelio Gervacio (Leslie) Rodriguez, Daniela Vela, Dinela (James) Aguilar, Danica Vela; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Alicia (Leonel) Vidal, Diamantina (†Manuel) Gonzalez, from Chico, California, and by her sister-in-law, Idolina (†Santiago) Villarreal and Guadalupe (†Francisco) Vela and by numerous nephews, nieces and other family members and friends.

The family would like to thank and extend their most sincere gratitude to Falcon Lake Nursing Home & Abigail M. Gonzalez, FNP for their dedication and care.

We would like to inform the community that due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), County and State mandates we will be having a private viewing for immediate family members only.

A private graveside service will be held at Zapata County Cemetery.

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