Yolanda Canales Herrera, 85, was called to the Lord on October 8, 2021. On May 25, 1936, she was born to Ruperto and Josefa G. Canales in Benavides, Texas, where she was raised and later graduated from Benavides High School in 1956.
After graduating high school, Yolanda moved to Corpus Christi, where she met the love of her life, Ernest Herrera. On July 8, 1960, they were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Corpus and spent the next 51 years loving each other unconditionally until Ernest’s untimely death in 2011. Yolanda and Ernest welcomed three children into their lives, Lora J. Martinez (Manny), John D. Herrera, and Ann Marie Price (Michael). In 1978, Yolanda began working for Calallen ISD in the Calallen High School cafeteria and later worked her way up to Cafeteria Manager. After 26 years of dedicated service, Yolanda retired from CISD.
To her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as Mimi, Mom, and Grandma. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren: Leah Cook (Bryant), Mathew Martinez (Lesley), John Michael 'Mikey' Herrera (Amanda), Justin Herrera, James Herrera, Alex Ratcliff (Kat), Jordan Price, Kaiya Price, and Mikah Price. Yolanda also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Wyatt Herrera, Owen Herrera, Jaiden Herrera, Grace Martinez, Jack Martinez, and Henry Cook.
Yolanda was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Herrera, parents, beloved sister Estefana Mirelez, brother-in-law Corando Mirelez, sister-in-law Elida Gannon, sister-in-law Vera Dillaha, and brother-in-law John W. Herrera. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Ruperto Canales Jr. (Aurora), daughter-in-law Norma T. Herrera, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Yolanda enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, whether it was going camping, to the mountains, having fun playing the “maquinitas” at the casinos, or just spending quality time enjoying their company. She will always be remembered for her love of laughter, sense of adventure, and devotion to her family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Seaside Funeral Home Reid Chapel. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. that same evening.
The Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2021, at the Seaside Funeral Home Reid Chapel. Interment to follow at Seaside.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at River Ridge Nursing Facility. Additionally, thank you to all of the nurses and Pastor Melissa Martinez at Gracia Hospice for your dedication and devotion while caring for our mother.
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