Elodia R. Almendarez

On August 5, 2018, our beautiful mother and family matriarch of 70+ years was called home by our Lord after a long, fruitful, and fulfilling life. Elodia was born in Yoakum, Texas on April 20, 1926 to Narcisa and Rufino Rivera. The family moved to Falfurrias, Texas soon after where she lived on a farm and helped raise her 11 younger siblings. On August 28, 1943, she became a war bride when she married Ricardo Almendarez who soon left to fight in WWII in Italy and North Africa. Upon his return, they enjoyed a wonderful 66 year marriage before his passing in 2009. She is predeceased by her parents and five brothers. Elodia was a nurturing, compassionate, and loving lady, always putting her family’s needs before her own. Ricardo often said she was the best partner he could have had through his insurance career. They enjoyed many convention and conference trips both in the US and internationally during his time in this line of work. Ricardo would stop in for a home cooked lunch every day and Elodia always had a freshly ironed shirt for him to wear to insure his comfort. He never had to ask her to do anything for him because she always anticipated his needs.

She was a talented cook (nobody made better caldo, pan de campo, or menudo) skilled seamstress (many Sacred Heart School “Angels” and Falfurrias High cheerleaders wore her creations, and her beautiful crochet work is still displayed), avid gardener, free hand artist, prolific quilter (countless friends tell us they still have a quilt she made), prayer warrior (a rosary was always close at hand) and she and daddy loved to dance at the VFW! Elodia was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, friend, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother! Family and friends were always welcome in the Almendarez’ household. You never left her home hungry. Often you departed with a homemade quilt, adorned pillow cases, embroidered dishtowels, a plant cutting, handmade throw pillows, food for the road, and always with a Blessing. She could do almost anything, and do it well and with ease. She fully expected her children to follow her example.

She will be remembered and cherished by her children: Ricardo (Diana) Almendarez; Dr. Arturo (Dr. Bertie) Almendarez; Sylvia (Mark) Whitmore; Carlos Almendarez, and Veronica Ozuna. She will be forever missed by her grandchildren: Mark (Alice) Whitmore; Andrew Almendarez; Dr. Yvette Almendarez (Dr. Jorge Cavazos); Alex Almendarez; Orrin Ozuna, Jr.; Tony Almendarez; Orion (Keli) Ozuna; and Victor Almendarez. She is also survived by her great grandchildren: Tony Kaleo; Orrin III; Eva; Joaquin; Dominic; and Leo. Her surviving siblings include Noemi Rodriguez, Gloria Perez, Minerva (Ted) Garcia, Grace (Joe) Cadena, Ramiro (Gloria) Rivera, and Benny (Maria Elena) Elizondo. She is also survived by her sister’s in law Mary Agnes Almendarez, Cristelia Wilson, Gloria Almendarez and many caring nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank her loving caregivers at Villa South Corpus Christi and Nurses on Wheels who gave amazing personal care and were truly devoted to her.

A Visitation, Rosary, and Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Corpus Christi. Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Elodia, please do something nice for someone or make a donation to your favorite charity.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.