Alberto Garza, Sr.

Alberto G. Garza Sr., a lifelong farmer and rancher, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025, at the age of 98. He was born to Rogerio Garza Sr and Loreta G. Garza on October 28, 1926, in La Muralla, Texas. 

Deeply rooted in the land he tended for over 75 years in La Paloma, Beto, known to many as La Tripa, dedicated his life to caring for his family, his farm, and his cattle. His weathered face told the story of a lifetime spent under the sun and in the fields. 

With only a second-grade education and not able to read or write, with the help of his wife Adela, Beto became a successful farmer/rancher where he harvested cotton, grain, and a variety of vegetables. Beto was known as one of the first farmers to harvest okra in his community and was the last of the original okra-growing pioneers. 

While tending to his land, he built relationships with Border Patrol Agents who would monitor around his farm. They, too, lovingly called him by his nickname, “La Tripa”. 

Beto was known for his unwavering work ethic and generosity to his community. Everyone who knew him knew that if they ever needed a helping hand, Beto was the one to count on. 

He made sure to leave the generations after him with a piece of his legacy. Not only was he a loving husband and father, but he was blessed with 8 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren who all refer to him as “Papo.” 

In his later years, he enjoyed driving to the levy and watching his cattle graze. He also enjoyed sitting in his recliner by his bedroom picture window, where he could see the goings and comings of all who entered the ranch. 

Beto’s legacy will forever be cherished by his loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his son, Alberto Garza Jr; his parents, Rogerio Garza Sr and Loreta G. Garza; his brothers, Alejandro Garza, Rogerio Garza Jr, Manuel Garza; and his sisters, Felipa Rodriguez, Delia Garcia, and Lupita Perez. 

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 73 years, Adela L. Garza; daughters, Mely Ybarbo (Johnny), Lydia De La Rosa (Oscar Sr.), Norma Longoria (Robert)(+), Anna Munoz (Ciro); grandchildren Oscar De La Rosa Jr. (Alicia), JD De La Rosa (Jovanna), Debra Flores (Joe), Val Longoria (Elvia), Erik Longoria, Alberto Garza III (Vivian), Laura Guerra (Fred), Krystal Lopez; 21 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Jose Garza, and sisters Estela Rodriguez and Serafina Rodriguez. 

The family would like to thank his caretakers Guillermina Cardenas, Paula (Socorro) Torres, Carmen De La Fuente, and Diana Zuniga, as well as the Gentiva Hospice staff. 

The Garza family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock Sunday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Following the Mass Beto will be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are JD De La Rosa, Oscar De La Rosa Jr., Erik Longoria, Val Longoria, Albert Garza III, Alfredo Guerra Jr., Jose Flores, and Ciro Munoz.