ZAPATA, TEXAS--Maria Elena Garza Cuellar, age 92, of Zapata, Texas, passed away on October 3, 2026. She was born on October 31, 1933, in Ciudad Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Maria Elena was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was guided by a strong faith in God. Her love for her family and enduring faith will be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mauro Cuellar, who passed away in 2005.

She is survived by her daughter, Maria Olga Cuellar Moore and her husband, Michael Moore; and her sons, Mauro Cuellar, Jr. and his wife, Leticia Cuellar; Jose Eloy Cuellar and his wife, Nida Cuellar; Martin Cuellar and his wife, Sylvia Cuellar; and Jesus Mario Cuellar and his wife, Edna Hernandez.

Her 11 grandchildren are Jodie Moore Dominguez and her husband, Manuel Dominguez; Mitchell Moore; Chris Cuellar and his wife, Elissa Cuellar; Matthew Cuellar; Cynthia Cuellar; Cristina Cuellar; Camille Cuellar Kelly and her husband, Jack Kelly; Joseph Cuellar; Alex Cuellar; Nick Cuellar and his wife, Rebekah Cuellar; and Cassandra Cuellar and her husband, Cordero Contreras. Her four great-grandchildren are Dylan Dominguez, Adalyn Dominguez, Christian Mauro Cuellar, and Christopher Contreras.

She is also survived by her sister, Lucia Chapa; her brothers, Jose Felix Garza and Pedro Garza; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends special gratitude to nurse Elva L. Garcia, Norma Guerra of Gateway Clinic, Torres Hospice of Laredo, Texas, and her nighttime caregiver, Paulita Ramirez, for their wonderful care and special attention. Their kindness and compassion brought comfort to Maria Elena and her family.

Maria Elena leaves a legacy of love, kindness, and faith that will continue to live on through her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. with a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home. The funeral procession will depart at 10:30 a.m. for a 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Zapata, Texas.

Committal Services will follow 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.