ZAPATA, TEXAS---Rurico Rene Gutierrez 82, passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021 surrounded by family in Kingsville, Texas.

Mr. Gutierrez  is preceded in death by his parents, Santana Gutierrez and Eufemia Gutierrez; one brother, Mauro Gutierrez; sisters, Maria Del Refugio Gutierrez and Elva Peña.

Mr. Gutierrez is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Beatriz R. Gutierrez; two children, Rurico Jr. (Carmen) Gutierrez, Cynthia Y. (Victor J.) Rodriguez; six grandchildren, Rurico F. Gutierrez , Cristina Y. Gutierrez, Eliseo E. Gutierrez, Victor J. Jr. (Sneha) Rodriguez,  Vonique (Rony) Galdamez, Vionette Rodriguez;  and three great grandchildren, Trinity Galdamez, John Paul Galdamez, Joel Galdamez; sister's, Oralia (†Roberto) Mendoza, Elma G. (†Carlos) Garza and by numerous nephews, nieces, other family members and friends.

Rurico was born in old Zapata Texas on May 31, 1939.  He graduated from high school in 1957.  After graduation he worked at different jobs ranging from construction to agricultural jobs.  On October 3, 1962, while working in a cotton gin as ginner in Littlefield, Texas, he lost his left arm.  While he was recuperating from the accident, he meditated on how to reorganize his way of making a living.  He decided to enter college and earn a degree in elementary education.

In 1963, he enrolled at Laredo Junior College and attended for the following year and a half.  He married the love of his life Beatriz Rodriguez on January 25, 1965.  After a brief break from his studies, he performed different jobs for about two years.  With support and encouragement from his wife, he returned to college and attended Pan American University from 1966 through August 1967.  He commenced his career teaching for Zapata Independent School District, where his first teaching assignments was at  A.L. Benavides Elementary School in San Ygnacio.  During his spare time, he started TV repair as a hobby and later became a supplemental job in his backyard shop where all community knew about his quality work.  Eventually he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree and Masters Degrees from Texas A & I University in Kingsville.

Rurico was dedicated to his profession and loved being an educator.  He volunteered to be the Number Sense sponsor and his students would always take top places in the competitions throughout the area.  He enjoyed his teaching profession for 42 years before his retirement in 2010.

He was a faithful servant of our Lord's teachings and always a loving husband, father and friend to the extended family.  He was extremely proud of his children's and grandchildren's educational accomplishments.  Throughout his life he enjoyed to sing and was always ready to attend a dance event with his lifelong best friend, partner and loving wife.  He loved spending time at the ranch, where he built a ranch house to host gatherings throughout the year where all were welcomed.  His words of advice, jokes, and positive outlook of life will truly be missed.

Visitation hours will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a vigil at 7 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

The funeral procession will depart on Monday, August 2, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

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.